Act 1: The School bus

Act 1 is set on a school bus. We see Jane get on the bus then get out a portable piano keyboard and start to play the song ‘your eyes say it all’. As she plays another girl get’s on the bus and adds harmony. By the time they get to the chorus they’re joined by another who adds backing vocals. Bit by bit they are joined by more plain girls getting on the bus, building the song to a crescendo. Before they get to the end, the cool girls, lead by Juliet, ascend onto the bus. They look down on the plain group as very boring and trapped in a time warp.

Your Eyes Say it all -1 Rommi

Verse 1

Every time I look into your eyes
I feel like I am in for a surprise
You say one thing and I doubt that it’s true
As what I see reflects what’s inside you

 

When you walk away I want you near
I seem to get a sense of what you fear
And likewise I pretend that I am calm
But deep inside the tone is one of harm

Chorus

So Take hold of my hand

Take hold of my hand

and lead me to the place you stand

the place that you hide

in your inner world
Hiding’s absurd
Your eyes say it all

Your eyes say it all

Your eyes say it all

Your eyes say it all

 

Verse 2

Every We’re free to do whatever that is true
But please don’t live your life as a fake you
To be our best we have to look inside
And have the strength to show our crazy side

Chorus

So Take hold of my hand

Take hold of my hand

and lead me to the place you stand

the place that you hide

in your inner world
Hiding’s absurd
Your eyes say it all

Your eyes say it all

Your eyes say it all

Your eyes say it all

So Take hold of my hand

Take hold of my hand

and lead me to the place you stand

the place that you hide

in your inner world

Hiding’s absurd

Your eyes say it all

Your eyes say it all

Your eyes say it all

Your eyes say it all

(repeat chorus another 2 times?)

Your eyes say it all

When the plain girls finish their performance the audience applauds. When the applause begins to reduce the cool girls begin to mock by mimicking the song in an uncomplimentary way, and laughing in an intimidating way.

Cool girls

Your eyes say it all. Your eyes say it all.

Juliet

Very nice girls. You succeeded in transporting me to…

…another century?

Cool girls laugh

Jas

And that’s not just with the music. Look at the way they’re dressed.

Turns and speaks directly to the plain girls

Ladies, you do realise this is 1982 not 1892?

Jodie

All they need now is a horse and carriage
rather than a bus.

Jas

Do you think they have running water at home or do they wash once a month in a barrel?

Jenna

They probably warm up the water on a wood burning stove.

Jane

Thank you girls. You’re all extremely funny, or at least you’re trying to be.

Juliet turns to her gang

Juliet

Ooh, this one’s got a speaking voice too, and she doesn’t sound like she’s from a Shakespeare play.

Jane

You can mock all you like but the truth is you’re simply hung up that we can do something well that you can’t.

The cool gang look to Juliet to see how she will respond. She in turn looks back at them with a smirk before turning back to Jane.

Juliet

See Joanna sat over there, reading her book and being very quiet? She can wipe the floor with any of you when it comes to music. Go on set her a challenge.

Joanna looks up from her book

Joanna

Juliet please.

Juliet

You know you can Joanna so shine your light onto these doubters.

Jane

Ok. If you’re up for it we are. I’ve got this song that I’ve started working on. If I play you the chords do you think you can come up with a vocal for it?

Juliet

Joanna?

Joanna get’s up and puts down her book. Suddenly her eyes have lit up as though she now relishes the opportunity to show her ability.

Joanna

Ok. Let’s do it.

Jane plays her a summary of the chords of the song and Joanna spontaneously starts a vocal melody and lyrics. The listening cool girls, once they get a feel for the words and song, start joining in.

Pathetic - Ella 0, tempo 177

Verse 1

It's great to meet you, To hear you sing it really felt quite special

It felt Quite special

But you destroyed it, by self proclaiming that you think you're special

you think you're special

Bridge

So I need to tell you that you've
revealed the child that you are
And in the process I'll reveal to you

Chorus

That you're pathetic, you are pathetic
You're so pathetic, yeah you're pathetic

Verse 2

While you were gloating, misguidedly showboating, to your pleasure

Misguided pleasure

We were note taking, and  there is no mistake we got your measure

We got your measure

Bridge

So I need to tell you that you've
revealed the child that you are
And in the process I'll reveal to you

Chorus

That you're pathetic, you are pathetic
You're so pathetic, yeah you're pathetic

Break

You think you’re special, for playing us a song you know well
While we’ve created this one on the fly

