SCENE 1: The Day after Yesterday at Café L'arté

We see Emily cleaning up before the shop opens and then sits at the piano and begins to play 'I miss you' to a photo of Tom. While she's performing she's unaware that Emily has walked in and has taken a seat and is listening to the performance. Unlike yesterday she's come in extra early today.

Go to 'I miss you' lyrics

When the performance ends

Robby

Wow. When did you write that one?

Emily

Last night. 

Robby

I thought you'd given up songwriting years ago after you lost Tom

Emily

I had

Robby

This is all down to that weirdo Joseph who turned up yesterday

Emily

Yep
And you know what, I ended up being awak all night. After not writing for so long, last night I wrote song after song after song.

As she says this Emily shows  Robby sheet after sheet of songs.

Emily

Once I realised I could do this on my own I couldn't put it down, flood gates truly open.

Now I'm dying to try these songs out with other performers. Would you be willing to do some singing for me today? 

Robby

When? After work?

Emily

No, we can do it here during the day.

Robby

What about customers?

Emily

Well if we've got the right people here we can entertain them

Robby

Wow Emily. I can't believe the change in you. There's no way you would have even entertained that before.

Emily

I know. Well You better get used to the new me. 

Robby

Easy. I like the new you.

Emily takes out two cards and starts writing them while Robby takes off her coat, puts on her apron while looking over Emily's shoulder.

Robby

Are those cards for the pinboard?

Emily

Yep

Robby

What are they for?

Emily

Well now I'm looking for a piano player and a drummer

Robby

You play the piano yourself though.

Emily spins around in dance during the following answer

Emily

Yes but I'm no Elton John. I like to free myself from the keyboard, stand up and perform.

Robby Laughs

Alfie walks in

Emily

Morning.

Emily looks up and recognises Alfie

Emily

Oh hello. How are you today?

Alfie

Well I'm actually the happiest I've been for a very long time

Emily

Me too. Seems yesterday had a big impact on so many people.

Alfie

You can say that again

Robby

What a difference a day makes

Emily

More like, 'what a difference an hour makes'

What are you having today?

Alfie

A two shot latte for me please.

Alfie notices the adverts on the notice board

Alfie

oh. You're looking for a drummer.

Emily

Yes, do you know one?

Alfie

Yes. Me actually. I've been looking to get back into it for a while. When do they need to start.

Emily

Well. Could be straight away.

Alfie

As in right this minute?

Alfie looks taken aback

Emily

Well in a bit we're going to be trying out a song. There's a cajon over these so if you're up for it you can join in.

Alfie

Cool. Let me know

Laura and Dad walk in while Alfie stands there and Emily is turned making the coffee.

Laura

Oh Dad I've got something really important to tell you

Dad

Laura I've already giving you my blessing on pursuing your chosen path, please let's not go through that again I'm stressed enough as...

Laura

No it's not that

Dad

Oh, intruiging. Tell me after I've got these drinks. Do you want to go and find us a table?

Laura

Ok. 

Laura finds a table and immediately gets out her phone and starts checking messages and social media

Emily turns round with the coffee for Alfie while Dad waits in the queue

Emily

Looks like Julia's broken up with Karl then after the drama yesterday. How is she.

Alfie

A little shaken up however she's got something to take her mind off of that. She's taking her students to the community centre this morning for choir practice ready for a public demo that she's organised tonight.

Robby

A demo?

Alfie

Yeah, it's against the councils decision to shut down funding for her performing arts club. They decided that the money will be better spent teaching our local young ones extra maths.

Robby

What?

Alfie

Exactly. So she's gathered a crowd and a choir to perform Freedom by George Michael in protest.

Robby

Good on her. Let's hope it rouses the public and that the council listens. 

She turns to the Dad with the familiarity of having seen him the previous day

Alfie goes and sits down.

Robby

Hello. How are you? 

Dad

I'm well thanks

Robby

Sorry to ask but I heard the argument between you and your daughter yesterday, is everything ok now?

Emily is shocked hearing Robby ask this question

Emily

Robby, talk about me changing. You shouldn't be prying into peoples private affairs.

