Big Bad Mouse Play | Cast, Plot Summary & Production History
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Big Bad Mouse
A Theatrical Farce by Philip King & Falkland L. Cary
The Chaos at Chunkibix Ltd.
Big Bad Mouse is an anarchic British stage comedy set in the sleepy, gray offices of Chunkibix Ltd. The story follows the timid, downtrodden assistant Mr. Bloome, who lives in constant fear of his overbearing boss, Mr. Price-Hargreaves. However, a case of mistaken identity involving a local “incident” on the common suddenly turns the invisible Bloome into a local hero and a target of female affection, much to the bewilderment of his pompous superior.
“The play became a legendary vehicle for ad-libbing, with stars like Jimmy Edwards and Eric Sykes often throwing the script away entirely to engage in glorious, unpredictable stage mayhem.”
Production History
First staged in 1964, the play didn’t become a sensation until it reached London’s West End in 1967. It ran for three years at the Shaftesbury Theatre, fueled by the comedic chemistry of its leads. It has since been revived by legendary duos including Cannon and Ball.
Show Credits
- Playwrights: Philip King & Falkland Cary
- Original Concept: Ivan Butler
- Notable Stars: Eric Sykes & Jimmy Edwards
- Genre: Theatrical Farce
The Characters
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Mr. Bloome | The shy “mouse” of the office who gains sudden notoriety. |
| Mr. Price-Hargreaves | The domineering and pompous office manager. |
| Lady Chesapeake | The formidable chairman of the company. |
| Miss Spencer | The office secretary caught in the middle of the madness. |
