SOMETHING
WICKED
A Play for Halloween
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
About Something Wicked. Roughly based on a Jack The Ripper theme and set in sixties London, it tells the story of a group of teenagers and their horrifying adventures inside a fairground ghost-train ride possessed by the evil spirit of Jack the Ripper. Inside the ride they are transported back in time and relive the horrors of Victorian England during the reign of Jack The Ripper. The dialogue has been freely adapted from several Shakespearean plays and creates a unique style of prose that’s entertaining and funny. What Has Been Said About The Play Something Wicked: A play for Halloween is an unusual, innovating piece of work from a new author with the confidence in his own creativity to experiment with language, style and structure, thereby producing a unique drama. The author’s writing has an arresting style. The language, setting and characters have all been carefully chosen and the result is a well- constructed plot that engages the reader’s attention from the outset. The bizarre mix of the dark and the humorous works to great effect, bearing testimony to the author’s imagination and skill as a writer. Minerva Publishing Co. Book Publishers Miami
May 18th 2000 |
SOMETHING WICKED Characters TERRY Motor Bike Gang Leader RICK Member Of Motor Bike Gang CATH Girl Gang Leader THE FAIRMAN Owner Of The Ride LIZ Girl Gang Member MARY Girl Gang Member PlusTHE CHARACTERS ON THE RIDE Halloween Skeleton Halloween Zombie Halloween Witch Ann Martha The Street Cleaner Annie The Barmaid The Pub Landlord The Drunk The Doctor Nurse 1 Nurse 2 The Caretaker Production Note. Lighting, Music and Sound Effects should be used throughout the performance to heighten fright, tension and atmosphere. These effects should have priority status, providing the audience with an interactive link between the actors and the events being witnessed. We should be aiming to have the audience frightened out of their wits. For some of the effects it will be necessary for two or more people to play the The Fairman. Characters in the ride can double up on parts. ACT 1SCENE 1 A LONDON SLUM HALLOWEEN SET To the rear a sinister fairground ride situated on wasteland beside terraced streets. In the centre of the ride is an arched entrance. Around this entrance is a removable skull shaped facade. Mist pours out from this entrance. Coloured lights outline the ride’s features. A platform leading to a door in the side of the ride. Terraced houses line the street with an unlit street lamp to the left. Eerie music theme. The stage is unlit, dark and shadowy. Mist drifts across the stage. A thunder storm begins. Lightning flashes. Thunder cracks. Halloween type music effect and noises. Enter Skeleton Halloween character from out of the mist. It carries a lit pumpkin. SKELETON Trick or treat Enter Zombie Halloween character from out of the mist. It carries a lit pumpkin. ZOMBIE Treat or trick Enter Witch Halloween character from out of the mist. It carries a lit pumpkin. WITCH Where be the place ZOMBIE Here upon this heathSKELETON Here to have our fun Flash of lightning and crack of thunder. WITCH A drum a drum The evil one do come. They take up positions on the stage and remain still. The storm continues. Lightning hits the fairground ride. There is a flash at the rides entrance. Emerging out of the entrance through the mist and storm effects glides a large upright automaton slot machine. The Halloween characters guide the machine stage centre. They circle the box peering into the blackness. WITCH Hail to thee SKELETON Most righteous one ZOMBIE Hail and farewell For upon this All Hallows eve you shall be free. Flash of lightning crack of thunder. Noise off stage. The Halloween characters exit through the fairground entrance. Enter Terry running he is wearing a Halloween mask. Enter Cathy running she is wearing a Halloween mask. They shelter from the storm in front of the automaton machine. Terry is a member of a Motor Bike Gang called The Zombies . This name forms part of the jacket’s logo. Cath is a members of a street gang called The Weird Sisters. This name forms part of the jacket’s logo. He takes off his mask. TERRY Boo!. Ha! So foul a night I’ve ever seen. Removing her mask. CATH All the devils of hell are abroad . There is flash of lightning and a crack of thunder. Cathy grabs hold of Terry. Both masks are dropped in the embrace. CATH Hold me Terry I have need of you tonight. Console my fears. TERRY Elope with me now Cath, this very hour. CATH Patient my darling. Soon.(she kisses him) First we have unfinished business to attend to. There are the Sister’s to inform. Terry goes over to the machine. Peers into the blackness. He turns to Cath. As he turns two red eyes light up in the blackness of the automaton. TERRY But Cath..... He returns to the machine, the eyes go out, and he attempts to put a coin in it. Cathy picks up the masks. TERRY What deception have we here ?(he kicks the machine. Cath goes to him and hugs him.) CATH Forget it Terry we have greater issues.(he shakes the machine and finally gives up on it.) There are sad farewells on both sides to be made. TERRY Then go give the Sisters such sweet parting . CATH And You? What about the Zombies? TERRY The Zombies are dead they meet tonight for their disbanding. CATH Then we’ll meet later for our departing. They kiss and exit in different directions. Eerie music theme. There is flash of lightning and a crack of thunder. The lighting strikes the machine. There is a flash from the machine and the machine switches itself on. Lights around the box start to flash and the inside of the box lights up. Eerie music is heard as the machine bursts into life. Inside we see a cloaked figure a knife in his hand. In mechanical movements accompanied by sound the figure moves then stops. His eyes open and he moves his head from side to side. There is the sound of evil laughter being emitted from the machine as the figure’s hand slashes with its knife. The storm continues throughout this sequence. The lightning strikes the box again. There is another flash and the machine is plunged into darkness. Silence. Blackness. Suddenly the Fairman burst out from inside the machine onto the stage accompanied by a frightening music effect. Eerie music theme. The figure wears a large black hat and a long black overcoat with large lapels that have been turned up to cover his face. His face is covered with an opaque mask. FAIRMAN Ha!..Ha!.. I live !.. Be afraid, be very afraid. For this is no Halloween disguise. He looks about him and faces the audience. FAIRMAN Fools all of you. You know not what you have awakened. But so foul the day when I come to play. Ha. Ha. He goes to the slot machine. FAIRMAN Restrained, repressed in a freak show ride FAIRMAN My sole banished from the afterlife. But now flesh and blood pumps through these veins For its immortality I seek So let the terrors reign For by the pricking of my thumbs Something wicked your way comes....Ha. Ha. Eerie music theme. The Halloween characters pour out of the ride’s entrance and glide the automaton back through the entrance. There is a crack of thunder. The stage is plunged into darkness. Evil laughter echoes around the auditorium. The Fairman disappears into the blackness. Lightning flashes as the mist and storm effects commence again. From inside the ride’s entrance a bright light is seen. In that light we see the Fairman’s silhouetted outline. There is a single crack of thunder accompanied by evil laughter then blackout and silence. Exit Fairman. Eerie music theme. End Of Act 1 Scene 1 ACT 1 SCENE 2 THE FAIR MIDNIGHT SET As Before Eerie music theme. Stage in semi -darkness. Mist begins to flow across the stage area. There is a crack of thunder and a flash of lightning. The assorted coloured lights all around the fairground ride flash on then go off. There is another crack of thunder followed by a flash of lightning. The coloured lights around the fairground ride burst into life again but struggle to stay on and go off. Mist pours out from the ride’s entrance. In that mist the Fairman’s shadow is seen in the fairground ride’s entrance. A single red spot lights up the ride`’ entrance. The Fairman can now be seen standing in the entrance. There is another crack of thunder followed by a lightning flash. The coloured lights around the stage flicker and stay on. They highlight the outside of the fairground ride. Beat music can be heard off stage. FAIRMAN Once upon a midnight dreary Cold and bleak distinctly Erie Came a rapping, tap tap tapping Ever forward to my fairground door. For how this thrills me, reassures me My name will live for ever more. Beat music gets louder and closer. FAIRMAN This fair is foul but foul the fair Terror hovers throughout the air. From out the darkness victims stroll About to act their final role. But soft the whispers now unspoken The sound of silence is now broken. FAIRMAN Out dam spot! The red spot goes off. The coloured lights go off. The fairground ride is now in darkness. The street lamp comes on. Beat music is heard. Enter Liz , Cath and Mary. Cathy carries a teddy bear. Liz carries a portable radio. They are all dressed alike in leather jackets and assorted apparel. They are street wise teenagers and members of a street gang called The Weird Sisters , this name forms part of the jacket’s logo. CATH I’m bored Liz. The hurly-burly’s done LIZ We’ve rocked this fair we’ve lost CATH I won.