Chorus

That you're pathetic, you are pathetic
You're so pathetic, yeah you're pathetic

 

Well you're pathetic,

There you go we’ve said it

you are pathetic

Your challenge we met it

You're so pathetic,

In fact we’ve totally lead it

yeah you're pathetic

Now you clearly regret it

Well you're pathetic,

There you go we’ve said it

you are pathetic

Your challenge we met it

You're so pathetic,

In fact we’ve totally lead it

yeah you're pathetic

Now you clearly regret it

That you're pathetic

Song finishes and the cool girls are celebrating their triumph. Cleverly they’re not even taunting the plain girls. They let the song do the taunting and letting the humiliation of defeat sink in.

Juliet looks over to Jane and pulls an expression that says it all.

We see Juliet go to sit down while saying…

Juliet

Well done Joanna. Knew you would smash it.

We hear a crunch sound and Juliet pulls out a broken pair of glasses from under the seat.

Juliet

Oops. Someone’s going to be seeing wonky.

Joanna

Juliet you’ve broken my glasses.

Juliet

Sorry but bit of a stupid place to leave them Joanna.

Joanna

Well that was my seat, why didn’t you sit back in your own seat.

Juliet

Calm down, calm down it was an accident.

Joanna grabs what’s left of her glasses and and walks down the bus aisle to the front to go and sit on her own.

Juliet

Oh are you going to go and sulk on your own again

Joanna says nothing. We see her sit on her own and get her book out, put on her wonky glasses and start reading. We then see Jane get up and go and sit near Joanna.

Jane

Excuse me. Can I have a quick word?

Joanna looks up and does a double take. She can’t believe that Jane has gone to talk to her and is expecting a verbal fight so attempts to disarm her before it can turn nasty.

Joanna

Look. Let me apologise now for what I did.

Jane

No need to apologise.

Joanna

But I was out of order.

Jane

Well perhaps but actually what you just did was amazing. I don’t know anyone else who can do what you did. Well except for my music teacher. She’s amazing. She’s so inspirational. You’ll probably end up being a teacher just like her one day.

Joanna

Nah, no thanks. I’ve already decided what I’m going to be.

Jane

What’s that?

Joanna

A pop star.

Jane

Of course, you’ve certainly got the talent.

My name’s Jane by the way.

Joanna

Joanna. Pleased to me you.

Jane

Look, following what I just saw you do I want to ask for your help.

Joanna

My help?

Jane

I’ve been working on a song for a long while. I’m calling it ‘In Retrospect’. I’ve got all the chords worked out. It’s the best thing I’ve written but though I’ve tried lot’s of vocals I just can’t come up with the killer vocal melody. That’s my weakness. I’m great with chords, harmonies and backing vocals but I haven’t got your talent with lead vocals.

Joanna

Why haven’t you asked your amazing teacher?

Jane

She’s the one who set me the task.

Joanna

Well sorry, isn’t that deception?

Jane

No not at all. I’ll tell her about your contribution and no doubt she’ll be so impressed.
The music is on this tape, have a listen in your own time.

She hands a cassette tape to Joanna who puts it into her bag.

Jane

Actually, tell you what, let me just play you some of it now so you can begin getting a feel for it.

Jane starts playing In Retrospect and while she does we see John and some friends get on the bus. Joanna get’s up to talk to him causing Jane to stop her playing.

Joanna

John. Can I have a word.

John responds with ‘why can’t you just leave me alone’ body language

John

What do you want Joanna?

Joanna

John, I just want to ask if you’re still set on going ahead with the challenge.

John walks closer to Joanna

John

Yes I am. Why? You afraid?

Joanna

I still don’t think we should have disbanded. I believe that together we have so much more potential, and you know it’s not too late to change our minds.

John

My mind is 100% made up. No going back for me.

Joanna

What about the songs, we wrote them to be sung by the two of us.

John

Don’t worry I’ve got that covered.

Joanna

What? Who?

John

Never you mind. You’ll find out on the night. You just think about what you’re going to be doing and I’ll sort mine. See you then. Bye bye.

I Joanna sits down distraught.

Jane

You alright?

Joanna

No not really

Jane

It’s none of my business I know but who was that?

Joanna

We had a band. We were really good. So good that we ended up getting offered a record deal but suddenly he changed. He was angry with me as if I had done something wrong. I haven’t got a clue what I’m supposed to have done but either way he walked out of the band. I’m devastated.

