Scene 1 Sample

Part of Scene 1 - where the four main characters discuss their homework assignment

Production Notes

The four schoolchildren appear throughout the play and so have by far the most lines to learn. Each scene is “self-contained” i.e a different story in each, so the actors in these have fewer lines to learn. The play involves a large cast: this means that in a large Primary School, or one with many children to accommodate, there will be parts for everyone. In a smaller school, or one with fewer actors, children can ‘double up’ e.g. be a Roman soldier in Scene 2, a coal miner in Scene 4 and a Rescuer in Scene 6.

The main action takes place next to a roundabout. On the roundabout is a replica of the 5 lamps of Thornaby. Each of the 5 lamps needs to be lit independently.

Scene 1 The Homework

Song 1 The 5 Lamps

The scene takes place in Thornaby, at the roundabout where stands the 5 lamps, 4 school-children are standing at the kerbside opposite the roundabout. On the roundabout stand the 5 lamps – unlit. One of the children, Joseph, is in a wheelchair.

MADDY

Well, we’re here, now what?

JOSEPH

Look there’s a plaque over there, on a stand. Let’s go and look at it.

EDWARD

You’re joking Joe! Look at the traffic…

JOSEPH

But there might be something .. you know, some information

MADDY

(slightly sneeringly) Like there was at the other one we looked at.

ELLA

Well, it told us who made it…. But not much else….

JOSEPH

I know but… my nan said….

MADDY

Your nan said, if you want to find about the history of Thornaby, you’ve got to start with the 5 lamps..

JOSEPH

Yeah….

EDWARD

Which is what we did..

MADDY

………And found nothing but an old iron lamp post with no actual working lights

ELLA

Hey, Maddy, slow down, it’s not Joseph’s fault, or his nan’s. She didn’t set us this project.

EDWARD

Look, why don’t we just go back to ours… there’s bound to be loads of stuff on the web.. and my mum says I mustn’t go far..

ELLA

Yeah and didn’t Miss Hardcastle say.. “find out for yourself’?

MADDY

(In a childish mocking tone) Oh diddums Eddie… and why can’t little Eddie stay out?

EDWARD

My sister, Sharon, you know, she’s having a baby

JOSEPH

Yeah and what’s that got to do with you?

EDWARD

(rather miserably) Well… Mum will have to go to the hospital, you know, when it, you know.. and she says I’ve got to be at home. (brightening up) Anyway, how will Miss Hardcastle know? It is kinda finding out for ourselves.

ELLA

She’ll know..

JOSEPH

Look, I’m going over – you can stay here if you like..