(Hold up the teddy bear) MARY Liz and I have done the rides. LIZ We’re bored. CATH Listen Sisters I’ve something to say I’m leaving. MARY Nonsense Cath don’t be a pain. Turning to Liz ignoring Cath. LIZ So Mary when shall we three meet again? Cath trying to interrupt. CATH Listen I speak the truth Terry and I are going away. Ignoring Cath. LIZ Tomorrow night the time the same? MARY No not yet .There’s all the night left to explore Come Sisters all, I do implore Lets rock the night a little more. The girls start to leave. There is a flash of lightning and a crack of thunder. Fairground music starts to plays and the lights around the fairground ride come on. The red spot outlines the Fairman who is standing on a platform close to the ride’s entrance. The girls stop , and turn to see the figure of the Fairman on the platform. FAIRMAN Come forward ladies but take care The scariest ride in the whole dammed fair. CATH We’ve done the lot. LIZ That’s no test. MARY We’ve rode them all. CATH Beaten the best. FAIRMAN But the thrill of a lifetime awaits the mortal Who dares to cross my fairground portal. The girls lose interest . They turn up the radio and start to leave. The Fairman gesture’s with his hand and the radio stops. The girl’s try to re-tune it but fail. FAIRMAN What no takers? Cowards all ! The girl’s now approach the Fairman. The three stand at the foot of the platform. There is another flash of lightning and a crack of thunder. MARY All hail old man. CATH All hail. LIZ Cowards you wail ? ALL GIRLS No never you rat. CATH Lesser than you have died for that. Cath takes a step forward places a foot on the platform. The Fairman holds up his hand as if to stop her. At this point there is a flash of lightning and a crack of thunder. Cath retreats fearful. FAIRMAN But I only want to tempt you through the door . Come on girls experience my tour. The girls re-group. LIZ Your a scum! MARY A low down Barker! CATH Come on girls leave it be. Cath sets of to leave LIZ Stay Cath, stand your ground, Lets not leave without a fight. Liz puts a foot onto platform. The Fairman taunts them. FAIRMAN Away weird sisters, go! Depart yourselves , get off this ride You lack the guts for what’s inside. Ignoring the girls he starts to drum up trade. FAIRMAN Roll up! roll up get a ticket to ride A magical mystery tour awaits inside The ride of a lifetimes about to leave With heart stopping illusions you won’t believe. The girls go into a huddle. CATH Well my sister’s do we leave For this man’s guise unnerves me so ? LIZ But his challenge must be met. MARY We Sisters won’t be vanquished yet. CATH But I trust him not. LIZ I fear the same. MARY But he insults us all. LIZ No man calls me cowardly. MARY Then we are in agreement Sisters ? ALL GIRLS Yes ! Liz thrust her arm forward and makes a fist with her hand. LIZ We Sister’s are one Mary thrusts out her arm and grips Liz’s wrist. MARY Undivided all Cath reluctantly holds out her arm and grips Mary’s wrists CATH Till death we are done. LIZ Then it is agreed. FAIRMAN Any takers? Enter enter take the venture. They approach the Fairman and stand at the platform. CATH Hail old man ALL GIRLS All hail FAIRMAN Well girls a change of heart ? LIZ We’ve come to answer your dareFAIRMAN Then all is ready come lets all depart. There is a crack of thunder as a bright light floods out from the ride’s entrance. Mist drifts through the door. Fairground music starts to play. The Fairman gestures with his cloak and the car that is to convey them into the ride glides to the entrance with the help of the Halloween characters. The Fairman gestures for them to get in the car. The girls get aboard helped by the sinister Halloween figures. CATH The scariest ride in the whole damned fair ? FAIRMAN In the whole DAMNED fair ? Yes The Fairman steps off the platform and puts them into the car. Fairground music starts to play. FAIRMAN Round about the fair ground go The Fairman pulls a lever and flicks down a switch. There is a spark as the switch is thrown. There is flash of lightning and a crack of thunder. A strong wind can be heard and the Fairman’s cloak starts to flap in the increasing wind. The storm around the fairground ride increases. We see the car disappear into the ride. We hear the car set off and gather speed. Flashes and sparks come from all around the fairground ride. The lights around the ride also flicker on and off. FAIRMAN Where it stops is where we go. We hear the girls scream. We hear the noise of the car as it travels through the ride. We hear the screams and noises from a typical ghost train. We hear and see the storm outside the ride as the wind reaches a climax. ALL GIRLS Screeeeeeeam!!!!!! We hear evil laughter. VOICE INSIDE RIDE Ha! Ha!...Ha! We hear the noise of the car on the rails gathering even more speed. A flash of lightning is seen across the stage followed by thunder. We hear the sound of the wind and rain. The lights around the ride continue to flash on and off. FAIRMAN In thunder lightning or in rain Lets take them back where terrors reign We hear the car screech to a halt. The Fairman holds up his cloak to the raging storm effects The storm stops. (From inside the ride.) CATH A ride most deserving of its fame. LIZ Indeed the best in this damned fair MARY The scariest ride I’ve ever tamed. ALL GIRLS We Weird Sister have won the dare. CATH The ride is over. LIZ Open the doors and let us out. There is banging from inside the ride. ALL GIRLS Lets us out? FAIRMAN The show’s not over there is more. Eerie music theme. FAIRMAN Terror and deception lay in store Before your bodies hit the floor. Ha! Ha! ALL GIRLS Let us out? Let us out? The Fairman stands at the entrance to the ride. A bright light is behind him. He disappears in the mist. We hear the ride’s sound effects used earlier. There is a flash of lightning and a crack of thunder followed by evil laughter from within the ride. A large door slowly creaks shut with a mighty bang. All the lights on the ride go out. ALL GIRLS Screeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaam ! Eerie music theme. Dull and stormy lighting. Motor bike sounds. Enter Rick on motor bike. He dismounts takes off helmet and parks his bike. He is dressed in a leather jacket and assorted apparel. He is a member of a Motor Bike Gang called The Zombies . This name forms part of the jacket’s logo. RICK Hurry up Terry faint heart never won a lady so they say. They went in there they’ve taken that ride. Enter Terry on motor bike. He dismounts takes off helmet and parks his bike. He is dressed in a leather jacket and assorted apparel. He also is a member of the Motor Bike Gang called The Zombies. This name forms part of the jacket’s logo. TERRY Then follow suit go inside. Rick hammers and kicks at the door. It is locked. Evil Laughter echoes all around. RICK What was that ! Did you hear that? TERRY Cool it Rick. They’re not in there look its bolted shut. RICK Trust me Terry I saw them enter. Rick tries the door again. Terry sits on the platform. TERRY Listen to me Rick I’m leaving this city taking Cathy away We’re sick of all this so I fear the Zombies have had their day. RICK What? The Zombies to die no never, you joke. Come on man use your foot ! It’s time we " Zombies " kicked some butt. TERRY Get me a can then I need to think. Rick produces a can from his bike seat takes a drink and hands it to Terry. He swigs from it. RICK Come on Terry hurry up I need action TERRY Patience friend I have a notion. From the bike Terry produces a large screwdriver. Goes across to the fairground ride door. RICK An excellent idea. He uses the screwdriver on the door and prises a gap. Terry squeezes into the gap. Mist starts to drift up between the gap. Terry looks in. TERRY Its as black as night. RICK Hang on I’ll get some light. He goes to the bikes and gets two torches and Halloween masks and