SCENE ONE - DADS Drama Christmas Carol... · Web viewAh yes, to Uncle Scrooge a merry Christmas and a happy new year to the old man wherever he is. He wouldn’t take it from me,

A Christmas CarolAdapted for the stage by Brendan Sheppard

Based on the novel “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens 1843

A Christmas CarolA Play In 3 Acts

The Ghosts Are Coming…

Adapted for the stage by Brendan SheppardBased on the Novel by Charles Dickens

165th Anniversary

Draft VII

Brendan Sheppard26 Vicarage WalkGreat Staughton

St NeotsCambs

PE19 5DF

Draft 7 © 2008 Brendan Sheppard / Charles Dickens 1



CAST

CHARACTER CHARACTER THEY COULD ALSO PLAY

NARRATOR LYNDA COLLINSEBENEZER SCROOGE LOL SMITHBOB CRATCHIT ADAM HILLIERJACOB MARLEY RICHARD FITTFRED ROBBIE BRITTAINMR. WILLIAMS LAWRENCE ALLWRIGHTMRS. FOSTER JULIE ALLWRIGHTFAN DEBORAH JARVIS / RHIANNON BEVENTOFEZZIWIG RICHARD SIMONSBELLE MELINA LA FIRENZEBELLE’S HUSBAND COLIN COWXBELLE’S DAUGHTER PAIGE WISEMAN / BRITTANY MARTILLOGHOST PAST MELANIE SMITHGHOST PRESENT IAN FRANCISGHOST FUTURE THE UNKNOWNPETER CRATCHIT JAMES ALLWRIGHTBELINDA CRATCHIT MATILDA HAYMES / SAFFY USHERMRS. CRATCHIT NATASHA WOODCRAFTTINY TIM TOM FRANCIS / ZACK GUESTTOPPER MARTIN FINDLAYBETSY KATY DUNSTONANGELA SIAN FRANCISWANT / YOUNG SCROOGE BEN FLETCHER / SKYLER HAMMERBACKERIGNORANCE / GIRL KATIE ALLWRIGHT / JUDITH JARVISOLD JOE LES ROBERTSMRS DIBLER LAUREN BACHMANCAROL SINGERS RACHEL SIMONS, RAEANNA HAMMERBACKER,

KATY LEACH, GEOFF UNWIN, HANNAH CAW, MEGAN CAW, BECKY SMITH, PHEOBE IRELAND

CAROL SINGER GIRL RACHEL SIMONSMAN’S VOICE BRENDAN SHEPPARD

CAROL SINGER SONGS(Words at rear of script)

JOY TO THE WORLDHARK THE HERALD ANGELS

DING DONG MERRILY ON HIGHSILENT NIGHT

GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMENWE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS




CREWOriginal 2008 Production Team

St. Neots Players

DIRECTOR BRENDAN SHEPPARDPRODUCTION MANAGER RICHARD FITTSTAGE MANAGER JONATHAN SHADLOCKSINGING COACH MARINA COLEMAN-RIVERSLIGHTING DIRECTOR SIMON YAPPSOUND DESIGNER MATTHEW DILLEYSOUND ASSISTANT RICHARD BLANDMUSIC IIAN ESHKERICOSTUME DESIGNER SUSAN SMITHPROPERTIES GEORGIE FAYMAKE-UP ARTIST TESSA JOHNSONCHOREOGRAPHER YVETTE CURTAINFRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER IAN JACKSONPUBLICITY MANAGER IAN FRANCIS




THE CHARACTERS

THE NARRATORHe/she is our guide through the script, they should be extremely engaging and lively, be able to convey the emotion of the scene and paint pictures with words. They can, should they wish, proof read the extracts from the prop book they carry with them but they should try to learn as much of the dialogue as possible. Enuncation, great storytelling skills and confidence is key to this role.

EBENEEZER SCROOGEThe protagonist, Scrooge is a cold, miserly creditor whose redemption to kindness and selflessness forms the arc of A Christmas Carol. Scrooge represents the Victorian rich who neglect the poor and think only of their own well-being. The most motivation Dickens provides for Scrooge's character is his depiction of him as a young boy; neglected by his peers and, it appears, by his father, the young Scrooge seemed determined to live only for himself as he aged. Brother to Fan and Uncle to Fred.

BOB CRATCHITCratchit is Scrooge's overworked employee, a timid man afraid to stand up to his boss's demanding ways. The patriarch of a family poor in wealth but rich in love, he cares especially dearly for his crippled son, Tiny Tim. Cratchit is a symbol for the Victorian poor, good-hearted and hard-working but unable to climb out the stifling conditions of poverty. Husband to Mrs Cratchit and father to Belinda, Peter and Tim.

GHOST PASTThe first ghost to visit Scrooge, the small, female figure represents memory. Female part, quiet and gentle.

