By John Reynolds and Shade Smith

by John Reynolds and Shade Smith

Starblaze by John Reynolds and Shade Smith

This script may not be copied or transcribed by any means electronic, optical or mechanical without the prior permission of the copyright owner or his agent. Photocopying this script without a suitable license is strictly prohibited.

This play is a work of fiction. Names and characters are the product of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

‘Starblaze’ is fully protected under the international laws of copyright which are enacted in the UK as the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. The rights of John Reynolds and Shade Smith to be identified as the authors of the work has been asserted by them in accordance with the above Act.

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this play, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the material contained herein.

NOTE : This is a preview version, and does not contain the full script.

Published by :

Plays And Musicals, Lantern House, 84 Littlehaven Lane, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 4JB, UK

Tel : +44 (0)700 593 8842 www.playsandmusicals.co.uk [email protected]

Publication History:

January 2008 : First Edition

‘Plays And Musicals’ is an imprint of Stagescripts Ltd

Stagescripts Ltd Registered in England and Wales No. 06155216 Registered Office 145-157 St John Street, London EC1V 4PY www.stagescripts.com

ROYALTY FEES

A royalty fee is payable every time ‘Starblaze’ is performed in front of an audience irrespective of whether that audience pays for attending or not. Producing organisations MUST obtain a ‘Licence To Perform’ from the address above prior to starting rehearsals.

Producing Organisations are prohibited from making video recordings of rehearsals or performances of ‘Starblaze’ without the prior permission of the copyright owner or their agent.

NOTE : The act of preparing material in quantities sufficient to rehearse a performance of ‘Starblaze’ will be taken as intent to stage such a performance should litigation be necessary in the event of non-payment of Royalty Fees later found to be due.

Preview Script (based on ISBN 978-1904458951, Order Code SA-0142) Synopsis Starblaze is a contemporary 60 minute rock musical in three scenes designed for today’s school students (or theatrical groups wanting to stage an up tempo family show). It is a fantasy set in the future, consequently costuming and scenery can be designed in a variety of styles on a simple or elaborate scale depending on available resources. Similarly, although it can be staged with a relatively small cast, it is possible to considerably expand the cast numbers. It tells the story of a group of female freedom fighters on board the spaceship ‘Vigilant’. After a space battle they capture the evil dictator Odium and his Heavies. However, with the assistance of the traitorous genius Dr Sneech, Odium captures the ship and forces it to land on the Planet Zodark. All the pirates are taken under guard to Zodark City except Sandy, the daughter of the captain who manages to escape. Alone and frightened in the outlands of Zodark she meets a young Zodark called Astro and after an initial period of mutual suspicion, the two become friends. However they are quickly captured by a band of roaming monsters called the Horriffs whose personal appearance is so repulsive that for years they have struck fear into all Zodarks. But it transpires that they are in fact ‘misunderstood monsters’ who simply want to be friendly to everyone. Back in Zodark City, Odium is preparing to execute the pirates. When the Zodark leader protests, he too is condemned to die. Just as the Heavies are raising their weapons, the Horriffs, led by Sandy and Astro burst in, overcome the Heavies and capture Odium, whereupon peace and harmony is restored. Each of the major groups in the story is designed specifically to appeal to school pupils. The main group, the Space Pirates, creates the opportunity for girls to play a female role in which singing and dancing is combined with drama on a group or individual scale. Similarly the Zodarks (the star people) appeal to girls who prefer a gentler role. The role of the Horriffs has proved to be very popular with both sexes as it involves acting the part of lumbering monsters whose fearsome appearance combined with their awkward antics invariably invokes a strong audience response. The paramilitary characteristics of the Heavies who guard the dictator Odium appeal particularly to boys. In each of the groups there is ample opportunity for the development of cameo roles. The lead roles are principally designed for girls. Several (eg Sandy and Astro) involve acting and singing. Others, although having no solo numbers, do provide the opportunity for singing in choral parts if desired. Two lead roles are provided for boys - Odium (the dictator) who has one solo, and Cosmo (the Zodark leader). Starblaze is a bright musical with catchy melodies that can be performed with a simple guitar/piano accompaniment or full instrumentation, and will definitely leave the audience humming on the way home. It is suitable for performance by students (aged 10+) or theatre groups seeking a production that is ideal for family audiences. Characters : Captain Sanderson (f) : space pirate leader Odium (m) : galactic dictator Sandy Sanderson (f) : teenage daughter of Capt. Sanderson Dr Sneech (m/f) : boffin with an evil streak Cosmo (m) : leader of the Zodarks Astro (f) : daughter of Cosmo Colosso (m/f) : leader of the Horriffs Space Sergeant (m/f) : Pirates 1-6 (f) : Voice (Control Room) (m/f) : 1st Horriff (m/f) : Zodarks 1-3 (m/f) : Herald (m/f) : Captain of the Guard (m/f) : Entertainers (m/f) : Choruses : : Space Pirates (f) : Heavies (m) : Horriffs (m/f) : Zodarks (m/f)

Musical Items

1) Space Overture (Instrumental) 2) Storm Warning 3) Rocket And A Roll It 4) The Highly Intelligent Dr Sneech 5) Walk The Plank 6) Coming Down 7) Dark And Strange 8) I Am Lost 9) Golden Dreams 10) Creatures 11) Horriff’s Dance (Instrumental) 12) Misunderstood Monsters 13) Act Now 14) Ask the Stars 15) Fanfare And Odium’s March (Instrumental) 16) In My Power 17) Starblaze

Also by John Reynolds and Shade Smith …

Valley Of The Voodons (4m, 5f + support + chorus) 60 mins Valley of the Voodons has a conservationist theme and is set on a distant planet, where the people of Zandrus are plagued by periodic attacks from the evil Voodons. Queen Fara is retiring in favour of her daughter Princess Kimnos, to the fury of her son Prince Dronos - a lazy fellow who prefers to surf with his friends. The Voodons attack the city and capture Princess Kimnos and Prince Dronos. In Voodon Valley, the creatures, in cohorts with a land despoiler Baron Wastes, are constructing a machine that will manufacture magdonite - a deadly substance that can be used in the tip of intergalactic warheads. The machine ultimately gets turned against Baron Wastes and the Voodon leader Stark, so that peace and harmony can be established on Planet Zodark.