returns to Terry. He switches them on and hands one to Terry. RICK Grab this here’s your sight. Terry takes the torch .The stage darkens. Torch lights can now been seen shining across the stage. RICK So what’s our scheme ?TERRY Lets add excitement to the ride. Here put this on and we’ll become Monsters, ghost or ghouls inside. It’ll add reality to the theme. Rick puts on the mask. RICK Go on man put it on play the game. And when the girls come into sight TERRY Well scare them silly RICK Give them a fright. TERRY Now that’s what I call a scary ride. RICK So watch out girls cos we’re coming inside. They both squeeze inside. The torch lights can now be seen through the gap in the door and throughout the ride. Suddenly a crack of thunder is heard. The lights on the fairground switch on and fairground music is heard. We hear the typical ghost train screams and noises. Suddenly all stops. Blackout. Silence. End Of Act 1 Scene 2 ACT 1 SCENE 3 INSIDE THE RIDE THE PAST SET As before. Loud bang as the door to the ride burst open. Doorway flooded with light. The doors of the ride open and we see the front end of the car pushed through the doors with the girls still sitting in it. The street is very dimly lit. The girls get off the car and find themselves dressed in Victorian clothing. The car retreats through the door which closes with a loud bang. The girls react to the noise then walk into the street. Eerie music theme. A red light shines on a motionless figure in a doorway. The female figure is dressed as a Victorian prostitute. The girls look at the figure. They stare and Cath goes to touch her cheek. As Cath moves to touch the figure it Suddenly comes to life and walks passed them. ANN How goes the night my lovely? She ignores the girls and crosses them into the street. From out of the shadow behind the girls another Woman burst into the light and onto the street. (She drinks from a bottle) MARTHA The moon is up and that which has made me drunk has made me bold. ANN How’s business? MARTHA My body is my business...Ha!...Ha! Eerie music as the girls hear rustling movements in the shadows. They follow the sounds. Suddenly a door slams in the shadows. The woman look in the direction of the disturbance. An arm comes out of the shadows and beckons. ANN This ones mine. Look he invites me. MARTHA Go to him be my guest The night is young I’ll take on the rest...Ha! Ha! Martha thrusts her chest forward and laughs. She swigs from her bottle crosses the street ignoring the girls and exits. Ann seductively goes to the figure in the shadows. ANN Look upon me as your kind hostess. The figure steps out of the shadows. He grabs her. Spins her round. FAIRMAN Is this a dagger which I see before me ? He pushes her into the shadows there is a piercing scream. Ann falls forward out of the shadows into the light showing a knife in her back. There is a manic laugh and the body is dragged back into the darkness. The cloaked figure of the Fairman is seen running into the shadows. The girls rush to the murder spot. They search the shadows and find nothing. LIZ This is witchcraft that we see. CATH Murder in the first degree MARY Grim deeds and evil stalk this night Is this real or just an illusion in our sight. Eerie music effects. A door slams re-enter Martha still drinking. She is drunk. The girls wait and watch. Eerie music as the girls hear rustling movements in the shadows. They follow the sounds. Suddenly another door slams in the shadows. The woman looks in the direction of the noise. Once again an arm comes out of the shadows and beckons. She crosses to the arm. MARTHA Oh its you! So It’ll be me you want now sir is it ? Look upon this body and give me a price. He holds out money. She takes the money and stuffs it down the front of her dress. MARTHA Now leave this to me I know what you prefer. She goes into the shadows seductively. MARY No don’t go. LIZ Flee don’t stay. MARY You’ll not live to see another day. CATH Be still Mary, say no more Liz. They see us not . We are for the moment only observers in these bloody deeds. Suddenly from out of the shadows there is a piercing scream. Martha falls forward out of the shadows into the light showing a knife in her back. There is a manic laugh and the body is dragged back into the darkness. The cloaked figure of the Fairman is seen running into the shadows. The girls rush to the murder spot. They search the shadows and find nothing. From behind the Fairman comes into the light. He has a knife in hand and approaches the girls from behind. (Loudly) FAIRMAN I go this part is done. The girls turn and scream. FAIRMAN But more invites me. A church clock strikes midnight. The Fairman points to the girls. FAIRMAN Hear it not my lovely ladies For it is the knell That summons you all to heaven or to hell. Ha! Ha!. He disappears into the darkness. LIZ He threatens our lives. MARY To die the death like those we witnessed. CATH So he can see us. LIZ Hear us. MARY Menace us with his knives. LIZ But the other’s see us not. CATH These are creations designed only to assist some diabolical plot. MARY But what provokes his bloody business ? CATH I know not, but sense we are part of his madness. We have devils and monsters near. LIZ I’m still confused why are we here? CATH I can not say but fear what looms For something wicked our way comes. The Fairman now appears and disappears at random in the shadows. FAIRMAN Ha! Ha! I strike. Take that ! To night you die. The Fairman cuts through the air with his knife. He disappears into the darkness. LIZ Never !. ALL You lie LIZ Hear not his footsteps. CATH He moves like a ghost. The Fairman appears behind Liz unnoticed. FAIRMAN Ahrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Ha! Ha! He disappears into the darkness. LIZ He means to kill us all. MARY I’ll have none of this. CATH Come sisters To stay in here is suicide. LIZ Lets away. Leave this horror to its proper time. CATH Lets find the portal and exit from this ride. MARY Lets depart before we too debate Whether we live or die this date Eerie music effects. They walk through the street looking for the exit. As they search the cloaked figure shadows their every move. LIZ This is a sorry night. Which way? CATH I’ll go this way. MARY You go there. This fair is foul and foul the fair ! They leave in separate directions. Lights fades to blackness. A spot lights centre stage. The Fairman steps into the light. FAIRMAN One by one I’ll hunt them down. They depart doomed to fall For my play is well written With no escape plan at all. We hear noises off stage. We here the fairground ride’s door creak open. Flashlight beams pierce the stage. FAIRMAN What is that? The Fairman moves up stage and sees torch light beams. FAIRMAN Interlopers in my domain. Curses. Uninvited guests have no part in my unfolding tragedy. A change of plot is required I need to divert these meddling mortals from my ultimate intent. He goes into the shadows and steps onto his platform. A doorway in the fairground opens and lights up. FAIRMAN I shall create a diversion for them to solve Give them a mystery to resolve....Ha!...Ha! He enters it and closes the door. Enter Rick and Terry. They are dressed like Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. They look at each other somewhat confused. RICK Look at us, is this a joke ? TERRY Strange fears are running through my head Distractions. illusions most insane. The entrance door creaks shut with a loud bang. They shine their torches and look around. He walks onto the platform and opens the door .Light burst out showing the Skeleton Halloween figure. When nothing happens he closes the door. RICK Boring ! Terry look at this Wouldn’t scare a mouse ? He opens the door again this time the Fairman slashes out with his knife just missing Rick. He quickly slams the door shut. RICK Ouch!....Lets forget our prank. There is a scream like that heard in a ghost train. Evil laughter. Scary noises. RICK Come on Terry Lets go! TERRY No not yet. RICK But I fear this rides quite insane , look it means to have us dead. He opens the door slowly ready for the knife to slash but this time its empty. TERRY But the girls are trapped within this set. Cathy and the girls are in deadly danger Look around this is no ordinary ride Some evil spirit guides us now. Terry goes up to Rick and stands on the platform he goes to open the door. Rick cowers back expecting the worse. TERRY Look about you sculptured illusions are his art And we’re all dressed up to play a role. We’ve no other chose But to act out our parts in this carnival show. Terry looks through the door. TERRY Our advisory points the way. You and I have a purpose in this farce. They look at