REACH FOR A STAR BY SAMANTHA CARTWRIGHT

Extract

A SMITH SCRIPT

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REACH FOR A STAR

A Jukebox musical by Samantha Cartwright

SUGGESTED SONGS

Song 1 – I AM THE ONE AND ONLY - Chesney Hawkes Song 2 – STUCK IN THE MIDDLE WITH YOU - Stealers Wheel Song 3 – WE’RE GONNA MAKE YOU A STAR - David Essex Song 4 – SWEETS FOR MY SWEET -The Searchers Song 5 – HIT ME BABY ONE MORE TIME - Britney Spears Song 6 – I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU (sang completely out of tune) Whitney Houston Song 7 – GENIE IN A BOTTLE - Christina Aguilera Song 8 – RAINING MEN - The Weather Girls Song 9 – THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL - Abba Song 10 – I CAN HEAR THE BELLS - Hairspray Song 11 – I AM BEAUTIFULL - Christina Aguilera Song 12 - Perfect - Ed Sheeran Song 13 – CHEEKY GIRLS - The Cheeky girls Song 14 – HOUND DOG - Elvis Song 15 – HANDBAGS AND GLADRAGS - Stereophonics Song 16- SING THE BODY ELECTRIC - Fame Song 17 – REACH FOR THE STARS - S CLUB 7 Song 18 – CANT TAKE MY EYES OFF YOU - ANDY WILLIAMS Song 19 - THE PROMISE - GIRLS ALOUD Song 20 - SONGBIRD -EVA CASSIDY SONG 21 = MAGGIE MAY-ROD STEWART Song 22 – VALERIE -AMY WINEHOUSE Song 23 MERCY (THIS WILL END HALFWAY THROUGH) - DUFFY Song 24 - SHOTGUN - GEORGE EZRA Song 25 - YOU RAISE ME UP –WESTLIFE Song 26 –The Bands choice Song 27 - SHINE -TAKE THAT Song 28 - TIME OF MY LIFE -DIRTY DANCING

CHARACTERS

Host The host of the show, the nation’s sweetheart. On camera very sweet, kind, once the camera stops rolling she changes into a complete diva Producer A small role. Keeps the storyline rolling. Assists the judges and the host Jackie Morgan’s mum. Acts like she is much younger than she is. Adores Morgan and hangs off her every word. Morgan A bit of a spoilt princess will do whatever it takes to succeed in the industry. Stacey A member of the girl band candy. Streetwise and a bit feisty at times Gemma A member of the girl band candy. Airhead, sweet very girly. Emily A member of the girl band candy. The leader of the group, takes control and sticks up for her group Andy Shy. Painfully nervous. Has a transformation during the process and becomes the people’s champion. Rachel A talented singer who doesn’t really want to be in the fame game, she would rather sing in her local pub, she is pushed by her mother to audition Shirley A member of divas in disguise. The leader. Strong and determined Pearl A member of divas in disguise. A bit nervous and unsure. Janet A member of divas in disguise. Flirty, has a thing for Liam Powell. Karen Feslorne A judge. She has been in the industry for years, harsh on woman. Ronnie A judge. An aging rock star who still thinks he has got it. Nice to everyone Liam Powell A judge. Mean, harsh, in charge. Has an eye for the ladies. Matt Thinks he is better than he is. A nice guy, very cheesy and over the top. Mrs Hamilton Rachel’s mother. Bossy, pushy, trying to live her own dreams through her daughter Mr Hamilton Rachel’s father. Quiet, gets bossed about by his wife a lot Chavtastic A very bad singer, thinks they are already famous. Bad attitude. Amber A talented young singer, she gets through but is actually too young to enter the competition Audrey An older contestant. Not talented but tries really hard Girl 1 & 2 A duo who are not very good. They get a hard time from Liam Powell Make up lady follows the host and judges around checking their makeup in between takes, professional looking Camera person follows the action the entire show, as if filming the whole thing

REACH FOR A STAR

ACT 1

Scene opens with characters in positions all round the stage numbers stuck on their backs and fronts. Fussing through papers and looking in mirrors.

