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SCENE 1: Café L'arté 2 - Shoe Dunnit

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, is listening to the performance and find herself joining in with a harmony. 

I miss you Elisa -3

verse 1
I'm angry at you, I don't know what to do
you left me here without you by my side
can't recover my stride
left me to walk into...
chorus
...life on my own can't consider this home
it's testing today just like all...
...all of my days
 
I could cry
I could fall apart
I miss you
I miss you
I...
verse 2
...need you to know, that you made me whole,
that without you I'm less than half what I was
maybe it is because, 
I'm nothing without your strong belief in me
You'd see things I couldn't see
Go out on a limb and take me from my comfort zone
You were prone to throw me in the deep but...
I miss you
Break
I miss you
I'm blue
and I fight with every demon inside
But I hide, cause of pride, the hurt that tears me apart
So I smile, Cheer friends up, half full cup
Nothing prepared me for this cruel time

I miss you
I miss you

When the performance ends

Robby

Wow. When did you write that one?

Emily

Last night. 

Robby

So having given up years ago you've now written loads in a day

Emily

Yep
I was awake all night. Writing song after song after song.

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

Robby

This is all down to that psychic songwriter Joseph who turned up yesterday

Emily

He gave me the confidence that I can still write songs, now the flood gates are truly open.

I want to try these songs out with other performers. 

Robby

After work?

Emily

No, during work.

Robby

What about customers?

Emily

Well if we've got the right customers in they can join in.

Robby

Wow Emily. I can't believe the change in 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

I've got one to put up too. What's yours 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. What are you posting up?

Robby Laughs

Robby

My best pair of shoes got stolen last night so I'm appealing for their return. 

Emily

What? How?

Robby

Embarrasing. They were a bit smelly so I decided to leave them on my window sill overnight so they wouldn't stink my room out.

Emily looks in disbelief and shakes her head

Robby

Well, this morning I went to get them and I find a different pair in their place. Mine were unique with a penguin design on the side so if I put a photo up someone might have some information on who dunnit.

Emily

Don't you mean 'Shoe Dunnit'?

Emily laughs at her own joke. But Robby is not amused

Emily

You won't believe this Roby but one of the songs I wrote last night is called exactly that, Shoe Dunnit about someone getting their shoes stolen.

Robby

Weird.

Emily

Says you, carrying around your pantomime horses head.

Robby

Oh don't mock me about it. Joseph influenced me too, he made me realise that I should be very proud of my passion for panto

Emily replies in a manner that suggests she's come out with something extremely funny

Emily

Oh no you shouldn't.

Robby looks at her very unimpressed then pauses for thought

Robby

Hold on a minute Emily...

Emily goes to the piano

Emily

Don't say a thing Robby. Sing to me how you feel right now

and starts playing

They perform The Life beneath my feet

 

The Life beneath my feet Genna -3

verse 1
I feel in doubt, 
It's all about, my favourite shoes, I'm lost without
I think I know
She thinks she knows
Who stole my shoes?
I didn't steal her shoes
I have the blues
She left them outside
I need to find
It's all her fault
Chorus
who could it be?
Who felt within their rights?
to tear the life away beneath my feet
 
Verse 2
So now they're gone, I sing this song
To tell the world about my plight
I will not rest,
She will not rest
till they are found,
But they did stink
until that time,
They really did stink
We solve this crime
I could smell them all the time
Chorus
who could it be?
Who felt within their rights?
to tear the life away beneath my feet

Alfie walks in

Alfie

Good morning.

Emily

Morning.

Robby immediately looks at Alfie's shoes. Alfie looks at her funny.

Emily looks up and recognises Alfie

Emily

Oh hello. How are you today?

Alfie

The happiest I've been for a very long time

Emily

Seems yesterday had a big impact on many.

Alfie

You can say that again

Robby

What a difference a day makes

Emily

What a difference an hour makes
What are you having today?

Alfie

A latté 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

Me actually. I've been looking to get back into it for a while. When do you need one?

Emily

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 songs. There's a cajon over these so feel free to join in.

Alfie

Cool

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 rehearsal 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 young EXTRA MATHS.

Davina walks in

Robby

What? We need more things that bring young people together working as one, not less. Maths isn't going to do that.

Alfie

Exactly. So she's gathered 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 Davina

Robby

Hi Davina. Are you feeling much better today

Davina

Definetly

Robby

Is everything alright between you and Antonio now? 

Davina

Yes. He's convinced me I've got nothing to worry about. Me and my inferiority complex.

Emily

That's wonderful

Davina

Except there is a little issue

Robby

What is it?

Davina

He is the most wonderful person in the world, he really is, but he never stops talking. Lovely though he is, my ears occasionally need a rest.