each other. RICK Sherlock Holmes ! TERRY And Dr. Watson ! RICK Watch out foul demon TERRY For Holmes and Watson will have their day. Rick and Terry exit through the door. The lights come up on stage. We are back in the street. Mary enters a deserted street. Eerie music effects. MARY Hide in the shadows seek the dark Is the only way to survive this night A red spot lights up a figure in a doorway. It is motionless. It stands rigid. Mary approaches the figure. She goes to touches it. It bursts into life frightening her. He is dressed as a street cleaner. He has a small hand cart which he now pushes on stage. A sweeping brush is on the cart. STREET CLEANER I’m one of London’s heroes The man without a name. Sweeping steps and cleaning streets Is how I came to fame. MARY What fiendish melodrama does he show me now The man stops sweeping. As if hearing a sound. He speaks his thoughts directing them to no one as if in an inner torment. STREET CLEANER Tales of murder whisper through the twilight An assassin stalks these streets tonight. There is a movement in the shadows. We hear laughter. Mary hides. Music effects. FAIRMAN Ha!...Ha! Mary looks out from her hiding place. MARY He means for me to witness this event But why and what be his purpose. The fellow hears and sees me not Just another character in this fiendish play. She returns to the shadows. Music effects continue The Fairman is seen in the shadows for a second then disappears into the darkness. STREET CLEANER What was that? You in the shadows? Who are you that has attracted my attention ? Speak!........ There’s no one there. It must be my imagination Music Effects continue. The street cleaner continues to sweep. STREET CLEANER The hour is late. I should be home. But all alone I am yes all alone Alone in this cursed street. There is a bark of a dog. The street cleaner stops sweeping. A door slams shut. He turns around in the direction of the noise. FAIRMAN Ha!...Ha! The Fairman is seen again. He disappears into the darkness. STREET CLEANER Who are you that haunts me, hidden in the night ? Come step out of the shadows walk into the light. The street cleaner holds out his brush as if protecting himself with a weapon. A door opens a shaft of light is thrown across the stage. The Fairman stands in the doorway lit by the light from the door. The rest of the stage is now in shadow. The old man faces the audience. STREET CLEANER Beware my friends for this is where fear roams every day. I sweep till dawn but will never clean this cities sins away. Music effect as the Fairman’s arm comes out of the shadow’s and taps the street cleaner on the shoulder. The light in the doorway goes out. FAIRMAN Ha! Ha! The street cleaner turns around and sees nothing. STREET CLEANER My mind hears his manic laughter I am drawn towards it like a lamb to the slaughter. He goes over to the source of the laughter. He peers into the blackness. Scary music as the street cleaner approaches the The Fairman in the shadows. STREET CLEANER Who are you? What’s your intent? Eerie music effect as Mary comes out of hiding and tries to escape the scene. She reaches his cart and hides behind it. The old man enters the blackness and can no longer be seen. There is silence. At this point frightening music effect when the Fairman springs up from inside the cart. FAIRMAN Die!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He grabs Mary. He raises his knife in the air prepared to strike. MARY Screeeeeeeeeeeeeeam!!!!!!!!!! Blackout. Spot Light on the Fairman who stands alone. FAIRMAN I am illusion a trick of the light For I am such stuff as dreams are made on. Ha! Ha! Black out. Music effect as the street dimly lights up. Enter Terry and Rick as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. They walk the street inspecting the doorways. Lights go on and off as doors are opened and closed. As the last door is opened the Fairman burst out of the doorway to a and runs across the stage to disappear in the darkness. He drops a large doctor’s bag. TERRY Illusion or reality ? RICK Fact or Fiction ? BOTH We know not. Rick goes to pick up the bag but is stopped by Terry. TERRY Beware keep your wits Evil spirits and demons walk our domain. Confusion and deception their aim. RICK What place is this? TERRY Look about you this is familiar terrain RICK Why this is Our street but not the same TERRY Elementary my dear Watson Sadly the sins of the poor remain alike Time changes nothing These are the places where evil stalks. Rick carefully picks up the black bag. RICK There’s a note( Reads it ) for Sherlock Holmes. TERRY For me ? RICK Yes Terry for you. Terry takes the bag from Rick and opens it. Rick intervenes snatches the bag back and shuts it. RICK This is madness there’s no doubt. Lets just find the girls and get the hell out. TERRY Play the game a little longer Learn the rules and we’ll be stronger. Terry takes back the bag and opens it. Rick looks in. RICK Ugh! They take it in turn to pick out and examine each item. TERRY Eye of strumpet and toe of hag. RICK Finger of a seasoned nag ugh! TERRY Liver of blaspheming whore Red with rage and blooded goreRICK What butchery is this we have in store ? TERRY Nose of trollop a virgin’s tear RICK Harlot’s lips and call girl’s ear ugh! TERRY Root of hair and silvery tongue Lovers all who died so youngRICK What make you of this evil poison ? TERRY Elementary my dear Watson. RICK Watson?...Oh yes play the game. Rick re-opens the letter and quickly reads. RICK Look Terry there’s more...... Terry looks at him angrily. TERRY Play the game Watson RICK Sorry ..Look Holmes read this Terry reads it. TERRY “ I keep on hearing I’ve not survived And hanged at Newgate gallows high So what woeful agony you must sigh To know that I am still alive. A tiny voice inside my head Says I don’t stop until `m dead.” Rick takes the letter off Terry. RICK “So you shall hear from me again Lets continue with our little game.” That’s it I’m getting out of here. TERRY Come Watson I stand like a greyhound in the traps. Straining upon the start. We have all the clues we need to recreate our part. He holds up the bag. RICK Forget it I’m gone. TERRY We have a murder to solve and innocent girls to save. These, (Holds out the bag) were notorious acts of bloody butchery and murder. Come help me solve this age old mystery. RICK But I’d be sooner gone TERRY Elementary my dear Watson. But some unsolved spectre from the past rises to take us on. TERRY Come dear fellow lets take the challenge. RICK Then god help us both we’ll need the luck TERRY Come, then Watson the games afoot. They exit through the door on the platform. Rick carrying the black doctor’s bag. Black out. Eerie music effects while the street lights fade up. There is a long table outside a tavern. Three customers are sat down at the table. A girl and the Fairman. They are motionless their heads resting on the table. A male customer also sit motionless. Enter Terry and Rick. Rick carries the black doctor’s bag. Rick attempts to cross over to the table. Terry stops him. TERRY Stay, lets wait in the shadows for a while. Suddenly Music hall type music bursts from the tavern as the barmaid comes out carrying tankards of ale to serve her customers. The male customer is drunk. The Fairman and the girl remain still. DRUNK Come on pour ale I have need for more. As the barmaid passes the drunk stands up and grabs her bottom. DRUNK Ha! Ha! BARMAID I pray you bring your hand to your tankard sir and let it drink. She takes his hand off her bottom and thrusts an ale tankard in it. She pushes him down into his seat DRUNK But your ale has aroused a fire. He grabs his pubic region and rises in an attempt to kiss her. She pours ale down the front of his trousers and pushes him down. BARMAID And extinguished your desire too. That quaffing and drinking will undo you sir. DRUNK I and undo the straps on your bosoms too. He forces his attention on her yet again. He places a hand on her breast. BARMAID By this hand you are a lecherous scoundrel sir. She removes his hand. BARMAID Your lechery sir provokes and with this hand.... She slaps his face. BARMAID ...Unprovoked. You sir are too late a night carousing. She pushes him down. DRUNK Well here’s drinking your health anyway. I’ll drink to you as long as there is a passage in my throat. And fire in my loins. BARMAID But look on it . Drink has taken away your performance. It hangs like an uncooked parsnip. Away to a whore house with you and restore that limp vegetable. The drunk staggers up and exits. BARMAID Drink my intoxicated fellow provokes desire But quenches the inclination. She demonstrates a drooping penis with her finger. Enter Landlord.
