SCENE 1: Normal day at Café L'arté

It’s a normal day at Café L’arté. A café that prides itself on supporting the arts. The Cafe is owned and run by Emily with the help of her employee Robby. They have a section that sells musical instruments, and they also sell books and paintings. Robby arrives late for work, causing tension between her and Emily. Then in through the door walks Joseph, a first time visitor to the cafe. The following happens in real time over the course of approx. an hour.

Robby

Sorry I'm late.

Emily

Second time this week Robby. You look knackered…

…again!

Charity work?

Robby looks over, shrugs her shoulders but doesn’t say anything.

Emily

I’m sure I’ll find out one day.

Robby

I’ve got Jeanette & Tony coming later.

Emily

From the charity?

Robby

Jeanette’s says she has an announcement to make. I’ll see them in my break? Should only be about 10 minutes!

Emily

OK. Could you get some more milk please.

Emily turns to a customer who has walked in during her conversation with Robby.

Emily

Morning. What can I get you?

Joseph

A large latte and a pain au raison please.

Emily

Sure! Coming up!

Joseph

Do you mind if I put one of my cards on your notice board?

Emily

Hang on. Can I have a quick look to make sure it's OK.

Joseph

In case there's anything inappropriate?

Emily

You never know, we’ve had some dubious ones in here. You’re not offering ‘private massage sessions’ are you?

Joseph

I might be! Why who’s asking?

Joseph delivers this with a cheesy grin that would suggest he was expecting a laugh. Emily looks unimpressed. His expressions quickly changes to one of embarrassment.

Joseph

Whoops!, inappropriate joke and no, nothing to do with massage. Here’s my card.

Joseph hands her his card. She has a close look at the card.

Emily

Joseph Cross! Psychic Songwriter & Healer?

Looks up at Joseph

Emily

Really? Never heard of one of them before! Do they even exist?

Joseph

Well there’s one standing right in front of you. I take it by your reaction that you're a non believer.?

Emily

I get the songwriting bit. Psychic? Nah.

Big nostalgic smile on her face as she stares into the middle distance beyond Joseph.

Emily

Writing songs was my big passion.

She holds her nostalgic expression until Joseph interrupts with his question.

Joseph

Not anymore?

Emily

Nah! Long story!

Emily makes a brushing away gesture with her hand suggesting it’s a no go subject.

Emily

Anyway, I’ve never even heard of music being used for psychic or healing purposes.

Joseph

Think about it! Music is a universal language that expresses emotions and feelings far better than mere words can, and there is nothing more effective at releasing damaging pent up emotions than expressing them into your own song.

By this time Robby has brought the milk in and is generally cleaning up but is also listening in on the conversation with great interest. Emily looks thoughtful.

Emily

You're absolutely right!

However, regards believing in psychics, I'm a non believer, I’m afraid! Frankly, I think it's a load of old nonsense! Sorry!

Joseph

No apology needed. We're all free to believe whatever we want. However, do you believe that my business card is appropriate for your board?

Emily laughs.

Emily

It’s fine. Can’t say the same for your jokes!

There's some spare pins on the board.

While Joseph pins the business card onto the board, Emily turns to the next customers, a dad and daughter.

Emily

Morning! What can I get for you?

Joseph takes his stuff and goes and sits down.

Dad

I'll have a flat white with a blueberry muffin, and a mocha with chocolate chip cookie for my daughter please.

Emily

Ok. Do you want a medium…

The dad butts in to crack a joke that he’s clearly very proud of.

Dad

No thanks we've already got one sat over there!

Laura

Oh Dear, Dad Joke!

Emily laughs

Emily

Very good sir!, …or do you want a large on the Mocha?

Laura

Large Please.

While Emily serves the father and daughter, Joseph is sat at his table, reading a book & starts humming a melody which spur’s a shocked reaction from Emily. The Dad of the girl notices the way she's looking over at Joseph in a near frozen state.

Dad

Are you alright? You look like you’ve seen a ghost, I hope you don't mind me saying so?

Emily

No, no, sorry, I just heard something that’s taken me back a bit. I do apologise.

Dad

No, not at all.

Emily

Robby could you take over please.

Robby

Sure

Robby rushes to the counter, The dad & daughter go and sit down and Emily walks over to Joseph who's still humming the tune. He looks up to see Emily standing there with a desperate expression and slowly stops humming like Sony walkman running out of battery power.

Joseph

Da da da da da da da da da da.

Hi, all ok?

Emily

That tune you're humming?

Joseph

Yes?

Emily

How do you know it?

Joseph looks at her name badge

Joseph

Listen Emily, I know you think this is the stuff of nonsense but I could hear that tune emanating from you from the moment I walked in. Not only the tune but the story behind it. In fact it’s one of the most powerful communications I’ve ever received which is a clear indication of the depth of the emotion behind it. I know it's a story of loss but I'll say no more for now, that is of course unless you want me to.

There's a pause of silence.

Emily

Other than me there was only one other person who knew that tune and Yes, it does mean a lot to me and...

Emily is visibly upset, & too upset to talk

Joseph

I'm so sorry.

Please, sit down.

Emily sits down with Joseph

Emily

There's no way you could have known that tune.

Joseph

Emily, this is the work I do. As the card states, I pick up on people's emotional stories through music. Though I sense that you're not ready to talk about yours.

Emily

You're right it's too painful and I still can’t get over how you know it.

