CATS Evaluation

Show 1

I didn't feel like we were on our top form for the opening night. I'm not sure if it was just first show nerves but we were definitely lacking in confidence individually and as a team and that affected our performance. There was a part in the opening where we all did one move too early which really had a negative effect on the rest of the number and shook our confidence even more. The thing I was most nervous about was that the audience wouldn't understand what was going on because we had changed the concept from the original CATS to a concept about models and designers in the fashion industry. Although the idea had really grown on me and I found it interesting, I remember how wary I was of it at the beginning and  I worried the audience would feel that way too as this was the first time they had seen it performed this way. I was also quite self conscious because my costume was a lot brighter than everyone else's, especially the pink wig. It's very different to what I usually wear and I was worried that I might look silly compared to everyone else. I think this affected my confidence too. 

Our second song Naming Of The Cats also wasn't as good as it could have been. My group in particular seemed to be out of time and I think this is because not everyone was confident with the words. There are lots of very similar words to learn and it is made harder by the fact we are talking it rather than singing, yet there is still a certain rhythm to take. There was one line in particular that I was worried about because I could never remember the timing of this line. It was "Else how can he keep up his tail perpendicular," but for some reason I kept on adding an "or" at the beginning which messed up the timing. Also no one seemed confident with the final section of the song, myself included, so it seemed slightly delayed and I think it was obvious to the audience. 

Next was Gumbie Cat which was the song about my character and included a big tap number. I was feeling a lot more confident about this one because it was one of the first numbers we choreographed and I spent a lot of time working on it. There were a couple of lines in the song that I messed up which was a shame because apart from that I think I performed well in this. However I didn't have very long to switch from my converse to my tap shoes so I didn't do them up quite right. This caused me to feel like they were going to fall off when I was doing my tap solo and this caused me to look down which could have given the impression to the audience that I was not confident. 

I feel like the rest of the show went well but we definitely needed to gain more confidence in ourselves individually and as a team because I knew we could do a lot better than what we did. 

The ending of the show did not go well which was a shame because I feel like this ruined the whole atmosphere. We hadn't rehearsed this number very much at all and it really showed. No one was loud enough and a lot of people went out of time. This really left us feeling down about the show and we thought the final song would get cut because it was so bad. This really didn't help me find the confidence for the rest of the week. 

Show 2

After a good night's sleep I was feeling a lot more confident about our next performance. I thought about all the things I could have done better last night and made sure I did something to improve that before the next show. For instance, I got lost on some of my lines in Gumbie Cat because they are all quite similar, so I listened to the song again and went over the words in my script and I found this really helped me as I nailed the lines this time. 

The whole atmosphere was different tonight, I'm not sure if it was because my family were in the audience but I had a whole new confidence that I didn't have in the first show. We performed the opening much better than the night before and we were all much louder. I thin it's important to get the opening right because not only does it make the audience feel assured that they are going to enjoy the show and it helps us as performers to feel confident about the rest of the night. 

My tap solo was much better than before. I left the stage earlier tonight so I could spend more time putting my tap shoes on. I sang all of the words right and I looked up during my whole tap number. Looking up is something I have struggled to do throughout the rehearsal process because I'm so focused on getting my steps right. I needed to concentrate on my feet a bit less and just enjoy the performing it and I think I achieved this. 

The final song was also so much better which was such a relief. We rehearsed it so many times during the day which did become quite tedious at the time but it definitely paid off! I'm really glad we chose not to cut it because I think it just rounded the show off in a great way. 

Overall the second show was a huge success and I improved significantly in this performance. 

Show 3

After a good performance last night I was feeling confident about the final show. Just before we began we all had to write what we felt we had achieved so far and what we wanted to achieve in the final show. I felt like I had achieved growth in my confidence. On opening night I was nervous before every dance and had to think about every step and what came next, but by now I was feeling ready for everything and was more focused on my delivery and performance, making sure I smiled rather than getting the steps right. I also think I succeeded in portraying my character of Jennyanydots as a caring, mother figure of the group. I did this mostly in the song Gumbie Cat by the way I interacted with the other actors on stage who played the young models I was training and the established models I had trained in the past. We then all swapped papers and wrote good things about other people's performances. Reading people's comments really helped to give me that final boost of confidence to go out there and perform the best I can. 

The show was going well until a technical fault during Gumbie Cat. This was the worst possible song for the music to cut out on because music is such a vital part of tap dancing. At first I didn't even realise that the music had stopped because people were singing and I was focused on keeping in character. When I realised what had happened I was suddenly very worried because I didn't know how we would manage to do the tap routine well. Watching the video back it was quite painful to watch, it was such a shame that the music stopped on my final performance of this song. Amazingly, we all stayed in time! I was so happy about this as its very hard to do when there is no music to go by. The only thing I would criticise is that we did start speeding up as the dance went on, but I still think we handled the situation well and managed to save the dance. Some members of the audience said they didn't even know the music had stopped or just assumed it was supposed to be like that. When the song finished we got the biggest round of applause we had ever got for that song and I felt extremely proud of everyone for dealing so well with the situation and still giving a strong performance of the song. 

Overall, I was pleased with my performance. My confidence improved in every show and I feel that I stayed in character consistently and danced to the best of my ability.
If I was to develop my performance further I would perhaps over act even more during the in between scenes to really show off Jenny's mothering side and also of course have performed my tap solo even stronger with no technical difficulties. 
If I had more money and more time, then I would have developed my Gumbie Cat choreography by adding a lot more dancers. I would have had about 10 on each side of the catwalk as well as having them going all the way down the catwalk and up the steps. This would made the choreography look much more effective especially when they were in turning round in their lines. I would also have been able to employ professional tap dancers so the routine would have been even stronger and I could have included more complex steps. I also would have used different costumes, especially when the models are walking down the catwalk. I would have got lots of brightly coloured and crazy shaped clothes so that this part of the number would have looked more like a fashion show for Jenny's new designs.

CATS Questions

1) How did you initially react to the script? How did your relationship with the material change?

I was surprised at first that the script was 100% song because I thought that it might be difficult for us to convey the story to the audience with no dialogue in between, especially as we have changed the concept from the original cats to being set in the fashion world. 

