JULIAN PELLAFACINI
The highly respected leader of the New World Symphony Orchestra.
LUISA PELLAFACINI
His lovely bosomy wife.
NATALIA PHILIPOVA
An apparently untalented Czechoslovak pianist.
PETER PLUMPTON
First Flute of the RSO.
MISS PRIDDOCK
Mark Carling’s secretary, beloved of Old Cyril. An unfazed old trout.
ROBERTO RANNALDINI
Mega-Maestro and arch fiend, currently musical director of the New World Symphony Orchestra.
KITTY RANNALDINI
His third wife, in love with Lysander Hawkley.
JACK RODWAY
A randy receiver.
SISTER ROSE
A sympathetic nurse at Northladen General Hospital.
ABIGAIL ROSEN
American violinist, nicknamed ‘L’Appassionata’ whose dazzling talent and tigerish beauty have taken the world by storm.
THE RUTSHIRE BUTCHER
A very critical critic.
SANDRA
Christopher Shepherd’s secretary.
FLORA SEYMOUR
Wild child, pilgrim soul and daughter of Georgie Maguire. Destroyed by a teenage
CHRISTOPHER SHEPHERD
Abigail Rosen’s agent, a control freak, who provides the respectable front of Shepherd Denston.
MISS SMALLWOOD
Secretary, Cotchester Music Club.
STEVE SMITHSON
Second Bassoon of the RSO and representative of the Musicians’ Union. Muscular right arm from throwing the book at people.
DAME EDITH SPINK
A distinguished composer and Musical Director of the Cotchester Chamber Orchestra.
TOMMY STAINFORTH
Principal Percussion of the RSO.
MRS DICK STANDISH
A skittish sponsor’s wife.
DENNIS STRICKLAND
Principal Viola of the RSO, known as ‘El Creepo’.
BILL THACKERY
Second Desk, First Violin of the RSO. Better at cricket than the violin. Jolly good sort.
JAMES VEREKER
A television presenter.
WALTER
A benevolent bass.
SERENA WESTWARD
Head of Artists and Repertoire at Megagram Records.
CLAUDE ‘CHERUB’ WILSON
Third Percussion of the RSO. Very dumb blond and orchestra mascot.
XAVIER
A Colombian orphan.
THE ANIMALS
BOGOTA
A black labrador puppy.
JOHN DRUMMOND
Miss Priddock’s cat, office mouser to the RSO.
GERTRUDE
Taggie Campbell-Black’s mongrel.
JENNIFER
One of Lady Baddingham’s yellow labradors.
NIMROD
Rupert Campbell-Black’s lurcher.
MR NUGENT
Viking O’Neill’s black collie.
PENSCOMBE PRIDE
