Class Of 77 by Stagescripts Ltd

book, lyrics & music by

David Hines

Dedicated to everyone who was there and knows that time flies â&#x20AC;Ś but deep down people don't â&#x20AC;Ś

Class Of 77 by David Hines © David Hines 2004. All Rights Reserved. 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 musical 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. „Class Of 77‟ is fully protected under the international laws of copyright which are enacted in the UK as the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. The right of David Hines to be identified as the author of the work has been asserted by him 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.

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Publication History: April 2008 :

First Edition

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SA-0179 (Standard)

Synopsis Come back to Britain in the 1970‟s when „The Generation Game‟ and „The Good Life‟ ruled our TV sets, and the Ford Cortina ruled our roads. As their final year at school comes to an end, the class of ‟77 wonders what the future will bring … and fifteen years later a school reunion brings them back together. As old scores are settled and old flames are re-ignited, they realise that their golden years are not those gone by, but those up ahead. With fourteen exciting original songs in styles ranging through Rock, Pop and Ballads, „Class Of 77‟ is funny, touching, invigorating, and (for those of us old enough to remember) wonderfully evocative of youth untroubled by 21st century distractions. Class Of 77 is a musical which takes the audience back to the late 1970‟s to meet a class of sixth formers (aka Year 11‟s) as they prepare to leave school for university and/or life. At the school reunion many things have changed, not only for the cast but in the outside world as well. The world of 1992 is very different to that which existed in 1977 and through the script and music we see just how different. The school reunion approaches. It‟s the first held since they all left in 1977 and the show opens with Michael and Bruce reminiscing about that final school year („Was A Time‟). We are transported back to that time to see their friends, share their feelings and suffer their failings; meeting a host of characters including Jenny, Michael‟s then girlfriend; Linda, the resident hippy; Adam, Brian and Greg who spend every weekend working on their beloved green Ford Cortina („Me And My Cortina‟), and Sue, Helen and Judy who think about boys a lot, and spend every Thursday night glued to „Top Of The Pops‟. Not forgetting Kevin, the computer genius and Sven the Swedish exchange student. As their time at school comes to an end Michael expects Jenny, who is the love of his life, to follow him to London and to share a flat with him as they go to university. Jenny, however, has other ideas („Not The One‟) and after talking with Linda, a real „free spirit‟ who is into women‟s lib („Girls Talk‟), she breaks up with Michael and pursues her own path without him. Meanwhile, Linda herself has decided to skip university altogether and travel, something that her boyfriend, Bruce, cannot understand. Bruce and Michael console each other as they try to look to the future („Tomorrow‟). Kevin, who can foresee a world of technology („Brave New World‟) has developed something called a „personal computer‟ but is ridiculed for it, and Sven, despite his tenuous grasp of the English language, can‟t really focus on much except for having a good time. At the end-of-year school dance Greg and Sue unexpectedly hit it off („A Girl Named Sue‟), and the class finally says goodbye to their school life („Class Of 77‟) and head off into the big wide world. During the interval, time marches on fifteen years and Act 2 opens with Judy lamenting the passage of time („Fifteen Years‟) as she waits for the school reunion to start. As the class re-unite we learn that some very different outcomes have occurred for many of the characters. Kevin, of course, is hugely successful, but surprisingly, so is Sven who has become the Swedish Ambassador („We‟ve Come A Long Way‟). Linda is still a free spirit, whilst Bruce has become the archetypal hardworking husband and father. Some of the girls are divorced already and Adam has had to trade in his Cortina for an estate car. Michael and Jenny meet for the first time in fifteen years with Michael revealing the hurt and betrayal he has been feeling („The Magic In Her Eyes‟). By the end of the show though Michael and Jenny get back together („Seventeen‟) and the whole class comes to understand that they‟re all getting older („You Can‟t Stay Young Forever‟) and that the golden years are not those in the past, but are those up ahead („Golden Years‟). Fully orchestrated in six parts (expandable to include strings and brass), or with professionally recorded performance backing tracks available, „Class Of 77‟ is fully equipped to give your actors and audience a fantastic time. The show is ideally suited to an acting age between 15 and 25 and features a lot of comedy, some drama, a love story and a lot of dance routines.

Characters Principals Michael : The male lead. Michael is a romantic, something of a dreamer. In school he was passionately in love with Jenny, a relationship that didn't survive the years that followed. He has carried a torch for her ever since and this represents the central love story of the show, as, when they meet again after fifteen years, they realise (eventually!) that they really are meant for one another. He has never married, and in the intervening years has become a journalist for a major London newspaper. He cannot understand why Jenny did not want to continue their relationship after school but, by the end of the show, comes to the realisation that he has perhaps been too serious about a lot of things in his life. Jenny :

The female lead. Jenny and Michael were boyfriend/girlfriend for most of High their time in secondary school days and were very close. She is a thoroughly „nice‟ girl who always expected she would undertake a career as a vet, marry Michael and settle down one day. However, as University approached, with Michael being more and more possessive and influenced by her free-spirited friend Linda, she felt she had to break away from Michael and experience more than this. She has been married and is now divorced. When she meets Michael again she feels that perhaps they should have stayed together. He, however, is still very angry and hurt by her dismissal of him in 1977. The tension of „will they, won't they, get back together forms one of the central themes of the show.

Bruce :

Michael's best mate at school, and has remained so through the intervening years. Bruce is married with two kids and works as an architect. He is really looking forward to the reunion as a chance to re-live his youth. He is bright and positive - nothing seems to get him down. In this way he is a strong contrast to the moody Michael. During school he and Linda were an item, but not in any serious way as they were really worlds apart. Their mutual attraction was more physical than cerebral. When they meet again he gives her a hard time for still being „herbal‟, whilst she thinks he is „uptight‟. During Act 2 they each gain a little from the other, as Bruce realises he has lost a lot of the freedoms he loved as a teenager, and that perhaps the demands of being a family man are dampening his spirit.

Linda :

Always was a „free spirit‟, a bit of a hippy. During school she was the one who was into women‟s lib and environmentalism, listened to music by Yes and King Crimson, and was into crystals and dream therapy. She went out with Bruce more because he was Michael's best friend, and she Jenny's, than for any shared beliefs. In the years since, she has become a bit more „worldly‟ but still retains that element of alternative culture. She is a fun character and gets on well with Bruce when they meet up again, although she is continually trying to persuade him to „loosen up‟ a little. He in turn helps her to realise that it's about time she stopped trying to save the world and spend some energy on her own life.

Kevin :

The archetypal geek at school. Always with his head in a book he never fitted in with the other kids. At school he dreamt of a time when technology would rule the world, and guys like him would be powerful. During the eighties this indeed happened - he was in on the ground floor of the computer industry, and is now hugely rich and successful. He hasn't forgotten the way he was treated and during the reunion attempts to rub into people's noses the fact that they underestimated him. However, this backfires, and he comes to the realisation that his aloofness is just as alienating as his „nerdiness‟, and that it is better just to get along with people.

Adam : Brian : Greg :

This trio provides much of the comedy in the show, both in flashbacks and present day. A likeable trio of „lads‟ they were always the ones who were in the thick of it. Adam is clearly the leader of the gang. Greg has a crush on Sue, but is too shy to say anything. Brian is a bit of a „try hard‟ - he wants to be one of the gang, but somehow doesn't quite fit in. We learn in Act 2 that he has discovered he is gay. In adult life they have all (except Brian) become your typical middle class man - married, couple of kids, house in the suburbs and a new car every few years. Greg marries Sue, whom he hooked up with at the School Dance.