Robby

Have you told him.  

Davina

I can't. I haven't got the courage to, and you know what I'm like, I'm scared that I'd frighten him off.

Emily goes into thinking mose

Emily

Davina. Would you allow me to help?

Davina

How are you going to help?

Emily

Via music. It allows you to communicate without the person getting upset.

Davina

Really?

Robby

Oh here we go again

Emily

Though it is a little experimental at this stage. Take a seat and shut your eyes please.

Emily starts doing a strange ritual around Davina using her hands.

Robby

What the heck are you doing?

Emily

I'm transmitting the musical code straight into Davina's mind.

Robby

Oh lord help us.

Just then Antonio comes in

Antonio

Oh Davina, there you are. I wondered where you were. You know I've been looking for you everywhere. Your mum said you'd gone to work but I said, I doubt it, she told me she's got a day off today and she said, oh I didn't know about that, and I turned and said...

Emily started doing the movements around Antonio

Antonio

Oh Emily, what are you doing, some form of Karate? You know I used to to Kung Fu when I was young and I...

Davina gets up and says

Davina

Antonio sit down a moment please

Emily runs to the piano and starts playing CHATTERBOX

Alfie realises a little through the song that this is her moment , goes to the cajon and starts playing

Chatterbox +6

Davina Antonio

Verse 1
Remember that time when I phoned you
to make you fully aware
it took you an hour to realise
that I was gone
Bridge
So please listen now
I need you to... 
Say no more I'm more than sure of what you're going to say
I try so hard to fill the gaps the truth is I'm afraid 


Chorus
Chatterbox, won’t you stop,
oh for crying out loud, could I say, just one word,
oh for crying out loud, oh for crying out loud, hear me out
Verse 2
Now hundreds of times I have told you
but you don’t seem to have changed
if you were in the olympics
they’d test you for drugs
Bridge
So please listen now
I need you to... 
Say no more I'm more than sure of what you're going to say
I try so hard to fill the gaps the truth is I'm afraid 
Chorus
Chatterbox, won’t you stop,
oh for crying out loud, could I say, just one word,
oh for crying out loud, oh for crying out loud, hear me out
Break
So what were you thinking
when you realised I’d gone?
That I don't have a clue and all I say is wrong
Antonio you're the best when you're true to yourself
So try and make peace with you and let go of the rest? 
Bridge
Say no more I'm more than sure of what you're going to say
I try so hard to fill the gaps the truth is I'm afraid 
Chorus
Chatterbox, won’t you stop,
oh for crying out loud, could I say, just one word,
oh for crying out loud,
Chatterbox, won’t you stop,
oh for crying out loud, could I say, just one word,
oh for crying out loud,
oh for crying out loud,
oh for crying out loud,
hear me out

When the song finishes

Antonio

Davina, I'm so sorry. I'm actually very socially uncomfortable and terrified of gaps in convers...

Davina does the shush sign (index finger to her lips) grabs his hand  and they walk out together both looking happy

Robby

Emily? How did you get them to sing, and how did they know all the words? I don't understand?

Emily

I'm not sure. All I know is that I proved I can do it. 

Emily goes to get some milk and leaves Robby to serve

Laura and Steven/Dad walk in.

Laura

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

Steven/Dad

Laura I've already given 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

Steven/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
Alfie goes and sits down.

Robby

How are you? 

Steven/Dad

I'm well thanks. 

He looks down at the shoe poster.

Steven/Dad

What's that about the stolen shoes?

Robby

My best shoes, they got stolen last night. 

Steven/Dad

Any clues?

Robby tries to wisper.

Robby

Emily wrote a song called Shoe Dunnit last night.
That makes her a suspect to me

Robby

Oops, here she comes.
Sorry to ask but I heard the conversation 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.

Steven/Dad

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

Robby

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

Steven/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?

Steven/Dad

Was

Emily

So you can play off of a sheet of music?

Steven/Dad

Could

Emily

Are you interested in playing my songs?

Steven/Dad

Absolutely not. No offence.
I Would have been...

...years ago...

...not anymore. 

Emily points to the advert on the noticeboard

Steven/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...

Steven/Dad

Actually, what I was telling you will answer both your questions. Jean was the love of my life.
After she left I kept expecting her to come walking back in. While I waited  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, I felt sure that Jean had fallen out of love with me. 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.

After a while my emotion of missing her turned to anger. Not only do I never want to see Jean again, but hearing that Laura wants to follow in her footsteps ...
...well, need I say more?

Robby

That's a lot to process.

Emily

Seems Laura has Jeans Genes

Emily laughs and what she believes is her comic brilliance. Steven/Dad looks horrified at what Emily has just said and shakes his head

Emily

Did I say something wrong?

