YANKEE Jack, Nundle’s historical recluse will be remembered in the Nundle Public School play.
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Written by mother and musician Toni Swain, the eight song musical brings to life a newspaper article about Yankee Jack who died as an 86-year-old Hanging Rock recluse.
“I would always tell friends about this fascinating character in Nundle’s history, a 12-year-old boy who travelled from London to find his fortune in the Hills of Gold, and between the ages of 18 and 24 crossed the oceans seven times and visited every continent,” she said.
Ms Swain pitched the idea for the music 18 months ago and finished writing eight original songs and the script earlier this year.
Working closely with Nundle historian Geoff Cummins, the pair have incorporated historic events like Captain Madgwick’s locomotive and Ashton’s Circus visit, newspaper articles and speeches.
The most difficult part of the writing was coming up wth the first line of the script, Ms Swain said, she came away with the impression that John Wright was a strong, capable young lad who saw Australia as a land of opportunity.
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"Writing songs for a musical came a lot easier than writing songs for commercial release or an album, because they are direct, narrative, and fun," she said.
"The students are very enthusiastic and it is satisfying to see them bring the songs, script and characters to life.”
Yankee Jack the Musical is on November 28 and 29 at Nundle Memorial Hall.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