Jane

Oh dear. What about the record deal?

Joanna

The record company have said they can only sign one of us so they’ve set up a head to head showcase next Friday. We have to do two songs each and at the end they will decide who get’s the record deal.

Jane

Sounds horrendous but kind of exiting too I guess.

Have you prepared your performance?

Joanna

Yes. I’ve had to rework the songs now that I’m singing alone.

Jane

Do I sense something else.

Were you more than just band mates?

Joanna

Now is that really any of your business?.

Jane

Of course not. Sorry I asked.

Jane’s a little embarrassed and goes quiet. Joanna then speaks.

Joanna

You’re right though. I can’t get over him. I think about him all the time. From the moment I wake to the moment I sleep and even in my dreams.

Jane

Oh I know how you feel there, I was exactly the…

Actually, can I suggest something. I was like that with a boy that had to leave the island cause his dad got a job in London. I was so heartbroken, I couldn’t eat I couldn’t sleep, my school work was suffering.

This went on for weeks.

Joanna

Really? What did you do?

Jane

It wasn’t so much what I did. My music teacher did the most wonderful thing. She helped me heal by by writing a song for me about it. Have a listen… 

Joanna

No really that’s ok.

Before Joanna had a chance to stop it Jane called her  the Day that you Moved.

On the day that you moved -3 ROMMI

Verse 1

I’ll never forget the moment you faded out of sight
On the day that you moved
I couldn’t run any faster to get to you in time
On the day that you moved

Chorus 

Well how was I s’pposed to know that you weren’t coming back
On the day that you moved
When nobody told me of the news I live with now 
On the day that you moved

Verse 2

One day I may understand, till then I’m looking back
On the day that you moved
I know that my heart was broken, And everything was changed
On the day that you moved

Chorus

Well how was I s’pposed to know that you weren’t coming back
On the day that you moved
When nobody told me of the news I live with now 
On the day that you moved

Break

I'm waking up, I’m screaming out, I’m calling out your name
But you don’t hear a word that I say
I’m reaching out, To understand the hurt that still remains
I was denied the chance to say goodbye

Final Chorus

Well how was I s’pposed to know that you weren’t coming back
On the day that you moved
When nobody told me of the news I live with now 
On the day that you moved
Well how was I s’pposed to know that you weren’t coming back
On the day that you moved
When nobody told me of the news I live with now 
On the day that you moved

The cool girls look on bemused and the plain girls go back to their seats.

Joanna

That was very good.

Jane

That’s what you need. Do you want me to speak to my teacher about working with you.

Joanna

No need, I’ve already written my break up song.

Jane

Really? Let’s hear it.

Joanna

Errrr, most definitely not.

Jane

Why not?

Joanna

It’s private. For my ears only. My therapy.

Jane

But I just played you mine.

Joanna

Well that was your choice. I didn’t ask you to sing it.

Jane looks very disappointed and they sit silent for a while. Joanna starts reading her book again. Jane sits there looking awkward. After a while Joanna looks up

Joanna

You still here?

Then Jane has an idea and holds the keyboard towards Joanna

Jane

Can I hear you play the backing at least.

Joanna shakes her head and goes back to her book.

Jane

Please

Joanna

Oh you’re so annoyingly persistent.

Jane

What harm can it do to play me the the backing

Jane takes the keyboard

Joanna

OK but just to shut you up and only if you then promise to leave me be.

Jane

Done

Jane starts playing but as she does so she can’t help but start singing. As she does so the others on the bus start taking notice and all begin gathering round. Even John who seems to be responding very well to the song which starts giving Joanna a feeling that maybe the song is having a positive effect on him that there may be a chance that he may be changing his mind.
Jane and the plain girls start adding spontaneous harmonies and backing vocals

Mon Amour. -5 Ella, Elisa -5

 

Verse 1

Turning round in evasion
I couldn’t take another chance
I once felt that you belonged with me
but my passions been erased by what you’ve done
I couldn’t cry not for your eyes
I couldn’t take another word
i thought I’d found myself an endless love
and believe me it will never be undone

Chorus

Mon amour, tell me how much you love me,
I love you more,

I love you more,

for i love you more, than i could have wanted
mon amour, tell me how much you need me, I
need you more

I need you more

for i need you more than eyes need the sunshine

Verse 2

Seeking out all our old friends, Can they survive inside your mind
they said they won’t ever speak to you, but I can’t pretend to feel that in my mind
I couldn’t cry not for your eyes, I couldn’t take another word
i thought I’d found myself an endless love, and believe me it will never be undone