Sue : Helen : Judy :

Sven :

The female equivalent of the guys these three girls are a tight group who live for going out on Saturday nights and „Top of the Pops‟. Each is infatuated with a different pop star and dreams of meeting them one day. Sue is secretly in love with Greg, whom she later marries. Helen is the „Party Girl‟ who, at the reunion, latches on to all the guys, and eventually to Sven. Judy, however, has not had such a good ride in life. Married, divorced with two kids and now alone at 33 she opens Act 2 with a nostalgic wish to return to the days when things were so much simpler. A Swedish exchange student whose command of English is doubtful at best. His main purpose during the show is to provide comic relief as he is constantly popping up and saying things totally out of context. In Act 1 he has a really outrageous swedish accent and is a bit of a joke. During Act 2 he returns looking stunningly handsome, with a perfect command of English and news that he is now the Swedish Ambassador to Britain.

Support Franklin : Mr Franklin is the „cool‟ science teacher that all the kids like. Dressed in a tweed jacket with elbow patches, he is patiently waiting out his days until he can retire, imparting what little knowledge he can to the class. He likes to think the “kids” think he‟s cool but in actual fact they all look on him as a bit of a joke. Leonie : Fiona :

Two small, often comedic, female characters drawn from the chorus.

Chorus The show allows for a chorus as small as five or as many as twenty, as there are several large production numbers. Chorus members will be other students who can provide vocal backups during the production numbers, and other members of the reunion.

Sets & Costume Set design is envisioned as being fairly minimalist. During Act 1 there needs to be strong indicators that we are indeed at school in 1977 which will need to be by way of costumes and sets. A backdrop depicting the school should be sufficient. The living room scene should evoke a 70‟s feel by way of artworks, wallpaper etc. The car can be achieved either by using real car parts or a timber mock up. Only the front half is required. Where possible try to avoid too much cliché in 70's clothing. During school scenes, the students should be dressed in school uniform. For girls, a plain coloured dress, white blouse and tie; for boys, grey trousers, white shirt and tie. In the mid-70‟s the dress code was still fairly strict in schools, but some students did push the boundaries of acceptable ways of wearing the uniform. There was little jewellery worn, so modern young actors will need to remove any visible piercings! Hairstyles for the girls are important - think Farrah Fawcett etc. The boy‟s hair will be a mix of long and short with the occasional set of sideburns. The exception to all this is during the end of year school dance which closes Act 1, where the Director should feel free to make the clothing in this scene as outrageously 70‟s as possible to accentuate the comic possibilities this provides. For Act 2, dress will be semi-formal 1992 styles for people now in their early thirties.

iii

Music General The music is made up of all original songs, but strongly based on styles of music popular during the 1970's. Thus we have everything from ballads to punk, just as there was during the decade. There is little or no music underscored during the action. During some of the party scenes such as the school dance and the reunion, suitable 70‟s songs may be played in the background to provide atmosphere. Most of the chorus songs involve some close harmony work. If the cast is not capable of accurate harmonies it may be preferable to have them sing the lead line in unison.

Orchestra Two scores are provided. The first is for a six piece rock band (2 x Guitar, 2 x Keyboard, Bass & Drums). The second, larger, score is for the same line up as above but with a full string and woodwind section. A professionally recorded CD of backing tracks for all songs is also available for use during performances (or at rehearsals).

Music Numbers Act 1:

#1 – Overture #2 – Was A Time #3 – Girls Talk #4 – Brave New World #5 - Me And My Cortina #6 – Tomorrow #7 – Not The One #8 – A Girl Named Sue #9 – Class Of 77

Michael & Chorus Jenny, Linda, (with Sue, Helen & Judy) Kevin & Chorus Adam, Chris, Mark & Bruce Michael, Bruce & Male Chorus Jenny Greg & Sue Company

~ Interval ~ Act 2

#10 – Entr‟acte #11 – Fifteen Years #12 - We‟ve Come A Long Way #13 – The Magic In Her Eyes #14 – You Can‟t Stay Young #15 – Seventeen #16 – Golden Years

Judy Kevin, Sven & Chorus Michael Linda, Bruce & Chorus Michael & Jenny Company

ACT ONE MUSIC #1 - OVERTURE Scene 1 A pub somewhere in London, 1992. Michael and Bruce are sitting at the bar after work discussing the upcoming reunion. The bar is front stage left and in a pool of light - the rest of the stage is in darkness. Both are wearing suits, ties undone indicating the end of a hard days work.

Bruce Michael

Bruce Michael Bruce Michael Bruce Michael Bruce Michael

Bruce Michael Bruce Michael Bruce Michael Bruce Michael Bruce Michael

Bruce

So how was your day? Ahhh, it was OK. We got ourselves a new sub-editor in the world news department who thinks he's pretty hot stuff. Tried telling me today that my syntax was sloppy. I'm a journalist, after all … not an English teacher! (Laughs) Yeah, but English grammar was never your strong suit, Mick! I can remember old Theodore in school having a go at you over it. Oh yes, dear old Mr Theodore. Well, I got the last laugh on him. I'll bet he's still flogging Shakespeare to pimply-faced teenagers! Oh, he was OK. Not as bad as some of 'em. Remember Gilchrist, the maths teacher? Used to make you stay behind if you couldn't finish the algebra exercises in time. Yeah, and I seem to recall you spent a lot of lunch hours that way! I hope you get your sums right when you're designing all those buildings. Nah, we got computers to do all that for us now … Speaking of teachers … you going to go to this reunion thing or what? Oh … I don't know. I mean, I haven't seen anyone from school for fifteen years … except you of course. I don't even remember half their names. Oh, sure you do. What would we have in common? I've spent the last fifteen years all over the world reporting from war zones, the Middle East, The Falklands … I was there when the Berlin Wall came down … why would I want to spend an evening with a bunch of people I went to school with? They're probably all as boring as hell … (Sarcastically) Gee, thanks a lot mate … Well … you know what I mean. (Beat) It's because she'll be there isn't it? Who? (Scornfully) Who! Jenny, that's who! Oh … her. Oh, come on Mick. Don't act like you've forgotten her. We both know you've been carrying a torch for her ever since. (Beat). It might be kinda nice to catch up … And say what? Hi Jen, thanks for breaking my heart; how's your life? See! I knew it! You never got over her did you? Just what did happen with you two after we left school? You never told me. (Pause) We just … drifted apart I guess. She went off to Leeds and I came to London. We kept in touch for a while … but then she met some bloke up there and … I guess I got the message. Well, don't try and tell me you wouldn't like to see her again at least once. I'm going. Can't wait to see some of the old gang again. (Pause. Both of them sip their beers reflectively. He has clearly got Michael thinking). Oh, no! Is that the time? I've got to run, mate. Karen'll kill me if I'm not home by seven tonight. We've got friends coming over. (He drains his glass). Catch you later mate. Let me know if you're going to the reunion and we'll go together. Ciao!

Bruce Exits. Michael is left alone at the bar drinking moodily. He begins to think aloud. 1

Michael

School reunion eh? The class of 77. Wow…things sure were different then.

MUSIC#2 – ‘WAS A TIME’ No computers … no mobile phones. No AIDS … and the music was certainly better! I should do a piece on it. With everything I've seen in the last fifteen years it all seems so … innocent. I guess it could be sort of fun … see everyone again … 1977 … It was a time alright … it sure was a time … The stage is black except for a spotlight on Michael.

Michael

Was a time It was somehow easier to know. Was a time We had time to watch things grow. Looking back the days were filled With laughter and with smiles And everything was stretching out ahead. We never knew What the future held in store. It was a time That we sought a distant shore. Full of hope and crazy dreams We thought we knew it all Take me back to where it all began.

[Soft blue light up on back of stage. We see the students in uniform milling about in the 1977 set as if they are ghosts].

People come and people go And days turn into years. Memories of the past become Some faded souvenirs. But you and I will always have That special time we shared. When dreams were new And skies were blue And summertime was Drifting on the air. [Blue light fades - we are back in the present].

Here we are So many years have passed us by. What happened to The colour of our skies. If I could live my life again Some things I know I'd change Was a time when all I had to do was dream. [The ghostly lights come up again on stage - a little stronger this time. The chorus form into straight lines behind Michael. He is halfway back in time].