Joseph

I think you're battling an inner resistance to believing, despite evidence to the contrary. You know, we are all a little Psychic, we simply haven't all honed those skills. I know you're not ready but are you willing to take part in a little experiment?

Emily

What does that involve?

Joseph

When I pick up someone's story through song I can actually project what I'm hearing to someone receptive to my thoughts.

Emily

Yeah right! No chance of that working with me, I'm still trying to get my head round all of this.

Joseph

On the contrary I sense that ability in you to be strong and anyway, what have you got to lose. If it fails then you're proven right & I’m wrong, but…

…you never know!

Emily

Ok, What would I have to do?

Joseph

If I pick up a song from any of your customers I'll nod at you. For you to be open to receiving, you need to cast all judgement out of your mind. Let go of it all and let your imagination run wild, set it loose, it's only by doing so that you'll pick up what I'm sending you.

Emily starts getting up off the chair while talking

Emily

Joseph, you’re absolutely crazy! And I'm crazy to even think of going along with this!

Sounds like fun though.

Joseph

Well stand by cause I'm picking up a story already from that father & daughter.

Emily heads back behind the counter

Laura

Going back to what I was saying. You're doing it to me too. I get this from the teachers and the kids at school. I'm different! I know I'm different, I think different to most and everyone seems to think they have the answer on how to fix me. I don't need fixing. This is me, I'm being true to myself. I’m not telling you or them how you should be, or how I can fix you!

Dad

Look, all I'm saying is that you need to listen once in a while. It's a tough world out there and it helps, sometimes, to compromise your desires and ideas to get on in life.

Laura

Dad, I'm no good at being anyone else. I can only be me, and…

Dad interrupts, & quite forcefully

Dad

Laura I'm saying these things for your own good. So you want to be an actress but you have to be realistic. Yeah, go ahead and join a drama club, have fun, but study for a proper profession, one that you can rely on to make a living. You know for every successful actor you'll find hundreds who have…

The daughter initially listens then puts her head in her hands. She then signals to her dad to stop by holding her palm towards. Joseph, in the meantime, nods to Emily. The daughter gets up and begins to sing 'what's it to you'.

What’s it to you?

Verse 1
Do you ever wonder, just who makes up the rules
who has decided what you can or cannot do

Bridge
And what’s it to you if I don’t do things like you do?
what’s it to you if I’m not playing the same tune

Verse 2
Is there a reason, I shouldn't be myself?
I see many people, who follow all the rest

Bridge
And what’s it to you if I don’t do things like you do?
what’s it to you if I’m not playing the same tune

Chorus
Realise,
Won’t you realise
we’re born to be free, You don’t own,
No you don’t own
any rights to me
let’s agree to differ and be free

Verse 3
I am not like you, that doesn’t mean I’ve failed
I’ve simply decided, to only be myself

Bridge
And what’s it to you if I don’t do things like you do?
what’s it to you if I’m not playing the same tune

Chorus
Realise,
Won’t you realise
we’re born to be free, You don’t own,
No you don’t own
any rights to me
let’s agree to differ and be free

Bridge
What’s it to you if I don’t do things like you do?
what’s it to you if I’m not playing the same tune
What’s it to you if I am doing it my way?
what’s it to you if I don’t take part in your game?

Chorus
Realise,
Won’t you realise
we’re born to be free, You don’t own,
No you don’t own
any rights to me
let’s agree to differ and be free

At the end of this one, Emily gives a thumbs up to Joseph with a big smile indicating that she did indeed pick up the song, while she serves another customer.

Dad

Oh, Laura, what am I going to do with you?

Laura

Dad, I love you to bits, all I'm asking is that you let me be me, please?

Dad

Laura, you’re going to drive me mad, and yet I don't think I'd have you any other way!

Emily goes and speaks to Joseph leaving Robby to serve again.

Emily

That was incredible I heard & saw everything, the song, the instruments the backing singers. It's amazing.

Joseph

That’s excellent Emily, that makes me so happy. You know I can do the same for you and your story if you're ready.

Emily

No not yet, anyway, I enjoyed that last one so much I want to see more. Could you carry on and we'll see about mine later?

Joseph

Ok, I'm game. I love 'people watching' anyway and everyone has a story or 2 waiting to be heard. As soon as I pick up anything I'll signal to you. Just let me know when you're ready for your own one

Emily

Will do.

Alfie walks in and goes up to the counter, ordering from Robby. They will be talking silently so as not to distract from the dialogue between Emily and Joseph. Alfie takes his coffee and sits down at the table. Also, half way through the following dialogue we see the writer walk in and cheekily secure a table and chair with a bag and coat before ordering. We see him put various items on the table ready for his writing session. He keeps hold of his notepad as he sets off ready to order his drinks. Emily is walking off back to the counter but then stops and returns to Joseph.

Emily

Actually Joseph, I know this is a little cheeky but could you connect with my assistant Robby, there’s always been something very mysterious about her! I know she’s involved in charity work with a local group but I feel that there’s something else that she’s not telling me.

Joseph

Emily! I don’t want to get anyone in trouble.

Emily

No trouble, she is a great worker, I just want to unravel some of the mystery.

Joseph

OK, I can see it’s pure curiosity and I do sense a ‘something to hide’ in Robby and those suppressed emotions won’t be doing her any good. Tell you what, if Robby comes over to clear my table at any point I’ll engage her in chat and see what I can do. Just keep an eye out so you don’t miss it.