LANDLORD Time gentlemen please. God send you to your beds contented. The Fairman and the girl remain their heads still resting down on the table. LANDLORD I marvel your ladyship takes delight in such a barren rascal. BARMAID It’s harmless jesting he means none of it. They clear the table and exit inside the pub. The music stops as the door to the tavern is closed. Eerie music effects. RICK Come lets get on with this. The sooner were done the earlier were gone. Look over there, what about them? Drunk no doubt the worse for drink. Rick starts to move. TERRY Careful Watson take caution, think. Remember old friend there is evil about They approach the table. Terry speaks to the male figure. TERRY Holmes and Watson RICK How goes the night sir? The figure answers but keeps his head down. FAIRMAN The moon is down and all is not well. TERRY Fear not sir my friend is a doctor let him attend your ills. RICK What! but....Yes sir what is the problem please do tell. FAIRMAN Attend my lady friend first she has more need of a doctor than me. Sinister music effects. The lights fade down. A spot highlights the girl. Terry and Ricky sit aside the girl. They place the black bag on the table. The Fairman leaves the table unseen. Rick feels the girl’s brow . RICK She feels quite cold. She don’t look good. He brings his other hand to the fore. It is red with blood. RICK Her clothes are wet. My god its blood. Terry produces a knife from behind the girl. TERRY A murder’s blade was deep in her back Rick now lifts the girls head. RICK Oh my god she’s dead. A large shadow of the Fairman is cast against the back stage wall. FAIRMAN Ha! .Ha! Eye of strumpet and toe of hag. RICK What was that? FAIRMAN Finger of a seasoned nag. Rick and Terry turn. The shadow disappears. TERRY Her murder and Our tormentor. The shadow returns. Rick and Terry stand and face the shadow. FAIRMAN Liver of blaspheming whore Red with rage and blooded gore Ha! Ha! The shadow exits. TERRY Listen how he laughs at our failing Look how he gloats over our mortal weakness They sit and look at the girl. RICK But who is she, such a sorry state. TERRY A tragic victim of his illness, another lady of the night. Terry looks at the knife. TERRY Look upon this knife and tell me what you see. RICK A surgeon’s scalpel sharp and crimson. TERRY Elementary my dear Watson. RICK A clue?TERRY Look upon this stained red blade Now who would dabble in cut-throat dealings? A butcher, doctor or even a surgeon. RICK What is this business? What does all this mean? TERRY Murder most foul. He exhibits his victims like a waxworks display Committing acts of violence that have never been seen. And we sir are his witnesses. RICK But Terry what about the girls ? TERRY In great danger, these are real events we see Without our help the girls are like this poor sole. RICK In that case Holmes its best were away. TERRY Elementary my dear Watson. Come we seek a doctor or a surgeon. Exit Terry and Rick. BlackoutLights up on the tavern. Enter Liz and Cath . CATH Three times round this roundabout. LIZ Round about we go. CATH Around and around this wicked ride. LIZ And still no place to go. CATH We’re in trouble. LIZ Double trouble. CATH We’ve searched around. LIZ But sister Mary can not be found CATH Look I’ll try there. LIZ And I in here. ALL Be careful sister all’s not well I fear Exit Cath Enter Landlord and Barmaid from out of the tavern. LIZ Sir! madam. Please help me. I know nothing of this plot This spectacle is not of my making. I need the means to return to my own time. Can you help?. They ignore her. LANDLORD There all scoundrels and villains. I’ll have none of them fondling you so. BARMAID Why I do believe your jealous. LANDLORD Keep those drunkard fools at arms length or else ? BARMAID Is it possible you desire me for yourself ? LANDLORD You go too far don’t tempt my misery further. He manhandles her and tries to kiss her. BARMAID Stay away from me you overweening rogue. I’ll not have you in my bed. LANDLORD Then I’ll not have you in sight. He pushes her away and enters the tavern. LANDLORD Drunken madman. Let the devil take him for his own. I care not for him or his lechery. Re-enter Landlord with a bag. He throws it at her feet. The bag opens as it hits the floor spilling out the belongings. LANDLORD Go strumpet ply your trade in a whore house. BARMAID Bastard. The landlord goes back into the tavern. Lights fade. The stage darkens to blackness. A spot follows the girl as she picks up her belongings. Music effect as we see the Fairman standing behind her. She turns the figure disappears into the blackness. She puts her belongings into her bag and starts to walk forward the spot following her. Music effect as she walks into the Fairman hiding in the blackness in front of her. She screams turns and runs in the opposite direction. BARMAID Screeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaam! The spot follows her across the stage. Music effect as she runs into the Fairman again. BARMAID Screeeam...! Who are you, what do you want? Sinister music effects. She turns away from Fairman who disappears in the blackness. The Barmaid stands terrified. The shadow of the Fairman can be seen on the floor as he approaches her from the behind. The shadow is seen on the floor infront of the Barmaid. She looks down at it. The shadow stops. He stands behind her. LIZ O no not again this witness is far too familiar to me. Look out! Beware . Sinister music effects. A knife appears in the Fairman’s hand and comes into the light from out of the blackness behind the barmaid. Music effect. The Barmaid screams. BARMAID Screeeeeeeeeeeeeeam! The knife cuts across her throat as she is pulled back into the blackness. A spot now lights up Liz. LIZ No! Music effect. Immediately the Fairman pops up out of the blackness behind Liz. He grabs her form behind. Liz tries to scream but his hand comes across her mouth. FAIRMAN Fair is foul and foul the air Welcome to my filthy fair Ha! Ha! Liz struggles from behind as she sees a large knife come across her throat. She pulls the Fairman’s hand free and screams. She is pulled into the blackness as she continues to scream. LIZ Screeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeam? Blackout. Curtain. End Of Act 1 Scene 3 CURTAIN DOWN ON ACT 1 ACT 2 SCENE 1 INSIDE AN ASYLUM SET As for Act 1 but with some modification. The Skull facade has been removed and the entrance doors closed. Above this entrance the word HOSPITAL. The door leading from the platform has the word DOCTOR above it. The terraced house doors are now cell type doors with iron grills each with the words PATIENT CELL 1 Etc. There are three upright wooden coffins to the left two of which have closed lids. The other is open its lid leaning up against it. To the right are three more beds. Two beds are occupied, the bodies covered by sheets whilst the remaining one is empty. Hospital type paraphernalia scatters the scene and a *BODY DISPOSAL MACHINE. * F/X effect. When bodies/bits of etc are placed inside we see flashes/smoke etc and see skeleton outline of the body/part before it disappears. Tap for liquid dispensing Eerie musical effect. Flash of lightning cracks of thunder. The Hospital is in complete darkness lit only by the lightning flashes. Enter Fairman. He carries a lit lantern. There is a storm raging outside. The storm continues throughout. He goes across to the beds and holds his lantern above each sheet. FAIRMAN One by one they each succumb For something wicked this way come. Ha! Ha! The storm continues. Thunder and lightning effects. The light from the lantern goes out. The room is in darkness. There is a loud bang on the platform door. The door