Chorus

Mon amour, tell me how much you love me, I love you more,

I love you more,

for i love you more, than i could have wanted
mon amour, tell me how much you need me, I need you more

I need you more

for i need you more than eyes need the sunshine

I have to say, I’can’t believe that you want to end this love
I believe that we can find ourselves again
and love again, and love again
I don’t want this to end

 

But it’s over

Everybody applauds at the end. We hear the bus driver say that they’ve arrived and everyone must leave the bus. Jane takes her keyboard and is packing it away when John approaches Joanna

John

Joanna that was beautiful

Joanna

Thank you John. That means so much.

John

However, I need you to get it in your head, once and for all, it’s finished between us. Get over it.

John walks off
Joanna is distraught, wells up. Jane hugs her.

 

Act 2: The record deal battle

The setting is now a venue with a synthesiser or two set up as the backdrop complete with reel to reel tape player and various microphones.

In the foreground we have a number of audience tables. Predominantly two that can be easily viewed and heard by the audience. One table will be occupied by the cool girls while the other, the plain girls.

The plain girls are already sat on the left hand table, cool girls on the right when Joanna walks in stage left. Jane waves at Joanna.

Jane

Joanna, why don’t you come and sit with us.

Joanna

Oh Jane. I didn’t know you girls were coming.

Jane

We didn’t want to miss this for the world.

Joanna

Ok great. Sorry though Jane, I already have a seat over there.

Jane

I wanted to talk to you first I’ve got a suggestion.

Joanna

Ooh, we’re about to start so I haven’t got time. Maybe later.

Joanna walks off to take her seat on the cool girls table.

Juliet

Ok, what did plain Jane want?

Joanna

Bit cruel

Juliet

Only speaking the truth.

Joanna

They’re actually really nice girls.

Juliet

Oh here we go. Gullible Joanna, allows herself to be easily manipulated by some social misfits.

Joanna

Well you could see it that way Juliet. On the other hand you could say that at heart every one’s pretty much the same. Similar issues and challenges and trying their best in life. Though some try to control their friends by belittling them.

Juliet

Take it easy Joanna don’t need to get so serious. What did she want anyway?

Joanna

She said she had a suggestion.

Jas

Oh yeah. And what suggestion might that be.

Joanna

I don’t know, I made my excuses and left. Anyway, I’ve got enough on my mind. I’m nervous as hell, I was up till 3 this morning getting these backing tapes right and I still don’t think they are right, but most of all it’s driving me crazy as to who John has got in to do the backing vocals that I used to do.

Jasmine and Jimmy come on to the microphones
to announce the evening.

Jasmine

Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to this very exciting evening to witness an unusual challenge.

Jimmy

Some of you may already know the story but I’ll give you a recap. John and Joanna are going to battle head to head tonight so that the record company can decide which of these talented two they should award a record deal to.

Jasmine

Yes, formerly they were both in the awesome band Jelectricty who got a record deal but before they had a chance to record they parted due to creative differences.

Joanna pulls a puzzled face as it most certainly wasn’t down to creative differences. In fact she doesn’t actually know what it was down to.

Jimmy

The record company couldn’t take them both on so they’ve set this challenge via a live satellite link as they’re in London.

So you’re all on camera, go on give them all a wave.

Everyone turns to the camera and waves to the record company execs viewing from London. We need to get the audience to Wave. We’ll probably have a dummy old fashioned camera set up.

Jasmine

John is up first so John can you please make your way to the stage

John starts walking up

Jimmy

So, all that’s left to say is…

Jasmine & Jimmy in unison

Jimmy & Jasmine

Let the battle begin

John

Good evening everyone. Is everyone ok?

Audience

Yessss

John

I’d be lying if I said that I’m not more than a little nervous.

Audience heckler

Get on with it.

John

Well before I do I need to introduce you to my new backing vocalists.

Joanna’s looking around dramatically and turns to Juliet

Joanna

Who the heck can it be?

John

Could you please come up and join me

Suddenly all the cool girls (with the exception of Joanna) get up and walk to the stage. Joanna cannot believe what she’s seeing. And she can’t even talk to anyone about it as her so called friends are now up on stage.

John

This song is  called Crushed.

John and the cool girls perform Crushed to much applause.