Dad

Really it's alright. It's actually nice to have someone to talk to about such matters without it being judgemental family.
And yes we're ok.  It's just that her anouncement of wanting to pursue a career in the arts fills me with dread.

Robby

Is it  because you think it's a really unpredictable career, one where only a small percentage of people have astonomical success while most struggle to even make a living?

Dad

Oh wow, how well put. Yes, but it actually goes even deeper than that for me.

He draws closer and whispers (loudly 😂) 

You see Laura's Mum was an actress and singer who walked out on us when Laura was just two years old. Not only did I lose my partner and my daughter's mum but I was her pianist so I also lost my income.

Emily's ears prick up on hearing this

Emily

You're a pianist?

Dad

Was

Emily

So you can play off of a sheet of music?

Dad

Could

Emily

Are you interested in playing my songs?

Dad

Absolutely not.
Would have been...

...years ago...

...not anymore. 

Emily points to the advert on the noticeboard

Dad

Oh, no no. There's no way I'm ever going to hit a piano key again

Emily

Surely you haven't lost your ability?

Robby

Emily, before you interrupted the chap was telling me...

Dad

Actually, what I was telling you will answer both your questions. After she left I couldn't make enough money from playing the piano, I hit a real low point of feeling shame and inadequacy, one for not being able to provide for my own daughter and two for not being good enough for my ex. So I promised I would never play a single note again and I went and chose a proper profession. One that I could provide for my daughter for. And I have to say that my anger for my ex is such that, not only do I never want to see her again, but hearing that Laura wants to follow in her footsteps ...
...well, need I say more?

Robby

Oh dear. That's a lot to process.

Emily

Amazing though that Laura gravitates to the same

Robby

Emily?

Emily

Oops

Dad

Anyway, changing subject. i couldn't get over that idiot you had in here yesterday.

Robby

What idiot?

Dad

You know, the one who claimed to be a pyschic songwriter  'heal people's issues through song'. What a load of rubbish. People like that really get on my...

Emily

Actually Joseph was a lovely man who had a profound effect on us.

Dad

Well you've changed your tune. If I recall you told him straight that you thought his claim was a load of nonsense.

Emily

You're right I did. But I didn't feel the same way after.

Dad looks away and mutters while shaking his head

Dad

You're so gullable.

Emily

I beg your pardon?

He turns back and nervously says

Dad

I said you're so lovable

Emily looks at him with a weird look and replies in an anoyed tone

Emily

and you're ful off...

Robby

Emily

Emily

Pride it would seem

Dad

Are you saying I'm miserable?

Emily

Would that be reasonable?

Dad

I gues it's applicable

Emily

Well it is sooo noticebale

Dad

You're unstoppable

Emily

Stop, like now.

Dad replies with a degree of embarrassment

Dad

Ummmmmh, well, I better get this mocha over to my daughter

Dad walks over and sits with Laura

Dad

So what was it you were going to tell me

Laura

Mum's been in touch and wants to meet me

Dad spits out some of his coffee

Laura

Dad you can't stop me meeting her

The dad is trying to keep his voice down but due to his anger he's not doing this very well

Dad

Do you realise this is the woman who abandoned you?
The same woman who hasn't lifted a finger to help you all this time?
Who hasn't even checked in to see if you're ok all these years?
And suddenly she wants to turn up and be part of your life???
What is she after. Money?

Laura

Dad I know. I know all of that and I know that you've been the one who's been there for me.
I know about the sacrifices you've made for me.

Dad

Well if you truly know all of that why the heck would you agree to see her. She doesn't deserve to have you in your life.

Laura

Dad please. I know that that's all true. But I can't help it I want to see her.

Dad's so upset. His hands go up to his head. Laura get's up. Puts her arm around him.

Laura

Dad please. Please try to understand.

Suddenly he get's up and put's his coat on.

Laura

Dad where are you going?

Dad

I need some time on my own to process this. Have you set up a meeting?

Laura

Yes.

Dad

When?

Laura

Errrr. Now?

Dad

Now? Now? When you say now, what do you mean exactly?