All

People come and people go And days turn into years. Memories of the past become Some faded souvenirs. But you and I will always have 2

That special time we shared. When dreams were new And skies were blue And summertime was Drifting on the air. [The lights on the ghostly choir go down leaving a single spotlight on Michael[.

Michael

Was a time It was somehow easier to know. Was a time We had time to watch things grow. Looking back the days were filled With laughter and with smiles And everything was stretching out ahead.

[Full lights up to reveal 1977 cast. We are back in 1977. As Michael and the chorus sing the final verse the bar slides away and he turns and walks back into the crowd and becomes one with them.]

All

Chorus

There was a time. Michael

Oh it really was a time.

There was a time. Really was a time. There was a time. Really was a time. Michael disappears into the crowd and exits unseen. The chorus moves smoothly into the action of Scene 2

Scene 2 It is morning at school, prior to first lessons. Students are milling about in groups chatting etc.

Linda Jenny Linda Jenny Linda Jenny Linda

Hey Jen, hang on! Oh, hi Linda. How was your weekend? Did you go to the festival? It was soooo great! I dragged Bruce along and I think he enjoyed it, even though he reckons it was full of hippies. Did they have any bands? Yeah! They had „The Jam‟, „The Damned‟ and there was this new band „The Police‟ with this really cute guy on bass - they were ace! Really! Oh, I wish I'd gone but I couldn't … Mum would have gone spare … She thinks Greenpeace are all into smoking dope and having orgies! Well…there was that certain smell in the air … but Jen, what they're saying is just sooo important. We've got to start caring for the environment now or by the turn of the century we'll be choking to death on greenhouse gases. 3

Leonie

On what?

Enter Michael and Bruce.

Linda

Bruce Linda Bruce Michael Jenny Michael Leonie Michael

Bruce Linda

Bruce

Greenhouse gases. See, with all the pollution and car fumes and stuff, we're building up this smog over everything and soon you won't be able to see the sun! Already there are species dying … (Interrupting her) Oh, give it a rest, Linda, geees. (To Michael). All day yesterday all we heard was how we're all doomed, we're all gonna die. Well it's true! If only people would listen … (Cutting her off again) Yeah, yeah I know. (To the others). The bands were good, but … (To Jenny) See? I told you we should have gone. Micky, I told you Mum needed me to help her round the house, I had a heap of homework to do, and besides I'm not really into those big organised things … Oh well, we'll have plenty of time for pop festivals and stuff next year at Uni. Are you still going to London, Mick? Yep, they reckon that's the best journalism degree. Jen's going to do Vet Science there too, so we'll get a flat somewhere near campus. That way we can have our own place but still be where the action is. (During this speech Jen becomes visibly uncomfortable). You guys should come to London too! Maybe we could all share a flat together! Nah, sorry mate. Three's a crowd, you know? Well, I'm not sure I'm doing Uni next year at all. I think I'm gonna travel first … see the world. Do you know there are rainforests in Papua New Guinea that are in danger of disappearing altogether … (The others groan and roll their eyes). Come on Linda, we better get to English or Mr Theodore will throw a fit!

The school bell rings. Bruce and Linda exit. The other students start to move off, leaving Michael and Jenny alone. Michael starts to leave also.

Michael Jenny Michael Jenny Michael Jenny Michael Jenny Michael Jenny Michael Jenny Michael Jenny

Come on Jen. Michael … wait … I … What? I'm not sure about next year … What do you mean? Well….this whole living together thing … we haven't really discussed it … But … you want to do Vet Science … The Royal College has the best reputation … and if we're both going to London, why wouldn't we live together? Well, for one thing my mum and dad would freak out! (Laughs) Jen, you'll be eighteen next year, you can do what you want. Well, maybe I don't want … I still haven't made up my mind yet where I want to go. Leeds has a really good reputation for Vet Studies … Leeds! Yes, Leeds. (Dismissively) I can't do journalism at Leeds! (Suddenly angry) Well, no-one asked you to, did they?

A big pause. Jenny is near to tears. Linda enters.

Linda Jenny Linda Jenny

Linda

Hey Jen, guess what? Theodore's off sick so we've got a free period! … Hey … what's wrong? (Michael exits, shaking his head). Oh Lin … that stupid, idiotic …! Who, Michael? What's he done? (In a rush) I'm only seventeen and he's virtually got us married and settled down. He wants me to go to the same Uni as him just so we can have a flat together, and I don't know, and I want to go to Leeds and I … I … Bloody men! They think that we'll just do whatever they want. 4

Jenny Linda

He doesn‟t seem to care about what I want to do at all … Jen … this is the seventies. Men don't make the rules anymore. (She sings). “I am woman / Hear me roar / In numbers too big to ignore …” (FROM : “I Am Woman” by Helen Reddy, 1972)

Jenny

Now don't start going all women's lib on me Linda!

MUSIC #3 – ‘GIRLS TALK’ (Backing Vocals : Sue, Helen & Judy) Linda

Jenny

What's wrong with women's lib? It's about time we started standing up for ourselves. If you want to go to Leeds, go to Leeds! Michael's a really nice guy but don't let him decide what you're going to do with your life! Well … maybe you're right … Jenny

I looked into his eyes and saw the future. A semi-dee in some Suburban sprawl. And every time I stop And think about it; That's not what I want at all!

Linda

You and I We're women Of the future. The guys don't know The half of what we know. They walk around As if they own the world; 'Cos daddy told them so.

Backing

Girls talk Jenny Gonna show 'em what the girls can do! Girls talk Linda We're the future and you know it's true. Girls talk Both

Move aside it's our time in the sun.

Girls talk Jenny All you guys had better watch your step! Girls talk Linda 'Cos you know you ain't seen nothing yet Girls talk Both Jenny

I used to think That life was oh so easy. Now I'm not sure Which way I should turn. Marry, settle down And raise some kids? Or take my bra And start to burn!

Linda

It's time to strike a blow For liberation. To show them that We're not afraid to fight. Ever since I read 5

Better turn your tail and run

„The Female Eunuch‟ I knew that Germaine Greer was right! Jenny

Backing

I know I must decide. The way I feel inside. I don't want to lose him now. But I'm only seventeen. There's so much I haven't seen. I gotta tell him but I don't know how … Girls talk Jenny Gonna show 'em what the girls can do! Girls talk Linda Gonna tear up all the old taboos. Girls talk Both

We'll be more than just a mother and a wife!

Girls talk Jenny All you guys had better watch your step! Girls talk Linda 'Cos you know you ain't seen nothing yet Girls talk Both

Wait until we start to turn the knife!

Girls talk Jenny Gonna show 'em what the girls can do! Girls talk Linda We're the future and you know it's true. Girls talk Both Girls talk

Gonna show 'em what the girls can do! Girls talk!

Blackout.

Scene 3 The school science lab. Kevin is engrossed in the tangle of wires which is his homemade computer. It is just before the lesson is due to start, a few students are drifting in. Adam, Brian and Greg enter with much horsing around etc.

Adam Brian Adam Greg Adam

So I says to „im, “No Mr Turner, it can't have been me you saw smoking, I never touch 'em. Honest!”. What did he say? He says (pompous voice) “I wasn‟t born yesterday, Mr Collins. I can smell it on your clothes”. Aaah … gotcha!!! So I says back to „im (piously) “Oh no, Mr Turner … that was the person sitting next to me on the train today … I asked him to put it out but he kept blowing smoke on my clothes”.

All laugh.

Brian

Yeah … good one! I'm gonna use that one next time.

Sven the foreign exchange student enters. He has blonde hair, an outrageous Swedish accent and his command of English is not good.