Crushed tempo 128 Charlie -1, Tana -7

Verse 1

Do you believe, that you’re better than this,
that you stand above, everyone else below

Chorus

Well I knew the time had come, for me to let go

We held love in our hands

I went the extra mile, but I couldn’t know

What once we had was crushed

Verse 2

Now that I’m gone,  you’re left with no throne,
You cannot look down, I’m no longer below

Chorus

Well I knew the time had come, for me to let go

We held love in our hands

I went the extra mile, but I didn’t know

What once was love was crushed

Break

Torn apart, at the seams,

at the seams

deception now laid bare

all laid bare

You didn’t care

You weren’t there

Not for us

What once we had was crushed

Chorus

Well I knew the time had come, for me to let go
We held love in our hands
I went the extra mile, but I couldn’t know
What once we had was crushed
Well I knew the time had come, for me to let go
We held love in our hands
I went the extra mile, but I couldn’t know
What once we had was crushed

The cool girls return to their table,
at which point Juliet turns to Joanna.

Juliet

Well what did you think?

Joanna is sitting there mouth agape

Joanna

I cannot believe you. You seriously want me to answer that after what you’ve all just done.

Juliet

Well I thought we did really well.

Joanna

Regardless of whether you did really well, how could you do that to me.

Jas

Sorry, we couldn’t tell you Joanna as we were sworn to secrecy.

Joanna

Well I’m so sorry to question your integrity of whether you can keep a secret or not but what about the integrity of betraying your friend.

Gemma

Well you didn’t ask us for our help, John did.

Joanna

You had all said that you wanted nothing further to do with him, I didn’t agree with that but I certainly didn’t expect you to go totally the other way and join forces with him to defeat me.

The cool girls have nothing left to say
but we hear Jimmy start to talk

Jimmy

Well I think you’ll all agree that that performance was pretty special. Let’s have another round of applause for John and…

…his backing vocalists

Audience applauds

Jasmine

And now it’s time to hear the first song from Joanna. Joanna can you come up to the stage please.

Joanna walks up still reeling from what she’s just witnessed

Joanna

Evening everyone. I’m going to say very few words I’m afraid. Instead I’ll let the lyrics do the talking. This song is called ‘This Dream’.

This Dream +3 tempo 126

Verse 1

Last time we were there we lost ourselves in town
Took a wrong turn, when we got there you weren’t mine

Bridge

I tried to tell you Monday, Saturday you burned my soul
And now you’ll never know

Chorus

This dream’s torn me down, can’t lose it somehow
This dream’s on my mind, I need to feel this sometimes

Verse 2

I thought about it over coffee and a tune
If I’d known I wouldn’t have lived this afternoon

Bridge

I tried to tell you Monday, Saturday you burned my soul
And now you’ll never know

Chorus

This dream’s torn me down, can’t lose it somehow
This dream’s on my mind, I need to feel this sometimes

Break

What we had was special for a while

Every time

Every time I dream of you it makes me smile

Final Chorus

This dream’s torn me down, can’t lose it somehow
This dream’s on my mind, I need to feel this sometimes

don’t tear me apart

This dream’s torn me down, can’t lose it somehow

you know we’ve lost ourselves again

This dream’s on my mind, I need to feel this sometimes

you’ve torn us down

This dream’s torn me down, can’t lose it somehow

This dream

This dream’s on my mind, I need to feel this sometimes

Need to feel this sometimes

This dream’s torn me down, can’t lose it somehow

This dream’s on my mind, I need to feel this sometimes

When the song ends the audience cheer. Joanna goes to sit down but this time she joins the plain girls having been betrayed by her former friends (frenemies).

Joanna

Do you mind if I join you, totally understand if not.

Jane

Please do Joanna.

Joanna

So Jane what was your suggestion?

Jane

Joanna that song you just did was great however when you sang Mon Amour on the bus that was another level. I think you should sing Mon Amour tonight.

Joanna

So that is your suggestion?

Jane

Yep. I really think you should.

Joanna

Jane there’s no way I can sing that song in public ever again. It’s too painful, more than ever now. You persuaded me to sing it then and it proved to be a mistake that I regret. A mistake I’m not prepared to make again.

July

I can understand that Joanna.

Jane

Me too but it’s such a shame as I think it would seal the deal.

Joanna

There’s absolutely no chance. End of story.

There’s a pause and awkward silence for around 30 seconds

Jane

Oh, Joanna, did you get round to writing a vocal for the song I gave you on tape.