Steven/Dad looks even more horrified and Emily tried to get out of it by offering are more articulate version. It doesn't work.

Emily

Jeans Chromasomes?

Steven/Dad shakes his head

Emily

I'm making this worse aren't I?

Steven/Dad nods

Steven/Dad

Anyway, let's change the subject. i couldn't get over that idiot you had in here yesterday.

Robby

Which idiot?

Steven/Dad

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

Emily

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

Steven/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 changed my mind.

Steven/Dad looks away and mutters while shaking his head

Steven/Dad

So gullable.

Emily

I beg your pardon?

He turns back and nervously says

Steven/Dad

I said so lovable

Emily looks at him with a squinty eyed annoyed look

Emily

Well that's improbable

Steven/Dad

That you're lovable?

Emily shakes her head

Emily

That you think I'm lovable?

Steven/Dad

I think you think I'm horrible

Emily

Well it's feasible
But you're a customer so that's not revealable

Robby

err, enoughable

Steven/Dad

That's not even a word

Emily

No but she's right. 

Steven/Dad

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

Steven/Dad walks over and sits with Laura

Steven/Dad

So what was it you were going to tell me

Laura

Mum's been in touch and wants to meet me

Steven/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

Steven/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???

Laura

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

Steven/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 her life.

Laura

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

Steven/Dad

I bet she's after Money?

Steven/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?

Steven/Dad

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

Laura

Yes.

Steven/Dad

When?

Laura

Errrr. Now?

Steven/Dad

Now? Now? What exactly do you mean when you say, now?

Laura

I was hoping we could all meet. Here at Café L'Arté and now

Laura has a look of 'pleeease' on her face
Steven/Dad has got a look of incredulity on his face which turns into a sudden realisation. He looks out of the window

Steven/Dad

Oh my gogaloochi. That's her coming now.
There's no way of avoiding her.

He turns to Robby and Emily

Steven/Dad

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

Emily

There is no back way

Steven/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 sleeve.

Robby grabs her pantmime horse's head

Robby

Quick put this on and go and sit at the piano

Steven/Dad

Are you out of your mind?

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. Steven/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 for the pantomime we're currently working on. We're rehearsing you see. 

Jean

Oh I love pantomimes

Robby

Go on Donkey. Give the lady a wave.

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

Emily

Donkey if you don't wave, it'll be off with your head.

Donkey waves back ecstatically.
Laura is still standing incredulous at her mum

Jean

What's the Pantomime?

Robby again has to think on her feet

Robby

Errr It's called, um 'Shoe Dunnit'.

Jean

oh, I've never heard of it.

Emily

It's a new one. A who Dunnit based on a true story

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 Steven/Dad.

Emily

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

Robby and Emily sing Shoe Dunnit with Steven/Dad on the piano. Alfie realises it's the moment to try the cajon

everyone in the shop applaud

Shoe Dunnit

Verse/Chorus/ending
Shoe dunnit
My favourite pair
Left them out for air
Somebody came and stole my precious shoes

Jean

Sounds good. Look forward to seeing it.

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's very simple. You walked out leaving Dad and me to struggle.

We see Steven/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 I don't know how I'll explain this but I'll give it a try. I...

Before she has a chance to talk further music. Steven/Dad starts playing again and Robby and Emily start singing 'set me free'. Jean is looking around to see what's interupted her.

Set me free -6

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 thought 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
(she has never loved again) cause she's not free
(She's been all around the world) in hide and seek
(she's holding out her hand) to reach for him
(She just wants you to know you are the one to set her free)
cause 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 me 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
cause I have never loved again so set me free
I've seen love around the world but not in me
So I’m holding out my hand to reach for him
I need him to know he is the one to set me free
cause I’m not free
Laura
Why did you run, why did you leave, why did you take an age to come back
Jean
I couldn't see the wood for the trees. I know I am a total scumbag
Laura
You can say that again, and I mean to offend you deserve to be cast away from our lives
Jean
Wait just a sec, let me explain the troubles I had, meant I was broken
Laura
You want me to wait well I have been waiting, and waiting and waiting for you to come back to me
Jean
I wouldn't blame you if you were tell me to take a long journey to hell and start burning 

But please, Laura hear my words
let's sing
both
for that second chance to start earning, the love we've been yearning, and things will start turning, through our mutual learning
Please

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. What might have taken days, weeks maybe even years has taken moments. I may not agree with what you did but I now feel I understand you.

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 to me.

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 Steven/Dad shake his head in disbelief

Robby

Emily I can't explain any of this. 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 puts 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 joke

Alfie

You're going to let the council win?

Julia nods

Alfie

You allowed yourself to be silenced in your relationship with Karl for so long then found the strength to leave, but 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 practice here and now.

