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The Pied Piper - 2006

by David Apps & John Desbottes

Synopsis

The story of the Pied Piper goes back to an obscure historical event that occurred in the town of Hamelin in Germany on 26th June 1284.  The exact reason for the exodus of the children from the town has been the subject of much conjecture over the centuries but we join the story as the Mayor and Town Officials of Hamelin are planning a surprise election. Convinced that the Mayor will be unopposed they are unconcerned about the rat problem.

When a stranger appears in town, the Mayor’s daughter is drawn to him and she introduces this stranger, the Pied Piper, to the townsfolk and he offers to rid the place of the rats – for a price - to which the Mayor eventually agrees.

Whilst Lulu, who runs the local boarding house, announces that she will run for Mayor in the forthcoming election, the Town Officials plot with the two rat-catchers to ensure that the money doesn’t have to be paid to the Piper

The Piper charms the rats, and takes them to the river edge where they are swept away and the townsfolk are delighted. The Piper comes for his money, but the Mayor, refuses to pay the Piper, and he leaves after threatening revenge.

Election Day arrives and there is a dead heat.  They are joint Mayors!  Meanwhile, the Piper returns and plays his pipe again which lures the children of the town to him, and he takes them away.

He and the Children are seen disappearing into the mountainside and the Towns people follow into the mountains. The Mayor agrees to pay the Piper because taking the children was not his intention.  It was a trick played on the Piper that made the pipe play strangely.

The Children and the Villagers return safely and the Piper also to marry the Mayor’s daughter.

Cast