Joanna

Yes I did work on In Retrospect.

July

And?

Joanna

It’s worked well and I’ll play it to you in the next few days.

Jane

How about, if you’re not going to do Mon Amour, you sing In Retrospect tonight?

Joanna

Are you crazy?

July

I agree with Jane that your talent lies more in those traditional, timeless songs rather than this synthesizer fad.

Joanna

Fad? Well you would say that as you’re out of touch with what’s going on. I bet you guys haven’t even heard of the Human League

Jane & the plain girls

Who?

Joanna

Well that reply proves my point. The record company is looking for a contemporary sound. That’s what we were signed for.

Look, I really like you all and I appreciate you being concerned and giving me advice but, and I hate to say this, Jas was right. You guys are very good at what you do but you’re not in touch with modern times. You sound and dress from a bygone era. So how the heck can I listen to any advice from you when you clearly don’t have a clue what a modern record company is looking for.

Jane and all the plain girls are hurt. Jane get’s up with a stoic look on her face. The rest of the plain girls follow suit and they all walkout leaving Joanna sat at the table on her own.

Joanna

Look I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be so harsh it’s just that…

She puts her head in her hands. She’s lost her boyfriend, she’s lost her cool friends. And now? She’s also lost her uncool but more sincere friends. She’s never felt so alone. And soon she’s going to be going on stage to try and win a recording contract and there isn’t a person in the house supporting her.

Jimmy

Can we please welcome back to the stage John and his backing singers

Audience applauds. John and the cool girls make their way up to the stage. Joanna cuts a very lonely figure in the audience.

Jasmine

This will be Johns second and final song of the night. What’s it called John?

John

This one is called ‘It’s not the same’

Jimmy

Take it away please John

John and co perform It’s not the same

It's not the same -6 Charlie

Verse 1

It’s not the same, I doubt if you considered what you’ve done
So who is to blame? I don’t suppose you see.
I tell you it’s not the same. Yesterday’s ideal has washed away.
And I’m not to blame. One day you’ll see the shame in what you’ve done

Chorus

It’s not the same. It’s not the same, I’m in doubt ahaha.
Don’t you know I told you so. You never believed me.
Unlike you , I speak the truth, I refuse to deceive you

Verse 2

It’s not the same, I don’t believe it’s worth it in the end.
You want to reach fame, but will you pay a price
I tell you it’s not the same. Yesterday’s ideal has washed away.
And I’m not to blame. One day you’ll see the shame in what you’ve done.

Chorus

It’s not the same. It’s not the same, I’m in doubt ahaha.
Don’t you know I told you so. You never believed me.
Unlike you , I speak the truth, I refuse to deceive you

Break

The shame in what you’ve done

Chorus

It’s not the same. It’s not the same, I’m in doubt ahaha.
Don’t you know I told you so. You never believed me.
Unlike you , I speak the truth, I refuse to deceive you

When they finish we see Juliet go near the reel to reel tape player and get busy with something but we can’t tell what as she has her back to the audience.

In the meantime Joanna is distracted watching John. She then get’s up making adjustments to the synthesizer ready for her next song. Juliet returns to the table where Jas (only her) is sat down already. As Juliet goes to sit down she drops something. Jas quickly reaches and picks it up.

Jas

A screwdriver? What are you doing with a screwdriver?

Juliet

Oh I had it on me cause I was helping my dad earlier.

Jas

You? Helping you dad with DIY? Yeah right…
Hold on a minute. I wondered what you were doing round the back of the set when the rest of us walked back? What were you up to with this in your hands?

Juliet

Nothing

Jas

Did you tamper with anything using this ?

Juliet looks embarrassed. She’s been rumbled.

Juliet

I’ve already said I did nothing.

This time Jas get’s angry

Jas

Don’t treat me like an idiot. What did you do Juliet?

Juliet

Well let’s just say I may have increased John’s chances of getting the contract.

Jas

That is so out of order.

Juliet

It is. I have a talent for intervening to get things done. You should know, if I hadn’t intervened to help fake your exam results you wouldn’t be on your way to University.

Jas

But that was us deceiving the system not deceiving our friend.

Juliet

Same end result. You go after what you want in life so you do whatever it takes.

Jas

Oh, so, you’re after John. Now I get it. All this stuff that you’ve lead us to believe that Joanna has been slagging us off and that she was saying that John’s got no talent, that only she’s the talented one is all created by you.

Juliet

I said I was an expert intervener.