2) What did/do you think of the concept of changing the context to the fashion world?

At first I was worried about it because I didn't understand how we could change the story

to fit the concept. There were lots of factors we had to consider such as the setting. The original production is set in a dump which obviously isn't appropriate for a production based around the fashion world. We had to change the meaning of Heavyside layer to make it something related to the fashion industry. We also had to think about costumes and adapting the character's personalities to the types of personalities found in the fashion world. I was also worried that the audience wouldn't understand what was going on as the musical is called Cats but we were not portraying cats.


3) How has that worked in practice?

 Luckily, we managed to overcome all of these obstacles. We changed the setting from a dump to a modern day design house called "Deuteronomy Designs". We had a catwalk and office in our set as well as two clothes rails full of clothes as well as clothes hanging from the ceiling. We also had some mannequins with quite unconventional designs on them so the set fitted really well with our concept and I think it helped the audience understand what was going on. We also changed the Heavyside Layer to a special edition of a magazine that one model/designer is chosen to be on the cover of every year.


4) What has changed about your understanding of the narrative/characters?

When we started this project I had a very basic knowledge of the narrative and characters. For instance I knew of the Rum Tum Tugger, that Macavity was a criminal and that Grizabella sang Memory and was rejected by the group until the end of the show. I hadn't heard of every character and I didn't realize how complicated the story was. For instance there are lots of smaller parts of the story that are very important, such as Old Deuteronomy getting stolen by Macavity. There are also lots of theories about the relationships between the characters. For example, some people believe Bombalurina is Jennyanydot's daughter, some also speculate that Demeter and Macavity used to date. Getting a better understanding of the story and characters helped me to better appreciate the show as a whole and helped me to enjoy performing it a lot more. 

5)  Explain the thought processes behind your character choices in a thorough manner? (consider vocal & movement choices) 

I started by watching the videos of the original performances of Gumbie Cat and Bustopher Jones as they were the main songs I was in. I noticed she was very twee, for example with the way she flicked her hands and the way she walked. I think this represents her older age and also shows she is very feminine and sweet, so I decided to do use this movement in my own portrayal of Jenny. She also flicks her hands a lot to order people around the stage, I think this shows her motherly nature so I decided to do it too. For example when I am gesturing for the models to show me what they can do on the catwalk, when I gesture them to go to the back because they were all so awful, or when I gesture for them to watch the other three girls do it. 

Jenny's main solo is in Bustopher Jones. I noticed she sounded very posh when she sung and I think this represents how she is a respected character as a posh voice gives her high status. However, I think she over does it in the original film and it takes away from the song. I want to keep her voice well spoken to give her that high status. I also think her voice should be soft to show is kind and caring towards the other creatures. 

CATS Mini Project Presentation

CATS Mini Project Choreography

Dance For Camera Final Film

Dance for Camera First Draft & Review

Here is the first minute of my dance for camera film:

Notes From Peers:

- In time to the music

- All of the shots fit nicely together and are in time 

- Good use of repetition makes the dance look effective and shows that she is two different verisons of the same person

- Contrasting locations really showed the difference between the two girls 

- Nice combination of ballet, lyrical and contemporary

- Hair could have been tied back in the colourful world to show off her make up better

- Could use a wider range of camera angles 

Personal Evaluation:

Overall I am pleased with how the first minute of my film has turned out. I think I have used a good range of camera angles, for example I start out with an establishing shot, wich pans into a close up. there are also a range of mid and long shots. I think I could develop this more and use more complex camera angles such as low and high angle as this would make my film look a lot more interesting. 

I think I have included some good choreographic devices, such as levels, starting on the floor at the beginning then getting up and reaching high. I also used repetition, for example there is a leap that is repeated. I am also going to include more repetition throughout my choreography to show that she is the same girl in different worlds. 

I found it quite difficult to edit because the verison when she was dancing in the bright/colourful world was faster than the dull world for some reason so I found it hard to get it to fit with the music. However after getting notes back from peers I think I have managed to achieve it. I am particularly happy with a few certain moments when the cut between the dull and the bright world, for example when she kicks on the ground and when she extends her arm out. 

Dance For Camera Choreographic Devices & Themes

The song I have chosen to choreograph my dance to is called "shatter me". It is about someone who feels trapped and wants to excape. In the music video there is a girl stuck in a snow globe who is trying to break free into the outside world, but this concept could apply to anything such as wanting to get away from a dead end job or wanting to move into a new town. I came up with a broader concept, I am going to show a young girl who is bored in reality and wants to break free into her dream land which is full of colour. So for some of my shots the girl will be dressed in dull brown/black colours in front of a gloomy, concrete background, and sometimes she will be wearing a blue leotard and lots of glitter in a big green field. 

Here is the song I am setting my piece to:

As you can hear, the music has a very balletic tone to it so I have decided that my style is going to have elements of ballet in it. However the song also has a very dubstep/modern sound to it too so I am going to mix the ballet with a more contemporary style. The ballet steps I plan to use are arobesques, attitudes, developets and turns. However I am also going to have lots of rigid hand and leg positions which gives the dance that contemporary edge. 

I am going to be using lots of levels in my choreogrphy. My dancer will start curled up on the ground, then when the music starts she will expand out, but stay on the floor until the music starts to get faster, then she will stand up. 

I am also using extremes of speed in my choreography. There are moments in the music where it is very slow, then suddenly picks up and is very fast so I am going to represent this in my choreography. For example, on the slow part of the music, the dancer will go down on the floor so she is balancing on her shoulders with her legs pointed in the air, then when the music speeds up she jumps up, runs then does a big push, leap and turn. 

Bustopher Jones Choreography

I worked with Catrina on this choreography. In this song the members of the design house are making fun of an old, rich, fat sponsor. However their mocking is not spiteful, it is all in good humour, in fact there are some theories that my character, Jennyanydots, is in love with him. The song has a light hearted atmosphere so we wanted to represent this in our choreography.