SONG 1

As soon as song finishes all back to various waiting activities. On walks Host and camera crew.

PRODUCER: Ok and going live in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 HOST: Hello and welcome to another series of Reach for a Star, this series will prove to be the most exciting yet. The rules are the same as last series, you must be over 16 to enter, and you will be judged by our three judges. The most talented will be put through to the live finals where the winner will win a one million pound recording contract. So we are starting here in (local town). Will we find the next winner of star search? Let’s go and meet some of the auditionees.

Host walks over to an auditionee and starts talking as if to the camera, still. Focus moves to Morgan. Who is looking in her mirror she snaps it shut.

MORGAN : Doesn’t look like I’ve got much competition here JACKIE: You are so much prettier than all these other girls MORGAN : Well its not all about looks, you only need a really good sob story and that’s enough to get you through on these shows anyway, I’ll have to think of something good as a back up JACKIE: You so don’t need a back up MORGAN : I could say I gave one of my kidneys to my sister to save her life JACKIE: you don’t even have a sister, you could say you gave it to me I’d cover for you. MORGAN : Whatever, I don’t even know why you are here, why do you follow me around all the time, this is about me, my dreams not yours, and why do you act like you are my friend, you’re meant to be my mother! JACKIE: Shhhhh don’t shout that out, I may be your mum but I look young enough to be your sister MORGAN: Who told you that?

Morgan turns and walks to the back of the stage and her mother follows giggling like it was all a joke.

Andy stands up and starts pacing and looking worried, kind of talking to himself, looking at his papers then looking at the exit. He is about to leave when he turns around to walk out and bumps straight into a girl band .

STACEY: Watch where you’re going mate! ANDY: I’m so sorry I was just leaving and I didn’t see you,… im sor GEMMA: It’s ok, no harm done EMILY: Are you alright? You look like your going to be sick ANDY: I don’t know, I think I just need to leave

EMILY: Hang on, hang on, come and sit over here for a minute and calm yourself down. ANDY: Look I’m sorry I don’t want to cause a fuss I just don’t think I can go through with this, I think I’ve made a mistake coming here today GEMMA : What’s the matter? Nervous? STACEY: I’ll go and get you some water ANDY : I feel like such an idiot, but there is nothing I can do I just get so nervous, I try and control it but nothing helps, and I’m worried I’ll walk in that room and make a total prat of myself. EMILY: Well sometimes it’s good to be a bit nervous, gives you that edge STACEY: Yeah, but not this nervous Emily, he looks like he is going to faint GEMMA: When I get nervous I use these breathing techniques to help, I’ll show you (Proceeds to breathe deeply, in and out pushing her breasts near to his face) ANDY: Ermm, ermm I’m not sure that will help me STACEY: So is it like stage fright? ANDY: I don’t know I’ve never been on stage, I’ve always wanted to be a singer, but this is the first time I’ve had the courage to audition, and now I just don’t think I can do it EMILY : Well you’re here now, you have to try otherwise you’ll always be thinking, what if? GEMMA : Plus you would have waited in that queue outside for 11 hours for nothing! ANDY: 11 hours is nothing, I’ve been waiting all my life for this. I just wish I didn’t get so nervous it’s embarrassing STACEY: Don’t feel embarrassed around us, you should see Gemma after a few drinks on a Saturday night, now that’s embarrassing (Girls laugh and so does Andy, Gemma pretends to be outraged but then agrees) EMILY : Listen, what is the worst that could happen? If you don’t try you will never know. When I’m really nervous, I sing, makes me feel more confident. Come on give it a try.

SONG 2

ANDY: Thanks girls that really helped, you’re so sweet, all of you. EMILY: Ahh no problem, well good luck, speak to you after and see who gets through.

PRODUCER : And cut.

HOST : Thank god, some of these people are sooo boring. Make up! I need some Evian now! (Clicking her fingers) RACHEL : Hi, I just wanted to say I think you’re really great …. HOST: Excuse me, move back, busy here

Rachel turns slowly away looking embarrassed. Shirley walks over as she saw what happened.