Windust (10m, 6f, 3m/f+ support + chorus) 60 mins Windust is a satire on the western movie genre. The townspeople of Little River are constantly plagued by drought and bandits. In desperation, the sheriff sends for a gunfighter called the Drongo Kid whom he has found listed in the Yellow Pages. However, the gunfighter turns out to be shortsighted and incompetent. Two of the school children, Shane and Charlotte escape into the hills where they are captured by the bandits. Realising that an attack is imminent, the school teacher persuades the sheriff to treat the bandits with kindness and generosity, a plan which backfires. However, the arrival of Professor Pecksniff, a travelling quack doctor and the erratic behaviour of the Drongo Kid save the day. It transpires that the professor is a geologist who has discovered a permanent water supply, thereby saving the town and ensuring its future prosperity.

ii MUSIC #1 - ‘SPACE OVERTURE’

Scene One: The Spaceship ‘Vigilant’

As the houselights dim the gradually increasing sounds of explosions, gunfire and revving engines, backed by electronic noises are heard. These are accompanied by flashing lights of various colours.

The sounds and lights cease abruptly. The curtains part revealing the dimly lit interior of the spaceship ‘Vigilant’. A control panel, on which lights are flickering, is located downstage. Above it stands a television set. The pirates, their backs to the audience, are at various places by the controls. The music commences, the stage lights up, and the pirates swing round to face the audience and move into position.

MUSIC #2 – ‘STORM WARNING’ Chorus Storm Warning Storm Warning Storm Warning Storm Warning Solo 1 See on the horizon Clouds begin to roll Forces are in motion That you can’t control. See the lightning flashing Lighting up the sky. Get yourself some shelter Don’t stop to ask why. Chorus Storm Warning Solo 1 Get in out of the rain Chorus Storm warning Solo 1 We won’t tell you again Chorus Storm warning Solo 1 See the signs in the sky Chorus Storm warning Solo 1 They’re too strong to defy. Solo 1 Winds are bringing changes They’ve begun to blow Currents bringing danger Have begun to flow. Signs are all around you You have now been warned You can’t stop the forces You can’t ride the storm. Chorus Storm Warning Solo 1 Get in out of the rain Chorus Storm warning Solo 1 We won’t tell you again Chorus Storm warning Solo 1 See the signs in the sky Chorus Storm warning Solo 1 They’re too strong to defy.

1 [Instrumental Break] Solo 1 Hear the wind’s loud warning Sounding an alarm If you’re under cover You’ll not come to harm. Feel the pace increasing You can’t stem the tide Your time is decreasing So come on, get inside. Chorus Storm Warning Solo 1 Get in out of the rain Chorus Storm warning Solo 1 We won’t tell you again Chorus Storm warning Solo 1 See the signs in the sky Chorus Storm warning Solo 1 They’re too strong to defy.

As the song concludes the Sergeant enters quickly L. Sergeant (shouting) Captain on deck! The pirates move smartly into two rows on either side of the stage and stand to attention. Captain Sanderson enters and walks downstage centre. Captain At ease, sergeant! Sergeant (shouting) Aye aye, captain! At ease! The pirates relax. Captain And sergeant … Sergeant (shouting) Yes, captain? Captain Inside the spaceship it isn’t really necessary to shout all orders. Sergeant (shouting) Aye, aye (softly) Captain. (Turns to pirates and speaks in hoarse whisper). Captain on deck! (The pirates look at each other, mutter, and straighten up). At ease! (The pirates relax and the Sergeant walks briskly over to the Captain and salutes smartly). All present and correct. Captain! Captain (returning salute more casually and smiling) Thank you, sergeant. (To the assembled pirates). Congratulations to all of you on the completion of another highly successful act of space piracy. Our surprise attack worked perfectly. The enemy spaceship was captured completely intact with only minor structural damage. (The pirates nod and smile approvingly to each other). And we also have a bonus for you. (Turning to the Sergeant). Sergeant, send in the prisoners. Sergeant (shouting) Send in the prisoners! Captain Sergeant! Sergeant (shouting) Captain! Captain Quietly, Sergeant. Sergeant Aye, aye, Captain. (In a loud whisper). Send in the prisoners. Odium, and several of his heavies, flanked by their pirate guards are brought forward downstage C. The guards and heavies halt but Odium strides forward several paces and stands centre stage. He glares haughtily at the obviously surprised pirates. During the dialogue the heavies glare angrily at the pirates who tease them by making faces, tugging at their clothing, making enticing movements and then jeeringly rejecting any heavy who appears interested. 1st Pirate It’s Odium! We’ve captured Odium! 2nd Pirate Odium! (Sneering). The self-proclaimed dictator for life! 3rd Pirate The creep, who banished us from Earth after he and his henchmen took over the Galactic Council … Captain That’s him! Thought he’d seen the last of us when he established his Earth based dictatorship. 1st Pirate (stepping forward and looking Odium up and down) I thought he looked ugly when I used to see him on the space scope broadcasts. But in real life he’s absolutely revolting! Odium (moving threateningly towards her) How dare you speak to me like that …