creaks open. Cath stands silhouetted in the doorway. The storm rages outside behind her. CATH Hello! Hello! Is there any one there ? I fear I’ll not set eyes on dawn’s sweet light That darkest of hours is almost here. The storm clouds accumulate above So foul and fiendish has been the night . Cath walks off the platform and enters the room leaving the door open for light. The storm continues. Thunder and lightning effects. The room is empty. We hear eerie groans and moans coming from the cells. Loud rhythmic echoing banging starts as if the patients in the cells are trying to escape. Cath goes over to one of the cell doors and listens. CATH Hello! I wonder if you could help me. Is there anyone there ? The banging stops. Suddenly it starts up again with even more force. Cath is deafened by the noise. The cry’s of pain increase and become intolerable. She puts her hands over her ears. CATH Stop! Stop! The platform door slams shut behind her plunging the room into darkness again. The sound of crying and moaning stops. A flash of lightning lights up the stage and we see the Fairman standing on the platform behind Cath. Cath turns round and sees him. She screams as the room is plunged into darkness again. CATH Screeeeeeeeeeeeeeam! We hear the sound of a struggle. There is the click of a switch as the hospital lights come on. In the darkness Cath has been strapped down to the empty bed on the right. The Fairman standing over her. She has been gagged. FAIRMAN Look you to my face be sure For the final curtains about to fall. He lifts the other two sheets to reveal Liz and Mary strapped down to the beds. Each are gagged. They struggle when the sheets are lifted. He replaces the sheets. FAIRMAN And stare upon my features no more You and your associates view the last of me this night. He places the sheet over Cath. FAIRMAN Prepare your souls for their final flight. The storm continues. The lightning flashes the thunder cracks. The hospital lights flicker, fade and go out. The Fairman’s lantern comes on. He can be seen in its glow. FAIRMAN My final acts a work of art Each strolling player with a part. Lightning. Thunder. The Fairman picks up a white doctor’s coat. FAIRMAN Fair and foul illusion for your delight For only I will prevail this night. He removes his cloak and hat and puts on the white coat. FAIRMAN Remember revenge is all that sweeter when served cold Enough no more let this legend now unfold. Ha! Ha! He is about to remove his mask when the storm reaches a climax and the room is plunged into darkness. The door at the platform is lit. The door opens and a figure dressed in a doctor’s white coat is seen. The figure stands still and motionless in the doorway with the storm raging behind him. There is a click of a switch and the lights go on in the hospital. The doctor walks off the platform and into the room. DOCTOR This is my hour One final test in primeval fear. Before this night has ebbed away My other side will greet the day Ha! Ha! Thunder and Lightning. The doctor approaches one of the beds to his right. He pulls back the sheet and stares into Mary’s eyes. He removes the gag. MARY Unhand me you foul monster. DOCTOR The first of three so fair of face but so foul an act I do embrace. He kisses her forehead. MARY Let me go. The doctor stuffs back the gag. He produces a hypodermic needle and uses it. DOCTOR Sleep perchance to dream. Mary succumbs and lies still. The doctor moves to the next bed to his right. He pulls back the sheet and stares into Liz’s eyes. Liz struggles. DOCTOR So fair a maid but so foul my soul I have an urge I can’t control. He uses the needle on Liz. She too succumbs and lies still. The moaning and echoing banging from the cells suddenly start up again. DOCTOR Now there’s a knocking indeed. DOCTOR Such pounding on the gates of hell. Wake Beelzebub with this knocking For by the beating of that drum Something wicked your way come. Enter two male nurses dressed in white coats. They burst through the main entrance doors. The banging and moaning from the cells stops. They wheel in a cart. On the cart is a body covered with rags. Loose arms and legs stick out from under the rags. They deposit the body in the empty coffin and loosely put the lid on it. They place loose arms and legs in the F/X Body Disposal Machine. Flashes/smoke etc. Skeleton outlines light up. The bits disappear. The doctor crosses to the machine and quickly turns it off. DOCTOR Enough no more its not as sweet as it was before. He grabs hold of Nurse 1 and stares maniacally into his face. Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. DOCTOR Seldom will you see such ugliness. Do you not agree ? NURSE 1 My hearts cold with fear at your ugliness O fearful one. Nurse 2 nods its head. Thunder and Lightning effects. NURSE 2 A fearsome creature to be sure Why I spit in the face of such horror. Nurse 2 spits into the doctor’s face. The doctor loosens his hold on Nurse1 and grabs Nurse 2 by the neck. The doctor stares at Nurse 2. Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. DOCTOR Stare upon these features no more For one taste of that should set all to right. He turns tap on Machine. A small drop of liquid drips out. Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. Nurse 1 collects a large cutting knife. He goes over to the beds on the right and lifts the sheet . He raises the knife ready to chop the body up. NURSE 1 Now boss. Lets do it now ! DOCTOR Stop you imbecile not yet. Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. The doctor clips Nurse 1 on the head. Nurse 2 leans up against a cell. The eerie moaning and banging noises are heard. Nurse 1 quickly moves off the door. DOCTOR Cease, quiet all be still. What is that? All is silent. After a lengthy pause there is suddenly a loud knock at the platform door. Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. More knocking. Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. The nurses panic running into each other. DOCTOR Idiots! Go look you two see whose knocking ? They both step onto the platform and open the door and see its Terry and Rick. Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. They quickly close the door. NURSE 1 Its Sherlock Holmes. NURSE 2 And Dr. Watson. Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. TERRY We know your there just let us in. More knocking. Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. DOCTOR Let them in But give them no knowledge of my plan. Or of your assistance in this plot. There is more knocking. Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. DOCTOR Quickly clear the room Hide all that will give them a clue Panic sets in as they all rush around the room. Nurse 1 finds a severed leg. Nurse 2 finds a severed arm. They are left holding the arm and the leg as the door burst open. Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. The cover the Machine with a large sheet. Enter Terry and Rick. Rick comes face to face with the doctor Nurse 1 hides the leg and Nurse 2 the arm by pretending they are their own limbs. Rick looks at The doctor. RICK Dear god it has a fiendish gaze The bizarre look of a moron The others have a sinister stare TERRY Elementary my dear Watson. Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. Eerie music effects. Terry and Rick start to wander the hospital examining it. The doctor, Nurse 1 and Nurse 2 watch nervously. Rick looks at coffins. He peers through the lid. The doctor crosses to him to stop him. DOCTOR I’m a doctor Rick goes to Terry(Aside) RICK Terry! In that coffin I think its... Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. DOCTOR Fearless inquisitors why do you seek me and my students? I am a doctor and these my medical assistants. We are honest men conducting ..er.... Autopsies. (Aside to Terry) RICK It looks more like a mortuary TERRY Patience Watson let them not know our fears. Friends, doctors, medics lend me your ears Nurse 1 pulls out an ear and is about to hand it to Terry when he realises what he is about to do. He quickly puts it back into his pocket. TERRY We seek a murderer unkind For we have living amongst us So foul a fiend we have to find. Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. DOCTOR You suspect us of such a foul deed ? But we three are honourable men Nurse 1 and Nurse 2 nod. Nurse 1 drops his false. Terry and Rick turn to face Nurse 1. He quickly replaces the leg. DOCTOR There’s not a nobler man in London than I . NURSE 1 Or I RICK And you friend how do you plead ? NURSE 2 Let me offer the hand of innocence As proof of any sinful deed. He holds out the false arm and hand for Rick to shake. Nurse 1 and the doctor expect the worse. Rick shakes the hand. Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. (Aside To Terry) RICK Ugh!.......Terry!... TERRY I find nothing unfair here (Aside To Terry) RICK What ?....Terry...Did you see his hand ? Just look over there under the sheets.... Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. TERRY These are indeed honourable men Watson We will doubt them no longer. RICK The hell they are.... Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. Terry thumps Rick and gestures for him to go along with it. TERRY We will doubt them no longer...Will we ? RICK Er.. No....We leave you friends with no conviction TERRY Elementary my dear Watson. Come we’ll seek our murder somewhere else. RICK But.... Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. Terry pushes Rick towards the platform door. They open the door. Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. TERRY Trust me Rick I have a scheme We’ll pretend to go then return unseen. They exit. The door closes with a bang. Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. DOCTOR Come we have my destiny to forge Nurse 1 and Nurse 2 take the false limbs and throw them into the Machine. Effects as machine disposes of limbs .Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. The sheet covering Cath rises and she screams. Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. CATH Screeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeam!. The sheet falls to her lap. She has broken free of her bonds. Her legs are still strapped to the bed. CATH Murder! He threatens us with death. Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. The doctor struggles to keep Cath still. Liz now rises she has managed to free one arm and pulls the sheet away from her head. She removes her gag. LIZ Lay no hand on me you deformed barbarian. Nurse 1 struggles with Liz. Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. CATH Stop fiend murder most foul. Mary now thrashes under the sheet. She kicks the sheet loose. Still gagged she tries to shout through her gag. Nurse 2 struggles with Mary DOCTOR Silence them. Gag and tie them tight For each of them shall die this night Each of the girls are restrained. The Doctor picks up a knife and holds it over Cath. DOCTOR Sorry my precious but you all have to perish. Its your blood you see I dearly cherish. Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. He holds up the flask of liquid. DOCTOR This is the last from long ago. Poor, Martha, Liz and dear sweet Annie. He uses his knife to indicate the three beds to the left. DOCTOR Their fluids you see have helped to maintain me so. So you see my dears you have to die For I’m desperately short of a blood supply. DOCTOR This is the last of my life giving brew So its Et tu Brute to the three of you. Lightning and thunder effects. Flickering of hospital lights. The Nurses pull out large knives and approach the beds. The girls struggle and make muffled noises. DOCTOR Strike them dead please feel free But together we strike on the count of three. One. Two.......... Blackout. FRIGHT BREAK *A large 60 second clock descends in full view of the audience. A voice will now explain its purpose.( * But will work without ) VOICE This ladies and gentlemen is THE FRIGHT BREAK. In a moment the clock you see will start . It will countdown the seconds to a sequence of events so terrifying your all ready twisted nerves will be shattered for ever. You have just sixty seconds to decide if your overloaded senses can survive the heart stopping climax to this play. If you stay we cannot be held responsible for your actions. You have been warned. The clock starts. Each second is a heart beat sound which can be heard throughout the auditorium. After 15 seconds. VOICE The beat you hear is your own heart beating. Counting down the seconds. After 30 seconds. VOICE Thirty seconds left. Listen to your heart. Is the beat steady or erratic? Will it survive or fail at the last second ? After 50 seconds. VOICE The beating of your heart comes to an end. Be afraid, be very afraid For with the beating of the drum Something wicked your way come. Lightning and thunder effects. The clock rises up out of the way. The hospital lights are switched on and we see the Doctor and the Nurses about to strike. Musical effect. DOCTOR Three ! Thunder crack as the hospital lights are plunged into darkness. Blackout. NURSE 1 Curses NURSE 2 Don’t you just hate it when that happens. The door at the platform creaks open. We can see Terry and Rick silhouetted against the lightning and the storm effects in the doorway. DOCTOR As I expected right on cue To meet your deaths the both of you. Go! my assassins quickly hide Butcher them both as they enter the room. Rick steps forward to enter the room. Terry stops him at the door. TERRY Be careful friend a touch of evil stalks this ride Beware the illusions whilst we’re inside. Rick and Terry enter the room. The stage is in darkness. The door remains open. There is a flash of lightning. This lights the stage for a second. In that second we see Nurse 1 grab Rick from behind. Nurse 1 holds his knife ready to strike. The stage is plunged into darkness again. We hear a scuffle. Thunder cracks. In that thunder crack we hear a cry followed by screaming. There is another flash of lightning. We see and hear the Machine switched on and a skeleton outline inside the machine. The stage is plunged into darkness again. We hear the clanking of metal doors. TERRY(In whisper) Rick Is that you ? DOCTOR Ha Ha Thunder cracks. There is a flash of lightning. This lights the stage for a second time. We see the Doctor holding up a flask. DOCTOR O malevolent potion your the last of creation. Summon up your demons and pronounce my re-incarnation. Stage plunged into darkness again. The stage is lit up by a flash of lightning. In that second we see Nurse 2 grab Terry from behind. He holds his knife ready to strike. The stage is plunged into darkness again. We hear a scuffle. Thunder cracks. There is a scream. We see and hear the Machine switched on and a skeleton outline inside the machine. A lightning flash .The stage is plunged in darkness again. Thunder cracks. The stage is lit by a lightning flash. We see the Doctor. DOCTOR Come potion set me free. Now to fulfil my destiny. He drinks liquid collected earlier. There is a strobe type sequence of flashing lightning as he starts to react to the mixture. Music effects as he stands behind the Machine. We hear the Doctor making noises. Thunder crack sand he reappears as The Fairman. The hospital lights come on. The storm subsides. The hospital is the same. All is quiet. The sheets still cover the bodies. All is