Julia

You sure?

Emily

Yep

Julia

But we don't have a song to sing

Emily

You do now

Emily hands her a song sheet. Julia looks puzzled but head 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

Just as Julia is about to walk out of the door we see her walk backwards and look in shock as Karl walks in.
Robby steps forwards

Robby

You're going to have to leave. 

Karl

I swear I won't give you any trouble I just need to say something to Julia

We see Emily bring another song sheet to Steven/Dad.

Julia

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

Alfie steps back

Karl

Yesterday I decided to leave town, start again, get on a train and go as far away as I can. But I kept thinking, You and I had something so special. I need to ask for your forgiveness and see if, perhaps, there's a chance we can start again.

speak to me Julia please

Thorn in my side Charlie/Eden -1
-3 Elisa

Karl Julia

Verse 1
There once was a time when our world was sublime
I wish that those days would have lasted all time
But you became someone I didn't recognise, you took the person I was and tore her apart
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
Verse 2
Last night I mentioned my 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 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...
Break
Side hurting me.
And nothing will break it free
You were the one or so I thought
 it was not to be?
Was I so wrong,
That you were gone before I could make it be?
Yeah you were wrong, and so lost
but you have to understand

I turned it, then burnt it
you turned our world from up to down
Just one chance, to heal us
If not I'll leave this frikkin town

Karl

So you do still love me Julia?

Julia

Karl I fell in love with a version of you that I don't think exists any more. I'm heartbroken but not for the person you have become, the person you were.

Karl

I can be that person again

Julia

What, for 5 minutes every now and then?

Karl

Well give me that chance.

Julia approaches Alfie

Julia

It's too late for that Karl.

Karl, nods, walks to the door, looks back and then leaves

Bridge
I can feel that my heart takes control of my mind
Chorus
Despite what he's done I feel love
It’s getting me down but this love
It grows on and on and on
In my mind
Despite what he's 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

Alfie goes and hugs Julia. She has just proven her strength to herself and to the others, and now she's ready again to take on the council

Alfie

How you feeling?

Julia

Fine, I just need to move on, Let's do that protest song Emily please, can we have the words?

Emily gives another music sheet to the Steven/Dad while Julia calls in the choir from outside who walk in and line up in a formation. They play silenced to much applause

Silenced

Verse 1
See things through the eyes of a child 
one moment 
Listen to the words I must say 
Please hear me
Arts are being labelled as not important
I respectfully disagree 

Bridge
I was born to sing

I was born to dance

I was born, I feel, to bring you story

Don’t hold back, shout it out

Let’s unite and tell the world
Chorus
The Arts must not be silenced

The Arts must not be silenced
Verse 2
Imagine waking to a new kind of silence

Everything you see comes to you through your screen,

Actors, and musicians all but departed.

Comedians & singers denied

Bridge 2
But they were born to sing
They were born to dance

They were born, I feel, to bring you story

Don’t hold back, shout it out

Let’s unite and tell the world

Chorus
The Arts must not be silenced

The Arts must not be silenced
Break
I fear a world, where no one performs live, all performances you see are on a screen
It’s been implied, the arts are not required, that there’s more important ways to spend our time 
And yet you'll see, in history that all the greatest empires would unite the people through performing arts
arts bring us together, working as one entity, all of us with one big beating heart.
Chorus
The Arts must not be silenced
The Arts must not be silenced
The Arts must not be silenced
Everybody you’ve go to tell the world
The Arts must not be silenced
Don’t let them pull the rug from us

The Arts must not be silenced
It’s the thing that makes us feel alive

The Arts must not be silenced
We’ll end up yearning for the past

The Arts must not be silenced
Don’t take away our beating arts

The Arts must not be silenced
Music unites like nothing else

The Arts must not be silenced
Don’t let this silence engulf us

The Arts must not be silenced
Unite to bring it back to us

The Arts must not be silenced

At the end they're all cheering and high fiving when we suddenly see Steven/Dad get up,

Alfie

Guys that was brilliant. You now have the song, it's original so PRS can't stop you. Why don't you peform it to the town council, film it and post it up to drum up support. I'm sure it will go viral.

We see Steven walk out from behind the piano complete with horses head, walk over and point to Jeans feet.

Steven/Dad

Robby, I have found your shoe thief. Your shoe's are  on the feet of this lady

Robby is shocked

Robby

it was you?

Jean

I'm sorry, but yes it was me.

Robby shakes her head. Jean takes the shoe's off and offers them back to a shocked Robby

Steven/Dad

I knew it, I knew it, see Laura I told you so. She's after money, she hasn't even got enough to buy herself a pair of shoes that's why she's come to us now

Robby

I doubt if it was to do with money, the shoe's she left in their place were brand new Louis Vuitton one's worth a fortune.