Here is a picture of how we staged the number:

Grace, Cherkanah and I are at the front as we are the main singers of this song. Being in three lines makes choreographic devices such as canon look really effective. However it would be boring for everyone to stay in these places for the whole song, especially as its such a happy energetic song, so we swapped places half way through. There is a part in the song where the music changes and individual people pretend to be Bustopher. This is supposed to be a funny part of the song so we thought it would be better for everyone to move to the sides apart from the person who is singing, who got up on the catwalk. At first this was hard to make funny as it involved the people on the catwalk improvising and the people around the sides to point and laugh and interact with each other.

We decided we wanted to have hats in this dance because Bustopher wears a hat so it would reinstate the idea that we are making fun of him. We also repeated motifs such as twiddling moustaches and putting our arms out as if we had big bellies to create even more of a mocking atmosphere.

The climax of the song is when everyone sings "Bustopher Jones wears white!" so we wanted to make this moment stand out from the rest of the song. We decided that everyone should move in closer together and shoot their arms out in different directions. Not only is this different to the rest of the number but it also makes a very interesting shape. I think it is important to include different shapes and levels because for most of the dance we are in three lines so this would make it more dynamic.

Here is a rehearsal video

Rumours Final Draft

SCENE 1

The year is 1953. Joy and her best friend, Dimp, are on holiday in Ford, they are both 16 years old. It is a Saturday night and they are on their way to the pub to attend the village hop. Joy is very pretty and slim with dark brown, curly hair and big blue eyes. Dimp is taller but plumper with a round face and very short hair.

Dimp  I'm a bit nervous!

Joy    Oh come on, Dimp! It'll be fun!

Dimp  What if nobody wants to dance with me?

Joy    Oh, don't be silly! I'll dance with you! We will dance together all night                                      

         long!

Dimp Yeah right!

Joy    What do you mean?

Dimp Boys always want to dance with you and you know it! It will be 10           minutes before a boy catches your eye and off you go! And I won't want to stop you either! You deserve to dance as much as you like with whoever you like after what you told me about that Johnny!

Joy   Oh, Dimp, you are silly!

Dimp I mean it, Joycee! He didn't deserve you!

Joy   Oh I don't worry about him anymore! You need to stop putting               yourself down there's absolutely no reason why a boy wouldn't want to dance with you! We are on holiday so lets have fun! No more boring secretarial college for a whole week!

Dimp You know what I hope I don’t have to see another typewriter for a rather long time!

The girls both laugh

Dimp I am still worried about this village hop. Promise you won’t leave me?

Joy  Dimp we are not in Brockham right now, there is no reason why a boy wouldn’t want to dance with you! In fact, there's a navy base around here you know. You might meet a nice sailor!

Dimp: (giggles) oh! My father would kill me if he knew I was with a sailor boy!

Joy: So would mine!

they both laugh as they walk into the dance hall.

SCENE 2

Pete and Jerry are in the navy and stationed at Ford. Peter is 18 with blonde/ginger hair. He is originally from Croydon. Jerry is a year older and comes from Kent. They've got the night off and are sitting at the bar in the pub. However due to the brewer's strike the pub has run out of beer. 

Jerry Shows Pete a picture of his wife.  That's my girl! Beautiful isn't she! Julie her name is. Met her back in Maidstone, when I saw her I knew. I just knew she was the one!

Pete takes the photo and looks at it for a moment, puzzled

That girl's blonde?

Jerry Yeah, and?

Pete Well that girl I saw you smooching last week had red hair!

Jerry Oh shut up Crampers! (He snatches the photo back) Nothing wrong with a bit of fun now, ey?

Pete Hmm. (to the bar tender) Pour us another one, mate?

Barman Sorry chaps we're all out!

Pete & Jerry What!

Jerry Great night this is turning out to be!

Barman Sorry boys but it’s the Brewer’s strike! Got nothing left!

Peter What are we supposed to do now then?

Jerry We’ll just have to go somewhere else then won’t we!

Barman Good luck with that, whole town’s out of the stuff.

Jerry Great!

Barman Well, if you're that desperate there is some bass next door in the

bar.

Pete Fancy a trip to the village hop then mate?

Jerry reluctantly

I guess we don’t have much of a choice do we?

Pete Come on!

Pete gets up and thanks the bar man. He gestures Jerry to get up and they walk off stage together, Jerry is reluctant to leave.

SCENE 3

Joy and Dimp are dancing together at the village hop. Dimp is enjoying herself but Joy wishes there were some better looking boys around.

Dimp I'm having a great time, how about you Joycee!

Joy Yes it's alright. Shall I get us another drink?

Dimp Ok! she carries on dancing by herself

Joy walks over to the bar.  

Jerry and Pete enter from USR and all the girls turn around to look at them. They see Dimp dancing on her own and go over to her. 

Jerry  Hey little lady, whats a girl like you doing dancing by herself?

Dimp  (she has suddenly become very shy and giggly) Oh I'm not by myself I'm with my friend Joy! She's just gone over to the bar to get us a drink. Yeah she'll probably be back in a minute so yeah I'm not really alone no.  

Jerry  Oh. So you probably don't want to dance with us then 

Dimp Well I…

Joy walks over to them holding two drinks. Both boys look up and stare at her

Pete wow

Joy Sorry?

Pete I mean...hi! Fancy a dance?

Joy Ok! She hands the drinks over to Dimp and walks into the middle of the dance floor with Pete.

Jerry and Dimp look at each other. He shrugs and they go over to the middle too. They all do the Gay Gordon. 

Pete So What's your name?

Joy It's Joy

Pete Joy! That's a lovely name!

Joy Don't lie! I hate it! 

Pete Well you shouldn't! 

Joy What about you?

Pete Hey?

Joy  What's your name?

Pete  Oh! It's Peter. Call me Pete though!

Joy  Okay Pete. So what are you doing here?

Pete I'm in the navy. Stationed here.

Joy: Oh! So you're a sailor!

Pete: Yes indeed

Joy: That sounds so exciting

Pete: Yes it is! And very dangerous too!

Joy: Wow

Pete: What do you do?

Joy: I’m in college. I’m becoming a secretary.

Pete: Sounds...exciting!

Joy: It’s not! and It’s not very dangerous either! I wanted to be a hairdresser but my dad insisted I was (does impression of her dad) “fit for office work”

Pete: Oh that’s sad.