Emily

Oh don’t worry I will, I certainly wouldn’t want to miss that one.

Alfie is at a table waiting for his girlfriend Debbie and we see her walk in, visibly stressed. In her haste she walks straight into the writer and knocks his notepad onto the floor.

Debbie

Oh I’m so sorry.

They both stoop down to pick it up at the same time, though Debbie get’s it first & then holds it out to him while having a cheeky look at it’s contents.

Debbie

Here you go!

The writer

Thanks.

Debbie

Looks like you’ve done a lot of work there. Working on something interesting?

The writer

A novel! Actually, more like, trying to write a novel.

Debbie

Not going well?

The writer

It was but since last Tuesday I’ve hit a horrendous writers block. So frustrating!

Debbie

I bet! I’m not a writer but I certainly know frustration at the moment after my day at work. I don’t think my day could get any worse. Anyway, I won’t bore you with that. I hope you get your mojo back very soon.

The writer

Thanks & I hope your day get’s better.

Debbie

Me too.

The writer heads to the counter to order. (Again silently while we focus on Alfie & Debbie)

Alfie

Hiya

Debbie

Hi Alfie

Alfie

Everything ok? You look a little stressed.

Debbie is talking while taking her coat off and putting it on the back of the chair

Debbie

It’s work! I don’t even wanna talk about it it’s stressed me out that much! I can’t even begin to tell you how much I’m looking forward to our holiday. It’s been such a frustrating year. Stressed up to the eyeballs. Getting away from here, even for a couple of weeks, together with you means so much to me.

There’s a pause and a very concerned look on Alfie’s face

Debbie

Alfie, is there something wrong. Tell me, please.

Alfie puts his head in his hands.

Debbie

Alfie, what’s happened, talk to me Alfie, please. Has something bad happened to you?

Alfie’s face slowly emerges from his hands and he is now biting his left hand index finger of a clenched hand.

Debbie

Alfie?

Alfie

I knew this was going to be difficult but what you’ve just said has made it even more so!

Debbie

What?

Alfie

The reason I called you here…

What I want to say is…

I’ve been thinking a lot lately Debbie…

Long pause. In the background we see the writer writing furiously, perhaps his writing is being influenced by the scene before him.

Debbie

And?

Alfie

Look, I just want you to know that it’s not you it’s me.

Debbie

Alfie? Alfie?

Debbie looks horrified and emotional, but Alfie just looks at her with a pained expression offering no further words.

Debbie

My job’s a nightmare, my band broke up, I’ve lost my confidence and now?
Now i t seems, I’ve lost you. What am I left with?

Alfie

I’m so so sorry Debbie

Debbie

That’s it? Two years and that’s it?

Alfie

Sorry, so so Sorry. It’s all I can say.

After a pause a realisation comes over Debbie’s face and she turns back to face Alfie.

Debbie

You’re not over her are you?

Alfie nervously nod’s his head while his eyes go from Debbie’s to his drink on the table.

Debbie

She left you for another, because she said he, unlike you, made her feel alive, he had an edge.

Who was there for you? I helped you through it. Didn’t leave your side.

Alfie

I know, but I can’t help my feelings. You don’t deserve this but you certainly don’t deserve to be with someone who’s still besotted with another.

You’re right Debbie. I’m an idiot.

Debbie

Oh you’re more than that Alfie, do you know what you are?

Alfie gets up, takes one last look at her, says nothing more and walks out. Debbie carries on talking to him, head following him still while remaining sat. Debbie responds, trying to sound tough but the tearful emotion comes through as she talks.

Debbie

That’s it, you just runaway from the truth, you can’t take it

Alfie doesn’t realise that he’s left his hat. This time Debbie has her hands in her face, but she starts singing ‘stronger now’, with backing vocals supplied by the rest of the cast.

Stronger Now

Intro
When all hope is gone
Music makes me strong
Nothing else can do what it does, for me.

When all hope is gone
Music makes me strong
Nothing else can do what it does, for me.

Verse 1
Did you ever figure it out?
Why you walked away from everything that we had,
and did you ever want to ask how
I felt after all you'd done and what we'd been through

You’ve left me without any doubt
That giving to the heartless, can
Bite you on the…
But I'm never giving this up
The passion for this art stops me from falling apart

Chorus
Cause this is the thing I do to pour out my feelings
There's no other way I know to bring about healing
You've torn me apart so I'll deal with it my way through this art of mine

The time that we spent together was so revealing
And though it went wrong it won't stop me believing that through all the
challenges I've been receiving I will learn and grow, that person you let go
Is stronger now

Verse 2
When we feel the hurt of an end
temptation is to run away. Say never again
you won't have much of a life running from your fear forever,
you better think twice

Music is the cure of that pain
Nothing else has quite the potential to wash it away
Without losing your mind, you have not been numbed
your seeing it all with your eyes

The passion for this art stops me from falling apart

Chorus
Cause this is the thing I do to pour out my feelings
There's no other way I know to bring about healing
You've torn me apart so I'll deal with it my way through this art of mine

Break
You’ve broken my heart! But you cannot break my art!
That remains so strong, no matter what you do
Music get’s me through! You!