GHOST PRESENTA giant clad in robes, this ghost has 1800 brothers and a life span of one day. He represents celebration and charity. Male figure, loud and boastful.

GHOST FUTUREThis solemn, silent phantom represents death, but also the presents the possibility that the future is not determined, but open to the free will of humans.

FREDScrooge's nephew, Fred embodies the jollity and sharing of Christmas. He refuses to let Scrooge's "Bah! Humbug!" attitude bring him down, and is overjoyed when his uncle converts and attends his party. Husband to Angela.

TINY TIMCratchit's crippled son, Tiny Tim represents the overwhelming goodness of the Christmas spirit, he is a soft and gentle character full of life and happiness. Son of Bob Cratchit.




JACOB MARLEYScrooge's old partner, Marley appears to Scrooge as a ghost and warns him about the dangers of being obsessed with money. A highly troubled spirit who carries a chain of selfishness.

FEZZIWIGThe young Scrooge's jolly, selfless boss.

BELLEScrooge's former girlfriend, she breaks up with him because of his greed but is beautiful and gentle but strong willed. Mother of 1 daughter and wife.

FANScrooge's younger sister and mother to Fred.

MRS. FOSTER & MR. WILLIAMSBoth these people are charity workers, they are new to the area and are trying in any way to help the poor, although not rich themselves they are rather jolly and humble characters.

MRS. CRATCHITExtremely happy and hard working woman, she has 3 children and loves them dearly, she lives in the moment and is extremely strong willed, she cares not for Scrooge and represents the working house wife. She shows her grief for Tim by not showing her grief and holding it in.

TOPPERA flirter and a toff fairly wealthy but he is a batchelor through and through a bit of a show off and will always get the girl.

BETSYThe love interest of Topper, she is the youngest and most impressionable of all Fred’s friends. She has her coarse side as well.

ANGELAWife of Fred, she is outspoken and rude on occasions but generally what she says is true.

OLD JOEThe local rag and bone man, he is dirty and disgusting plus a bit of a rogue. He buys things off the various people that come into his shop and he always undercuts the value of things.

MRS. DIBBLERA charlady, she robs Scrooge of all his possessions after he dies, she is an expert in finding things and a professional thief. She even sinks as low to steal Scrooges shirt off his back when he is lying dead.




MAJOR THEMES OF “A CHRISTMAS CAROL”The Christmas spirit: Above all, A Christmas Carol is a celebration of Christmas and the good it inspires. At Christmas time, people forget their petty quotidian disputes, selfish tendencies, and workaholic schedules in favor of friendship, charity, and celebration. Several representatives of these virtues stand out in Dickens's cast. Fred is a model of good cheer, while Fezziwig adds to this the dimensions of being a tremendous friend and generous employer. Tiny Tim's courage and selflessness in the face of his ill health are also noteworthy, as is the loving nature of the entire Cratchit family. Scrooge learns the lessons of the Christmas spirit through his visions of Christmases past, present, and future; in each he sees either the ill effects his miserly nature has wrought or the good tidings that others bring about through their love and kindness.Redemption and free will: The greatest pleasure in A Christmas Carol is watching Scrooge's transformation from money-pinching grouch to generous gentleman. His redemption, a major motif in Christian art, is made possible through free will. While Scrooge is shown visions of the future, he states (and his statement is borne out in Stave Five) that they are only visions of things that "May" be, not what "Will" be. He has the power to change the future with his present actions, and Dickens tries to impart this sense of free will to the reader; if Scrooge can change, then so can anyone.Critique of Victorian society: Dickens blames the huge class stratification of Victorian England on the selfishness of the rich and, implicitly, on the Poor Laws that keep down the underclass. Scrooge is the obvious symbol of the greedy Victorian rich, while the Cratchits represent the working poor. But Dickens goes beyond sentimental portraits and reveals the underbelly of the city, notably in Stave Four. Even in the scene of the thieving workers divvying up the dead Scrooge's possessions, the accountability for their actions is put on Scrooge‹had he not been such a miser, they would not have resorted to stealing from him. When the children of Ignorance and Want crawl out from under the robes of the Ghost of Christmas Present, the ghost sends a message to Scrooge, and the same is given to the Victorian reader: to help out those in Want, and beware of Ignorance in oneself and others.Capitalist time and epiphanies:At the beginning of the novella, Scrooge seems aware of only the present tense, the tense of capitalism. The now is the time to make or lose money, and the past and future exist only to serve the present. Dickens's attention to clocks and bells reinforces Scrooge's mania with time.However, Scrooge is redeemed when he learns to integrate the past, present, and future into his worldview. He steps out of the capitalist obsession with the present tense and into a timeless framework in which qualities like generosity and love cannot be quantified. His appreciation of the three tenses also comes in one fell swoop, overnight, and suggests that the epiphany, the sudden revelation of a profound meaning in life, encapsulates all three tenses.