Joy: Yes, but being a secretary is still a good job I suppose.

Pete: Yeah. So anyway do you live around here then? I've never seen you before.

Joy: Oh no, I'm on holiday! I live in Brockham. 

Pete: Oh I see! 

the couple carrying on dancing for the rest of the night until the dance is over. 

Pete: It's time to go already?

Joy: I guess so! 

Pete: I'll walk you home if you like. 

Joy: What about Dimp?

Pete: I think she's just fine! He points towards Jerry and Dimp who are kissing. They both laugh.

SCENE 4

Pete and Joy are walking along the beach. It is 11pm and Joy is already late home. 

Joy: Shivers

Pete: Are you cold? Here take my coat. He takes his coat off and wraps it around Joy then puts his arm around her. 

Joy: Thanks. There is a slight pause and they look at each other I'm late you know.

Pete: What?

Joy: I'm late home. You should be warned that my parents are going to shout at you she giggles

Pete: Oh I'm not worried! I've seen many things! Travelled all over the world! I'm not frightened by some parents worried about their daughter you know.

Joy: Well what about your mum? I'm sure she must get very worried about her little boy travelling around to all these dangerous places!

Pete: No my mum doesn't really worry.

Joy: Oh?

Pete: She died when I was 9. Worked in the bomb factory. Got Pneumonia. He shrugs

Joy: Oh I'm sorry, I didn't realise

Pete: Well of course not, you just met me. I could be anyone!

Joy: Oh yes you are very threatening. 

Pete then suddenly grabs Joy, runs and spins her around. She screams and laughs and shouts "put me down!" etc. He puts her down so that their faces are close. They look at each other for a second and then kiss. Suddenly a woman's voice shouts from off stage. 

Gladys: Joyce! Joyce! Get here right now young lady! You are in so much trouble! Just you wait until your father sees you! Joyce! Joyce!

Joy: Quick! run!

Pete: Wait! Can I see you tomorrow?

Joy: Okay!

Pete: I'll meet you here at 5 o clock! he kisses her on the cheek and then runs off. Goodbye!

Joy: Goodbye!

Gladys: Joyce!!!

Joy: Coming! She runs off stage in the opposite direction to Peter.

SCENE 5

It is the next day. Pete is on his way to meet Joy. He has arranged a surprise picnic on the beach and is holding a hamper. He is met at the door by Joy's father. (could be played by the same actor as bartender) 

George: Yes.

Pete: Hello, sir. I am here to pick up Joy. 

George: I don't think you are. 

Pete: I'm sorry?

George: You are not here to pick up my daughter.

Pete: But we planned to…

George: Well she's not here I'm afraid. Off with some young chap she met this morning on the beach. 

Pete:  (suddenly disheartened and sad.) Oh I see. Well I'll be off then. Sorry to have bothered you sir. He starts to walk away, solemnly. 

Joy: Dad! Dad! Who is that at the door? She squeezes past her dad and sees Peter. Oh Peter! Peter!

Pete: (Turns around) Joy!

Joy: (jokingly) Dad! What have I told you about winding up my boyfriends? 

George: (Laughs) Sorry darling, it's just too funny seeing their little faces as they turn away

Pete is suddenly embarrassed

Joy: Well you need to stop it! She kisses him on the cheek. Bye daddy I'll be back by 10 okay?

George: Make sure it is 10 this time young lady!

Pete: Oh I will sir! I will!

Joy runs out the door and catches up with Pete. 

Pete: Boyfriend hey?

Joy: oh shush! 

Pete: holds up the picnic hamper

Joy: What's this?

Pete: Only the finest of picnics for me lady! Cheese sandwiches made by yours truly!

Joy: So I'm your lady now am I?

Pete: Yep! He grabs her hand and they run to the front of the stage. He puts the blanket down and gestures for her to sit on it. 

Baby I'm yours plays as the couple enjoy their picnic and play on the beach. When the song ends they are sitting on the blanket again.

Joy: Peter.

Pete: Yes. 

Joy: I'm…I'm going home tomorrow. 

Pete: Oh. 

Joy: I know. 

Pete: So is this it then? Just a holiday thing. 

Joy: No! No! I don't want it to be just a holiday thing at all! Actually I was speaking to my mum and she said that..if you wanted…you could come home with us. You know when you have leave obviously not all the time that would be mad. 

Pete: Cups her face with his hands. Joy.

Joy: Yes.

Pete: I'd love to.

Joy: Oh!

Pete: But I can't

Joy: Oh

Pete: At least not yet! I am leaving tomorrow too. Training at sea for two weeks. But after! After I promise I will!

Joy: (hugs him) I've got to go!

Pete: I'll come see you tomorrow and wave you off if you like

Joy: Okay! 

They kiss again then part ways

SCENE 6

It is the next morning and Joy and Dimp are packing their stuff.

Joy: I can't believe it, Dimp! He is just so handsome and kind and perfect and so funny you know! Not like the sort of boys we get back in Brockham. They are all so childish well he is a grown up! He's travelled to all these far away places. Been in lots of danger you know. Oh he's so brave! He's coming to wave us off! Do you think Jerry will come too? You've barely mentioned him since the other night! 

Dimp: Starts to cry

Joy: What on earth is the matter Dimp?

Dimp: He's…..He's…..MARRIED! 

Joy: MARRIED?

Dimp: (still sobbing.) We had such a lovely weekend together. He took me to the cinema and we walked along the beach and he even kissed me! I thought that I had found him! My true love! But then last night, he told me. He told me he was already married and this was nothing more than a fling to him! How could he say that Joy? How could he?

Joy: Oh, Dimp. (she puts her arm around her.) It's ok. You could do much better than him anyway. There's lots of nice boys back home!

Gladys (from off stage): Joyce! That young man is here to see you! 

Pete enters. 

Pete: Hiya girls! Hi Dimp! (He sees that she's upset.) Oh what's wrong?

Joy: (walks over to him.) Don't act as if you don't know!

Pete: What?

Joy: Jerry.

Pete: (after a few seconds) Ah. 