2 Captain (stepping forward and seizing him by the shoulder) Stay where you are! (Odium halts and turns angrily). Remember, Odium, you are our prisoner. Odium (shaking himself free and regarding the Captain with scorn). Your prisoner. Maybe. But not for long. (Looking around). You lot don’t scare me. Bunch of women calling yourselves ‘space pirates’. Huh! Powder puff pirates if you ask me. Be warned! Your pathetic little success today is only temporary. Soon you’ll feel the full force of my supporters. They won’t allow their beloved leader to remain your prisoner for long. They’ll wipe you out like the pests you are. (He begins to shout). You’ll be exterminated! Eradicated! Annihilated! Captain (mildly) You shout even louder than my Sergeant. Sergeant (bracing up and shouting) Captain! Captain (wincing and turning to the Sergeant) Take this ex-dictator away and lock him securely in the brig. Several pirates push Odium back to join the heavies. Sergeant (shouting) Aye, aye, Captain! (To the escort) Take the ex-dictator away and lock hi… Captain … Sergeant, perhaps you could go with them to see that the job’s done properly. Sergeant (shouting) Aye, aye, Captain! Prisoners and escort forward! Left, right, left, right! (The group exits downstage C). 1st Pirate Odium! That’s a real prize! 2nd Pirate Captain, surely Odium’s capture makes a radical change in the total situation. Captain Right. It’s time to make a major review of our strategy. (The Captain moves to L of C and the pirates move forward to form a semi-circle round her). It’s been two years since Odium forcibly took control of the Galactic Council. Since we escaped and formed the space pirates we’ve been pretty successful, right? Pirates (chorusing agreement) Yes. 3rd Pirate We’ve certainly made plenty of trouble for Odium and his henchmen; capturing his spaceships and fouling up his lines of communication. Captain Right. But our real purpose has always been Odium’s ultimate overthrow. Since he took over it’s been hell on Earth. His jails have been filling with political prisoners and executions of his political opponents have been increasing daily. (The pirates chorus agreement again). When he came to power many people were concerned at his reputation for ruthlessness. However, most believed that the world’s problems could only be solved by the type of strong leadership Odium could provide. Pirates True. Captain Unfortunately they rapidly discovered that strong leadership in Odium’s case meant jailing or eliminating any who attempted to question their leaders decision, and seeking out scapegoats when things went wrong. Pirates Yes, unfortunately. Captain In fact it was a total curbing of almost all individual freedom. Any decision of Odium’s immediately became law. The only opinions he ever sought were those of his selected servile stooges who chorused frantic agreement to his every action and utterance. 4th Pirate He makes Osama bin Laden look like Mother Theresa1. Captain Yes. The ‘New Order’ that he promised the people of Earth has now turns completely sour. All the messages from our Earth-based resistance groups tell the same story. The people want Odium out! 1st Pirate Should be easy now that he’s our prisoner. Captain Correct. Here’s the plan. We head back towards Earth. When we get close enough we’ll broadcast the news that Odium’s been captured. His henchmen will be totally lost without their ‘beloved leader’. Consequently we’ll have no trouble getting rid of them and establishing peace and harmony on Earth again. 2nd Pirate And we can register a final victory for the space pirates! All the pirates cheer and move into position for the next song.

1 The comparisons between these current good and evil characters can be changed to suit the circumstances 3 MUSIC #3 – ‘ROCKET AND A ROLL IT’ Captain We’re flying high We’re flying free And we’ll get there Just you wait and see. No compromise, we’ve made our stand We’re the members of A rebel band. Chorus In our rocket, (rocket) rocket and a roll it Rocket, (rocket) rocket and a roll it Rocket We’re going to rocket tonight. In our rocket (rocket) rocket and a roll it Rocket and a roll it tonight We’re gonna rocket and a roll it Through the atmosphere. Captain No we don’t care Just where we roam ‘Cos any place We feel at home. We’ve taken off We’re moving fast We’re on our way It’ll be a blast. Chorus In our rocket, (rocket) rocket and a roll it Rocket, (rocket) rocket and a roll it Rocket. In our rocket (rocket) rocket and a roll it Rocket and a roll it tonight. We’re gonna rocket and a roll it Through the atmosphere.

[Instrumental Break] In our rocket (rocket) rocket and a roll it Rocket (rocket) rocket and a roll it Rocket We’re going to rocket tonight. In our rocket (rocket) rocket and a roll it Rocket and a roll it tonight We’re gonna rocket and a roll it Through the atmosphere. We’re gonna rocket and a roll it We’re gonna rocket and a roll it We’re gonna rocket and a roll it Through the atmosphere.

At the song’s conclusion a voice is heard over the loud speaker. Voice Rocket room to central control. Captain Central control. Captain speaking. Voice Blast off in ten minutes, Captain. Captain Roger, rocket room. Now everybody … The Captain is interrupted by the entrance of Sandy followed by Dr Sneech. Both are arguing spiritedly as they move to stage centre.