Sven Adam Sven Greg Sven

Good evening. My name is Sven and I am from Sweden. Is this the right room for the physical education? Physical Education? Nah mate you need the gym. Jim? (Looks around). Please, which one is „Jim‟? No, no not Jim, gym! Like where you do push-ups. Poosh-ups? What is zis poosh-ups? (To one of the other boys). Are you Jim? 6

Adam Sven Adam Sven Brian Fiona

No you pillock, there is no Jim. It‟s gymnasium! Please, I do not know your Engleesh flowers … Oh, I give up! (Looking around) I will ask Jim. Perhaps he will know … Who is this nutter? He's a new foreign exchange student. He just started last week.

A small crowd forms around Sven.

Sven Leonie Sven Adam Sven Greg Sven Kevin Greg

Please … they told me to report here for the physical education. He must mean Physics! (Nodding excitedly) Ya, ya, Physics. (Laughing) Yeah, this is the „physical education‟. Hey Sven, is it true what they say about the chicks in Sweden? Chicks? Yeah I hear they're something else … did you ever have a sauna with a naked chick? (Looks puzzled and flaps his arms like a chicken). Naked chick … No, there is no chickens in the sauna … (Without looking up from his project) Oh give him a break you morons … can't you see he doesn't speak English too well? Hey check it out! If it isn't Kevin the wonder kid.

Adam, Greg & Brian crowd around Kevin who instinctively shields his project.

Kevin Adam Kevin Brian Kevin

Greg Kevin Brian Kevin

Adam Kevin

Please don't touch … this is very delicate. What is it? It looks like something out of the „Six Million Dollar Man‟! If you must know it is a prototype for a personal computer. A what? A personal computer. You can use it to add columns of figures, record information and even draw graphical representations of statistical data. Well, at least that's the plan. I haven't ironed out all the bugs yet. (Examining it carefully) I thought computers were really big with reels of tape and lots of buttons and stuff. Well … they are. This is sort of like a smaller version for personal use. One day I reckon all computers will be like this. Everyone is going to have one on their desk. Ahh, only nerds like you are into this stuff. Who else is gonna want their own computer? You'd be surprised. One day there'll be millions of computers, you'll see. (Adam grabs part of the computer and runs off with it). Hey, give that back! (They start tossing it between themselves). Oh … Oh, be careful … don't break it … Oh, come on … please … Come and get it, Braniac! (Stops trying to get the part and stares at Adam) Give it back, Adam.

Something in Kevin's voice tells him to stop and he throws the part back to him.

Adam Kevin Adam Kevin Greg Brian Kevin

Aww, here you go. (Carefully reassembling it) You just wait … Everyone is going to want one of these one

day … and I'm gonna be rich. (Laughing) I wouldn't hold my breath, Professor! Yeah? Well, you'll see … We're heading into an age where guys like me will control everything … technology is gonna rule. (Laughing) Tell us more, Professor! Yeah, Kevin, we‟re really interested … OK, OK. You lot don't believe me. But see, I read all the science magazines … you don't. For instance, did you know that in Japan they are working on a new type of record? Its going to be called a „Compact Disc‟, and it will sound a thousand times 7

Adam Kevin

better than an LP, and it's only about this big. And, it'll never wear out … it'll last forever. Yeah? Yeah. But that's nothing. (Warming to his theme). The big move is gonna be in computers. There's a couple of guys in the US working on a personal computer right now called „Apple‟. Well, I'm gonna beat them to it … (While he is talking Greg and Brian sneak round the back of him and are preparing to „debag‟ him (pull his trousers down) while Adam pretends to listen intently). I've nearly finished my prototype, (looking at his computer lovingly) and when I do it's gonna make me rich! Everyone's going to have a computer

on their desks … there'll be millions of them all over the world … and I'll be famous …(The two debag him to much hilarity and laughter in the class room. Kevin is furious. He pulls his trousers back up and rants at the class). You'll see! You'll see! You just wait … my day is coming … and when it does, you‟d better watch out!

MUSIC #4 – ‘BRAVE NEW WORLD’ Kevin

You may think We're very modern Living in the seventies. But I can tell you You're mistaken We've just climbed down from the trees … Imagine a phone That you can keep in your pocket. Dial anyone from anywhere. You won't need To plug into a socket. You can make a call From high up in the air. No more singles No more vinyl EP's. They're developing something They call the „CD‟. And you won't have To go out to the movies. You can stay at home And watch it on your colour TV. In a brave new world Guys like me will have the power. In a brave new world We won't have to hide no more. Our time is coming So you better be Nice to me And maybe I'll let you Carry my bags When I'm the king Of all I survey In a brave new world.

Everyone's gonna Have their own computer Runnin' their lives With a silicon chip. Hardware and software With programs to suit„ya Your life's gonna change Let me give you the tip. In a brave new world Guys like me will have the power. In a brave new world We won't have to hide no more. Our time is coming So you better be Nice to me And maybe I'll let you Carry my bags When I'm the king Of all I survey In a brave new world. Brave new world Brave new world As the song ends the class is in uproar. Mr Franklin enters classroom. He is the archetypal 70's teacher in tweed jacket with elbow patches.

Franklin

Linda Franklin Linda

Bruce

OK, OK… settle down, class. (The chaos continues. A paper dart flies through the air). Come on people, settle down please? (The class quietens). Today we're going to talk about energy, specifically … (writes on blackboard) nuclear energy. Contrary to what you may have heard, nuclear energy is one of the safest forms of energy in the world today. Yeah, right! (Sighing) You don't agree, Linda? No way! All it would take is one accident and an entire city could be wiped out. Don't forget this is the same energy used to create the atomic bomb! Instead of developing more nuclear power stations we should be looking at solar power, wind power … Oh, here we go …

There is general dissension in the class : "Give it a rest, Linda”, "She's off again” etc etc.

Franklin

Linda

Now now … everyone's entitled to their own point of view … even if it's wrong … Linda, what evidence do you have that nuclear power is unsafe? Nuclear power is clean, efficient and totally safe. Just look at that new Russian plant at … (writes on blackboard) C-h-e-r-n-o-b-y-l. You can't stop progress you know. Well, you'll see. One day there'll be a major blowout at a nuclear power station and thousands of people will be infected with radiation, crops will die …then perhaps you'll change your mind.

More cries of "Leave off Linda", "Put a sock in it” etc etc.

Franklin

Kevin

OK. Now let‟s review the major forms of energy in use today … (He turns to write on the board. A mad flurry of paper aeroplanes, scuffling, water pistols etc ensues. Hearing the commotion he turns back round. The class sits as quiet as mice. He again turns to the board and the chaos resumes. He turns again to find them again quiet and smiling. Now exasperated…) Now seriously, come on … (Standing) You people are impossible! (A shot from a water pistol hits him square in the face). 9

Sven

(Nervously approaching Mr Franklin) Excuse me please. Good evening. My name is

Franklin Sven

Sven. Which way to the resting area? Pardon? The resting area? I need to … how do you say it … (one of the class whispers in his ear) … Oh yes … I need to spring a leak please.

Much laughter. The school bell rings.

Franklin

(Over the top of the noisy exodus) Now don't forget … The A Level mocks start in six

weeks! Review your notes on forms of energy … it will be in the test … I'm giving you fair notice … (The final student leaves. He picks up a paper plane and tosses it across the stage). Oh well. Only another twenty-six years until retirement … Blackout.

Scene 4 Judy‟s bedroom, Saturday afternoon. Judy, Helen & Sue are lolling about on beds, reading teen magazines etc.