ACT ONESCENE ONE

(The stage is set against black tabs, both left and right and two black tabs down the centre with a gap between them. In the centre of the round is a table with a black cloth draped over it. Upon the table is MARLEY dressed in pure white. He is dead – for now. MARLEY should be on the table as the audience enter.)

LIGHTING / MUSIC

INSTRUCTION

FADE HOUSE LIGHTS TO BLACK

(The Play starts with a minute of Sound Effects and Lightening, we should hear: RAIN, HORSE AND CARTS, THUNDER, then the first Music Score should start, during the music score the light hovering over MARLEY should light up)

MAN’S VOICE(Voice Over Only)

I endeavour in this Ghostly little book, to raise the Ghost of an Idea, which shall not put my readers out of humour with themselves, with each other, with the season, or with me. May it haunt their houses pleasantly, and no one wish to lay it!

BLACK / WITH LIGHTENING STROBES

(Enter three men in black suits, these are: FRED, TOPPER and SCROOGE, they stand around MARLEY’s dead body, they bow to one another, after a minutes praying, FRED and TOPPER depart, SCROOGE stays a fraction longer and leaves sharply, he exits toward the stage curtains which open momentarily to let him in and then they should shut again)

MUSIC - TRACK 1: MEET THE NARRATOR

LIGHTING: ONE SPOT LOOKING DOWN ON MARLEY BLUE DAYLIGHT




(The NARRATOR enters the auditorium she should have a small book with them. She enters from stage right, entering onto the stalls)

NARRATOR(To audience, spots MARLEY)

Ahh.. Marley was dead: to begin with. There is no doubt whatsoever about that. The clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker and the chief mourner signed the register of his burial. Scrooge also signed it. Old Marley was as dead as a doornail.This must be distinctly understood, or nothing wonderful can come of the story I am going to tell you…

(The lights should all go up at this point)

Enter CAROL SINGERS from the back of the auditorium and several other EXTRAs, they will walk about the crowd and make them feel welcome.

CAROL SINGERS – Song 1JOY TO THE WORLD

(The NARRATOR will move to an empty seat in the audience to watch the show, when the singers draw to a close they should all continue to mingle)

LIGHTS: ALL UP LIGHTING STAGE AND ROUND

MUSIC - TRACK 2:JOY TO THE WORLD

NARRATOR(To audience member)

Now Ebenezer Scrooge never painted out old Marley’s name over the door of their shop.

(As the lights go down the SINGERS and EXTRAs exit. SINGERS should exit via the rear. Single Light up on Stage, follow SCROOGE and he sits down, BOB is on stage already, muttering quietly)

NARRATOROh! I should tell you that Scrooge was a tight-fisted grumpy old man. Hard and sharp as the point on a sword. The cold within him froze his old features, nipped his nose, shrivelled his cheek, made his eyes red, his thin mean blue lips cracked as he spoke out in his grating voice...

LIGHTS: DOWNLIGHTING NARRATOR & MARLEY & AS TABS OPEN LIGHTING STAGE




(The only real thing on the stage is Scrooge’s Chair upon which he sits, another chair for BOB and the set should be against black tabs with the odd sack lying around, there is a fireplace stage right, the rest is all imaginary.)

SCROOGE(He is counting his imaginary money, he has his back to the audience)

What’s that you say, Cratchit?

BOB(Staring at him, repeating)

I said, seven years ago today. Mr Marley died, seven years ago this very day.

(He looks over at MARLEY)

SCROOGEWould it be too much to ask that you return to the work that I pay you for so handsomely?

(BOB, walks over to the fireplace)

SCROOGE(Turns to face BOB in a rage)

MISTER CRATCHIT!

BOBThe fire has gone cold Mister Scrooge

SCROOGECome over here Mister Cratchit

BOB(Cautiously and scared faces SCROOGE)

Yes, sir?

SCROOGE(Indicating his shirt cuff)

What is this?

BOBYour shirt?

SCROOGE(Indicating his waistcoat)

And this?

BOBA waistcoat.

SCROOGE




These are garments, Mr. Cratchit, garments where created by the human race as protection against the cold. Once purchased, they may be used indefinitely for the purpose for which they were intended.

(Looking to the fire)Coal burns. Coal is momentary and coal is.. Costly. There will be no more coal burnt in this office today is that quite clear Mr Cratchit?

BOB(Scared)

Yes, sir.

SCROOGE(underplay)

Now please get back to work, before I am forced to conclude that your services are no longer required.

BOB(Head cast downward)

Yes, sir.

NARRATOR(On Stage)

After Marley’s funeral seven years earlier, Scrooge had committed to nothing, except the success of their business. Absolutely nothing.

(Turns back to look at the stage)




FRED(Enters stage left, he shushes BOB and then startles SCROOGE)

A MERRY CHRISTMAS UNCLE, GOD SAVE YOU!

SCROOGE(Startled at first then disinterested)

Bah! Humbug!