4 Sandy No! No! No! Sneech Sandra! Come back here at once! You haven’t finished your history lesson! Sandy I’ll finish it tomorrow. I want to watch the blast off. Anyway, I’m sick of history. I’m sick of learning about the stupid nineteen-eighties and their ridiculous oil crises. Hadn’t those dumb people ever heard of the sun? Sneech Really! (turning to Captain Sanderson who has been watching the argument with surprise). How am I expected to teach an ill mannered, self-willed little madam like this! (pointing at Sandy). It’s ridiculous! My valuable talents squandered on an ungrateful little wretch who … Captain (frowning) That’s a little strong don’t you think, Doctor Sneech? Sneech Perhaps, Captain. But your daughter Sandra has caused me a great deal of difficulty today. She refused to view the instructional computer programs that I had prepared for her and she deliberately sabotaged one of the teaching machines! Furthermore … Sandy (to Captain Sanderson) But, mother, surely I don’t have to do any lessons today. Not after we’ve captured the enemy space ship. And I really would like to watch the blast off. You’ve told me that I should learn about space travel techniques. You know that I want to operate a ship like this myself one day. Sneech (aside) Huh! Another woman driver! Captain Pardon, Dr Sneech? I didn’t quite catch that? Sneech (hurriedly) Oh, er, nothing, Captain. (strongly) But I really must protest. If I’m going to tutor your daughter then she has to be in my complete control during normal working hours. Lately she’s become increasingly unmanageable. It’s really making me quite ill. For the past few days I simply haven’t been myself. Sandy Yes, I had noticed a slight improvement. Captain All right, Sandy that will do. Dr Sneech, while I share your concern for my daughter’s formal education, I think that it’s also important for her to gain plenty of practical experience in space aeronautics. Consequently, I think it would be beneficial if she stayed here in the control room during the blast off. Sandy Yes! Sneech (stiffly) You are, of course, in, control, Captain.

MUSIC #4 – ‘THE HIGHLY INTELLIGENT DR SNEECH’ Sneech I am a scientist with a brilliant mind A genius caught up in this daily grind It’s a dreadful shame, wasting precious time Casting my pearls of wisdom Before this little swine. My mind is simply swarming With amazing ideas. I’m the highly intelligent Dr Sneech But the only job I can do is to teach I’ve applied for jobs but I have been denied Everyone says I’m overqualified I should be in charge of the universe computer But instead I’ve got the job of This girl’s tutor My mind is simply swarming With amazing ideas. I’m the highly intelligent Dr Sneech But the only job I can do is to teach My genius squandered. It’s a tragic mistake. I should be a leader Exploring outer space. My mind is simply swarming With amazing ideas.

5 I’m the highly intelligent Dr Sneech But the only job I can do is to teach The only job I can find Is to teach. Sneech If you’ll excuse me … (he turns to go). Captain Just a moment, Doctor. You may be interested to know that we have captured an important prisoner. Sneech A prisoner. Who? Captain None other than Odium himself. Sneech Odium! You … er … we have captured Odium! Captain That’s right. A lucky break, wouldn’t you say Doctor? Sneech Yes. Oh, yes. Er, where is he now? Captain Under guard in the brig. Sneech (thoughtfully) I see. Well that’s most fortunate. (hurriedly). If you’ll excuse me, Captain, and (with a sneer) Sandra, I have some important natters that require my immediate attention. Dr Sneech exits quickly stage right. Captain Strange. He seemed in rather a hurry. Sandy Oh, he’s always like that! Mother, why do I have to have him as my tutor? He thinks he’s so superior to everybody and … Captain I’m sorry, Sandy, but you know why as well as I do. He has one of the finest scientific minds in the galaxy. When Odium’s thugs took over Earth, and we decided to escape, Dr Sneech contacted me and asked if he could join us. I saw this as a golden opportunity for you to be taught by a leader in the field of space technology. Sandy Yes, I know that. But he’s so objectionable. He’ s so … Voice Rocket room to central control. Captain Central control. Captain speaking. Voice Blast off in two minutes, Captain. Captain Roger, rocket room. Blast off stations, everyone. The pirates move quickly into various positions around the rim of the stage. Captain (to Sandy) Here, Sandy. I’ll show you how we’ve plotted our course for the transgalactic run to Earth. (Both turn to a panel and begin studying a chart. An alarm bell sounds loudly). The emergency alarm! Quickly, Sandy, switch on the control scanner. Sandy moves quickly to the controls and touches a switch. The Sergeant’s face appears on the TV screen above the control panel. Sergeant Captain. It’s the prisoner Odium. He’s escaped! Captain Odium! Escaped! My orders were that he was to be kept constantly under guard. He couldn’t possibly have escaped! Sergeant I know, Captain. It’s a complete mystery. Somehow the two guards were overpowered, the brig door was unlocked, and Odium escaped. Captain (pressing a switch and speaking into a microphone). Captain speaking. All crewmembers not engaged in essential duties report to the control room immediately (turning to the TV set). You too, Sergeant. (The TV screen goes dark and the pirates begin to assemble on the stage from various exits, finishing in two rows on either side of the stage). Now pay attention, everybody, this is serious. Somehow Odium has escaped. 1st Pirate Escaped! But that’s impossible! Pirates (chorusing agreement) Yes, impossible. How could it have happened? Sandy (moving to L of C) They were locked inside the brig. Two guards were posted outside the door. Escape from there would have been definitely impossible. As Sandy is speaking Odium enters slowly from downstage L and creeps towards her behind the backs of the assembled pirates. Suddenly rushing forward he seizes Sandy and, holding a gun to her head, forces her to C. The ‘heavies’ enter rapidly and stand sneering at the pirates, who, although obviously keen to deal with the heavies, reluctantly restrain themselves because of the danger to Sandy.