Laura

Is that right mum?

Jean

Yes

Laura

I don't understand

Jean

At this stage I wanted to hide that I'm very wealthy. But I realised that I still had my Louis Vuitton's on so when I saw those shoe's on the window sill I saw it as an exchange rather than a theft.
Anyway, now it's me who doesn't understand.

She walks over to Steven/Dad slowly and pulls off his horses head. She's even more shocked and has to sit down

Laura

Dad say something

Steven shakes his head

Steven has turned his head away and is saying nothing. Emily hands him a songsheet

Emily

Well if you won't talk your feelings to her, play this song

He plays and sings

Don't Make Me Laugh

Verse 1
Please don't tease me
It's not easy, to look you in the eye
and ask you why you're here
cause I've missed you
and I wish to
tell you I was wrong
It's too late for that now
Chorus
Your leaving was easy, the ones you left behind shed the true tears
Yet I still loved you, love is oh so blind
Then please will you listen, to help you understand why I am here
You think that's helpful?, Oh Jean don't make me laugh
Verse 2
Left me helpless
I was selfless
I raised her on my own
Now I don't need your tears
Yes I failed you
went against you
but give me one more chance
It's too late for that now
Break
Yeah I missed you, and I wish you'd 
walked back through that door
But that was then not now
Chorus
Your leaving was easy, the ones you left behind shed the true tears
Yet I still loved you, love is oh so blind
Then please will you listen, to help you understand why I am here
You think that's helpful?, Oh Jean don't make me laugh
Chorus
Your leaving was easy, the ones you left behind shed the true tears
Yet I still loved you, love is oh so blind
Then please will you listen, to help you understand why I am here
You think that's helpful?, Oh Jean don't make me laugh

Jean

I don't blame you Steve. I abandoned both of you, it's best that I go. Sorry Laura

Jean starts gathering her things

Robby

Oops. That didn't work this time. What we gonna do Emily?

Emily

Another song

Emily brings another song sheet to Steven

Emily

This is one for Jean. Play it please

Dad

Why would I even do that?

Laura

Because I'm asking you to Dad

Jean is walking out of the shop

Dad

Laura, you've got to accept that in life, nothing stays the same

Laura

Dad if you don't play that song I walking out right now with mum

He shakes his head but starts playing just as Jean is at the door. As she hears the chords she finds herself singing

Nothing Stays the Same -2

Verse 1

Do you still remember
How you made me smile?
I was so in love
but you would run a mile
eventually you noticed
and you've never let me down
actually it's me who
took our love and tore it down

Chorus

Cause I, thought I lived a lie
decided to take flight
in time I learned that I
already had it all
but now i'm in freefall
still in the end
nothing stays the same 

Verse 2

I know it's not been easy
I know I took the mick
But I'll ask for your forgiveness
though I'm a hypocrite
We started something great and
I'd like to see us try again
Please don't say it's hopeless
cause you're the only man I've loved

Chorus

Cause I, thought I lived a lie
decided to take flight
in time I learned that I
already had it all
but now i'm in freefall
still in the end
nothing stays the same 

Break

Hear my prayer
Give me time
to rewind
everything

Hear my prayer
hear her prayer
Give me time
give her time
to rewind
to rewind
everything

Hear my prayer
hear her prayer
Give me time
give her time
to rewind
to rewind
everything

Chorus

Cause I, thought I lived a lie
decided to take flight
in time I learned that I
already had it all
but now i'm in freefall
still in the end
nothing stays the same 

you see I, thought I lived a lie
decided to take flight
in time I learned that I
already had it all
but now i'm in freefall
still in the end,
Nothing stays the same

Steve walks out from behind the piano and approaches Jean. She walks torwards him. Laura, looks over all excited in anticipation of a reunion. But suddenly.

Steven

No no no. What am I thinking. No way. I've had enough. I'm out of here.

He puts on his coat and walks out.

Jean

Laura, I better go. I came in hope but I've only caused trouble.

She walks out

Laura

But mum.

Laura sits down upset.

Laura

This is all my fault.

Steven walks back in. Robby is holding his hat.

Robby

Looking for this?

Dad/ Stephen

Yes

Laura

Dad she's gone

Dad/ Stephen

Laura it's for the best

Laura sits down, head in her hands upset

Emily

Laura have you got something to say?

Laura

More than you could know

Emily

I know

Laura

Dad, play if for me please

Emily hands dad a song sheet.

Robby

Oh hear we go again

Laura sings 'hey mum and dad'. While she sings Jean comes back in, after realising she doesn't have a pair of shoes. Robby hands her her louis vuittons. She hears Laura singing, a message to her and Stephen. By the end both parents sat down listening to the song and are speechles. Dad comes out from behind the piano and appears to be approaching Jean with compassion in his eyes but says nothing.