still. The Fairman looks in the machine. FAIRMAN Ha! Ha! I win. My assassins have been true to their task Look you to their victims that is all that I asked. He picks out Holme’s deerstalker hat wet and steaming. FAIRMAN And now to replenish my stock for the next one hundred years. Eerie music effect. The Fairman pulls out his knife and approaches the bench. He lifts the head of the first body and brings his knife across its throat. The head is still covered by the sheet. FAIRMAN You must die so I can live. The Fairman draws back his arm to make the final stroke of death. An arm from the body on the second bench pops out from under the sheet and stops the final blow by grabbing hold of the Fairman’s arm. Immediately Terry pops up from under the first bench and Rick escapes the Fairman’s grip from under the second. Cath jumps up from under the third sheet and Liz and Mary come out from one of the cells. The Fairman escapes Terry’s grip and stands transfixed his knife at the ready. RICK Close shave Terry ? He rubs his neck. TERRY Very! Cath crosses to Terry and hugs him. CATH Oh Terry thank you. You saved my life. LIZ All our lives. The Fairman moves towards Mary threatening her with the knife. MARY Murder! Look he has a treacherous blade and still intends to murder us. FAIRMAN You shall not cheat me of my destiny. Look upon these demons from my prophecies and dreams. Summoned to pronounce my re-incarnation. Bloody be my art and bloody be your end. Ha! Ha! Sinister music effects. Slowly the lids of two coffins creak open. The third coffin lid falls to the floor. The hospital darkens. Inside the coffins are the slain bodies of his victims. They are blooded and have bleeding wounds. They come out of their coffins and approach slowly and menacingly. They turn towards the Fairman. FAIRMAN No not me! Them!... The victims continue to move towards the Fairman. FAIRMAN Stop this cannot be so, ANN You knew me as Ann Nichols, let me sit heavy on your soul. FAIRMAN This is my domain...Go, depart, you have no powers here. ANNIE Think how poor old Annie Chapman died. Stabbed in the prime of youth. She haunts you so. They start to force the Fairman towards the platform. FAIRMAN Leave me be go back to your graves MARTHA When I was mortal they worshiped Martha Turner’s body. Look how you punched me full of deadly holes. They corner him on the platform. The door creaks open. ANN Think on me with guilt and fear ANNIE But now all’s well that ends well The stage slowly darkens. A Circle of light surround the girls as they encircle the Fairman. The rest of the stage is now in darkness. Terry and the girls exit in the darkness. A gallows appears and a rope slowly descends. The rope is placed around the Fairman’s neck. MARTHA Without pity without out shame Something wicked this way came FAIRMAN No.... The Fairman stands in the doorway. He has a rope around his neck. Together the woman push the Fairman through the door. FAIRMAN Sreeeeeeeam! Ha! Ha! I’ll be back. There is a crack of thunder. With a scream the Fairman jumps through the platform door. As he jumps we here the crack of his neck and see the rope go taught. The main doors at the hospital entrance now burst open and we see the Fairman hanging. We see him rotating suspended by the rope. Blackout. End Of Act 2 Scene 1 ACT 2 SCENE 2 A TERRACED STREET EARLY MORNING SET Terraced Houses Spot lights only. Backstage in darkness. Enter Terry and Cath. Terry is pushing his motor bike. They are followed by Mary, Rick and Liz who are throwing rice over Terry and Cath. Rick and Liz are hand in hand. A " Just Married " sign is attached to the motor bike. They are all dressed back in their leathers. Terry puts the bike on its stand. MARY Good luck. Mary hugs Cath. LIZ Good-by Cath. Liz hugs Cath. CATH Take care of the "Sisters" for me. MARY/LIZ We will RICK You bet. Rick kisses Mary. Terry shakes Rick’s hand TERRY Take care Rick. Keep the "Zombies " alive while were gone. RICK I will. Terry and Cath get on the bike. They start it up. ALL Good-by Exit Terry and Cath on bike. Exit Rick, Mary and Liz. End Of Act 2 Scene 2 ACT 2 SCENE 3 OUTSIDE THE FAIR SET As For Act 1 Scene 2 Stage lights slowly. It is morning outside the ride. Mist surrounds the side show. We see someone sweeping the area. A "For Sale" sign hangs over the doors. The doors are padlocked with large chains. The cartaker is cleaning the platform. Enter Terry and Cath on Terry’s bike. CATH Stop! Terry. Look its the ride. They stop, dismount and approach the caretaker. TERRY Sir? We seek help CATH We have fell foul of trickery in there TERRY Foul play of the cruellest kind. CARETAKER The shows closed. The event a danger. The ride was doomed from the start So foul a creation of any man’s min Only evil can come from such a ride. Those doors were sealed and rightly so Well over thirty years ago. Take my warning mark what I say Go! be gone get on your way. CATH Were not through TERRY Last night we and our friends gained admission. CATH Bought the tickets went deep inside. Cath sees a poster on the ride. CATH Terry look we know that grin. TERRY He’s the one CARETAKER Him ! You bought your tickets from him ? No that can not be. CATH That’s the man there is know doubt. CARETAKER Over a hundred years ago this very night Folks around here witnessed his death Hanged for murder he was and you say its him ? TERRY There is no doubt. CARETAKER Then hell is empty and all the devils are out. The Caretaker closes the door and checks the ride making sure the bolts and locks are secured. CATH Come Terry its time to go For this evil place scares me so They get on the bike and exit. The Caretaker turns to face the audience he grins and exits through the door. The stage darkens. A sudden storm begins. Lightning and thunder. Suddenly the ride burst into life. The lights around the ride come on. The sound effects start. We hear fairground music and hear the inside noises of the ride. From out of the rides entrance mist and lights. The storm continues. Lightning hits the fairground ride. There is a flash at the rides entrance. Emerging out of the entrance through the mist and storm effects glides a large upright automaton slot machine. There is flash of lightning and a crack of thunder. The lighting strikes the machine. There is a flash from the machine and the machine switches itself on. Lights around the box start to flash and the inside of the box lights up. Eerie music is heard as the machine bursts into life. Inside we see a cloaked figure a knife in his hand. In mechanical movements accompanied by sound the figure moves then stops. His eyes open and he moves his head from side to side. There is the sound of evil laughter being emitted from the machine as the figure’s hand slashes with its knife. The automaton continues to move but as the mechanism runs down it starts to do its actions in slow motion. The sound too slows down. The lights inside the machine also fade. Finally the machine stops as the lights go out inside the box. Blackness. Silence. The storm continues throughout this sequence. Suddenly the Fairman burst out from inside the machine onto the stage accompanied by a frightening music effect. FAIRMAN Yeeeeeeeell. Eerie lighting on him. FAIRMAN By the pricking of my thumbs Something wicked this way comes. Ha! Ha! Black out. End Of Act 2 Scene 3THE END |
PLEASE NOTE
YOU CAN PERFORM THIS PLAY FREE OF CHARGE. IT HAS COPY RIGHT c BUT PLEASE INFORM THE AUTHOR AT E-MAIL ADDRESS allenwhall'hotmail.com AS HE WOULD LOVE TO COME AND SEE IT. ANY HELP IN ITS STAGING WOULD BE GIVEN THERE ARE SET DESIGNS FREE IF REQUIRED.
BE BRAVE AND HAVE A GO!
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