Joy: So what's your one called then? Don't think I'm stupid, Peter, I can work it out. We should never have trusted you, you're all just the same! Well guess what! I will not be your floozie! Two weeks training? Yeah right you're just going back to see your wife!

Pete: Joy! No! You've got it wrong! I'm not married, I promise!

Dimp: Don't listen to him Joycee! They're all rats!

Pete: I'm not! I'm not! Please believe me, Joy! I would never lie to you. 

Joy: I don't know, Peter. 

Pete: Joy! 

Joy: If you turn up in two weeks time, then I'll know won't I. 

Gladys: Girls we've got to go! 

Peter: Joy! 

Joy: Goodbye, Peter. Hopefullly I'll see you again. 

The girls grab their bags and walk away. Dimp glares at him as she walks past. Peter is left alone on stage. Lights down.

SCENE 7

It is a few weeks since Joy returned from holiday and Peter still hasn't turned up. She is in her room practising her hair styles. Gladis calls from downstairs (offstage)

Gladys: Joyce! There is a boy here to see you!

Joy: (Jumps up and runs SR to go meet who she thinks is Pete) Peter! Pete! I thought you were never coming I thought I had ruined everything!

Johnny enters SR carrying flowers. He is tall and handsome but not as good looking as Pete.

Joy: I'm so sorry…oh.

Johnny: Hi Joycee. Wow you look amazing.

Joy: What do you want Johnny?

Johnny: I've been missing you Joy. Ever since we broke up then you went on that holiday I've missed you so much! I love you! I think we should get back together.

Joy: No.

Johnny: What?

Joy: Sorry but I've met someone else.

Johnny: Oh what? That guy from the navy. Dimp told us all about him! He's married, Joy!

Joy: That's not true actually

Johnny: Oh yeah? Well where is he then?

Joy doesn't reply

Johnny: Yeah thats what I thought. Now come here girl. (He grabs her around

the waist) You look so beautiful you know.

Joy: Get off me! Get off!

Johnny: Don't be like that! Gimme a kiss! (He leans in to kiss her)

Pete enters SL and notices Joy is struggling to break free from Johnny’s grasp

Pete: What the hell are you doing to her?

Joy: Peter!

Johnny: Ah is this sailor boy? Just go back to your wife mate! He tries to grab her again but Peter grabs him and pushes him off

Pete: Now you listen to me, boy! I don’t want to see you around here, giving Joy or any other girl grief, ok?

Johnny: Oh yeah? And what are you going to do about it?

Pete (Grabs Johnny by the shirt.) Don’t make me do anything.

Peter lets go and Johnny scrambles off stage. Joy runs over to Peter and flings her arms around him.

Joy Thank you thank you!

Pete Are you okay? Did he hurt you?

Joy: No I’m fine, honestly! Thanks to you!

There is a pause where they look at each other lovingly. Suddenly Joy is excited.

I thought you were never coming back! I'm so sorry about that day when I left! Dimp was so sad and I got so angry and, oh I'm so glad you're here!

Pete: My training got extended! There was no way of contacting anyone, I'm sorry I would have told you if I could!

Joy: It’s okay now! You’re here! The couple hold hands and walk off stage

SCENE 8

The couple are laying in a field together, just talking. They are both smitten with each other

Joy My mum is so excited for you to be staying with us

Pete Really?

Joy Oh yes she loves having extra people in the house, it’s rarely ever us 5 alone for dinner.

Pete that’s amazing

Joy When my cousin Anne was a baby, my auntie abandoned her so mum took her in and she lives with us now. During the war we had a lot of evacuees.  I always remember one boy who only had two fingers!

Pete What!

Joy I know! He used to push my toy pram around like this mimics what the boy did

Pete: How bizarre!

Joy It was! But he was an amazing little boy! Never let it affect him!

Pete It sounds like you had a great childhood

Joy I really did

Pete You’re very lucky. My father is a hard man. I don’t really know him that well to be honest.

Joy Why not?

Pete I come from London, so I was evacuated. I went from place to place until about 13. I never went to school because we always had to help out on the farms, so I couldn’t read or do sums very well. Then my brother and I got shipped off to boarding school, then when I left that I joined the navy. So I guess I’ve never really been at home.

Joy Oh that’s so sad

Pete I guess so, I’ve always wished I could have a proper family like yours.

Joy Well now you can

Pete huh?

Joy You can be part of our family!

Pete Oh, Joy, you are so lovely! I don’t know how I managed to find a girl like you.

Pete holds Joy’s face and kisses her.

SCENE 9

It is one week later. Peter has stayed with Joy for the whole week, met all her friends and had has seen the whole village. It is now a Friday evening and the couple are sitting outside the Royal Oak pub. The pair are very much in love and smitten with each other. 

Joy Dimp was telling me how funny Billy and Shirley thought you were last night at the bowling! You impressed them all!

Pete Well, what can I say? Just a natural talent I suppose.

Joy I can't believe you beat me! I am the reigning champion you know!

Pete was! Now I am the champion! he picks her up and swings her round. She screams and laughs.

Joy You get on so well with everyone. My friends, my family. apparently little Dennis wants to be a sailor now! It's like you've been here forever.

Pete I wish I could stay forever.

Joy You mean, you can't?

Pete takes her back to sit down. I've been meaning to tell you this but we've had such a good week I just didn't want to ruin it.

Joy Why? What's happened?

Pete Nothing! Nothing to be worried about. But I only had one weeks leave. I have to go back on Monday.

Joy oh.

Pete grabs her hand

Joy How long for?

Pete I don't know. A couple of months.

Joy: Months!

Pete Yes. This is what it's going to be like if we are going to be together. I'll be away for longer than I'll be here. I know it's hard but that's the job I'm in and I love it. I wish I had longer here with you but I don't. I understand if this is all too much for you. I don't expect you to wait around for me.

Joy No

Pete I see. Well, I best go then. He gets up to leave

Joy No. I mean no, I don't think it's too much for me. I want to wait around for you. I'd rather be apart for months on end and get to spend a week with you than have to spend one night with any other boy in this village. I love you.

Pete I love you too! They kiss I bought you a present. I got it on the way here but I wasn't sure if you would want it until now. he pulls out a gold locket from his pocket and gives it to her

Joy Oh, Peter! It's beautiful!