Laura

I was hoping we could all meet

Dad has got a look of incredulity on his face which turns into a sudden realisation. He looks out of the window

Dad

Oh my gogaloochi. That's her coming now.

Dad

There's no way of avoiding her from the front door.

He turns to Robby and Emily

Dad

Excuse me, can I go out of the back please, it's an emergency.

Emily

There is no back way

Dad

She's getting closer, please, is there somewhere I can hide?

Emily

There is nowhere to hide and anyway, after your rudeness I'm not sure I would want to help you anyway.

Robby

I've got an idea

Emily looks disapovingly at Robby. Robby gives her a knowing look suggesting she has a clever plan up her sleave.

Robby grabs her pantmime horse's head

Robby

quick put this on and go and sit at the piano

Dad

But she'll wonder why a man with a horses head is sat there.

Robby

Have you got a better idea?

Robby points to the door

Robby

She's just about to walk in.

Reluctantly he grabs the horses head off of Robby and puts it on & sits at the piano .

Jean, Laura's mum, walks in and looks around and spots Laura and goes over and they just stand there for a bit. They just stare at each other then suddenly embrace with tears streaming down their faces. Dad looks on sat at the piano.
After a very long speechless time with everyone looking on Laura finally breaks the silence

Laura

Mum, say something please

Jean

Errrrr, Laura, why is there a man with a horses head sat at the piano?

Laura

What? First time I see you since i was two and....

Robby

Don't worry he's a musician and actor for the pantomime we're currently working on. We're rehearsing you see. Go on Pinolino. Give the lady a wave.

The Pantomime horse doesn't respond so Emily tells him off in a very patronising way

Laura is still standing incredulous at her mum

Emily

Pinolino if you don't wave, you know you will be punished.

Pino waves back ecstatically.

Jean

What's the Pantomime?

Emily

It's called 'Shoe Dunnit'.

Jean

I've never heard of it.

Emily

It's an original piece set at a wedding.

Jean

Oooh, sounds good. Do we get to hear any songs from it?

Emily takes out a music sheet out of her bag and places it at the Piano for the Dad.

Emily

Pinolino could you please play that song for me, a one, a two, a one two three four.

Robby and Emily sing Shoe Dunnit with Dad on the piano

everyone in the shop applaud

Jean

Sounds good. Look forward to seeing that.

Jean turns back to Laura. They sit down.

Jean

Laura, so sorry. I'm overwhelmed with the situation. Thank you so much for agreeing to see me. 

Laura

Why did you walk out on us?

Jean

Wow. Get straight to the point why don't you?

Laura

I think I've got every right...

Jean

You do. I'm sorry. It's very complicated I'm afraid.

Laura

Really? To me it seems very simple. You walked out leaving dad and me to struggle.

We see Dad wave a fist up in pride at Laura challenging her mum. While he does so Emily had dropped another song sheet in front of him.

Jean

Well, allow me to try and explain.

Before she has a chance to talk further music. starts playing again and Robby and Emily start singing 'set me free'

Set me free

VERSE 1

Did you hear, Jean has come back home, telling stories of love and what she has done
She said, she’s seen the world, diverse people and dreams,
things she never though could exist, the adventures she had, some were good
some were bad, and the beautiful people she kissed.

BRIDGE

i look in her eyes that have fallen, and I know that there’s something there
she won’t share, let it free

CHORUS

(you won’t ever love again) so set her free
(You’ve seen love around the world) but not in she
(so I’m holding out my hand) you can’t reach her
(I have wanted you to know you were the one that set me free)
but she's not free

VERSE 2

Will I find, my own peace of mind, was I running away
from something left behind,
couldn’t take anymore, so I left thru the door labelled leave all my troubles behind
But in time I had found that those troubles are bound on the inside of us
not outside 

BRIDGE

If you look in my eyes they have fallen, and I know that there’s something there
I won’t share, set me free

CHORUS

(you won’t ever love again) so set me free
(You’ve seen love around the world) but not in me
(so I’m holding out my hand) you can’t reach me
(I have wanted you to know you were the one that set me free)

(you won’t ever love again) so set me free
(You’ve seen love around the world) but not in me
(so I’m holding out my hand) you can’t reach me
(I have wanted you to know you were the one that set me free)
but I’m not free

Jean and Laura are exhausted. Jean turns to Emily

Jean

Bloody hell, that really got our emotions out

Laura

You can say that again.