6 Odium Impossible! Hah! Any intelligent person could fool a few feeble females. (Captain and pirates move forward threateningly). Now, Captain, tell your petticoat pirates to keep their distance. Don’t want anything to happen to your darling daughter, do we. (At a signal from Captain Sanderson the pirates move reluctantly back). Very sensible, Captain. Now, you will do exactly as I say. Go to the control panel and alter your course to zero, five, zero, zero. Then order the firing of the booster rockets. Captain Zero, five, zero, zero? That will take us light years off our present course. What’s your game, Odium? Odium You’re in no position to ask questions, Captain … just do it! Captain (moving to the control panel) Central control to rocket room. Captain speaking. Voice Rocket room, Captain. Captain Alter course to zero, five, zero, zero. And fire the booster rockets. Voice Course altered to zero five, zero, zero, captain. Booster rockets fired. Lights on panel flash and electronic sounds are heard. Captain moves to L of C. Odium Good. Very sensible of you, Captain. We don’t want to harm your pretty little daughter, do we? Sandy (struggling) Get your filthy hands off me you loathsome creature! Odium (hitting her on the side of the head with the flat of his hand). Shut your mouth or I’ll really make you squirm, you little worm! Sandy (cringing) No, please don’t hit me again, sir. Please don’t, sir. I’ll be good. I’ll do as you tell me, sir. Please don’t hit me again. Odium (sneering) Hah! See! As soon as the going gets slightly rough, the little hawk turns chicken. I knew it would be no sweat taking over a spaceship from a bunch of weak women! As Odium speaks he loosens his grip on Sandy. Shaking herself free she elbows him in the stomach. He doubles up. She spins round and karate chops him on the back of the neck sending him sprawling. Immediately several pirates leap forward and deal with the heavies in an identical manner. The pirates applaud and laugh as Odium slowly staggers to a kneeling position clutching his head. The heavies huddle together on the floor, fearfully watching the ensuing activities. Captain Sanderson moves quickly to Sandy, hugs her, and hurries to control panel. Captain Central control to rocket room. Captain speaking. Voice Rocket room, Captain. Captain Cut the booster rockets and return to your original course. Voice Aye, aye, Captain. Cut booster rockets and re-establish original course. Captain (moving quickly to Odium) On your feet you miserable moron. (Grasping Odium by the collar she hauls him to his feet. She signals and two pirates move forward to either side of Odium and take him by the arms. She turns to the pirates). This cowardly chauvinist sneered at the idea of female space pirates, just as he sneers at anyone he regards as being weaker than himself. His whole life has been dedicated to building mountains of misery and creating deserts of despair. Now is the time to reward him for the torments that he has bestowed so generously on the lives of so many. Anyone any suggestions? 2nd Pirate Yes, a plank walk into outer space! 3rd Pirate Yes, make him walk the plank! The pirates begin to edge forward rubbing their hands in anticipation and stand in a semi-circle around the increasingly apprehensive Odium. 4th Pirate You see, oh great Odium, we have this plank that we run out from the side of the space ship. 5th Pirate The edge of it reaches far out into empty space. 6th Pirate First we tie your hands behind your back. Then we make you walk all the way along the plank to the edge. Then we make you keep walking. Odium (summoning what is left of his courage) And if I refuse. All (in chorus) We have ways of making you walk! (All laugh).

MUSIC #5 – ‘WALK THE PLANK’ Sandy You’ll slowly Pirates You’ll slowly Unsteadily Unsteadily Make your way Make your way With terror and horror Right on your face. Right on your face.

7 A lingering death A lingering death You will contemplate Contemplate Floating forever in Empty space. Empty space. Pirates You thought you were the greatest of all Well the bigger they are … The further, the further, the further, The further they fall. Sandy You’ll wobble Pirates You’ll wobble You’ll waver You’ll waver Right on the brink Right on the brink You body will quiver, You’ll shake with fear. You’ll shake with fear. There’s nothing to see Nothing to see But an empty void Empty void. Only a cold and dark atmosphere. Atmosphere. Pirates You thought you were the greatest of all Well the bigger they are … The further, the further, the further, The further they fall. Sandy Your time is up Pirates Time is up You’re lingering on the edge On the edge With only a moment to say a prayer. Say a prayer. A few seconds more Few seconds more And you’ll drift away Drift away. Into a limitless stratosphere. Stratosphere Pirates You thought you were the greatest of all Well the bigger they are … The further, the further, the further, The further they fall. You thought you were the greatest of all Well the bigger they are … The further, the further, the further, The further they … fall.

During the song several pirates bring forward a plank. They go through elaborate motions of testing it, miming the role of the victim. The other pirates encourage them and taunt the increasingly worried Odium. As the song ends they are forcing him along onto the plank when the rocket room voice interrupts. Voice Rocket room to central control. Captain Central control. Captain speaking. Voice Captain, we’re experiencing great difficulty with the controls. They don’t seem to be responding. Captain Be more specific. Voice We haven’t been able to alter course from zero, five, zero, zero. It’s almost as though we’re being held on that course by some sort of magnetic force. It’s over-ridden our controls and caused a double bank overload blow-out. We’re finding it impossible to turn the ship. Captain Stand by, rocket room. (To Sandy) Sandy, hand me that other chart. (Quickly performs calculations with wrist calculator and makes notes on chart). We seem to be heading towards this area. I’ll try to work it out more precisely. Odium, saved from having to walk the plank, regains his courage. Odium No need, Captain. I know exactly where we’re heading. Captain (turning swiftly) You do! (she hurryies over to him and seizes him by the shirt front). Tell me where we’re heading, or by the heaven …