Pete It's so you won't forget me when I'm away. he opens it. There's a picture of us when we were on the beach. and that ones me too...in case you forget what I look like or something.

Joy I love it!

Pete (takes the necklace and puts it on Joy)

Joy (She looks at it and sighs with happiness) We still have two more days you know.

Pete and three more nights…

The couple look at each other and giggle before running off stage holding hands

SCENE 10

It is a month later and Pete is still away at sea. Joy and Dimp are in Joy's bedroom. 

Dimp Any news from Pete?

Joy I got a letter a few weeks ago, but he can’t tell me where he is or where he’s going! It's hard for him to contact me when he's at sea so long. I miss him so much and he's so far away. He could be anywhere

Dimp and doing anything!

Joy No it's not like that, Dimp! He loves me!

Dimp Oh it's just so romantic! Long distance love! You are so lucky you know, Joy!

Joy Well I don't feel very lucky right now. 

Dimp Well you should. He's gorgeous!

Gladys (From off stage) Joyce! Dimp! There's a boy here for you!

Joy jumps up and gasps

Dimp Oh yeah it's probably Billy

Joy Billy?

Dimp I invited him round, I hope that’s okay.

Joy Oh yeah it's not like it's my house or anything. Sorry I just thought it was Pete. As soon as I hear a knock on the door I sprint downstairs to open it but it's always someone boring, like the postman. Or Billy.

Dimp Billy isn't boring!

Joy Oh I see why you invited him now!

Dimp okay yes you're right!

Joy Dimp! How could you not tell me?

Dimp I know it's just I didn't know what you'd say because it's Billy! And anyway you've been so wrapped up in all this stuff with Peter and you're so happy I didn't want to interrupt.

Joy Oh Dimp! You can tell me anything I'm not going to judge you.

Billy enters sheepishly from USL. He is short and average looking and wearing an oversized sweater vest.

Billy Hiya

Joy & Dimp Hi Billy!

Joy  Billy we were just thinking about going to get some lunch. Where do you want to go?

Billy Oh I don't mind.

Joy Why do all boys say that? It's so annoying! Just choose!

Billy ummm

Dimp Well we like the cafe down the road don't we, Joycee! Shall we go there?

Billy um okay.

Joy rolls her eyes and smiles as the three leave to go to the cafe.

SCENE 11

It is the same day. Pete is on a ship in the Philippines and is talking to Jerry. 

Jerry And where were you last night then, Crampers? I met this absolute beauty, I did. Tall, blonde...

Pete (light heartedly) and married like you hey Jer?

Jerry Ahhh shut up! What you doing all quiet by yourself here then? 

Pete Thinking.

Jerry What about?

Pete Oh nothing…

Jerry Ay! It's that bird back in Ford isn't it! The pretty one! 

Pete The best friend of the girl who's heart you broke?

Jerry Yeah that's the one! She's made you go all soft, Crampers!

Pete I never!

Jerry Where was you last night then?

Pete I just didn't feel like it

Jerry There we are see! You can't deny it! You've not been the same since that other week when you went to see her. You've gone all weird, spending time alone to...think. It's not normal you know!

Pete It's not?

Jerry No! You're young! You should be out having fun! This girl is bringing you down. I say forget her. 

Pete But you're married. You're not that much older than me you know. 

Jerry Yeah I know but it's different. Now come on we got work to do! Don't worry about that Joy she's probably found some other fella by now anyway. 

Pete gets up and follows Jerry off stage

SCENE 12

Joy, Billy and Dimp are walking home from the cafe eating ice creams. They are chatting and laughing. 

Billy Are you going to the farmers dance on Saturday?

Dimp Oh yes! I love it there!

Billy What about you, Joy?

Joy Hmm, maybe I'm not sure.

Dimp Oh come on! I don't want to go by myself!

Billy Yeah, Joycee, lighten up! You'd be missed.

(He stares at Joy for an awkward moment.)

Dimp Well I'm just going to grab that magazine for my mum I won't be a minute she exits the stage as if going into the newsagents. Joy and Billy sit down and wait for her. They sit for a moment before Billy musters up the courage to speak to her. 

Billy So...

Joy Yeah... she starts to laugh 

Billy What?

Joy Still laughing oh, nothing!

Billy Tell me!

Joy No!

Billy Joy!

Joy I just didn't think you were such a shy one, Billy!

Billy I'm not! I mean not around most people.

Joy What’s so special about me then?

Billy You're beautiful

Joy Billy...I....

Billy kisses Joy on the lips. Before Joy can pull away, Dimp returns from the shop. She sees the pair kissing, drops the magazine and runs away crying. 

Joy Dimp! No! It's not what you think!  (to Billy) What the hell was that, Billy?

Billy I...I'm sorry! 

Joy Just go home! 

Billy exits glumly as Joy chases Dimp to DSR

Joy Dimp! Dimp! Please! I'm so sorry! I didn't do anything! He just kissed me I tried to pull away but you came out just before I had a chance! I didn't want to kiss him I promise! Dimp!

Dimp Oh how terrible it must be for you!

Joy What do you mean?

Dimp You just have such a hard life don't you!

Joy What are you talking about, Dimp?

Dimp Enlighten me, Joy. What is it like to have to fight off so many boys? For everyone to love you? To be the perfect girl?

Joy Oh, Dimp! (She goes to sit down where Dimp is sitting.) I told you, it wasn't like that! I am not interested in Billy at all!

Dimp I know! That's the worst part! No matter what I do, how much make up I put on, however I do my hair, no matter what I wear or what I say I am never good enough! No one ever notices me.

Joy Jerry did!

Dimp He only wanted one thing, Joy! He didn't care about me! And then you, you waltz in so effortlessly and everyone's heads turn to look at you. It's just so unfair! Why can't just one boy love me for once? 

Joy  But that's not my fault!

Dimp I've got to go. She gets up and walks away

Joy  Dimp! Don't go! Come back and talk about it!

Dimp See you later Joy. (She exits.)

Joy sighs and walks away. 