Chorus
Cause this is the thing I do to pour out my feelings
There's no other way I know to bring about healing
You've torn me apart so I'll deal with it my way through this art of mine

The time that we spent together was so revealing
And though it went wrong it won't stop me believing that through all the
challenges I've been receiving I will learn and grow,

Cause this is the thing I do to pour out my feelings
There's no other way I know to bring about healing
You've torn me apart so I'll deal with it my way through this art of mine

During the break, Alfie walks back in to get the hat he had forgotten, just in time to hear Debbie sing ‘No matter what you do music gets me through ‘YOU’. With the ‘YOU’ being aimed at Alfie and he escapes with fear leaving his hat behind again. The scene is interrupted when we hear a cry of frustration from The Writer.

The Writer

Oh for crying out loud.

Alfie walks out and Debbie sits down, head disappearing in the palms of her hands. We switch attention to the writer who’s now ripping a page out of his notebook, tearing it up to pieces and throwing them up in the air, visually displaying signs of frustration, while, in the background, the piano riff to The Writer begins and he then performs the song. While he sings the song Robby is working the floor. She goes to tables clearing up empty cups etc. She approaches the writers table while he’s singing to clear up the pieces but rushes away afraid when she sees how angry he comes across. She carries on cleaning the other tables.

The writer

Verse 1
Reach for the switch turn on the light
Prepare to work throughout the night
Still waiting, debating
Why no ideas have come to light

Remember days when words would flow
From where they came I'll never know
Still waiting, debating, not knowing what to write again
Still waiting, debating, but hoping for

Bridge
That state of mind when words did...

Chorus
...come alive, Every Day, every night, Pouring out from my mind
from the heart, through the pen, onto the page, words of rage, words of love
broken hearts, torn apart, ups & downs, Imagination, forming stories
forming the stories, I weave into chapters, inside my Book

Verse 2
Pick up the pen begin to write, a story of my inner plight
temptations, frustrations, Relationships broken apart

Drawing from memories of my past, The words are flowing thick and fast
temptations, frustrations, They're flowing through me once again
temptations, frustrations, They're flowing through...

Bridge
That state of mind when words did...

BREAK
Creatively we are nothing without hurt in our hearts
It’s with that fuel that we write,
There is no sword with the power of that pen in your hand
So use it wisely while you can

Bridge
Enlighted, not frightened, To write down what I feel inside
Enlighted, not frightened, To work inside that frame of mind when words do...

Why do I put myself through all of this anguish when I could take it easy
Fight a war on my heart., Is writing an antidote or the cause of my pain?

forming the stories, I weave into chapters, inside my Book

Eventually, just as The Writer finishes his song and starts writing furiously again, she arrives at Joseph’s Table.

Robby

Are you finished with these bits

Joseph

Yes I have thanks. You’ll have to excuse me but can I ask you a question?

Robby

Well that depends on the question!

Joseph

If you happened to notice something odd on me, something potentially embarrassing, would you tell me, to save me from further embarrassment to others, or would you feel like you’re intruding and leave it for someone else to say.

Robby

I I’d probably leave it cause I’m a little on the shy side and I would feel like I was intruding!

Robby presses the inside of her right thumb up against her front teeth, deep in thought.

Robby

…and yet if it was me with something out of place I would want someone to tell me to save me further embarrassment. I suppose that makes me a little hypocritical!

Joseph

Quite possibly, however it does give me licence to point something out to you.

Robby instantly goes red faced.

Robby

Oh dear. What have you spotted.

Joseph

Are you sure I won’t be intruding if I tell you.

I Robby

No, no, please tell me, please.

Joseph

You really do feel strongly about this.

Robby

I do, I’m sorry it’s just that…

Pause

Joseph

Yes, go on.

Robby

No just tell me please

Joseph

Ok, well if I’m not mistaken, is that a tail that is slightly protruding out of your uniform round the back.

Robby

Oh, crap. I thought I’d sorted that out.

Emily looks over & notices, with interest, that Joseph is talking to Robby. While Robby is checking for the tail, & then tucks it into her clothes Joseph nods to Emily signalling to expect a song/story.

Rob Easton by

Could I ask a favour please.

I see that you’ve been talking to Emily. Please don’t tell her what you’ve noticed. I’m afraid that if she finds out what I’m involved in outside of work I may lose my job and that would be devastating for me.

Joseph

Ok, but I’m a little bit lost! What exactly is it that you do?

Robby

I have a thing about pantomime horses. I don’t know what it is but when I put one on I can totally lose myself in another world! Pure escapism? So please, please don’t tell her.

I Joseph

You’re quite strange you know! In a wonderful way of course. I promise you have my word!

Pause

Joseph

On one condition!

Robby

What condition?

Joseph

Well there may come a time when you’ll have to tell her so pretend for a moment that I am Emily. How would you tell me?

Robby sings Robby’s song. Robby, while singing, puts on the horses head and dances around the coffee shop approaching a number of the audience before finally going back to Josephs table and getting back to normal. During the performance The Writer, now much happier having overcome his writers block get’s up and leaves, probably ushered out by the pantomime horse. As he leaves, in walks Davina, goes up to the counter and is served by Emily. We see Robby and Joseph strip off the pantomime horse and settle back where they started.

Robby’s song

Verse 1
if you think you know me, well you don’t really know me at all, that's for sure!
And if you ever wonder, where it is I go in the night, that’s my concern!