FREDChristmas a humbug Uncle? You don’t mean it!

SCROOGEI DO mean it nephew! Merry Christmas – what reason have you to be merry? What right have you to be merry? You’re too poor!

FREDCome then, what reason do you have to be grumpy? What right have you to be grumpy? You’re RICH! Merry Christmas!

SCROOGEWhat’s Christmas time to you but a time for paying bills without money; a time for finding yourself a year older, and not an hour richer; a time for balancing your books and finding every item dead against you? If I had my way every idiot who goes about with Merry Christmas on his lips should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart!

FREDUncle!

SCROOGE(underplay)

You keep your Christmas and I’ll keep mine!

FREDI’ve always seen Christmas as a time for good not a time for profit, a kind giving season, a time when men and women can think of others. It’s never put an extra penny in my pocket but I believe it has done me good and will do me good; and I say God bless it!

(The NARRATOR and BOB together clap their hands.)

SCROOGE(To BOB)

One more word from you and you’ll keep your Christmas by losing your position here.

(To FRED)




You are quite a powerful speaker, sir. I wonder you don’t go into Parliament.

FREDDon’t be angry Uncle – dine with us tomorrow

SCROOGE(underplay)

I’ll see you damned first!

FREDBut why?

SCROOGETell me sir – why did you marry?

FREDBecause I fell in love!

SCROOGEBecause you fell in love, love – bah, humbug!

FREDOh you won’t come and see me because I am married?

SCROOGECorrect!

FREDYou never came to see me when I wasn’t married!

SCROOGEGood afternoon, Nephew.

FREDI want nothing from you! Why can’t we be friends?

SCROOGEGOOD AFTERNOON

FREDWell I say, MERRY CHRISTMAS UNCLE

SCROOGEGOOD AFTERNOON!

FRED(Exiting stage left)

And Merry Christmas to you too Mister Cratchit!

BOBMerry Christmas, Master Fred.

SCROOGE(Looking at BOB)

There’s another fellow, my clerk, with fifteen




shillings a-week, and a wife and family, talking about a merry Christmas. I’ll retire to Bedlam!

NARRATOR(Turns back to the audience)

For seven long years, Scrooge’s unpleasant manner had earned him a place in people’s minds as nothing more than a mean, old, man. So imagine his surprise when this Christmas Eve, two good souls collecting money for the poor, entered his establishment.

(MR WILLIAMS and MRS FOSTER enter via the back of the auditorium and walk toward SCROOGE)

MR. WILLIAMSDo I have the pleasure of addressing Mr. Scrooge or Mr. Marley?

SCROOGEMr. Marley, my business partner, has been dead these seven years.

BOBHe died seven years ago tonight.

MRS. FOSTERSir, Mr. Williams and Mrs. Foster. We offer our sympathies.

SCROOGEWhy, you are not relatives are you?

MR. WILLIAMSNo sir, at this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge it is more than desirable that we make some slight provision for the poor and destitute – don’t you agree?

SCROOGEI take it you two are new to the district?

MR. WILLIAMSNew and eager, I’m sure you will agree that there are hundreds of thousands not as fortunate as you or I that are in want of common comforts; hundreds of thousands are in want of common necessaries, sir?

SCROOGEAre there no prisons?




MR. WILLIAMSThere are.

SCROOGEAnd the Union workhouses? Are they still in operation?

MRS. FOSTERThey are. Still, I wish I could say they were not.

MR. WILLIAMSA few of us are trying to raise money to buy the poor some meat and drink and means of warmth. We chose Christmas because it is a time, when want is keenly felt and abundance rejoices. What shall I put you down for?

SCROOGE(Sets his things in order, then calmly stands and shouts)

NOTHING! I wish to be left alone! I don’t make merry myself at Christmas and I cannot afford to make idle people merry. I help to support the establishments I have mentioned: they cost enough: and those who are badly off MUST GO THERE!

MRS. FOSTERMany cannot go there and many would rather die.

SCROOGEIf they’d rather die they’d better do it and decrease the surplus population! Good evening!

(The TWO people exchange glances and leave)

CAROL SINGERS – Song 2HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING

(We hear the Carol singers sing again, they are at the back of the auditorium, one of the carol singers CAROL SINGER GIRL gets brave and walks toward the stage, singing solely.SCROOGE gets more and more angry. The NARRATOR watches the lone Carol Singer, he glances between him and SCROOGE. The CAROL SINGER reaches SCROOGE on stage. Finally SCROOGE snaps and raises his hand, the CAROL SINGER GIRL screams and runs off exiting stage left.)

LIGHTS:ROUND LIGHTS UP AGAIN, STAGE REMAINS ON

MUSIC -TRACK 3: HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING




NARRATOR(Standing up, runs to centre of round, angry)

You see how mean Scrooge has become? Later that evening, do you know what he did? He became angry with Mr. Cratchit again he said..