Helen Sue Judy Helen Sue Helen Sue Helen Judy Helen Sue Helen

How long till „Top Of The Pops‟ is on? Not till seven. (Reading magazine) Phwoor, that John Travolta‟s a bit of all right! Aw, I don‟t know. He‟s a bit of a prat. Hey girls, come on. We need to sort out the plan for the school dance. Did Chris McDowell ask you or what? (Disgustedly) No, he‟s going with Lisa Harrison. How about you? No-one‟s asked me but that‟s OK. I‟d rather be a free agent, if you know what I mean … Mark Spencer is going with someone else too … Hey, no problem girls! Once we‟re there we can work our magic. That new dress of yours is a killer, Sue! Yeah, but do you want to walk in alone? I mean, that‟s death! And you get all the desperate and dateless boys following you around you all night … What we need are some blokes who will take us, but not expect us to hang around … Who do we know that‟s going?

They all think hard.

Judy Helen Judy Sue Helen Judy Sue Helen Judy

How about Adam and his mates? Greg and Brian? Yeah! They‟re not interested in girls at all. All they seem to be concerned with is that stupid car! Actually … I was hoping Greg might ask me … he‟s really nice … Hey, Susie‟s got a crush on Greg! (Chanting) “Greg and Sue / Sitting in a tree / K-i-s-s-i-n-g!” (Blushing) Well … sort of … He‟s pretty nice … Don‟t hold your breath! Unless you‟ve got four wheels and vinyl roof, you‟re never going to get his attention! Well, come on! Let‟s go and ask them. They‟re probably all round at Adam‟s house!

The girls exit giggling.

Scene 5 The three lads are working on Adam's pride and joy - a bright green Ford Cortina. Adam is under the bonnet. Brian is reading „AutoCar‟ or „Practical Motorist‟ magazine.

Adam Greg

Pass us the five-eighths ring spanner, will ya? Here ya go. (He throws it - it hits Adam on the bum). 10

Adam Brian

Oh, very funny. (He picks it up and continues working). Are you guys gonna help or what? This carburettor isn‟t going to fix itself y'know. Hey, the new Toyota Corolla looks like it's gonna be a cracking car …

A stunned silence decends.

Greg Brian Greg Adam Both Brian Adam

The what? (Aware he has said something wrong) The … er … new Corolla … (To Adam) A Jap? (To Greg) A Jap? (To Brian) A JAP?

Err … well … yeah … It's a Jap, sure, but … Brian, when are you going to learn? Jap cars are for losers! We Brits still make the best car in the world – the Ford Cortina! Brian (Mumbling) Sorry mate … Adam Yeah … well … (to himself as he returns to the car) A Jap! Greg Did you guys see „Charlie's Angels‟ last night? Adam Cor … that Farrah Fawcett … she could park her slippers under my bed, anytime! Greg I kinda like the dark-haired one … Brian (A little too keenly, trying to make up for his „Jap‟ faux pas) Yeah, They're all very tasty. Greg Mind you, I wouldn't mind some slow motion action with the Bionic Woman either! What d'ya reckon, Brian? Brian Yeah, maybe … Adam If you two are gonna spend all day banging on about birds, we're never gonna finish this tune up. Greg & Brian OK, yeah, sure … etc They all crowd under the bonnet of the car. Sue, Helen & Judy enter

Sue

Hiya … how‟s it going?

The boys all scramble to get out from under the bonnet, banging their heads.

Greg Helen Brian Adam

Hi, girls. Just, uh, working on the Cortina here … So we see. (Scornfully.) Does it go? Does it go? Baby this machine is gonna be the fastest set of wheels in town when we‟ve finished! Yeah, we got a shaved head, triple Strombergs, limited slip diff and a straight through exhaust. See, with the extra porting on the exhaust manifold, you get better flow. So with the straight through exhaust …

During this recital the girls become visibly bored.

Judy

(Interrupting him) Well, that's really fascinating … really … but we came to ask you if

you've fixed up dates for the school dance yet. The boys look at each other.

Greg Sue Helen Judy Sue Helen Judy Sue

Well … not just yet … That's what we thought. So, here's the deal. We've all got boys we're trying to latch onto … But they've all got dates already. So we thought, if we three go with you three … On the clear understanding that it's just as friends … We can make our move on them at the dance without having to worry about some clowns hanging around us all night. So what do you reckon?

The boys look at each other, then form a huddle. The girls wait impatiently. 11

Greg

(Looking up from the huddle) We‟re gonna get pretty drunk. You make your own way

Girls

home, OK? OK.

The boy‟s huddle resumes.

Brian

(Looking up from the huddle) You‟re not expecting any … ummm … funny stuff, are

you? Girls

(Horrified) No!

The huddle resumes.

Adam Girls

(Looking up from the huddle) And you pay your own way, yeah? (Impatiently) Yes!

The huddle breaks up.

Adam Girls Adam Brian Greg Adam Greg Adam

OK, it‟s a deal. (With hi-fives) YES! (Giggling, they run off). Birds, eh! Well, at least we won't have to go to the dance on our own. That Sue is a really tasty piece, don't you think? (The other two look at him curiously). Well … I mean she's no Farrah, but she‟s not bad … (With a pitying sideways glance at Brian) Blimey, don't tell me you've got the hots for Sue Kelly? (Hotly) So what if I have? Look, birds are all the same … they'll lead you on until you're half crazy, then next thing you know you're dropped for some other bloke. Or, they pretend to like you just to make the other guy jealous. Wise up, Greg … all a girlfriend will do for you is expect you to spend money on her … money you should be spending on the most important thing in life … your car! You see me old pal …

MUSIC #5 - ‘ME AND MY CORTINA’ [Backing Vocals by Chris, Mark & Bruce, who enter as the song begins].

Adam

When I was young Many years ago My father He said to me. Son there is something You need to know Come here and listen to me. My father he said When you grow to a man Remember what I say to you Women may come And women may go But your car she will always be true As the years they went by Every time that I Met someone and fell in love Empty words And a broken heart Was all that I got in return broken heart.

Brian & Greg Fell in love, fell in love.

Broken heart,

And then one day When I was on my own I found the car of my dreams And I fell in love With her four on the floor And the way that her Paintwork gleamed. Me and my Cortina, Riding through the night. Me and my Cortina, Gonna see me alright. She's lean and mean. Painted green. My Ford of England Dream machine. My Cortina … She sees me alright.

The car of my dreams.

And the way that her Paintwork gleamed. … … Aa-aa-ah. … … Aa-aa-ah. … Ooh, la-la-la-la. … Ooh, la-la-la-la. … Ooh, la-la-la-la. … Ooh, la - la. … Ooh, la-la-la-la. Aah - aah - aah.

[Brian and Greg produce hula skirts and maracas and begin to dance around Adam].

Now I'm a man With a will of my own The girls they say to me. Brian & Greg What do they say? Why do you drive round Night after night Why won't you go out with me? … … Go out with me. I remember those words That my father said Back when I was a child. As the tyres they squeal On my automobile I know I was born to be wild.

Many years ago.

Know I was born to be wild.

Me and my Cortina, Riding through the night. Me and my Cortina, Gonna see me alright. She's lean and mean. Painted green. My Ford of England Dream machine. My Cortina … She sees me alright.

… … Aa-aa-ah.

Me and my Cortina, With my foot on the floor Me and my Cortina, Hear my pistons roar Gonna black her tyres. Polish her chrome. Make her tick. Like a metronome. My Cortina. She sees me alright

… … Aa-aa-ah.

… … Aa-aa-ah. … Ooh, la-la-la-la. … Ooh, la-la-la-la. … Ooh, la-la-la-la. … Ooh, la - la. … Ooh, la-la-la-la. Aah - aah - aah.

… … Aa-aa-ah. … Ooh, la-la-la-la. … Ooh, la-la-la-la. … Ooh, la-la-la-la. … Ooh, la-la-la-la. … Ooh, la-la-la-la. … … Aa-aa-ah.

Greg Does this mean we're gonna have to hire suits for the dance? Adam Yeah, I suppose so. I'm gonna get a purple one with big lapels and a yellow shirt. Brian Right on! Greg How are we gonna get there? If we're taking the girls we can't all fit in the Cortina … Adam Hmmmm … (They all think hard). Brian Well, two of „em would fit in the boot … Adam & Greg Right on! Yeah, etc.