Chorus
Cause I am just letting go, from the tensions that stunt my growth
My secret, it transports me and sets me free

Verse 2
I try to hide my feelings cause people will think that I am strange,
it’s true, I am!
One day I hope to come out, reveal to everyone what I do, till then I won’t

Chorus
Cause I am just letting go, from the tensions that stunt my growth
My secret, it transports me and sets me free

Break
I am just letting go, from the tensions that stunt my growth
My secret, it transports me and sets me free

Robby

Well that’s my part of the deal sorted! Yours?

Joseph

My lips are sealed!

Davina is at a table having ordered her stuff. She’s upset and staring into thin air. In walks her friend Antonio. He’s on a high and quite full of himself after a rewarding incident at work. So full of himself that it takes him a while to even notice that Davina is feeling totally the opposite, and needs comforting after a bad experience and isn’t in any mood for conversation. During Antonio’s talk we see Tony and Jeanette walk in and order drinks and chat to Robby about the meeting they’re about to have. While at the counter they join in the song ‘don’t say another word’ in the break and carry on doing so as they go to their table and sit down in preparation for the meeting.

Antonio

Oh Davina, am I glad to see you. I can’t wait to tell you what happened at work. Sat in my office and my manager comes in and he’s like “Antonio, can I have a word?” and I’m like “yeah, errr, have I done something wrong” and he’s like “nah, just come out here and I’ll tell you”. So I’m a bit worried and I go out there and the whole sales team are there and I’m like “what’s going on?” and my manager breaks into this speech about how my sales have been growing week on week since I joined and how I’ve become a shining example to the team etc. Etc. You should have seen, Gavin’s face in all this. You know, the guy who’s always trying to compete with me and is always bitching about me behind my back. Anyway, my manager only goes and announces that I’ve been given sales person of the year. The flipping YEAR. Yes, ME! Can you Adam and Eve it? Everyone starts clapping, including the resentful Gavin, Can you…

Davina, Davina. Something’s wrong isn’t it? There’s me rambling on like the selfish sod that I am without realising that you’re upset about something. What’s happened? Davina? Tell me.

Davina starts singing ‘Don’t say another word’ accompanied by the other cast members. During the height of the song, the other cast members are all singing lines aimed at Davina as pieces of well meaning, but intrusive advice, this is not what she needs. All she needs at this moment is silent reassurance.

Don't Say Another Word

Verse 1
Today somebody hurt my pride, I had to turn the other way
All of my confidence just died, It was fragile anyway

Bridge
Please wrap your arms around me, Show me that you still love me
I need to feel this from you
Chorus
Please don’t say another word to me, No need to speak your thoughts to me
Stop right now, and hold me tight
Verse 2
and let your actions scream out loud, there’s no place I’d rather be
to be with you makes me so proud, I want to lose myself in you

Bridge
Please wrap your arms around me, Show me that you still love me
I need to feel this from you
Chorus
Please don’t say another word to me, No need to speak your thoughts to me
Stop right now, and hold me tight
Pre Break
Hold me so tight & never let go, Hold me so tight & never let go
Break
When you’re down, Head spinning round, We will be there for you
To turn it round, we will help you to see, It’s not just you
It’s something we’ve all been through, It’s nothing new, But it hurts all the same
Someone’s to blame, & now it is part of you, Let it go
But we won’t say a word, Just let them heal, the words that were said to me,
read to me, thrown to me, screamed to me, hurting me,
breaking me, tearing me up inside
Don’t you know that you’re never gonna be the same
Shouldn’t do, the things that you have done to me
But the pain will have torn away this very heart
Take control, adopt the more important role
Do not fear the judgement in this cruel domain
Step on back, and think about what you’ve been through
I know that you are never going to be the same

Bridge
Please wrap your arms around me, Show me that you still love me
I need to feel this from you

Chorus
Please don’t say another word to me, No need to speak your thoughts to me
Stop right now, and hold me tight

No words necessary.As she finishes the song Antonio just hugs her.
We see a lady wearing large sunglasses walk in (Julia)

Robby

Emily, is it ok to take my break now?

Emily

No probs! Hope the meeting goes well.

Robby grabs a pad and goes and joins Jeanette and Tony at the table.

Julia goes up to the counter and orders a drink from Emily (silently while we watch the following scene) then finds a table and sits down (it’s the table where Alfie’s hat is still.

Jeanette

Guys I’ve brought you here today as I want to make an announcement. If you could hear me out till the end please and then you can give me your thoughts.

Robby

Ok!

Tony

Fair enough!

Jeanette

As you know, I started the charity 5 years ago now following the passing of my son. With your help We’ve achieved such a lot in that time. Of course, things haven’t always gone perfect, we’ve had our ups and downs but more recently I’ve come under a lot of criticism. The original Charity song that we produced, which turned out very well, and was meant to raise money ended up costing us, so we had to dip into our reserves instead.

Robby

But that wasn’t your fault Jeanette, it was down to that lady…

Jeanette

Sorry, Robby if I can just finish my say, then you’ll understand.
The annual ball didn’t fair much better either. We had a reported food poisoning and I miscalculated how much food to order and…

Tony

Jeanette, none of that was down to you, you should be proud…

Jeanette

Please Tony…

Jeanette pauses in thought

Jeanette

Let me just cut to the chase. What I’m saying is that I realise that, though my heart’s in the right place I simply haven’t got the skills to run this charity. I want it to carry on I just want to see someone competent take over.
What do you say?

The others get up and sing ‘The Journey’

Emily, in the absence of anyone needing to be served, self indulgently heads towards the music section.