SHIRLEY: Don’t give it a second thought, some people can be so rude. RACHEL: I’m just really shocked, she seems so nice on TV SHIRLEY: Things aren’t always what they seem love, so then, you here to audition? RACHEL: Yes I’m here cause I wanna, .. well my mum wants me to… but oh yes sorry I’m here to audition. SHIRLEY: Me too, this could be my last chance of stardom RACHEL: Oh you’re here to audition as well? SHIRLEY: Of course, why else would I be here RACHEL: Sorry I didn’t mean anything by it SHIRLEY: No, I understand, someone like me doesn’t exactly look like a pop star, but I’ve got good friends with me and we can sing so I thought why not, we’ve been singing for years in clubs it’s about time we showed everyone what we can do. RACHEL: Good on you. What’s your group’s name? SHIRLEY: Divas in Disguise, I’m Shirley, and that’s Pearl and Janet RACHEL: I’m Rachel, I’m here with my mum and dad, I don’t know where they have got to… oh look, I think we are going live again.

PRODUCER: Ok going live in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, HOST: Welcome back, now just before the auditions start let’s meet our panel of judges, we have Karen Feslorne, Ronnie Rockefellar and Liam Powell! (big gasps, and wows from room)

SONG 3 After song each in interviewed

HOST: Hi Karen, what are you looking for this year? KAREN: Well someone with a huge talent, a real star, and a strong personality, someone who stands out. HOST: Ok thank you Karen if you would like to go through, and next we have Ronnie Rockefeller, hi Ronnie what are you looking for this year? RONNIE : Well someone who brings the edge back to music, like me in my day HOST: Thank you Ronnie, and last but not least Liam Powell, and what are you hoping to find this year LIAM: The usual, someone to make a one hit wonder, get the Christmas number one and make me a lot of money HOST: Ok and thank you Liam, so that’s our panel of judges. It’s now time for the auditonees to start going in, let’s just speak to some now, hi ladies how are you feeling? PEARL: We are feeling fine, confident and sure we won’t have a problem going through (As camera pans off them they look nervous) PRODUCER : Ok number 102 go through please (Host move over to the door) STACEY: That’s us girls, come on (Straighten themselves up, do a group hug)

HOST : Ok girls, good luck

LIAM: Hello and what is your name? EMILY: We’re Candy LIAM: Sweet name (Karen raises eyebrows and stares at Liam who is just smiling at the girls) RONNIE: Who do you think you’re as good as, in the charts at the moment? STACEY: Erm Girls Aloud GEMMA: And Sugababes, we were going to name our band something with sugar in it but Stacey said it sounded too sweet and then Emily said it would be like copying ….. (Emily interrupts) EMILY: Well we are definitely better dancers than both those groups anyway. KAREN: Ok girls stand on the x and start when you’re ready

SONG 4

RONNIE: Ok girls that’s fine thanks. How long have you been together? EMILY: 5 months KAREN: Well I think it showed, wasn’t great girls RONNIE : I think you need a little work, but hey I liked it LIAM: Well you need two yes’s, Karen? KAREN: Ermm I’m sorry girls it’s a no from me LIAM: Ronnie? RONNIE: I liked it, it’s a yes from me girls LIAM: So it’s down to me All three girls beg, please Liam we will work hard, we can do this etc LIAM: Ok, ok it’s a yes from me, you’re through to the live finals

All the girls run over and kiss Liam and Ronnie and all speak at the same time

EMILY : Thank you so much, you won’t regret this ,We will work so hard GEMMA : You’re the best Liam STACEY : Thank you, we wont let you down.

All run out of the room really excited, jumping up and down and hugging each other and hugging the host, showing their papers to the camera.

HOST: I take it you got through GEMMA : Yes we did! Can’t wait to ring my mum! HOST: Well done girls, see you in the final!

Girls move excitedly over to the side of the stage and mimic phoning home etc

PRODUCER: Ok next number 242

Nobody moves all look around

PRODUCER: Calling number 242??