8 Odium (sneering) Patience, she-cat. No need to show your claws. The magnetic force is an artificial gravitational pull emanating from the planet Zodark. The inhabitants of Zodark have been instructed to operate this ingenious device in order to capture your spaceship, your motley crew, and, of course, your darling daughter! Captain The Zodarks. I’ve heard of them. They inhabit the outer limits of this galaxy. They’re known as the Star People. Odium Correct. And they are also a highly intelligent people whose knowledge of space technology is unsurpassed. There’s no way that you can escape the gravitational pull. It’s so accurate that the Zodarks will be able to land this ship exactly where they want it. Pirates (in anxious chorus) What shall we do? A gravitational force? Captain Quiet everybody, please. Sergeant (stepping forward and shouting) Quiet everybody! You heard the Captain! Quiet! Captain (wincing) Thank you, Sergeant. (moving to the control panel). Rocket room! Voice Yes, Captain. Captain Did you hear what the prisoner told us? Voice Yes, Captain. Captain OK. Now listen carefully. Re-activate the booster rockets. Then try to overcome the gravitational pull as much as possible by using the emergency directional equipment. (turns to pirates). Our landing on Zodark may be unavoidable but if we can alter course slightly and land on some other part of that planet it will help to give us a slight advantage. The pirates murmur in agreement and begin to discuss the situation. Odium (pushing his guards aside and stepping forward to C) A futile gesture, Captain! Your capture is inevitable. Captain (to the two guards) Take a firm grip on that loudmouth. Don’t let him out of your sight. Things may look grim but we’re not beaten yet. (to pirates) .OK, everybody, you know the drill. Take your positions in preparation for a crash landing.

MUSIC #6 – ‘COMING DOWN’ Captain Coming down; yes, we’re coming down Don’t know where, or how, or why. Sinking fast, and tumbling From the sky. How long is this gonna last? Pirates How long is this gonna last? When we set out we were certain, That we could accomplish our goal. But we were so foolish to challenge, Fates that we could not control. We thought that nothing could harm us, Things would go just as we planned. But now we’re lost, we’ve come under, Powers we can’t command. Pirates Coming down; yes, we’re coming down Don’t know where, or how, or why. Sinking fast, and tumbling From the sky. How long is this gonna last? Captain We had no fear of the future We were the masters of fate Victims of our self assurance We learnt our lesson too late. Destiny issued a challenge Go your own way and rely Solely on your own resources See how long we’ve survived.

9 Pirates Coming down; yes, we’re coming down Don’t know where, or how, or why. Sinking fast, and tumbling From the sky. How long is this gonna last? How long is this … How long is this gonna last?

During the song the pirates move about the stage making adjustments to the control panel and checking that all equipment is securely fastened. As the song nears its conclusion, they take up landing positions in various parts of the stage. The lights fade as the song ends. Curtain.

Scene Two - The Planet Zodark

The curtain rises to reveal a dark, gloomy area. Several bushes stand on stage L. Captain Sanderson enters stage R and pauses, looking cautiously about her. She looks back and signals, whereupon Sandy, followed by Odium (who is held by two guards) the Sergeant, Dr Sneech and the pirates, enter slowly and move around the perimeter of the scene.

MUSIC #7 – ‘DARK AND STRANGE’ Pirates It’s dark and strange, and we must move, With vigilance and care. For danger lurks and fills us all, With nervousness and fear. 1st Pirate Did you hear that, a snapping twig? 2nd Pirate T’was me, you nervous fool. 3rd Pirate Oh, what was that, I felt a hand? 4th Pirate T’was mine. Now keep your cool. 5th Pirate Oh, help me, save me, it’s a trap, It’s got me round the leg. All It’s just a vine, do you have to whine? Try to keep your head. Pirates It’s dark and strange, and we must move, With vigilance and care. For danger lurks and fills us all, With nervousness and fear. For danger lurks and fills us all, With nervousness and fear. Captain (beckoning to Sergeant who hurries over) Now remember, Sergeant, keep together, move slowly, and keep the prisoner under constant guard. Sergeant (loudly) Yes, Captain. (turning to pirates). Keep together, move … All Shhh! Captain OK. Let’s start moving forward. The whole group begins to move upstage L. Dr Sneech trips and falls. Sandy hurries forward. Sandy You OK, Dr Sneech? Here, let me help you. Sneech (pushing her aside) I’m perfectly all right, and I certainly don’t require your assistance. Cosmo (amplified voice off stage, preferably with slight echo) Captain Sanderson and the crew of the spaceship ‘Vigilant’. Please remain exactly where you are! Everybody halts and looks around in bewilderment with the exception of Odium who smiles triumphantly, and Dr Sneech, who does not appear particularly surprised. Captain Who’s there? Who are you? Cosmo (offstage) I am Cosmo, ruler of the planet Zodark. My men have you completely surrounded. They are all armed with sonic firearms loaded with impulse shells. Your own weapons have been rendered powerless. You are completely helpless. Captain (to Sergeant in stage whisper) Quickly, see if you can find any way of escape.

10 Cosmo (offstage) Escape is totally impossible, Captain. For the safety of yourself and your crew, please do exactly as I tell you. Captain What do you want? Cosmo (offstage) First, release your prisoner (The Captain pauses and then reluctantly gives a signal. The smirking Odium is freed and exits quickly). Now tell your crew to place their hands on their heads. Captain We don’t seem to have much alternative. Better do as he says in the meantime. Captain and the pirates place their hands on their heads and stand muttering uncertainly to each other. Cosmo (offstage) Very wise, Captain. If you continue to obey my orders you have my word that you will come to no harm. Now, all of you turn to your right. (The pirates, following their Captain’s lead, turn right). Good. Now follow the path in front of you. A spotlight aimed at a point downstage illuminates the area in front of the group. Led by the Captain, all begin to exit downstage L. As she passes a bush, Sandy dives quickly underneath it and lies hidden. Cosmo (offstage, voice receding) That’s excellent, Captain. Just keep your hands on your heads and follow the path … When the last person has exited, Sandy slowly emerges from her hiding place, looks all around her, and slowly moves to C.