The Journey

Verse 1
Look in, my eyes, see things, I hide?

Bridge
Can you see the reasons why I live, I love, I hate, & remonstrate?
Throughout this journey I relate to you and all your stories
about how you feel the need, The need,

Chorus
to Thrive, To thrive, Despite the obstacles and hurt The hurt, Inside, inside
You seek to bathe this awesome world, This world
in light, In light
You're not the only one who screams your pain inside
You open up your heart and set us free

Verse 2
Today, New day, New start, My way

Bridge
Can you see the reasons why I live, I love, I hate, & remonstrate?
Throughout this journey I relate to you and all your stories
about how you feel the need, The need,

Chorus
to Thrive, To thrive
Despite the obstacles and hurt The hurt
Inside, inside
You seek to bathe this awesome world, This world
in light, In light
You're not the only one who screams your pain inside
You open up your heart and set us free

Bridge
Can you see the reasons why I live, I love, I hate, & remonstrate?
Throughout this journey I relate to you and all your stories
about how you feel the need, The need,

Final Chorus
The need, to Thrive, To thrive
Despite the obstacles and hurt, The hurt, Inside, inside
You seek to bathe this awesome world, This world, in light, In light
What drives you to your strength to stand, To stand, & fight, & fight
To bring illumination to, Into, dark nights, Dark nights
To lead the way when others lose, They lose, their might, Their might
You're not the only one who screams your pain inside
You open up your heart and set us free

Robby

Sod the money, sod the critics, through your open heart, through you getting out there and uniting us together you have helped so many of us. Neither I or my kids would have been able to get through this without you, or those countless of other people you’ve helped.

Tony

I feel the same way, Jo, you’ve been nothing short of an inspiration to me and many others. What you’ve achieved is nothing short of astonishing and I don’t think anyone can have done what you’ve done so…

Jeanette

But…

Tony

Please Jeanette, let me finish, and I believe I’m speaking on behalf of Robby too when I say, No way! You’re going nowhere, we’ll be there for you but you and your Journey is the reason we are doing so well today.

A man walks (Karl) in and goes to the unattended counter. Then is looking around the shop. Robby notices and has to leave the meeting.

Robby

Totally agree Tony, you’re truly an inspiration Jeanette. Excuse me I’ll have to go and serve this customer.

Hi, What can I get you?

Karl

Oh nothing I’m fine thanks. Just found who I was looking for.

Karl spots Julia sat down at a table and goes and sits near her.

Karl

Babe, I’ve been looking for you everywhere.

Julia turns her head away and remains silent.

Karl

Why didn’t you tell me that you’d gone off.

Again Julia chooses to not reply

Karl

Look I know you’re upset after last night. I don’t blame you, it was just one of those moments. I’m so sorry. I promise it won’t happen again.
Babe, I love you, so so much.

Julia takes off the glasses revealing a black eye. We start hearing the ‘in your eyes’ piano riff in the background

Julia

Is this your way of showing me you love me Karl? Is that your idea of love?

Karl

Babe put those glasses back on. I didn’t mean it. You know I didn’t.

Julia

Just like you didn’t mean the last time, or the time before that or…

Karl is getting angry

Karl

Come on it’s time to go.

Karl stands up and grabs her hand and Julia pulls it away.

Julia

You’re right it’s time to go Karl, but not with you, it’s over. I’m leaving.

Karl stands up and grabs her hand and Julia pulls it away. He starts rapping ‘in your eyes’. They perform this together. The actions will reflect the words of the song.

Everyone in the shop is getting concerned.

In the break of the song, Karl tries to pull Julia with him and Joseph, & Tony go and grab him to pull him back while Emily, Robby and Jeanette step in to help Julia. There is a struggle. Karl ends up throwing Julia’s bag on the floor and various items fall out. By the start of the 3rd verse, Tony & Joseph are standing guard on Karl making sure he doesn’t go further, during the final chorus, without struggle he walks away at the end of the song. Julia is on the floor picking up the bits that fell out of her bag. The others are helping her. She starts singing ‘I turn to you’. She’s picking up the bits during the verse and is upright by the time she get’s to the chorus. Everyone is joining in the with the backing vocals.

In your eyes

Verse 1
You can’t leave, that’s what I said, So get that thought right out of your head
you’re mine don’t even think of walking, Shut it now, it’s me who’s talking
Do you think this is a game, You play my life then give me |the blame
Well I for one won’t be a victim, you’ve got no right to be evicting

Chorus
Can’t you see that it’s over now No you’re wrong
I don’t wanna be here any more,
You’ve pushed it too far this time Please don’t go
You’ve changed & I see it in your eyes
In your eyes I see, what you wanted me to be, through your lies

Verse 2
I know that it’s not you whose talking, think about all the things you’re saying
we’ve got this thing that’s far too strong man, listen to the words I’m saying
Now & then this thing breaks down, But pretty soon we come around
don’t wanna waste, so let’s embrace, forget those thoughts, get outta that place

Well I for one won’t be a victim, you’ve got no right to be evicting

Verse 3
Can’t you see it’s my heart your breaking,
What you’ve said about me’s mistaken
I can’t live without you now, From this nightmare, please awaken
If you believe these things you say, I promise I will go away
Just spare the hurting words you’ve spoken, Look into my eyes, I’m broken