(turns her back to stage)

SCROOGE(sarcastically)

You’ll want all day off tomorrow I suppose at full pay!

(During the next speech, we will watch as Scrooge locks the door, comes off the stage and walks down the auditorium, past MARLEY and the NARRATOR and to the back)

NARRATOROf course he said this every Christmas, so Bob was very used to it by now. Still it didn’t make things any easier. (Beat, then in Ghost Story tone)When Scrooge retired for the evening, he locked the shop as normal and continued on his way home through the night fog.

(The NARRATOR moves toward MARLEY the light on MARLEY slowly fades full up)

NARRATOR(Continues..)

Now, it is a fact, that there was nothing at all particular about the knocker on the door, except that it was very large. It is also a fact, that Scrooge had seen it morning and night during his whole residence in that place. Let us also keep in mind that Scrooge had not had one thought about Marley, since his last mention of his seven-years’ dead partner that afternoon.And then let any man explain to me – if he can, how it happened that Scrooge…

(SCROOGE should enter from the back and walk up to the edge of the table as if it where his front door)

Having his key in the lock of the door, saw in the knocker, without its undergoing any intermediate process of change: not a knocker…

(MARLEY suddenly sits bolt upright, with SCROOGE looking on terrified)

LIGHTS:AS SCROOGE BLOWS IMAGINARY CANDLES ALL LIGHTS WILL GO OUT ON STAGE TO BLACK, THE ROUND SHOULD NOW SLOWLY FADE BACK TO MARLEY’S LIGHT ONLY

MUSIC – TRACK 4: MARLEY’S FACE




Draft 7 © 2008 Brendan Sheppard / Charles Dickens

But Marley’s face!(Looks down at Marley)

MARLEY(Eyes still closed, loudly)

SCROOGE!

(MARLEY Screams in terror, SCROOGE dashes past MARLEY and up onto the stage, he appears to lock a door behind him – several times)

16







SCENE THREE(We are now in a much darker lit stage, this is now the imaginary bedroom belonging to Scrooge, the chair is still on the stage there is now also a 4 poster bed stage left, and the fireplace is still on stage right)

SCROOGE(After he has locked the door and calmed)

Bah! Humbug!(He pauses a minute)

NARRATOR(lifts head)

Just to be on the safe side, Scrooge surveyed his surroundings.

(SCROOGE Looks under an imaginary table)

Under the table. Behind the Sofa. But then he shook himself.

SCROOGE(Scrooge leaves stage)

Humbug!

NARRATOR(The narrator slowly walks onto stage, dips her finger in the gruel and tastes it – yuk)

It was a very low fire indeed; nothing on such a bitterly cold night. It was an old fireplace, built by a Dutchman a very long time ago, and paved all round with quaint Dutch tiles. When Scrooge sat by it he was obliged to sit close and brood over it before he could extract the least sensation of warmth from such a handful of fuel.When Scrooge entered her was still cautious, when he sat back down he examined the dutch tiles..

(SCROOGE enters now in nightwear)Upon which came the reflection of Marley’s face!

(NARRATOR exits)

MARLEY(off with echo)

EBENEEZER SCROOGE!

SCROOGE(looking at the tiles in horror)

Jacob… Jacob Marley

LIGHTS: DIM LIGHTS ON STAGE LIGHTING BED, FIREPLACE & TWO CHAIRS, FLICKERING, DARK & MARLEY’S SPOTLIGHT

MUSIC – TRACK 5: THE NARRATORS GRUEL

18



(Suddenly the hear the imaginary door of Scrooges room unlock, one lock at a time. MARLEY moves to the edge of the table. We hear the door swing open, in the distance we hear a the serving bell ringing, then another and another the wind gets louder)

SCROOGE(Shouts)

It’s humbug still! I WON’T BELIEVE IT!

(The bells and all sound suddenly stops, MARLEY jumps off the table, we HEAR the clanking CHAINS and as MARLEY gets closer to the stage and moves up upon it, his chain sound appears to move with his movements, until finally SCROOGE who has now stood up in terror sees his friend)

SCROOGEWhat business have you with me!?

MARLEYMuch

SCROOGEWho are you, sir!?

MARLEYAsk me who I was

SCROOGEWho were you then?

MARLEYIn life I was your partner, Jacob Marley

SCROOGEI thought so.. but.. Can you sit down?

MARLEYI can

SCROOGEDo it then.

(MARLEY sits as SCROOGE looks on in terror)

MARLEYYou don’t believe me?

LIGHTS: LIGHT ONLY FIREPLACE AND MARLEY’S BED

MUSIC – TRACK 6: MARLEY AND SCROOGE

LIGHTS: MARLEY’S LIGHT WILL FADE TO BLACK




SCROOGE(Gaining confidence)

I don’t!

MARLEYWhy do you doubt your senses?