Scene 6 Lunchtime at school.

Bruce Michael Bruce Michael Bruce Michael

Bruce Michael

Bruce Michael Bruce Michael Bruce Michael Bruce

Michael Bruce

Did you catch „Blankety Blank‟ last night? Nah. It was great. (Laughing). Uh, huh. Well, you're a barrel of laughs today. What's eating you? Sorry … it‟s just that there's a lot to think about. As soon as the A-Levels are over I have to start looking for a flat for next year for me and Jen. And I need to start making contacts with newspapers so that when I finish the course I'll have a job ready. I'm thinking the Guardian, but the Telegraph looks good too … Blimey … sounds like you've got it all worked out. You can't plan these things too much. It's a really competitive field, journalism. That's why I've already got my name down for Media Studies at Norwich as well as London. Of course, it'll depend where Jen gets in as well, but I'm sure she'll get into the Royal College. Ummm … yeah … What does she think? Well, to be honest we haven't really talked it through yet. But it'll be OK. As soon as the A-Level results are out we can start looking for a flat. She didn't seem so hot on that idea the other day. Aah, she'll come round … You know … maybe she just needs some space. Space? Yeah. Let‟s face it, Mick, you two have been all over each other ever since the fourth form. You're always together at every party, every weekend. It's like you're joined at the hip. Have you ever considered maybe she just wants some time to herself? (Pause) But, if she loves me … Love, schmuv! Look Mick, you're acting like some soppy loser out of an old film! She's a good looking girl alright, but we're gonna be at Uni next year! There's gonna be birds galore there, from all over England. And the parties … woo!

Some of the other boys enter, interested in the conversation.

Michael Bruce Michael Bruce

Michael

What about Linda? Oh, Linda's crazy. She's talking about going and living on a commune somewhere … You're not staying together? You don't get it do you? This is school; kids stuff. Next year it's a whole new ball game. My brother reckons Uni was the best time he ever had. OK, plenty of hard work, but parties every night, getting pissed, chicks galore … I intend to enjoy myself before I have to get out there and work my bum off in some office! Well, me too, but … I guess I always figured Jenny would be doing it with me …

Bruce

Michael Bruce Michael

Maybe she will, maybe she won't … who knows? But aren't you excited about it? You're going to study journalism like you always wanted. Maybe you'll be a hot-shot reporter at a big paper, an overseas correspondent … (excitedly), you could have your own talk show … You could be the next Parkinson. Hmm, I suppose … well, how about you? You'll be designing some great new building, and I'll be doing the story on it. We'll act like we don't know each other! They think the Barbican Centre‟s going to be fantastic? They ain't seen nothing yet! We've got our whole lives ahead of us, Mick! It's all really exciting … if only I was sure of Jen … She's „the one‟, Bruce … she's the one …

MUSIC #6 – ‘TOMORROW’ Michael

If I could see into the future, I wonder what I'd find. If she's not there beside me, I think I'd lose my mind. She's all I ever wanted, She's all I've ever known. When I think of life without her, It chills me to the bone.

Bruce

This is only the beginning, There's a lifetime to explore. It's time you looked around you, Time you opened up the door. She won't be here forever, You're out there on your own. You need to find your feet, You need to make your way alone. Tomorrow is the first day, Of the rest of your life. I know you've often heard that said before. We' re standing here today, On the edge of a knife, Who knows what tomorrow has in store?

Michael

Ever since we met, I've known that she's for me. No matter what I do now, I can't control my destiny.

Bruce

Its time to take control of reason, Time to look beyond today. Don't let one romance control you, Got to make it, come what may.

[Michael exits. Some of the boys gather round Bruce as he sings].

Bruce

Tomorrow is the first day, Of the rest of your life. I know you've often heard that said before. We' re standing here today, On the edge of a knife, Who knows what tomorrow has in store? 15

Boy 1 Tomorrow there is freedom. Boy 2 Tomorrow there is light. Boy 3 Pull yourself together now, Bruce&Boys Get in shape for the fight. Bruce

Tomorrow there'll be chances To be all you can be. There'll be a brand new morning,

Bruce&Boys If we can make it through the night. Tomorrow. Here comes tomorrow. Tomorrow. Here comes tomorrow. Yeah! Blackout.

Scene 7 Jenny's parents house. As the lights come up we find Michael and Jenny on the couch having a bit of a snog. It is a typical suburban home of the 70's. Plenty of lime green and orange furnishings, big cushions etc. They break their embrace.

Jenny Michael Jenny Michael Jenny Michael

Jenny

Phew! Michael … Michael … let me up for air! (Laughing) Sorry, Jen. (Straightening her clothes up) Boy you certainly know how to smother a girl! Well what can I say? I'm a passionate kind of guy! Yeah, well my folk‟s‟ll be home soon so you better kill that passion right now. (Leaning back) Ahhh, well … next year we won't have to worry about your folks … we'll be in a place of our own. (Jenny says nothing but it‟s obvious that she is uncomfortable). We'll probably have to share with another couple for a while, but if I can pick up a part time job … (Cutting him off) D‟you wanna watch „Top of the Pops‟? It's on soon.

Jenny gets up and turns on the TV. As she waits for it to warm up, Michael continues.

Michael Jenny

I was thinking, maybe I could work as a barman. There are plenty of pubs near the Uni and … It's starting.

The „Top Of The Pops‟ theme tune blares out. They watch for a while. Jenny is glued to the screen, not because she wants to watch the show, but more because she wants to avoid the topic being discussed. Michael reluctantly watches too. A song by the band „Smokie‟ comes on. (eg “If You Think You Know How To Love Me”, or “Living Next Door To Alice”)

Michael Jenny Michael Jenny Michael Jenny

Oh, turn it down Jen, I hate this song. I like it (She hums along). Give me the Sex Pistols anyday. That Alan Barton is so dishy…. Aren't you getting a bit old to have crushes on pop stars? (Jenny gives him a filthy look. She gets up and switches off the TV). Well, I didn't say turn it off did I? It doesn't matter.

There is a big silence.

Michael

(Sensing he is in the doghouse) Do you know who they‟ve booked to play at the school

Jenny

dance? Oh, just some local band. I heard they were OK. 16

Another silence.

Michael Jenny Michael Jenny Michael Jenny Michael Jenny Michael Jenny Michael Jenny Michael Jenny Michael Jenny Michael Jenny Michael Jenny Michael Jenny

I went down and hired my suit yesterday. It's definitely the business. It's like a dark green, with these ruffly things on the cuffs … Sounds hideous. Yeah, well we‟re all getting' em. I'm not going to wear the bow tie all night though. (Another silence). Ohh, come on Jen, I'm sorry. Put the TV back on. Mick … about next year … Yeah, what about it? Well … I mean … it depends on my marks and all, but … I'm not sure I want to do Vet Science in London … Why not? Well, the course at the Royal College is fine for domestic vet stuff, but I want to cover it all … and Leeds has a better reputation for rural science, and … Leeds! But Jen … that's miles away. I know … but it's not forever. But … I thought we were going to go together … get a flat together … Yes you thought. You never actually asked me if that's what I wanted to do. You just assumed that I'd go along with you. But the journalism course at Leeds is not as well respected as the London one … Well I … I'd never see you! Yes you would. I could come down in the holidays, or you could come up for a weekend here and there … A weekend here and there! Jeees … How long have you been thinking about this? For a while … Why didn't you discuss it with me? I'm discussing it with you now! Besides, I never said I was definitely going to London … I thought it was all planned … we'll both go to London, get a flat together … (Exploding) That's it, Mick! That's just the point! You thought, you thought! Never once did you ask me how I felt. You want to go to London and do journalism, fine! Fine for you! But don't expect me to tag along and do a course I don't want to do, just to make you happy! (Almost in tears). You keep talking about this house together, having friends round for dinner parties … You make it sound like we're married or something. I'm seventeen, Mick … Seventeen! I don't know what I want right now … You may have your whole life planned out down to the last detail, hoo-bloody-ray for you! Me, I just want to do what I want for a change … and if that doesn't fit in with your plans, then … then … too bad!