Jean

I actually found that so healing

Laura

Me too. And it speeded up everything. What might have taken days, weeks or even years I feel I understand you now. I may not agree with what you did but at least I can now see it from your vulnerabilty.

Jean turns to Emily

Jean

You wrote that song?

Emily

Yes last night

Jean

How did you know all that info?

Emily

I don't know, the words and music just came out.

Jean

Are you psychic?

Robby

That's what I'm thinking. Emily, I think you have become the very thing that Joseph claimed to be.

We see Dad shake his head in disbelief

Emily turns to Robby and speaks just to her

Emily

This is scary. Robby you may be right. But also, how did you guys know the vocal tune. I didn't teach that to any of you. How did you know? Robby, how did you know the tune to She Dunnit earlier?

Robby

I don't know. I can't explain any of it. All I know is that something has happened to you since yesterday and you can now do what no one should be able to do.

We see Julia come in looking stressed. She walks straight over to Alfie, sits down and put her head in her hands

Alfie

Julia, what's up

Julia

It's all fallen apart

Alfie

What has?

Julia

First we were blocked from using the community centre having been told previously that we could, then when we decided to practice outside and we were told that we were banned from performing 'Freedom' by PRS.

Alfie

What you going to do?

Julia

I don't have a clue. The choir are outside waiting for me to make a decision. They're looking to me for leadership and I'm a pathetic joke. I feel I've gone into battle with a wax gun that's meltin as I hold it.

Alfie

You're going to let them win?

Julia nods

Alfie

You allowed yourself to be silenced in an abusive relationship for so long but, found the strength to shout out and win and now, with this, you're going to allow yourself to be silenced?

Emily has been listening and approaches Julia

Emily

Your choir. Bring them in. They can perform here and now.

Julia

You sure?

Emily

Yep

Julia

But we've got nothing to sing

Emily

Oh yes you do

Julia looks puzzled but goes out to call the choir. Robby approaches Emily

Robby

Are you going to project another song?

Emily

Yep

Robby

To a whole flippin choir?

Emily

Mad I know. I'm going to sink or swim. Get ready to find out which

Emily gives another music sheet to the dad while the choir walk in and line up in a formation. They play silenced. Karl walks in

Julia walks back in but backwards with a worried look on her face. Karl walks in.

Karl

I need to speak to you Julia

Alfie gets up defensively & confronts Karl

Karl

I'm not here to cause trouble. I just need to sing something. Sing? I mean say

Julia

It's alright Alfie let me hear what he has to say

Karl tries to talk but it keeps coming out as singing

 

Thorn in my side -3 Elisa

Karl Julia

Verse 1

Walking in the rain as a train passes by

No one will notice my pain as I cry
More than a thought goes through my mind as I try to understand, what’s pulling me down

Bridge

I can feel that my heart takes control of my mind

Chorus

Despite what I've done I feel love
It’s getting me down but this love
It grows on and on and on
Like a thorn in my side

Verse 2

Last night I mentioned these thoughts to a friend
I was a frightened away by the things that he said
Well It’s easy to talk when you’re not the one
Facing the torment inside
That’s pulling you down

Bridge

I can feel that my heart takes control of my mind

Chorus

Despite what I've done I feel love
It’s getting me down but this love
It grows on and on and on
Like a thorn in my...

Break

Side hurting me.
And nothing will break it free
You were the one or so I thought
Perhaps It was not to be?
Was I so wrong,
That you were gone before I could make it be?
now I face life in this place
Where I do not want to be

Can’t take it, can’t fake it
It’s turned my world from up to down
I held on, you let go
And I have fallen to the ground

Bridge

I can feel that my heart takes control of my mind

Chorus

Despite what you’ve done I feel love
It’s getting me down but this love
It grows on and on and on
Like a thorn in my side