Hey Mum & Dad - amy-3 Ella -2

 

Verse 1

Hey mum and dad, need you to know, the years I've yearned to have you home
The both of you, a family, I prayed and prayed every night so I could make it be
It is a distant dream, but one I can't let go, I'm pleading with you now for you to make it so
So many wasted years, and multiplyed by tears, take this moment right now to fix my many fears

Chorus

I'm crying out hoping you'll hear me
That you will listen to your child and realise
That all she's ever really wanted
is sitting in this room with me right now, my mum and dad

Break

Oh Dad I know it has been tough what we've been through all this time
You've every right to be outraged at at my mum's crimes
But for crying out loud, give it one chance. Forgive her what she has done
So we can find out what it means to be as one

Verse 2

So here I am, feeling unheard, my Mum & dad won't exchange a word
What lessons have I learnt? could they be more absurd, 
do they think for a moment how it tears up my mind, are they really so blind, and fricking unkind, to ignore the all the signs of a broken heart, a heart that is yearning for this family to unite and be as one

Chorus

I'm crying out hoping you'll hear me
I see the love that's in disguise in your eyes, so put aside, that stupid pride blocking our glory
Cause even now, we're still the same, people we were at the start
so let's start again

Laura

Well Dad?

Steven

Laura, I understand what you're saying. And I really want to I do, but I don't know how when I consider that your mum demonstrated uncaring and lack of integrity.

Laura

You know how dad? In the same way that all these people here will be able to fogive you for YOUR uncaring and lack of integrity

Steven

Laura what are you talking about?

Laura

Dad why don't you reveal to everyone who it was that made the decision to drop funding for Julia's Performing Arts Club? 
And who blocked them from using the community centre, and stopped them from performing Freedom?'

everyone is shocked

Robby

Down to your hang up about the performing arts?

Steven sits down with his head in his hands

Steven

Well, when it comes to hypocrisy I haven't got a leg to stand on. Julia, and all of you singers. I was so wrong and I ask for forgiveness. You can have your funding back so you can carry on with your wonderful and essential work. 

Steven turns to Jean and Laura

Laura

Dad can you forgive me?

Steven

No forgiveness necessary. You quite rightly humbled me.

Jean

Can you forgive me

Steven

If you're happy to accept this grumpy flawed human being then I forgive you and I would love for us three to start again?

Family embrace

 

they all cheer.

 

The family embrace

Laura

Emily, have you got a song for all of us?

Emily

You bet

Here it is, Steven, get on that piano

They perform 'At Last'

At last

Verse 1

I woke up to a fear this morning
about how I was going to face you
I do not deserve your forgiveness
It's a second chance, I won't fail you

Bridge

We’ve been through the darkest days
Now we’ve reached a light?
Yes we’ve reached a light?
and we’re gonna leave the hurt behind,
no more this time, no more this time

Chorus

I used to Run Run Run away from my feelings
Hide Hide Hide where no one could find me
Fight Fight Fight the demons inside and Cry Cry Cry throughout
But I'm happy now, happy now, happy now, happy now at last

Verse 2

Everyone you have got to join in
In these words you will find your story
How you grew from a tiny person
To the one who now stands before me

Bridge

We’ve been through the darkest days
Now we’ve reached a light?
Yes we’ve reached a light?
and we’re gonna leave the hurt behind,
no more this time, no more this time

Chorus

I used to Run Run Run away from my feelings
Hide Hide Hide where no one could find me
Fight Fight Fight the demons inside and Cry Cry Cry throughout
But I'm happy now, happy now, happy now, happy now at last

Break/Bridge

We’ve been through the darkest days
Now we’ve reached a light?
Yes we’ve reached a light?
and we’re gonna leave the hurt behind,
no more this time, no more this time, no more this time…

Chorus

I used to Run Run Run away from my feelings
Hide Hide Hide where no one could find me
Fight Fight Fight the demons inside and Cry Cry Cry throughout

I used to Run Run Run away from my feelings
Hide Hide Hide where no one could find me
Fight Fight Fight the demons inside and Cry Cry Cry throughout
But I'm happy now at last, I'm happy now at last,
I'm happy now at last, I'm happy now at last,

But I'm happy now, happy now, happy now, happy now at last

A the end of the song everyone is very joyous and leave. Leaving just Robby and Emily in the shop

Robby

Emily. How did you do that? How did you predict through songs what everyone needed to bring them happines.

Emily just shrugs

Robby

No really Emily, are you genuinly psychic or do you use mentalist techniques like Derren Brown. Mind Tricks

Emily

Robby, I can't answer that to you as I feel it may take away a new found purpose in my life.

