The Story

Based on the true story of Siamese twins Violet and Daisy Hilton who became stars during the Depression, Side Show is a moving portrait of two women joined at the hip whose extraordinary bondage brings them fame but denies them love. Told almost entirely in song, the show follows their progression from England to America, around the vaudeville circuit and to Hollywood on the eve of their appearance in the 1932 movie Freaks. Along the way, they are consistently victimized by their managers. The adventurous, ambitious Daisy and the quieter, more retiring Violet are unforgettable characters that sing their way into your heart.

“Daring, enthralling ... [with] passion, empathy and directness [that is] reflected in the tidal pull of the music and the winning simplicity of the lyrics. The songs grow out of each other with agility and a beautifully sustained momentum ... Tremendously moving ... [with] an extraordinary emotional link that grafts the Hilton sisters into the hearts of their audience.”
The New York Times

“A bright and moving musical with poignancy and urgency and even a certain refreshingly unsentimental honesty that demands attention ... From the first, almost Brechtian scene the show completely holds interest ... A rousing blast-off for the Broadway season.”
New York Post

The Cast

M13 F9.

M13 F9

Various settings

Available

By arrangement

0 573 65141 8 (libretto)

£8.50 (libretto)

Piano/conductor's score

Orchestral parts: Reed I; Reed II; Reed III; Reed IV; Horn; Trumpet I; Trumpet II; Trumpet III; Trombone I; Trombone II; Guitar; Bass; Synthesizer/Percussion; Drums

Chorus Books

For Amateur enquiries contact
Musical Plays Department
Samuel French Ltd
Tel: 020 7255 4301