Scene 13

The stage is split in half. On one half you see Dimp writing a letter. On the other side, Jerry is receiving the same letter. As Dimp writes it on her side, Jerry reads it out.

Jerry Dear Jerry, I didn’t think I would ever find myself writing to you. I have no real interest in talking to you after what you did to me back in Ford. However I find myself having no choice as it is obvious your friend Peter is very much in love and I don’t want him to get hurt in the same way I was. I am afraid I caught Joy kissing one of the boys from our village and I feel Pete should know before he wastes anymore of his time with her. You may be wondering why I am telling you this and not him, well I thought he would find it easier coming from you, his friend, rather than a girl he barely knows. Best wishes, Dimp.

Dimp gets up and exits the stage to post the letter. Jerry stuffs the letter in his pocket as Pete enters the stage.

Pete Thought I’d find you in here

Jerry (didn’t see Pete and jumps) Oh!

Pete Sorry mate didn’t mean to scare you!

Jerry Oh…. No… you didn’t! I was just er….

Pete Fancy coming for a drink tonight?

Jerry Look Pete… I’ve got to tell you something…

Pete Yes, yes I know! You’re all worried about me because you think Joy has made me go all soft. Well she hasn’t. She just makes me so happy I’ve never felt anything like it before! So no, I’m not going to forget her, but you’re right, I’ve got to still have fun! So lets go out, see the local night life!

Jerry I think I’ll give it a miss tonight Pete

Pete What’s wrong?

Jerry I…it’s just…

Pete yeah?

Jerry Just not feeling too good. I think I’m coming down with something. You lot go on, have fun!

Pete Suit yourself!

Scene 14

Pete is back in England now and is in Regents Street and has just bought Joy an engagement ring. He is still unaware of the letter Dimp sent Jerry as Jerry has been avoiding him. The two bump into each other in the street. 

Jerry Alright, Crampers? What are you doing here then?

Pete I'm looking for something for Joy.

Jerry (worried) Joy?

Pete (Excitedly) I'm going to ask her to marry me! 

Jerry What would you go and do that for?

Pete I have never felt this way before about any girl! Yeah I've had my fair share of flings but this is nothing like that. I think I love her. 

Jerry Oh, god!

Pete What?

Jerry Come and sit down, mate.

he sits down on the bench behind them and gestures for Peter to sit next to him.  

Jerry look, I don't know how to tell you this...

Pete What? What's happened? Is she alright? 

Jerry She's fine! More than fine I expect.

Pete What then? What is it?

Jerry...well I heard that...you see I got a letter…right basically whilst you've been on your best behavior when we've been away that old sweetheart of yours hasn't exactly been doing the same. 

Pete (Gets up) What? No!

Jerry I'm sorry, Pete.

Pete No! You're lying! She would never do that to me! 

Jerry Let's be honest, Pete, you barely know her.

Pete Shut up! Just shut up! he storms off

Jerry Where are you going?

Pete To see Joy! 

SCENE 15

Joy is in her room when Pete arrives, angry, upset and confused. Gladys calls her down from her room and Joy is ecstatic to see him, unfortunately the feeling is not mutual.

Gladys shouting from offstage: JOY! COME DOWN! PETER'S HERE!

Joy runs to greet Peter and embraces him. He shrugs her away but she takes no notice. 

Joy touching his face and trying to kiss him Oh I've missed you so much! I thought you were never coming back! But here you are! You are here! Oh Peter! Peter? Pete? What's wrong? Talk to me Peter! Peter!

Pete walks away from her

Joy Why won't you talk to me?

Pete (pauses for a long moment) Do you love me, Joy?

Joy What? Of course I do! I love you so much. 

Pete Hmm, and what about Billy? Do you love him?

Joy Billy? What are you talking about?

Pete (walks back over to her) Don't play dumb with me! Don't act like I don't know because I do! I know exactly what you've been up to whilst I've been away. You know what? I thought you were different. I thought I could trust you. Yeah, we haven't known each other for very long but I thought we had something. Something real!

Joy  We do Peter! We do! Of course you can trust me! What's got into your head?

Pete Do you have any idea how humiliated I am? I couldn't shut up about you, Joy. I told every single person on the base who would listen to me everything about our week together, and our weekend together before that. I told them all at least twice, probably three times! I was getting on everyone's nerves but I didn't care because I just couldn't stop thinking about you! Whilst I was away something was different about me. I didn't want to go out every night I just couldn't stand being so far away from you. God I was stupid. 

Joy No you weren't Pete! I love you! I missed you so much too!

Pete shouting Yeah? Then why'd you kiss Billy? Or god knows how many others boys in this pathetic village. 

Joy What? I didn't!

Pete still shouting Don't lie to me, Joy! 

Joy I'm not! I didn't kiss him! 

Pete Yeah yeah

Joy He kissed me! 

Pete Wow. (He walks away from her)

Joy Peter! Wait! please! It's not what you think! 

Pete Goodbye, Joy. (He exits)

Joy Peter! (she walks away and sits down centre stage, sobbing.)

Dimp (enters sheepishly from the corner) Joy, are you ok?

Joy (Looks up to see Dimp and suddenly tries to compose herself as if not to show her friend she is crying.) I think Pete just broke up with me. 

Dimp Oh no. 

Joy I know. She starts to cry again, this time unable to contain it.

Dimp runs up to her and comforts her. I’m so sorry!

Joy It's okay.

Dimp This is all my fault! 

Joy (She breaks away from Dimp.) What?

Dimp The other day, when I saw you and Billy. I was angry and jealous and I did something really, really stupid and horrid.

Joy (Stands up) Dimp. What did you do? 

Dimp I'm sorry, Joy!

Joy Dimp! 

Dimp I told Peter you were cheating on him!

Joy (shouting) YOU WHAT?

Dimp I was just so angry because I wanted Billy to kiss me!

Joy How could you?

Dimp I didn't mean for this to happen! I promise! Swear on my life I didn't think this would happen. I don't know what I wanted to happen I was just jealous I am so sorry!

Joy You just couldn't take it, could you? You couldn't take the fact that I had a boyfriend and you didn't. So what if Billy likes me I couldn't care less about him! I'm sorry if you wanted him but that is not my fault he chose me! 