Jas

You’ve ruined their relationship so that you can get him. I am disgusted. I’m going to…

Juliet

Hold it right there. If you still want to go to University you need to sit down and shut up. Do you really think the authorities will think that you’re an angel if I make sure the truth is out in the open?

Jas holds back.

Juliet

Well you might not be clever enough to go to Uni without a helping hand but you’re clever enough to know what’s good for you.

Jas says nothing. The lights dim with the spotlight on Jas. The rest of the cast are frozen in time. She performs Don’t hate me to the audience knowing that she’s challenged her own principles and feels guilty.

Don't hate me Pops Key 0, Mia +3

Verse 1

Reaching for right when I feel so wrong 
A heart full of hurt that's sinking ever deeper 
Am I in the right or am I all wrong I cannot decide and it isn't getting clearer 

Chorus 1

I'm reaching for the answers but they don't arrive,
I thought that I was clever but I don't know a thing 
Do I give up or do I strive for life
I can't work it out, but please 
Don't hate me, Bear with me, Don’t hate me, Please don’t hate me 

Verse 2

I want to be loved, yet I want to be strong 
I Cannot workout if that's a contradiction 
Should I play along, do as I'm told, keep my mouth shut,
no that is not the true me 

Chorus 2

I'm reaching for the answers but they don't arrive,
I thought that I was clever but I don't know a thing 
Do I give up or do I strive for life

 

Tell me

 

I'm reaching for the answers but they don't arrive,
I thought that I was clever but I don't know a thing 
Do I give up or do I strive for life, I can't work it out, but please 
Don't hate me, Bear with me, Don’t hate me, Please don’t hate me 

break

Reaching for right
when I feel so wrong 
My heart's full of hurt,
Don't hate me
Am I in the right
or am I all wrong
I cannot decide? 

Don't hate me
I want to be loved,
yet I want to be strong,
I’m so confused

Don't hate me
Should I play along,
do as I'm told,
and keep my mouth shut? 

Chorus 3

I'm reaching for the answers but they don't arrive,
I thought that I was clever but I don't know a thing 
Do I give up or do I strive for life,

 

Please tell me

 

I'm reaching for the answers but they don't arrive,
I thought that I was clever but I don't know a thing 
Do I give up or do I strive for life,

 

Please tell me

 

I'm reaching for the answers, they don't arrive,
I don't know a thing, Do I give up or do I strive for life
I can't work it out, but please
Don't hate me, Bear with me, Don’t hate me, Please don’t hate me

She’s frustrated but holds back and the rest of the cool girls arrive just in time for Joanna’s final performance.

Jimmy and Jasmine arrive at the stage

Jasmine

So we now come to the final performance of the night.

Jimmy

It’s getting very tense now as we will soon find out who has won the head to head.

Jasmine

Joanna can you tell us the name of the final song that you’re going to perform

Joanna

My final song is called Mine. It’s all about…

Actually the lyrics tell you all you need to know.

Jimmy

Well, let’s hear it now.

Joanna switches on the reel to reel player and goes to the synthesizer ready to play. The song starts and Joanna starts playing the lead to great effect. We see the plain girls walk back in and go and sit at their table. But there’s a big change. They’ve gone and got changed. New outfits. Make up. They look amazing.

Mine, -6 Ella, -3 Bella

Verse 1

I couldn’t understand the motive for you walking out
Please give me one good reason for your changed mind
My open arms to you remain despite me feeling blue
I can’t feel whole inside till, we join as two.

Chorus

So why why did you turn and walkaway,
I thought that we would be here to stay
I will not feel love till your mine

 

I look back to us and our golden times
Didn’t know our future was on the line
I will not feel love till your mine

Suddenly, straight after the first chorus, the reel to reel goes mental. We hear the backing go fast then slow, fast then slow continuously making the music sound horrendous, like Joanna doesn’t know what she’s doing.

Everyone is now laughing. Joanna feels totally humiliated.

She eventually gives up and switches the backing off completely. She knows it’s over. There’s nothing that can be done. She feels she’s now staring defeat in the face.

Joanna

Sorry everyone.
I don’t think tonight was meant to be for me.

She’s so distraught she sits on the ground with her face in her hands. Jas gets up to console her. The audience are horrified. Jane get’s up and goes to the old Piano in the corner and starts playing In Retrospect. July goes to an old Cajon drum in the corner and starts playing that. The rest of the plain girls get up and go to the microphones. Joanna looks up.