SCROOGEBecause little things upset them! An upset Stomach can cause this – you could be a piece of mouldy cheese or an underdone turnip!

MARLEYMouldy Cheese?

SCROOGE(jokes)

Or a piece of British Beef! There’s more gravy than grave about you!

(MARLEY getting angry, stands and cries aloud, SCROOGE dips onto his knees in sheer terror)

SCROOGEMERCY! HAVE MERCY! Why do you trouble me?

MARLEY(Looking down on SCROOGE)

Do you believe in me or not!?

SCROOGEI do! I do! But.. But I must know… Why do spirits walk this Earth? Why do they come to me?

MARLEY(Gets upset during this speech)

It is required of everyman that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his fellow men and travel far and wide; and if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death. It is doomed to wander through the world – oh, woe is me!- and witness what it cannot share, but might have shared on earth, and turned to happiness!

SCROOGE(concerned)

You are troubled – tell me why?




MARLEYI wear the chain I forged in life, I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I wear it on my person of my own free will.. Is it patterned strange to you? Do you know how long and coiled your chain will be? It is as full and as laboured as this and for you it will only get worse!

SCROOGE(hanging on his every word)

Jacob.. Old Jacob Marley, tell me more… Speak comfort to me Jacob.

MARLEYI have no words of comfort for you Scrooge. Nor can I tell you what I would like.. They have binded my words.

SCROOGEThey? Who are they?

MARLEYI have travelled at the speed of wind for seven long years. I cannot rest, I cannot stay, I cannot linger anywhere. Oh the torture of remorse!

SCROOGE(proudly)

I don’t understand why you are suffering all your life you were a good businessman!

MARLEYTHAT IS WHY I HAVE SUFFERED. The suffering I have caused others is being repaid!

SCROOGEJacob it was business!

MARLEYBusiness!! Mankind was my business, the common good was my business. It is now – Christmas Eve – that I suffer most. I have sat everyday beside you – trying to reach you! Listen to me Ebenezer my time on earth is nearly gone, I am here to tell you that you have a chance to escape my terrible fate.A chance I got for you.

SCROOGEYou were always a good friend to me




MARLEYYou will be visited by three spirits

SCROOGEOh, if this is the chance you spoke of. I’d rather not.

MARLEY(Stands, we hear the chains)

Without their visits you have no hope of escaping my fate. Expect the first when the clock strikes one. Expect the next spirit when the clock strikes again, and the third – the third will come when he is good and ready but be wary of him.. He is the most terrifying of all.. Well you will find out.You will see me no more – but remember what we have talked about..

(Walks to stage right and points toward the audience, in the audience, the NARRATOR stands)

NARRATORMarley pointed out into the night sky, Scrooge walked to the window and looked out, and there against the dark clouds he saw hundreds of ghosts, moaning as they flew around the sky, many of them Scrooge recognised!

(The Narrator moves his hands to calm the sound of the ghosts and phantoms)

But Scrooge wasn’t easily convinced, he looked around his room and found the fire still burning, and the door still locked. It was probably a dream or a trick of the light… (Beat) Wasn’t it?

BLACK OUT


LIGHTS:THE AUDITORIUM LIGHTS UP PROJECTING GHOSTS FLYING AROUND THE CEILING AS NARRATOR MOVES HER ARMS THEY FADE AWAY



SCENE FOUR(The lights are low on stage, the fire is out, SCROOGE is sleeping on his bed, the NARRATOR walks up onto stage and kneels next to SCROOGE’s bed)

NARRATORWhen Scrooge was asleep - a dream he thought, yes it must be a dream.

(NARRATOR lightly blows on SCROOGE’s face he twitches slightly, the NARRATOR smiles)

But the trouble with dreams is that sooner rather than later they come to an end…

(As the NARRATOR exits, the clock chimes MIDNIGHT, SCROOGE awakens and sits bolt upright)

SCROOGEThe hour itself? Hah! Nothings happened, humbug Marley, humbug!

(Turns to go back to sleep)

(Suddenly SCROOGE is lit by the spotlight, this causes him to sit up and stare into it, the light is blinding his eyes, from behind the tab located behind his bed comes a hand, which is just visible, this of course SCROOGE does not see, suddenly the GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST a woman dressed in the most beautiful white dress appears behind him, she touches his shoulder and he whirls round in terror, she stands and reaches out her hand and smiles, the NARRATOR appears from stage left and walks around the two frozen figures.)

LIGHTS: A SINGLE LIGHT DIMLY LIGHTS UP SCROOGES 4 POSTER BED (LOW LEVEL)

LIGHTS: THE WHOLE AUDITORIUM LIGHTS UP, FROM BEHIND GHOST PAST A STRONG WHITE LIGHT BEAMS INTO THE AUDIENCE WHICH SLOWLY FADE AS THE NARRATOR SPEAKS

MUSIC – TRACK 7: GHOST PAST




NARRATORShe was a strange figure, like a child; yet not so like a child as like an old man, viewed through some supernatural medium, which gave her the appearance that you could look right through her. It’s hair, which hung about its neck and down its back was white as if with age; and yet the face had not a wrinkle in it, and the tenderest bloom was on the skin.Although appearing on the outside to be calm, Scrooge ventured his first words to the visitor.

