Scene 3 Physical WorldRopner Park - Official Opening 1893 Grand opening jamboree. All the fireworks etc took place in the evening and I expect the actual opening took place during the daytime - which will help cut down the special effects!!. Lots of populace on stage, some gentry, some dressed poorly, shawls and bonnets for the women, jackets and worn trousers for the men. Centre stage the Duke and Duchess of York being bowed to and curtsied as they move about. There should be a raised dais at the back of the stage towards which the Duke and Duchess are moving. 'Middle-aged' Sir Robert and his wife are with them. Stage right two councillors look on. | |
| MR BIRCH | Enjoying the show eh Flood? |
| MR FLOOD | Ay he's a grand fellow that Colonel Ropner. It's just what this town needs - a park. Said so for a long time. |
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MR BIRCH |
Ay, he's very generous, but then he can afford to be.. |
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MR FLOOD |
Come come Birch, let's have no sourness here. There's many a rich man would hang on to every penny he owns but not our Colonel Ropner. He even paid for the Duke and Duchess to come….. |
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MR BIRCH |
And what does that tell you about the future King and Queen of England? That we have to pay for them to visit our shire? And eat our food? And drink our fine wine? |
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MR FLOOD |
Well whatever the means, they are here, and this will surely be a great day in Stockton's history. |
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MR BIRCH |
Ay, he's very generous, but then he can afford to be.. |
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MR FLOOD |
Come come Birch, let's have no sourness here. There's many a rich man would hang on to every penny he owns but not our Colonel Ropner. He even paid for the Duke and Duchess to come….. |
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MR BIRCH |
And what does that tell you about the future King and Queen of England? That we have to pay for them to visit our shire? And eat our food? And drink our fine wine? |
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MR FLOOD |
Well whatever the means, they are here, and this will surely be a great day in Stockton's history. |
| Stage left a little girl is with her mother. The mother is talking to a friend, the girl is tugging at her skirt and trying to attract her attention | |
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GIRL |
Mummy mummy, who is that man and that lady? And why is everybody bowing and curtseying? And who is that man and that woman with them? Mummy? Who is it? Etc etc. |
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SALLY |
What Annie dear, what's the matter? |
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ANNIE |
Mummy mummy, who is that man and that lady? And why is everybody bowing and curtseying? And who is that man and that woman with them? Mummy? Who is it? Etc etc. |
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SALLY |
That, Annie. Is his Royal Highness the Duke of York and his wife the Duchess |
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ANNIE |
Mummy I can't see, lift me up, I can't see Mummy! |
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SALLY |
(ignoring her) And the man with them is Colonel Robert Ropner and he is with his wife. He's our new mayor and he is the gentleman who gave us this park.. |
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ANNIE |
Mummy, why is that man wearing funny clothes - he looks like a soldier |
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SALLY |
He's a prince dear, and one day he'll be king of England, and they like dressing up as soldiers. |
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ANNIE |
Mummy why …………….? |
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(CENTRE STAGE) | |
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DUKE OF YORK |
Well Mr Ropner (he is not yet knighted),, or should I say. Mr Mayor this is indeed a fine show |