The Sundowe is a musical written by Edinburgh-based writers and performers John, James and Gerry Kielty and featuring their band The Martians. The Sundowe was entered into the "Highland Quest For A New Musical" competition in early 2006 and was announced as the winner in July 2006. It was then produced by Cameron Mackintosh as a full stage musical, with the world premiere on 29 November 2007 at the new Eden Court Theatre in Inverness, Scotland. Following a three-week run at Eden Court it toured the Scottish Highlands in January and February 2008.
The story line centres on The Martians themselves, as their street busking is interrupted by vampires, the local council and the return of dead souls. The musical is part comedy, part pathos, and includes references to modern Scottish politics, Greyfriars Bobby, street busking and ancient Scottish history.
It has been described as "Shaun of the Dead meets Thriller", and is influenced by cult science fiction such as Doctor Who and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Original cast
The Martians:
Rory - John KieltyJimmy - Gerry KieltyHarry - HoustonThe Authorities:
Roothby - Crawford LoganMadam Godwin - Cora BissettFirst Minister - Harry WardSinging Policeman - Scott GarnhamAmbience Brigade:
Mr Jappy - Scott GarnhamMr Geonst - Nick UnderwoodThe Vampyres:
Erich - Peter KellyClaus - Mark McDonnellThe Queen - Anne KiddThe Prey:
Virgin - Jennifer RhodesAnother Virgin - Tammy JoelleYet another Virgin - Cora BissettThe Others:
Mum - Anne KiddDoorman - Nick UnderwoodAiden - Scott GarnhamGirl - Jennifer RhodesHusband - Scott GarnhamWife - Cora BissettFree Church Minister - Peter KellyReporter - Jennifer RhodesMr Cunningham - Mark McDonnellLily - Rachel Marr/ Caitlin MarrOther parts played by members of the cast.