MUSIC #8 – ‘I AM LOST’ Sandy I am lost and all alone. The place I stand it is unknown. All around no sound I hear, I’m all alone, there’s no-one near. I am lost and if I cry, From where I stand there’s no reply. No voice responds to reassure, To guide my steps away from here. And there’s no-one to help or guide me, No-one to turn to for aid. Nobody’s voice to advise me, I am alone, I am afraid. I look around on every side, Nowhere to run, no place to hide. My fears grow strong. All hope seems gone. For I am lost and all alone. And there’s no-one to help or guide me, No-one to turn to for aid. Nobody’s voice to advise me, I am alone, I am afraid. I am lost and all alone.

The song finishes Astro enters downstage C and stands, with a drawn gun, watching Sandy. Astro Very poignant. (Sandy whirls round). Stand exactly where you are. Sandy Who are you? Astro (moving slowly upstage L and keeping the gun pointed at Sandy). Never mind the questions. You’re one of the space pirates, aren’t you? Sandy Yes. (steps towards her). Who are you? Astro (harshly) Don’t move! Stand still! Sandy (halting) OK. OK. What are you so nervous about? Astro You. I’ve heard about the space pirates. Bunch of heartless women spreading their terror through the galaxy, showing no mercy to their victims, practicing horrible tortures … Sandy Hey, hang about! You are talking about Captain Sanderson and her Space Pirates, aren’t you? Astro Correct. Slaughterer Sanderson, the space sadist. Sandy How dare you! That’s my mother you’re talking about! 11 Astro You’re the daughter of Sanderson? (takes a firmer grip on her gun). Sandy Yes, I’m Sandy Sanderson. I don’t know what your name is, but you’re obviously some sort of local lunatic. Where did you get all that rubbish about Slaughterer Sanderson, and her space sadists? Astro It’s common knowledge. We hear it regularly on the galactic videoscope transmissions. Sandy Huh! Those are Odium’s broadcasts from Earth. Surely you’re not naive enough to believe anything transmitted by his propaganda ministry, are you? Astro (shrugging) Well, they seem pretty convincing … Sandy Convincing, do they. What about me? I’m a space pirate. Do I look like a fiendish sadistic monster? A cruel merciless killer? Astro (shrugging) Well, I suppose not. Sandy Good. Now, for the third time, who are you? Astro (importantly) I am Astro, daughter of Cosmo, the ruler of Zodark. Sandy Cosmo. That was his voice we heard when we landed. Astro Correct. Sandy I see. Well, Astro, daughter of Cosmo, (pointing to the gun) why don’t you put away that fiercesome weapon. You might hurt somebody. Astro (uncertainly) Well … Sandy Oh, come on. What harm could I possibly do you? Are all you Zodarks cowards? Astro OK. (putting gun into holster) And I’m not a coward. Sandy And I’m not a merciless killer, and neither is my mother or her crew. Astro (moving towards Sandy and sitting down) OK, I believe you. There’s obviously been some major foul up in our communications that will need to be sorted out. Sandy (sitting down beside Astro) Anyway, what are you doing in such a desolate place? Astro I like to get away from everybody now and again. I come here to dream. Sandy Dream? During the day? Astro Yes. It’s a common practice among the star people. It’s a form of mental therapy, a sort of fantasy of the firmament. It’s a way of refreshing your mind through what we call ‘golden dreaming’. Sandy Golden dreaming? It sounds rather like daydreaming. Tell me more about it.

MUSIC #9 – ‘GOLDEN DREAMS’ Astro I dream my golden dreams and when I close my eyes, My dreams take me away to worlds beyond the skies. And as I drift away I feel no gravity. I move across the skies and I am gently floating free. Golden Dreams, golden dreams, Help me leave my troubles behind. Golden dreams, golden dreams. Relax my body and my mind. Sandy I dream my golden dreams and strange sounds fill my mind, New rhythms and strange cluster chords, With harmonies divine. And as I glide beyond the stars the creatures that I see, Have incandescent eyes that slowly blink at me. Both Golden Dreams, golden dreams, Help me leave my troubles behind. Golden dreams, golden dreams. Relax my body and my mind. I see vapour trails and as I travel far, Past castles in the air I greet the early morning star. My mind is completely filled with rich entrancing sounds, I visions I have seen in new worlds I have found. Golden Dreams, golden dreams, Help me leave my troubles behind. 12 Golden dreams, golden dreams. Relax my body and my mind. Relax my body and my mind. Sandy I hate to bring us back to reality, but we’ll have to do something about the capture of my mother and the rest of the space pirates. Astro You’re right. Come on, we’ll discuss it on the way to Zodark City. (She looks round). We shouldn’t really be hanging around here, anyway. Sandy Why not? Astro It’s too close to the territory of the Horriffs. Sandy The Horriffs? Who are they? Astro The Horriffs are monsters who inhabit the desert area close to here. All our people are terrified of them. Sandy Why? Astro I’ve never actually seem any of the Horriffs, but ever since I was a child I’ve been told the most horrible stories about them. Apparently they’re the most repulsive creatures imaginable. Being captured by the Horriffs is the worst possible fate that can befall anyone. According to many reports, their first action is always to tear off the victim’s arms and legs. And they’re especially fond of children. They devour them alive! Sandy They sound too bad to be true. Astro Oh, believe me, I’ve heard plenty more ghastly stories about the Horriffs’ atrocities. Let me explain.