MUSIC #7 - ‘NOT THE ONE’ Michael is stunned. She has never reacted like this before. Slowly he gets up, like a man in a trance. He picks up his coat to leave. At the door he turns.

Michael

I'll … I'll call you tomorrow …

Exit Michael. Jenny flops down on the couch, close to tears.

Jenny

I know that he loves me, Deep in his heart, I know he cares just for me. But I can't pretend, That I can go on, 17

Being the girl, That he wants me to be. I know I should tell him, I should let him know, The way that I feel inside. But I can't be strong, So I string him along, And hope that he'll understand. He says we'll always, Be together, He says that he knows, I'm the one. But I need a chance to discover, My future has just begun. I'm not the one, In his future. Not the one, That he sees. Not the one, He believes in. And I've got to be free I still remember, The day that we met. I remember, The smile in his eyes. And I'll always love him, With all of my heart. So why am I telling him lies? If only he'd realise, I just need some time. Some time to find out, Who I am. And maybe one day, I'll be back to stay, And things will work out, As he planned. He says we'll always, Be together. He says that he knows, I'm the one. But I need a chance to discover, My future has just begun. I'm not the one, In his future, Not the one, That he sees. Not the one, He believes in, And I've got to be free. 18

I'm not the one, In his future, Not the one, That he sees. Not the one, He believes in, And I've got to be free. [Stronger, with more confidence now].

I'm the one, Who's been crying. I'm the one, Who must decide. I'm the one, Who has to tell him. The way, I feel inside. I'm not the one! Blackout.

Scene 8 The hall for the school dance is decked out with streamers etc. A large sign says "Good Luck, Class of 77". Seventies music plays. Kids are milling about in ridiculously loud colourful clothing, the guys looking especially awkward.

Fiona Leonie Linda Fiona F&L

Hey this band is choice! Yeah, but I asked them to play the “Best Disco in Town”, and the bloke said they don‟t do disco … something about „Keep Music Live‟ …? Disco sucks! But it‟s good to dance to! (Singing) “Ain‟t gonna bump no more with no big fat woman!” (FROM : “Ain‟t Gonna Bump No More With No Big Fat Woman” by Joe Tex, 1977)

Jenny enters, somewhat nervously. She is hailed by Linda.

Linda Jenny Linda Jenny Linda Jenny Linda Jenny Linda Jenny Linda Jenny Linda

Hey Jen, over here! Hi, Linda. Where's Michael? He'll be around somewhere … You didn't come together? No. Uh oh. We kind of had a fight … About this „living together‟ thing? Yeah, and other stuff. I've just about had it with him, Linda. Let him find some other girl to marry and settle down with. Right-on, sister! Anyway, this is our last night of school. Let's enjoy it! I'm with you!

Adam, Brian & Greg enter accompanied by the Sue, Judy and Helen, who are dressed to the nines. The guys look uncomfortable in their 70's suits with bow ties.

Helen

(To the boys) OK, you know the deal. We're going to do our thing, but if anyone asks

Judy Sue

we're with you, OK? Hey check it out, there's Mark Spencer. He is such a hunk. Make way girls, he's mine! Well just keep your hands off Chris McDowell … 19

Helen

OK girls, let's go get 'em!

They move off in pursuit of their targets.

Greg Adam Greg Brian Adam Brian Greg Adam

Well, so much for our dates … Come on man, you knew the score. They were only coming with us so they wouldn't have to walk in alone. I know, but I thought they might hang around a little longer than that … He's got it bad for Sue. Yeah, he's in luuuuurrrv … Don't worry mate, I'll dance with you. (Adam and Brian laugh). Hah, why don't you guys go and suck an egg … (He moves off). Well, that‟s told us … Looks like it's just you and me, Brian my man! (He produces a small bottle of Scotch from his coat). Let's go!

They move off to indulge in some serious drinking. Michael & Bruce enter. Bruce is clearly out for a good time, Michael is moody and sullen.

Bruce Michael Bruce Michael Bruce Michael Bruce

Come on Mick, snap out of it. I'll be OK … We'll have a great time. Yeah … She's probably forgotten all about it already. I doubt it Well, mate, if you're going to be a kill-joy all night, you'll excuse me if I don't hang around. I'm gonna find Linda and have some fun!

Exit Bruce. Michael is left alone. Kevin enters followed by Sven who is very drunk.

Kevin Michael Kevin Sven Michael Kevin Michael Kevin Sven Michael Sven Kevin Michael Sven Kevin Michael Kevin

Michael Kevin

I've told you, this is a dance, not a farmyard. A what? For some reason he keeps going on about chickens. Plenty of hot chicks tonight? (He tucks in his arms and flaps enthusiastically). He means girls, Kevin Oh … (Smelling Sven's breath) Blimey, what has he been drinking? He smells like a bottle of meths! I dunno. Some kind of Swedish vodka I think. I am wet like a parrot! Pissed as a parrot, you mean Yah yah, pissed like a parrot. I am so cold and funky … I don't have time for this. Sven old mate, why don't you go and sit down over there and see if you can find someone to throw up on? No, I am going to shake my booties … (He exits singing badly; "Celebration time, COME ON!"). (Shaking his head) He's going home tomorrow. I wonder if his folks will recognise him?

So what are you doing next year, Kevin? Well, I was going to do Computer Science at Uni, but I figured why waste three years listening to a bunch of guys who probably know less than I do? I've been talking to a few companies and there's one in Manchester that‟s very interested in my design for a personal computer. Well, good for you. They say if it functions as I have described, we could be talking full production within twelve months. 20

Michael Kevin

I still can't see anyone wanting to spend money on a personal computer, Kevin, but good luck anyway. Thanks … (Smugly). If it all works out maybe I‟ll let you have the exclusive story for your newspaper.

Exit Kevin. Bruce and Linda enter, clearly having a great time.

Bruce Michael Linda Michael Linda Bruce Michael Linda

Bruce Linda Michael Linda Michael Bruce Linda Michael Bruce

Here he is Lin … Hey, Mick! Hello. Where's Jenny? I haven't seen her. Oh … Linda's gonna live on a commune next year! Really? Yep. There's a group of artists living on a farm in Lancashire who have set up a community for like-minded souls. I'm going to make pots and sell them to help finance the project. Make pots? You mean smoke it! (Sighing and rolling her eyes) Yes Bruce, that's right. We're all going to sit around and smoke dope all day … (Confused) But don't you want to go to Uni? What for? Well, to get a degree, to get qualified. That's what I've been telling her The only degree I need is a degree in life and love. You don't need a piece of paper to make you happy in life Yeah, well … maybe you're right. Excuse me, I think I need some fresh air. (He exits). Poor bloke … Come on Lin. The night is yet young!

Outside the Hall. Jenny is sitting on a bench alone. Michael enters.

Michael Jenny Michael Jenny

Oh, here you are … Hi, Mick. Mind if I sit down? It's a free country.

He sits. There is an awkward pause, then they both start speaking at once.

Michael Jenny

Jenny I … Mick, listen …

Another pause.