Well I for one won’t be a victim, you’ve got no right to be evicting

Chorus
Can’t you see that it’s over now No you’re wrong
I don’t wanna be here any more,
You’ve pushed it too far this time Please don’t go
You’ve changed & I see it in you

I turn to you

Verse 1
Can I just say a few words lord, A prayer that i speak from the heart
I want you to know what I’m feeling, Something I feel deep inside of me today
Sometimes my life isn’t easy, In fact there are times when I can’t understand
why we go through the hard times,
and I find myself losing the heart to be strong, yes I do

Chorus
but then I turn to you, and I feel, like you’re here by my side
turn to you, then I feel, like you’re here by my side for me, I turn to you

Verse 2
at times I am lost for the rights words,
the words that would pour out my heart, I struggle to make sense of my life
like I cannot deliver the script for my part, the tears that then fall are deceiving,
reaction to all I can take, but suddenly I am feeling a reason,
and I don’t need to find words to light up the fire, in my heart

Chorus
but then I turn to you, and I feel, like you’re here by my side
turn to you, then I feel, , like you’re here by my side for me
but then I turn to you, and I feel, like you’re here by my side
turn to you, then I feel, like you’re here by my side for me, I turn to you

While Julia sings, Alfie walks through the shop door, looks around to see if Debbie is still in the room. When he’s see’s that she isn’t he goes to the table, finds his hat, picks it up and starts to walk out, but he pauses as he realises that he recognises the voice. Turns around and their eyes meet. She runs into his arms and they embrace as we hear the rest of the cast complete the backing vocals. They sit down holding hands and our attention then goes to Emily who’s at the music section dusting off a digital piano. Joseph walks over.

Joseph

Emily, I'm going to have to go very soon. You've been through quite a few other peoples emotional stories now, so I'm just chasing up on whether your ready for your own yet, if at all?

Emily

You've given me the most amazing experience. It's been so insightful as well as entertaining and I've been kind of putting mine off!

Joseph

I understand, a little scary going through your own.

Emily

Exactly. But hey, let's do it.

Joseph

Great stuff, now sit down and relax.

Emily sits, shuts her eyes and goes totally into receive mode. In fact she falls so deep into this mode that she doesn’t realise that she starts playing the piano and singing for real. We hear her and the cast sing 'I believe in you' with Emily doing the lead vocals.

I Believe in You
VERSE 1
He said “I believe in you, And everything you do”,
He said “I will be with you, Until our days are through.”,
“I don't want to think about, The dark times in our lives
I just want to know, About the beauty and joy we feel inside”

CHORUS
He sang, da da da da, He sang, da da da da

VERSE 2
I'll never forget his words, They've merged into my heart
And there they'll remain because, We'll never be apart
I know this is temporary, Just a question of some time
Of that I've no doubt, cause like you believed in me
Well I believed in you

CHORUS
He sang, da da da da, He sang, da da da da

BREAK
As time goes by I miss him more and more each day
As time goes by I know this hurt won’t wash away
And now many years have past, but I still hear that tune
It reminds me of our special times, when we lived life to the full
now The cupboards of my sore heart are empty without you
Oh how I miss you, I’m looking up to the stars
Hearing you sing, da da da da

CHORUS
He sang, da da da da, He sang, da da da da

And nothing that they can say will ever break that bond
I’m hoping one day I’ll be there to hear you sing, da da da da

At the end the rest of the people in the cafe applaud.

Emily

Oh my God. That was incredible. It felt like I was washing away a lot of the hurt of these last few years.

Emily then notices that everyone in the Cafe are applauding.

Emily

I don't understand, why is everyone clapping? They surely can’t have seen what was in our heads?

Joseph

Emily, you were so into it you performed it for real on piano and vocal.

Emily

How embarrassing!

Joseph

Not at all, more like how amazing!

Emily

You know Tom and I used to hum that melody all the time when we were alone together. He said it was our way of saying I love you. Our secret way.

Again Emily enters a phase of dreamy nostalgia staring into the middle distance, then wakes from it suddenly

Emily

Okay, so what else can you tell me about my story?

Joseph

Well, this is what I have picked up. Before you lost this special person in your life you had an amazing musical talent, you wrote songs at will, truly excellent songs pouring out of you that, unfortunately, were going to waste cause you weren’t doing anything with them. But since losing him you haven't written, not a single song.

Emily

In fact I only started writing songs when I met Tom , then, when I lost him, I lost the ability. You see, he completed me, he gave me the strength, the ability, the desire, creatively I’m nothing without him!

Joseph

I'm also picking up that you had big plans, of what you were going to do with the music together.

Emily

Loads of plans. He had only 2 months left of his tour of duty when I got the news. He made me promise before he left that we would sell up this shop and start our new life. Him as my manager, producer and inspiration and me as songwriter/playwright. Of course it never happened. Without him I lost the will, the energy the ability. And here I am, still.

Anyway, enough of that, What a day! I didn't believe any of this at the start of the day! Joseph you are truly amazing I'm so sorry for doubting you at the beginning. I thought it was a load of old nonsense and now I’m a believer

There's a short pause, Joseph gets up, walks to the business card board and takes off his card and tears it up. Emily looks puzzled.

Emily

Why did you do that?

Joseph

You were right to doubt me!

Emily

What? I don't understand. You're playing with my mind right?

Joseph

Emily. It's time I told you my story. Please hear me out, this is important so you can understand why I'm here. Five years ago, I was serving in Afghanistan. I became friends with an amazing, selfless and brave man. His name was Tom.