Robby

Oh flipping eck Emily

Emily

Anyway we need more milk. Here's the crate

Robby grabs the crate

Robby

Ok fair enough, but I just have to say, whether it's real or tricks, you used your skills to Make Jean, Steven and Laura happy again after all these years, to Give Julia and Alfie what they wanted for life, the choir have get their funding back and I've got my best shoes back. 

Robby is walking away with the crate and she turns at the last moment and says

Robby

Emily, you truly have the gift to give to make everyone happy.

As she leaves Emily goes to the piano, looks at the photo of Tom and sings  the final part of 'I miss you



I'm still that child

Verse 1
When I was a child I wasn't sure of myself
I pretended to be something greater than me
Well that was just my way to survive
Becoming a dad meant that I had to be, the person to guide you
To make sense of this thing called life, I had to learn to play that game
Bridge
Slowly, and surely, I worked it
But I found it so hard to deliver to you, 
Chorus
Please don't ever fail to see I'm still that child
Please don't ever fail to see I'm still that child
Please don't ever fail to see I'm still trying to find me
Please don't ever fail to see I'm just a child

doubt Frank -3

verse 1
I feel in doubt, 
It's all about, my favourite shoes, I'm lost without
I think I know
She thinks she knows
Who stole my shoes?
Who stole her shoes?
I have the blues
She has the blues
I need to find
She needs to find
Chorus
who did the crime?
Who felt within their rights?
to tear the life away beneath my feet
 
Verse 2
And now they're gone, I sing this song
To tell the world about their plight
I will not rest,
She will not rest
till they are found,
Till they are found 
until that time,
until the time
They see the light
She see's the light
Chorus
who could it be?
Who felt within their rights?
to tear the life away beneath my feet

Emily - Elisa Scarito

Robby - Genna Buckmaster

Julia - Eden Gates

Karl - Charlie White

Jean - Ellie Antonini

Steve/Dad - Francesco Scarito

Alfie - Erin Clarke

Laura - Ella/Jess

synopsis

 

Song 1: I miss you

Emily walks into the shop, takes off her coat, approaches the piano and plays 'I miss you' to a photo of Tom

Half way through Robby walks in and stops to listen behind Emily who isn't aware that Robby has arrived.

when the song finishes Robby asks about the song and Emily reveals she's been up all night writing song after song, words and music simply poured out of her and now she's looking for a pianist and a drummer to accompany her new songs, so puts and advert up on their noticeboard.

Robby reveals that she had her shoe's stolen during the night. They were a bit smelly so she left them on her window sill to freshen up. In the morning instead of finding her shoe's she found a pair of manky one's in their place. She puts up a photo of her missing shoes.

Davina and Antonio walk in, they're chatty and very happy.  Emily asks if she can do and experiment on them. Can she give them a song to sing. They agree and they sing
either 

Chatterbox or
She asked why.

They are surprised that they performed the way they did.



Alfie walks in, reveals he's a drummer and is interested and tells that Julia is arranging a demonstration against local funding for the arts being stopped.

Laura and dad walk in, she announces she's got something important to tell him, he said wait while I got and get drinks, he chats to robby and emily about how his wife, an accress singer, walked out on them when Laura was only 2 and since then he refuses to play the piano, and no, he's not interested in being a pianist for Emily. He has a little clash with Emily.

He sits back down with Laura who reveals that she's going to meet mum. He goes mad. even more so when he finds out that she's on her way to the shop.

He decides to leave but it's too late and there's no back door. Robby suggests that he puts on a horses head and sits at the piano. He does so reluctantly as there's no alternative.

Jean his ex walks in, asks why there's a man with a horses head sat at the piano

Robby explains that he's part of a pantomime that they're rehearsing

Jean asks the name of the pantomime. Robby thinks on her feet and declares 'Shoe Dunnit'

Song2: Shoe dunnit

Jeans asks to hear a song from it so they play shoe dunnit

Laura then starts asking in a demanding way why she walked out on them

Song 3: Set me free

Emily intervenes yet again with a song that creates a great understanding between mother and daughter

Julia walks in looking very upset and tells Alfie that their plans to demonstrate against the council have been scuppered. It appears they were too clever. Alfie is asking how she's allowing herself to be defeated having triumphed herself out of an abusive relationship.
Then Emily comes to the rescue, offering a song and for them to perform in the café L'Arté.
Julia rushes out to call the choir but instead walks back in backwards as Karl has turned up and is walking in.
He wants to talks. Emily steps in again as they start to play

Song 4: Thorn in my side

Karl and Julia duet in a highly charged power ballad which culminates in Julia finding the strength to say, "I know you still want to be with me, but it's no longer the same person"