Matt comes running on from the wings

MATT: Hi I’m here, I’m here, sorry, just got caught up backstage

Two girls come on from the wings good luck brad and blow kisses

MATT: Am I too late

PRODUCER: No just in time, in you go

MATT: Hi everyone KAREN: Well this is more like it. Hello hun and what’s your name? MATT: My name’s Matt KAREN: Ok Matt and how old are you? MATT: I’m 25 KAREN: Fabulous! LIAM: Right Matt, what are you going to sing today? MATT: A little number from the west end musical Saturday night fever RONNIE: Excellent, stand on the x and begin when you’re ready

SONG 5

LIAM: I don’t really know what to say to that to be honest KAREN: Well I do, darling that was brilliant, you gave me goose bumps LIAM: You are joking? KAREN: No I’m not at all, I thought he was great, a real show man LIAM: Well I didn’t, it lacked personality, it lacked tune, my Granny could have done better and she’s been dead for 20 years RONNIE: Come on Liam it wasn’t that bad, I thought you were good kid, you have picked up some bad habits but other than that a good audition. LIAM: Well it’s down to the votes and mine is a no. KAREN: Mine is a yes with double helpings (Ronnie pauses..) RONNIE: I’m just not sure .. KAREN: (snaps at Ronnie) Ronnie RONNIE: Ok, you’re through kid, it’s a yes from me.

Matt runs out excited, very dramatic falls to his knees crying

HOST: Are you ok? MATT: I got through, I got through HOST: Well done! I thought you might, you have a certain something about you MATT: (looking straight into the camera suddenly composed) really how sweet of you to say so HOST: Ok so we will see you in the final, (edging him away) time for another break I’m afraid, see you in 2.

Theme tune plays. Make up girl goes straight to host

HOST: Do something with my hair, those stupid girls completely messed it up when they came running out. How many more of these have we got to get through? PRODUCER: Quite a few yet MATT: Hi did you really see something special in me then? HOST: (completely ignoring him) Why do these people think it’s ok to keep talking to me? Can someone please keep the nobodys to their own areas, I need my space. PRODUCER: I’m sorry …( puts her arm round his shoulder and leads him away)

Continue fussing Mr and Mrs Hamilton walk on from off stage

RACHEL: There you are, where have you been all this time? MRS HAM: It’s your father, first he wanted the toilet, then he was hungry, just like having another child to contend with. MR HAM: Sorry love but she kept shouting at me and making me nervous and then when I’m nervous I cant go and .. RACHEL: It’s fine Dad really. I was just getting worried MRS HAM: Well no need to worry about us, worry about going in there, this is your last big chance, if this doesn’t work out then that’s it for you RACHEL: Alright Mum, no pressure then MRS HAM: Well I’m only saying you’re not getting any younger and if you want to be a professional singer you better get a move on, you don’t want to be working as a pub singer all your life. RACHEL: I love my job Mum! You know that MRS HAM: What singing to a bunch of drunk old men, lovely I’m sure RACHEL: It’s not like that Mum. It’s not just a job, they are like family to me. MRS HAM: Well they’re not your family, your father and me are so don’t disappoint us. MR HAM: What your mother is trying to say love, is try your best and we will be proud of you MRS HAM: Oh shut up Frank RACHEL: Thanks Dad.

PEARL: I hope it’s our turn soon, I can’t stand all this waiting SHIRLEY: I know what you mean I’ve been toilet four times already, I’m so nervous JANET: Did you see that Liam Powell? He is so much better looking in person isn’t he? PEARL: I know, I thought that, and he is taller than I thought he would be SHIRLEY: I don’t see the attraction myself JANET: Well you must have had your eyes closed then, I thought he was well fit. And I’m gonna tell him that when we go in, never know, might help us get through

(All three laugh)

PRODUCER: Ok going live in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

HOST: Welcome back, so then, so far so good, two acts through to the live final. Let’s meet the next auditionee

PRODUCER: Number 316 please

Chavtastic steps forward

HOST: Hi are you nervous? CHAVTASTIC: Not really I know I’ve got what it takes to make it, it’s that simple HOST: Oh right, you go for it then good luck.

RONNIE: Hello there, what are you going to sing for us today then? CHAVTASTIC: I will always love you LIAM: Great song, love it, when you’re ready