(The NARRATOR blows on the two and departs off stage, the moment the blow happens the life returns to the pair)

SCROOGEWho, and what are you?

GHOST PAST(Her voice is treated)

I am the ghost of Christmas Past.

SCROOGEWhose?

GHOST PASTYour Past.

(SCROOGE recoils back from her in fear)

GHOST PAST(She, without touching him waves her arms and he moves like a puppet on an invisible string)

Rise. And walk with me.

(They walk to the window)

SCROOGENo.. We can’t go out the window it’s a storey up.. I am mortal I shall fall.

GHOST PASTAll I have to do is touch you.

(She touches his chest)Their.. Now Listen…

BLACK OUT







SCENE FIVE(BLACK OUT, Lights up on NARRATOR, we hear Winter)

NARRATORWhat you are hearing dear listener, is the sound of Winter approaching, but not the winter of tomorrow, but the Winter of long ago.

(Puts his/her fingers to his lips)Sssh, can you hear someone coming…?

(SCROOGE and GHOST PAST enter into the round, SCROOGE seems to know this forest)

SCROOGEWait a moment… I know this forest.

GHOST PASTYou know the way then?

SCROOGEKnow it? I know it like the back of my hand!

(SCROOGE bounds off toward the back of the auditorium)

NARRATORThey walked along the road; Scrooge recognising every gate and post and tree; until a little market-town appeared in the distance, with its bridge, its church and winding river. Some children played throwing snowballs at each other in the distance.

(On stage we see the BOYS all shouting to one another in excitement, SCROOGE and the GHOST PAST enter the round again looking back toward the stage)

SCROOGEI know these boys, there’s Jenkins and Ben, Toby Fish!! TOBY.. TOBY!?

(When the Boys do not answer and in fact run off stage SCROOGE turns to GHOST PAST)

GHOST PASTThese are but Shadows of the things that have been, they cannot see or hear us.

(We hear a school bell)Where are we now?

LIGHTS:LIGHT TO THE RIGHT OF THE ROUND – NARRATOR ONLY.

LIGHTSLIGHT UP THE ROUND AND CENTRE STAGE WITH A DAY LIGHT FEEL - COLD


LIGHTS: UPON THE BELL SOUND LIGHT ONLY STAGE LEFT IN HARD LIGHT, PLUS THE ROUND







SCROOGE(Looks around)

It’s.. It’s my old school.

YOUNG SCROOGE (aged around 10) enters with the NARRATOR onto stage, which should be in darkness. With SCROOGE and GHOST PAST now backs to the stage, the light slowly fades up on the pair. YOUNG SCROOGE is sat depressed.

GHOST PASTWhy did you not go home for Christmas like the boys?

SCROOGEI wasn’t wanted my father turned against me when my mother died. He sent me away, didn’t want to see me – ever.

GHOST PASTThat’s hard.

SCROOGELIFE is hard.

GHOST PASTHmm. Lets see another Christmas.

(The lights burst and flash and all of a sudden YOUNG SCROOGE rises and sits on the edge of the stage, after the sound of thunder comes a refreshing sound of a distant flute playing a beautiful tune, YOUNG SCROOGE looks up and listens, from the back of the auditorium comes YOUNG FAN she dashes past everyone and up to YOUNG SCROOGE)

YOUNG FAN(OLD SCROOGE reacts emotionally like he has just seen another ghost!)

Brother ! Brother !

NARRATORScrooge couldn’t believe his eyes, his little sister had come to bring him home. She told him that his father was…

YOUNG FAN…So much kinder than he used to be!

LIGHTS:LIGHTENING STROBE EFFECT, THE LIGHTS REMAIN THE SAME AS BEFORE

NARRATOR…That homes like heaven! Fan had a look Scrooge hadn’t seen for years a look of pure happiness and joy, could it be true? Could his father have turned at last?

YOUNG FAN…And you’re to be a man and are never to come back here; but first, we’re to be together all Christmas long, and have the merriest time in all the world.

(The two young people, hug in joy and exit stage right)

GHOST PASTAlways a delicate creature she has a large heart.

SCROOGEYou’re right. Oh what I wouldn’t give..

GHOST PASTWhat..?

SCROOGE(sombre)

Never mind.. Large heart.. I’ll not disagree with that.

GHOST PASTShe died a woman and had, I think, one child.

SCROOGEFRED. My Nephew!

GHOST PASTWhat were you going to say?

SCROOGEWhat I wouldn’t give for one last comforting hug from Fan. Enough of this!