Jas

Do you know this song Joanna,
the one that Jane’s playing?

Joanna

Yes. But that’s not the song I’m meant to do. It’s finished for me Jas, I have to accept that.

Jas

Joanna, stop your wallowing. Get up and sing this song, sing your heart out. What difference does it make now. I know what you can do now get up and do it. You go girl and show everyone what you can do.

Joanna wipes her tears, get’s up and takes to the microphone and starts singing. This time not alone. This time with the not so plain girls supporting her.

In Retrospect Bella 0, Ella -2, Poppy -1

Verse 1

At times I find, the moments here again,
lost in pure pretence
and as we move to conversations end
I don’t want this to change

Chorus

Don’t want this to change

I refuse to believe we’re at an end, whatever you say,
It can’t change the way I feel today

Verse 2

and at times I find, we’ve lost ourselves again,
you say you feel ashamed, well I find this kind of strange,
what is this, some fashion parade?
OK, I’ll take the blame if you want me to
But I don’t want this to change

Chorus

Don’t want this to change

I refuse to believe we’re at an end, whatever you say,
It can’t change the way I feel today

Break

I’m losing out somehow, somehow I need these changes?
and I wanted to say but it’s hopeless anyway
and I’m losing the heart,
in retrospect I shouldn’t have ever believed in your love
in retrospect I have failed

Verse 3

Sunday went by, I left to go home through your way
I screamed just go to hell, I don’t need you anyway
oh my stupid ways, why did I have to go and tear my world apart
when I shouted on out in my crazy ways but I don’t want this to change

Chorus

Don’t want this to change

I refuse to believe we’re at an end, whatever you say,
It can’t change the way I feel today

I told you this before

that I love you so and I never want to let you down again
whatever you say it can’t change the way I feel today

When the performance ends there is much applause for what has been achieved. The plain girls and Joanna embrace. While they’re embracing the phone rings. Now this is an old fashioned phone from 1982. There were no mobile phones then. Jasmine goes and answers the phone. It has a very long chord and Jasmine brings it to John.

Jasmine

John it’s the record company. They want to speak to you.

John

Hello. - Yes it’s me. -

Really, thank you. Thank you so much.

Joanna sits there listening and concludes, as she expected that they’ve chosen John. Juliet is going wild cheering as are some of the other cool girls. Not Jas.

John

Oh, that’s amazing. You have made me the happiest person in the world right now.

As John carries on the conversation while Juliet and co stand nearby. Joanna speaks to Jane and the plain girls

Joanna

Well. He was brilliant tonight. Even though I’m pretty pissed of with my so called friends.

John deserves the contract.

Jane

Look, John’s coming over now.

July

Probably to gloat over his win.

As John approaches

Joanna

John. Well done. You were amazing tonight. And you deserve to get that contract.

John is holding his hand over the mouthpiece of the phone

John

Joanna. They said to me that I was amazing tonight, both the songs and the performance.

The plain girls are thinking “yeah alright, don’t rub it in”

John

They said they all agreed that in all their years in the industry no one had impressed them more.

Joanna

Well that’s because you’re amazing.

I mean that wholeheartedly.

John

That unfortunately they can only sign one person and that tonight I came up against someone that not only demonstrated the same level of talent to compete in the current music scene but to take it beyond and endure for many more years to come.

What I’m saying is…
…It’s you Joanna that they’re signing. Not me It’s you. Well done. The congratulations are yours.

Here, they want to speak to you.

Joanna looks utterly shocked as he hands the phone to her and walks away. Juliet runs to him and slips her arm into his trying to comfort him cynically using the moment to make a claim on him but he reacts by lifting his arms in the air to dispel that notion, because despite all that, she’s one that he isn’t and never was interested in in that way. In that moment, as he raises his arms she drops the screwdriver again and pathetically scrambles to pick it up again before anyone notices. No one notices except the audience.

Joanna is now covering the phone mouthpiece while she get’s over the shock. The plain girls go wonderfully wild in celebration hugging her. She then turns to them, in particular Jane.

Joanna

This is because of you, you know. This never would have happened if it wasn’t for you. I’m sorry for doubting you and for…

Jane

Joanna, stop right now and speak to them on the phone before they end up changing their minds.
Come on everyone let’s leave her to have the conversation that will change her life forever

Everyone except for Joanna walk off stage. Curtains close and We play the chords to ‘at last’ and do the curtain call.

 

 

The end.