Dimp Joy I said I'm so...

Joy I don't care what you said! Or what you thought! Or what you meant! That is not how friends treat each other! 

Dimp Joy!

Joy I don't want to hang out with you any more! Don't speak to me again! (she runs off stage in tears.)

SCENE 16

Pete is back at sea again this time in China. It is midnight and they are in the middle of the storm. They are trying to land an aircraft carrier on to the ship but it misses, sweeping Peter and Jerry off the ship and into the sea. The men struggle to get back to the boat. This scene could be done by using a prop for the front of the ship with dark blue and red lighting and a smoke machine to create the effect of stormy seas at night. When the aircraft crashes there should be a sound effect of this. There should also be sound effects of the waves crashing, the wind howling, the boat moving furiously and the other men trying to rescue them. 

Jerry Pete!

Pete Jerry! 

Jerry  I....I can't....see you!

Pete Where are you?

Jerry I...I can't....

Pete Jerry! Jerry! Hold on! I'm coming to find you! 

There is another loud crash followed by the sound of men screaming. Then everything is silent. 

SCENE 17

The lights are still down. The sound of a radio news reporter can be heard. This could be recorded or said by someone off stage

News Reporter Reports are coming in this afternoon of a British navy ship that has crashed during a huge storm in China. It is thought that they were attempting to land an aircraft onto the ship which missed, taking two crew overboard with it. It is believed that both pilots in the aircraft and the two men who fell overboard all died at the scene. They have been named as John Baker, George Wilson, Jerry Smith and Peter Crampton. We will have more updates as they come in. Now for football...the radio broadcast fades out. 

Joy Dad! Dad!

the lights come up to reveal Joy running into the living room where her father is reading the paper. She is extremely frantic.

Joy Dad! You have got to drive me to Ford right now! 

George Excuse me?

Joy Didn't you hear? On the radio! They said Peter is dead! 

George What?

Joy Dad I've got to go right now! 

George You get in the car, honey, I'll grab my keys. 

The pair rush off stage in different directions. 

SCENE 18

Joy and George arrive frantically at the navy base where they are met by an officer guarding the gate

Officer Woah little lady! Where are you going? This is a restricted area!

Joy I need to find out about my boyfriend! I need to find out if he's alive! Please you need to help me!

Officer Okay calm down! Try not to worry I'm sure everything's fine!

Joy No everything is not fine! I heard it on the radio! They said he was dead! 

Officer Was he one of the men stationed in China?

Joy Yes! 

Officer (looking worried) Okay wait here I'll go and see what I can find out. What is his name?

Joy Peter Crampton. 

Officer Okay! Wait here! 

The officer runs off stage to talk to his boss to find out what they know about Pete. 

George (Puts his arms around Joy) I'm sure it'll be fine, love.

Joy But we don't know that, Dad! Oh god, what if he's dead? The last thing we ever did was argue! He didn't believe me that I loved him! But I do love him I do! 

The officer rushes back 

Officer I am very sorry, ma'm, but Peter is missing in action, presumed dead. 

Joy falls to the floor sobbing, George holds her. 

SCENE 19

Joy and George enter solomly into their living room.  They both sit on the sofa, not saying anything. George takes Joy's hand and squeezes it. She just about manages to smile at him. Suddenly someone walks in. It is Peter. 

Joy jumps up off of the sofa and runs to him. George stands up.

Joy Pete! Oh my word It's you! I thought you were dead. 

George (smiling)  I'll leave you to it (he exits) 

Joy and Pete kiss. 

Joy What happened? 

They sit back down on the sofa

Pete We were caught in a storm, an aircraft tried to land on the ship but it missed, taking Jerry and I with it!

Joy How did you get out?

Pete Luckily I'm a strong swimmer. We were swept far away from the ship but somehow, I managed to get close enough to the rope the crew threw us. I tried to grab Jerry but he was just too far away. I told him "come on! We're not going to leave each other!" I managed to get his hand but he was so cold...he was already gone. 

Joy No! Oh I'm so sorry.

The couple hold each other for a moment

Pete I'm sorry about what happened before I went away. I should have believed you.

Joy That doesn't matter now!

Pete Yes it does! When I was in the water and I thought I was going to die, all I could think about was you! How you would feel when you found out I was dead. How you would live the rest of your life thinking I didn't love you anymore.

Joy Oh Peter

Dimp enters, Pete hides behind Joy

Dimp (sheepishly) Hi

There is a noticeable distance between the two girls

Joy (with the same awkward tone) Hi…

Dimp I heard about what happened to Pete and Jerry and I just wanted to see how you were…

Pete (steps out from behind Joy) Hi

Dimp Pete! How did you? I mean when, I mean...I am so sorry!

she runs over to them

Pete All that matters now is that we are here, and that we are together. He grabs Joy’s hand

Joy Oh Dimp! I’ve missed you so much! She hugs Dimp

Dimp I’m so sorry!

Joy It doesn’t matter anymore! I know you were just upset.

Dimp Well I’ve got to get back! I’m meeting a boy tonight! I’m glad you two are back together (They all hug again and then Dimp exits)

Pete Come on, we need to go somewhere? (He grabs her hand)

Joy (excitedly) Where?

Pete Just follow me! 

The pair run off happily holding hands.

SCENE 20

The couple enter the park still holding hands. Peter runs ahead and gestures for Joy to sit down with him. She does. It is about 6pm and the sun is setting.

Pete Okay, I've been meaning to ask you this for a while now. 

Joy (confused) okay?

Pete I was planning to do it ages ago but then we had that fight. I've kept in it in my coat pocket ever since. I don't know how it managed to stay in there wilst I was in the water, but I took it as a sign.

Joy Kept what in your pocket? Peter what are you talking about? 

Pete Okay…okay… (he stands up and grabs both of her hands to stand her up too.  He then gets down on one knee and reaches into his pocket to pull out a diamond ring.)  Joyce Newland.

Joy Don't call me that!

Pete Sorry…Joy Newland. I love you. I want to spend every moment I can with you. I know I'm away a lot and It's going to be hard, but I think we can make it work! So…will you marry me?

Joy Yes! 

Pete picks her up and kisses her.