Karl has left during the song and Julia is being consoled by Alfie. Emily has gone outside and come back with the choir and says to Julia "come on, get up, you've won one battle, but your work isn't over, you've got another battle to win"

Song 5: Silenced

She get's up with the choir and they perform 'Silenced'

As they finish dad get's up and points to Jean's shoe's. Robby, that's where your shoe's are, they're on the feet of this lady. Robby is shocked. "it was you" I'm sorry, I really wanted to impress my daughter and my shoe's were awful' "i know, why didn't you buy a pair" "I haven't got enough money" "I knew it, see Laura I told you so"
Jean "hold on a minute" she takes of dads horses head and is shocked. He turns away, refusing to talk to Jean, emily hands him a songsheet. "Well if you won't talk to her, sing to her, we've resolved others this way tonight, let's do this one too" 
he reluctantly approaches the piano and starts to play

song 6: Don't make me laugh

He finishes singing and Jean apologies and asks if he can find it in his heart to forgive her. He says "No"
Jean 'I don't blame him, I abandoned both of you, it's best that I go"
Laura "Mum, I don't want you to go, I feel I know you now, and why you did what you did, tell dad please"
Jean 'Steven, I now know I suffered severe post natal depression. I made out I could but I couldn't keep it up anymore so I had to leave and go as far away as I could. I went and explored the world trying to find the happiness I craved. I kept moving on as i never did. I realised that what I wanted was back where I started"

Steven "so if that's true, why didn't you come back? Why stay away all these years?

Jean "I felt so guilty and I knew you would be mad at me and feared that you would never take me back, but I've never stopped loving you"

Laura "so what do you say dad?"

Steven "Laura I can't I'm afraid, Yes your mum had the depression, but after that she demonstrated uncaring and lack of integrity. How can I forgive that?'

Laura "The same way all these people can forgive you for demonstrating the same'

Steven "Laura what are you talking about?"

Laura "Dad why don't you reveal to everyone who made the decision to drop funding for Julia's Performing Arts Club? And who blocked them from using the community centre, and stopped them from performing Freedom?'

everyone is shocked

Emily "down to your hang up about the performing arts"

Steven sings 'I am just a child'

Song 7: I am still that child

dad nods his head

Steven "you're right Laura, I'm a hypocrite'Julia, you can have your funding back, 

they all cheer

Emily, I'm so sorry for doubting you, and your ability to help people with your songs
Jean, I haven't got a leg to stand on, so yes, I forgive you

Jean "Emily, have you got a song for us

Here it is, Steven, get on that piano

 

song 8: At last

Songs

1 I miss you - Emily

2 The Life beneath my feet - Robby

3 Chatterbox - Davina and Antonio

4 Shoe Dunnit - Robby, Emily, Alfie

5 Set me free - Jean, Laura, Robby and Emily

6 Thorn in my side - Karl and Julia

7 Silenced - Choir, Julia, all the cast

8 Don't make me laugh - Steven and Jean

9 Nothing Stays the same Jean and BVs from all cast

10 Hey Mum and Dad - Laura

11 At last - Jean and all the cast

I am still that child - Steve - This one has currently been dropped

Notes after rehears tuesday 17 September 2024

1 After 'I am still a child'
what he says to Jean could be more elaborated

2 Elisa and Erin believe, doing a poo is not correct lyrics for 'I am still a Child'

 

3 Erin, most explanations are at the begnning and at the end the two songs are too bunched together

4 have karl hang around after the song.

5 Elisa thought that the pyschic bit mentioned earlier should be part of the finale.

6 Shorten the song shoe dunnit

7 they felt that I am still a child should be shorter.

Dad - Frank

Karl - Frank

Emily - Elisa

Robby - Erin

Laura- Elisa
Alfie - Erin

Jean - Erin

Julia - Elisa

 

 

 

Nothing Stays the Same

Verse 1

Do you still remember
How you made me smile?
I was so in love
but you would run a mile
eventually you noticed
and you've never let me down
actually it's me who
took our love and tore it down

Chorus

Cause I, thought I lived a lie
decided to take flight
in time I learned that I
already had it all
but now i'm in freefall
still in the end
nothing stays the same 

Verse 2

I know it's not been easy
I know I took the mick
But I'll ask for your forgiveness
though I'm a hypocrite
We started something great and
I'd like to see us try again
Please don't say it's hopeless
cause you're the only man I've loved

Break

Hear my prayer
Give me time
to rewind
everything

Low

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Laura2

Shoedunit at Café L'Arté

Emily

Script

Cast

Robby

Joseph

Writer

Julia

Karl

Synopsis

Jean

Low

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How to use this Site

Songs

Davina

Dad

Laura

Alfie

Antonio

Tony

Video Ref

Notes