A look of realisation comes over Emily’s face

Joseph

Yes, your Tom. I had so much respect for that guy. The day he was fatally wounded, he knew he didn't have long. All he could talk about was you. He was consumed with concern about you and your future. I stayed with him throughout. At one point he suddenly cheered up, said he had an idea, that he knew exactly what to do, said it was the only way. He made me promise to carry out a plan. He repeated what he wanted me to do over and over again until I knew it inside out. I thought it was crazy, but I loved that guy so I made that promise to him.

Weeks, months and years passed and even though I had promised, I couldn't find the courage to do it. I thought the plan was doomed to failure especially with me, of all people, trying to carry it out. Over these 5 years I kept putting it off. But I felt so much guilt for letting him down, it was eating away at me. Finally today I fulfilled that promise I made to Tom.

Emily gets up and paces, all a bit too much to take in. She's deep in thought.

Emily

So he taught you our tune, that’s clear, I see that now!

Joseph

Yes. Of course. I didn't pick it up from you at all. Sorry.

Emily

However that doesn’t explain the rest. I heard all those songs you had in your head. How can you explain that?

Joseph

Emily, I haven't got a musical bone in my body, I heard nothing! Nothing at all. That is until your own emotional song, when I finally heard you, not in my imagination, but with my own ears as I sat next to you while you performed it.

Emily

That doesn't make any sense! What was I hearing then? Where did those fully formed songs I heard come from?

Joseph

You Emily, they came from you, all of them. You simply tuned in to your customers conversations. Tom knew you so well. He knew your talent but he also new that you have no belief in yourself whatsoever. This plan he came up with was the only way he could prove to you that you don't need anyone. Not him, not me, no one except to believe in yourself & your gift. Today I was simply a placebo. You came up with those songs, every single one of them, straight from your imagination. Tom knew you would, it was me who doubted it just as I doubted myself. It was his way of saying, fulfil your dreams Emily, you have no excuse now.

Joseph gets up and put on his coat and prepares to leave.

Joseph

Tom's message is this Emily, believe in yourself like he believed in you. Today I did something that I never thought I'd be capable of doing.

It's taken me a long time, and a lot of courage but today I finally fulfilled the promise I made to Tom. Now it's your turn Emily. Fulfil yours and Tom’s promise.

Emily is deep in thought and we hear the first chords of Until Today, she then begins & continues to sing the whole song to the outro which merges into the song ‘your life is in your hands’ which is sung by the whole cast and concludes with them aiming the song to the audience and thanking them.

Until Today

Verse 1
You know It is not very easy, to put words into this song,
about emotions I’ve had come to me, ever since it all went wrong.
Though these feelings aren’t healing, they bring so much home to me,
about what we had, & since we’ve lost…

Bridge
It seems what got us started caused our end

Chorus
Now you’re gone, but I need you to hear this song,
Maybe I need you to know ,
That my life became a blur through my crying eyes, until today

Verse 2
From the moment I saw you, I knew that you would be the one,
my heaven on earth, my fantasy, But now that is all undone, it is all in the past
This curse has been cast, To live my whole life now without you,
Yet I feel so glad for the time we had, and...

Bridge
It seems what got us started caused our end

Chorus
Now you’re gone, but I need you to hear this song,
Maybe I need you to know ,
That my life became a blur through my crying eyes, until today

Break
Must be an easier way, to thank you for restoring my desire,
I remember when, you took me in your arms and said,
“I believe in you, you can do this without me,” well now I see,
oooooh, I did not realise, oooooh, Until today, oooooooh

Verse 3
it is all in the past, This curse has been cast,
To live my whole life now without you,
Yet I feel so glad for the time we had, and...

Bridge
It seems what got us started caused our end

Chorus
Now you’re gone, but I need you to hear this song,
Maybe I need you to know ,
That my life became a blur through my crying eyes
it defies, any logic I’ve retained, Maybe I need you to know ,

That my life became a blur through my crying eyes
so I’ll stop crying here today, I once felt like my whole world was dying
While I was crying, Until today

Life is in your hands

Verse 1
I have been hiding so much from you, for fear of losing my world
Today I have been learning so much that’s true
From Emily and her music therapy
Bridge
Your life is in your hands, So don’t you waste a minute of it

Chorus
Please don’t hide, Desire deep inside, Push Judgement to the side
And please don’t hide, Those gifts God gave to you, To you and you and you
Your Life is in your hands

Verse 2
Till now I have been wasting so much of my time
Concerned with others opinions,
Today I have been learning so much that’s true
From Joseph and his technicolour words

Bridge
Your life is in your hands, So don’t you waste a minute of it

Chorus
Please don’t hide, Desire deep inside, Push Judgement to the side
Please don’t hide, Those gifts God gave to you, and you and you and you and
you and you and you and you and you and you, Yes all of you thank you.

The end

Café L'Arté Song List
1 What’s it to you Daughter with cast backing
2 Stronger Now Debbie with cast backing
3 Writers block The Writer
4 Robby’s song Robby
5 Don’t say another word Davina with cast backing
6 The Journey Jeannette, Robby, Tony & with cast backing
7 In Your Eyes Karl and Julia with cast backing
8 I Turn to You Julia with cast backing
9 I Believe in You Emily with cast backing
10 Until today Emily
11 Your life is in your hands Robby and all the cast

gatwick