NARRATOR(Making his way toward the centre of the round toward SCROOGE & GHOST PAST, in fact, even though the two are frozen, the NARRATOR nods toward the GHOST who courteously nods back)

They suddenly found themselves in the busy thoroughfares of a city, where shadowy passengers passed and repassed. It was clear to see by the dressing of the shops, that here too it was Christmas time again, but it was evening, and the streets were hauntingly, beautifully lit by all

LIGHTS:ANOTHER LIGHTENING FLASH, NOW WE ARE LIGHTING THE ROUND, AND THE STEPS TO THE STAGE NOTHING MORE

(Claps & cheers, and the normal violin music starts again, everyone grabs their partners and begins to dance again. After a lively dance, everyone claps, most will sit back down and allow the main DANCERS to entertain them as they dance to a quieter tune, the NARRATOR stands now, on the centre of the stage as the dancing continues.)

NARRATORDuring the whole of this time, Scrooge had acted like a man out of his wits. His heart and soul were in the scene and with his former self. He corroborated everything, remembered everything, enjoyed everything and underwent the strangest agitation. It was not until now, when the bright faces of his former self were turned from them, that he remembered the Ghost, and became conscious that it was looking full upon him...

(GHOST PAST and SCROOGE now stand half way on the stairs that lead to centre stage, SCROOGE is watching the dancers)

GHOST PASTA small matter to make these silly folks so full of gratitude.

SCROOGE(appalled)

Small!?

GHOST PASTWhy! Is it not? He has spent but a few pounds of your mortal money: three or four, perhaps. Is that so much that he deserves this praise?

MUSIC – TRACK 10: IRISH JIG

SCROOGEEven if I have grown so much wiser what then? I am not changed towards you.

BELLEOur contract is an old one. It was made when we were both poor and content to be so, until, in good reason, we could improve our worldly fortune. You are different now. When we were – younger – you were another man.

SCROOGEI was a boy.

BELLEYour own feelings tell you you have changed, why aren’t you listening to them!?Maybe its time to go our separate ways as I can no longer make you happy.

SCROOGEIs that what you think I want?

BELLENo, but your heart lies elsewhere, hope is gone, noble ambition gone, love.. is gone. I release you Ebenezer Scrooge and I hope that you have pain in this. Take a very, very brief time, and you will dismiss, the recollection of it, gladly, as an unprofitable dream, from which it happened well that you awoke. May you be happy in the life you have chosen.

(BELLE exits)

SCROOGE(angry)

Spirit! Show me no more! Send me home. Why do you delight in my torture?

GHOST PASTOne final shadow awaits you.

SCROOGENo MORE! No MORE! I don’t wish to see it. Show me no more!

(Lights down on the pair and up on NARRATOR)

NARRATORSuddenly the scene changed again. This was a room, not very large or handsome, but full of comfort and warmth. Near to the winter fire sat a beautiful

LIGHTS: DOWN ON STEPS AND LIGHTING ONLY STAGE LEFT

young GIRL, and opposite her sat her mother – BELLE.(Lights slowly fade on stage to reveal the girl and BELLE sitting stage right)

And now Scrooge looked on more attentively than ever, as the master of the house entered.

(BELLE’S HUSBAND enters, the GIRL hugs him, lights down on NARRATOR)

BELLE’S HUSBANDHello darling!

BELLE’S DAUGHTERFather!

BELLE’S HUSBANDBelle, I saw an old friend of yours this afternoon.

BELLEReally who was it?

BELLE’S HUSBANDGuess!

BELLEWell let me think, Tut, don’t I know – Mr. Scrooge.

BELLE’S HUSBANDMr. Scrooge it was! I passed his office window; and as it was not shut up, and he had a candle inside, I could scarcely help seeing him. His partner lies upon the point of death, I hear; and there he sat – alone. Quite alone in the world, I do believe.

BELLE’S DAUGHTERHow sad, to be alone at Christmas.

BELLE(Sadly)

Yes indeed how very sad.

(Lights down on the scene and up on SCROOGE and GHOST PAST who have been watching the whole time from stage left)

SCROOGE(Quietly and remorseful)

Spirit! Remove me from this place.

GHOST PASTI told you these were shadows of the things that have been. That they are what they are, do not blame me.

LIGHTS: LIGHT UP STAGE RIGHT AND LEFT

SCROOGE(fury)

REMOVE ME! I cannot bare it! Leave me, Take me back, and haunt me no longer!

GHOST PASTIt is not over yet Scrooge, though I may leave you now you have yet two more visitors tonight, the Present shall be shown and then the third ghost, ah, the third will show your future – beware Scrooge - do not rise your voice to this spirit – heed my warning.

28



MUSIC – TRACK 8: FAN’S THEME


Documents

SCENE ONE - DADS Drama Christmas Carol... · Web viewAh yes, to Uncle Scrooge a merry Christmas and a happy new year to the old man wherever he is. He wouldn’t take it from me,