MUSIC #10 – ‘CREATURES’ Astro Those creatures out there, will tear you apart. They wait for their victims and pounce in the dark. And if they should catch you it will mean certain death, So don’t beg for mercy, you’ll be wasting your breath. Both Watch out, watch out. They’ll get you for sure. Watch out, watch out. Astro Death has no cure. Both Watch out, watch out. Astro Danger is near. Both Watch out, watch out. Astro Or you’ll disappear. If movement you see, or hear a strange sound, Then move away quickly, and don’t hang around. They’re always lurking, seeking their prey, Searching for victims by night and by day. Both Watch out, watch out. They’ll get you for sure. Watch out, watch out. Astro Death has no cure. Both Watch out, watch out. Astro Danger is near. Both Watch out, watch out. Astro Or you’ll disappear. Both Watch out, watch out. Astro Or you’ll disappear.

As the song concludes, growls and moans are heard from the rear of the theatre. Sandy My god! Listen! What was that? Astro Oh, no! It must be the Horriffs! Quick! Hide in here! (They both scramble under a bush). Keep still and don’t make a sound or we’re finished! Slowly the Horriffs, moaning and growling, move through the audience and, as the music builds, assemble on the stage.

13 MUSIC #11 – ‘THE HORRIFFS’ DANCE (INSTRUMENTAL)’

As the dance ends, Sandy sneezes loudly. The Horriffs stop and slowly look round. Seeing the crouching pair they advance menacingly and stand round them in a semi circle. Colosso grunts and points. Two Horriffs seize Sandy and Astro and push then in front of Colosso. Astro (going down on her knees) Please don’t hurt us. We’re extremely sorry we were trespassing. We didn’t mean to. Please don’t harm us. Please let us go! Colosso Stand up! (Astro scrambles to her feet). What makes you think we’ll do you any harm? Astro (looking round at them) You’re the Horriffs aren’t you? The Horriffs all nod and grunt in agreement Colosso Yes, we’re the Horriffs. And we’re ugly, aren’t we? Astro (uncertainly) Um … well … Colosso (turning to Sandy) You, girl! Do you think we’re ugly? Sandy (nervously) Well sir, if you don’t mind my saying so sir, if you entered a beauty contest, I don’t really think you’d stand much chance of winning first prize. Colosso Because we’re so ugly? Sandy Well … yes, I’m afraid so. Colosso moves to stage C and sits down disconsolately. All the Horriffs follow suit. Colosso That’s the problem. We’re too ugly. Horriffs (in mournful chorus) Too ugly. Colosso And because we’re so ugly, people think we’re cruel and heartless. They make up terrible tales about us. The result is that we’re completely misunderstood. Horriffs (in mournful chorus) Completely misunderstood.

MUSIC #12 – ‘MISUNDERSTOOD MONSTERS’ Colosso The people regard us with horror, They’re scared we’ll devour them whole. Horrifs Oomba, kacheech-a Yet though we look savage and brutish, Their friendship is our only goal. Oomba, kacheech-a We know people think we’re repulsive, Deformed, disfigured and foul, Oomba, kacheech-a Ungainly, uncouth and unlovely. We just want to sit down and howl, Sit down and howl. Sit down and howl. All We’re m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-misunderstood monsters. M-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-misunderstood monsters. Colosso We just want to be friendly Horrifs Ooooooooooh, But nobody gives us a chance. Ooooooooooh, We’re misunderstood Misunderstood, All Misunderstood, Monsters. When children see us they run screaming, They’re scared that we’ll eat them alive. Horrifs Oomba, kacheech-a But really we’re warm and we’re loving, So that’s why we feel so deprived. Oomba, kacheech-a Our name it is spoken in whispers, And people regard us with dread. Oomba, kacheech-a They treat us with undying hatred, And only wish we were dead. Wish we were dead. Wish we were dead All We’re m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-misunderstood monsters. M-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-misunderstood monsters. Colosso We just want to be friendly Horrifs Ooooooooooh, But nobody gives us a chance. Ooooooooooh, We’re misunderstood, Misunderstood, 14 All Misunderstood, Monsters. Colosso We’re outcasts and everyone loathes us We’re hated, reviled, ill used. Horrifs Oomba, kacheech-a Wherever we go they harass us Oh, why are we all so abused? Oomba, kacheech-a Although we look grotesque and ugly Misshapen and twisted and weird, Oomba, kacheech-a We’re really so warm and so friendly Oh, why are we hated and feared. Hated and feared. Hated and feared. All We’re m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-misunderstood monsters. M-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-misunderstood monsters. Colosso We just want to be friendly Horrifs Ooooooooooh, But nobody gives us a chance. Ooooooooooh, We’re misunderstood, Misunderstood, All Misunderstood, Monsters. Misunderstood, misunderstood, Monsters.

As the song ends Sandy and Astro move to stage C and stand either side of Colosso. Sandy Now we understand. Because you’re ugly, people have always been afraid of you. Yet really you just want to be friends with everyone. Colosso That’s right. It’s a terrible problem. Do you think you can help us? Astro You’re Colosso, the Horriffs’ leader, aren’t you? Colosso Yes, I’m Colosso. Who are you? Astro I’m Astro, daughter of Cosmo Horriffs (surprised) Astro, daughter of Cosmo! Astro Yes, and I’m sure my father will be able to help in changing your public image. Sandy That’s all very commendable, But what about my problem? Colosso Your problem? Sandy Yes. I’m Sandy Sanderson, daughter of Captain Sanderson of the space pirates. Horriffs (recoiling in horror) The space pirates! Astro It’s OK. The space pirates are really the good guys. They suffer from the same problem as all of you … very poor public relations.

… in this Preview Script, the remainder of the musical has been deleted ...

If you would like to purchase the full script, please contact …

Plays And Musicals Lantern House 84 Littlehaven Lane Horsham West Sussex RH12 4 JB United Kingdom

E-Mail : [email protected] Website : www.playsandmusicals.co.uk

Tel : +44 (0)700 593 8842 Fax : +44 (0)700 593 8843