The National Engines - Bobo, The French TGV

Bobo, The French TGV

Bobo, from France, is a TGV (train à grand vitesse"- "high speed train", though in the London production he was identified as "the 120 mile-per-hour Sudest") He is comically French in his character and over-the-top mannerisms. In the original London production, Bobo raced with Ashley in heat 3 and was narrowly beaten by Poppa with Dustin. He is heard clearly in The Rap arguing that rather than Rusty taking Poppa's place, Bobo should as he came a close second. In the later version of the London show, when two racers from each heat make the final, Bobo and Ashley take the fourth place but are knocked out during the final race. In the Broadway and subsequent productions, Bobo races with Buffy not Ashley, and does not make the final.

In the Japan/Australia tours, Bobo had an identical "brother" by the name of Coco. The ensemble roles were doubled to fill the enormous arena-sized stage. Bobo was replaced in the Mexican production, and cut from the 2003 US and 2004 UK tours.

Costume In the original London production, Bobo wore blue and white stripes. His Broadway design is a close copy of the actual TGV design and original orange livery (since replaced on the actual trains by a blue and silver colour scheme.)