Michael

Jenny Michael

Jenny Michael Jenny

I don't know. Maybe I have been acting like an idiot. All I know is that I know I'll never find anyone else like you, even if I search the world forever. If I let you slip away now, I know I'll regret it my whole life. But how can you be so sure Mick? I mean, we're only seventeen. We don't know what we want. I've never been so sure of anything in my whole life. Hell, I don't know how things will turn out. I don't know if I'll be a successful journalist, I don't even know if I'll finish Uni … but I do know that you and I are meant to be together. You know, for someone who's going to be a hard-nosed reporter you are so corny … Perhaps … Mick … I don't want to lose you either … but can't we just see what happens? No pressure, no plans. Let's each do what we want to do, and if we really are meant to be together then we will be. If we're not, well, then I guess we won't. Let's leave it to fate 21

Michael Jenny Michael Jenny Michael Jenny

to decide. You know, sometimes if you really love something you have to be willing to let it go for a while. You really believe that? Yes … I do. OK. I'll come and visit you in Leeds … every weekend … and we can write. I'll write every day … Mick … OK. OK. Just … don't forget me … (Smiling) Never. (They embrace). Come on. Let's go back inside and have some fun!

Back inside the hall. Sue enters in tears and bumps into Greg.

Greg Sue Greg Sue Greg Sue

Hey what's up! Bloody Chris McDowell! He's got three girls hanging off him and I can't get a look in. Some night this is turning out to be. He won't even look twice at me. Well, then he's a berk. You're the best-looking girl here. Really? Absolutely. I've always thought so. Well, why didn't you tell me you twerp?

MUSIC #8 – ‘A GIRL NAMED SUE’ Sue grabs him and kisses him hard on the lips. He looks at her astonished. Greg I can't believe, That this is real, That now she knows, The way I feel, I'm in love. With a girl named Sue. So many times, That I have tried, To let her know, That I'm alive, I'm in love, With a girl named Sue. Sue

Let's take a chance, And we'll see what we find, You could be so good for me!

Greg

Who would have dreamed, That this could be. That you would want, A guy like me. I'm in love, With a girl named Sue. I want to shout it, To the world, The way I feel, About this girl, I'm in love, With a girl named Sue!

Greg & Sue embrace and kiss.

Adam Brian Adam

(Really drunk). Ahhhhhh, no! Another good man lost … who's going to go for a burn-up with me now? What about me? (Looking at him curiously) Yeah … what about you Brian?

Kevin enters, chased across the stage by Sven.

Kevin Sven Kevin

No, no, no, no, NO! There are NO chickens here! (Flapping his wings) Barrk, bark, bark … Get down baby … Arrrrrgggh! Leave me alone!

Bruce and Linda enter.

Bruce Linda Bruce Linda

No way Linda … no way am I coming with you. But it would be sooooo fantastic. You could design the meeting house for us … I'm not going to live with a bunch of dope-smoking hippies. Oh Bruce, you're such a square …

Michael & Jenny enter arm in arm, along with the rest of the cast.

Michael Jenny

Hey what's the matter with you lot, I thought this was supposed to be a party! Yeah, where's the music?

MUSIC #9 – ‘CLASS OF 77’ Michael

Here's to us! The Class of 77! Michael

Learning to live, Wondering why. Bruce Coming of age, Reaching the sky Adam Show us the bar, Raise it up high M, B & A We'll look you straight in the eye. Jenny Judy Linda J, J & L

Filling in time, Playing the fool. Falling in love, Breaking the rules. Thinking we're hot, Trying to be cool. Now is our time to, Discover the world, And to show you what, Young blood can do!

Company We're the class of 77, And we're standing at the door. About to step into a world, We've never known before. We're the class of 77, Hear our mighty voices roar … Tonight! Greg Brian Kevin

Breathing the air, Seeing the sights. Setting the flame, Burning so bright. Making our way, Into the light. 23

G, B & K

There's not a thing, We can't do

Sue

Leaving behind, The people we knew. Opening eyes, Looking for clues. Wanting to know, If all this is true. Don't turn around 'cos, We're breaking new ground, And we're sure that, We know what to do.

Helen Fiona S, H & F

Company We're the class of 77, And we're standing at the door. About to step into a world, We've never known before. We're the class of 77, Hear our mighty voices roar … Tonight! Michael

I was so sure that, We'd travel together, It feels like she's slipping away.

Jenny

All of my dreams, Seem to fall far behind, And I know I must take, This new chance, I've been given, It's time to forget yesterday.

Company We're the class of 77, And we're standing at the door. About to step into a world, We've never known before. We're the class of 77, Hear our mighty voices roar … Tonight! Tonight! We're the class of 77, And we're standing at the door. About to step into a world, We've never known before. We're the class of 77, Hear our mighty voices roar … Tonight! Fade to Black. Curtain.

END OF ACT ONE INTERVAL MUSIC 10 – ENTR’ACTE 24

ACT 2 Scene 1 MUSIC #11 – ‘FIFTEEN YEARS’ The music starts as the house lights go down. Lights up on stage. The Reunion. The hall is decked out with "Welcome Class of 77" banners, old photo's of the cast blown up etc. Enter Judy. She is clearly very nervous.

Judy

Hello? Anyone here? I must be early … I'm sure they said seven o‟clock … Judy

When I look back To days gone by It seems So long ago. Where are the girls I used to know When I was seventeen? Life goes by So carelessly You hardly know it's gone. Then one day You look around To find you're on your own. Fifteen years Of my life All the days gone by. Take me back I need to find All the reasons why. Another place Another time When we were so naïve. Waiting for Someone to tell us What we should believe. Now we smile, And say hello As if we didn't know. How we've changed From how we were So many years ago. Fifteen years Of my life All the days gone by. Take me back I need to find All the reasons why. Fifteen years Of my life Though everything Has changed. 25

I look around And now I find That I am Just the same I am Just the same … As the song ends, Judy is in a single spot. Lights up. Adam enters.

Scene 2 Adam Judy Adam Judy Adam Judy Adam Judy Adam Judy Adam Judy Adam Judy Adam

Judy isn't it? Judy Carlton? Yep, that's me. How are you, Adam? Pretty good, pretty good. Wow, this is really weird, eh? Yeah, a bit. I'm glad it was "no partners" though. Your husband wouldn't have enjoyed it? I'm divorced actually … Oh … Sorry … Don't be. How about you. Married? I seem to recall you never had much time for girls … always too busy with your cars. Yeah, I'm married. Three great kids. What about the Cortina? (Choking back the tears) We had to trade it in … for a Volvo estate! (Comforting him) Ohhh, Adam … I'm so sorry! (Sniff) Well, you know, (sniff) … so how's things been for you? Still the party girl? Not these days. Too busy with the kids. Two boys … keeps me on my toes now that I'm a single mum. I'm sure.

Enter Brian looking very well groomed.

Brian Adam Brian Judy Brian

Adaaaaam! My old maaate! Hi, Brian. You remember Judy? How could I forget! You're still a dish, Judy. Yeah right! No joke! You look great.

Judy is obviously pleased, despite herself. Enter Helen in a very short skirt, fishnet tights and a low cut blouse.

Helen All Helen Judy Helen Brian Helen Brian Adam Brian

Hiya! Helly! Wow, this is scary. All those boys I was hot for are fat and bald and married! (Beat). Where's the bar? Well you haven't changed a bit! Nah, just a bit older and a bit flabbier. (Noticing Brian). So … Brian, what's your story? Married? Kids? Well … not exactly. What's that mean? Ummm … well … I have a partner … What's her name? (Beat) … Stephen.

Awkward pause.

Helen

(Realising there is no point wasting time on him). Ohhh … that's great Brian … really! … Ahhh … excuse me, won‟t you? (She adjusts her boobs, looks quickly around and grabs the closest male). Soooo … are you married? (He nervously shakes his head). Excellent! Neither am I! (She drags him offstage).

Enter Greg and Sue along with others.

Greg Adam Greg

Hello, you lot! Well, if it isn't the odd couple! Hi Adam.

General shaking of hands, kissing, etc as all the old friends catch up.

Sue Judy Sue Greg Sue Judy Sue Judy Leonie Fiona Leonie Fiona Leonie

It's so good to see you all again. Ten years married, eh? You two still down in Devon? Yep, making a fortune in the West Country. Well, hardly a fortune … But we're doing OK. How about you, Judy? Met anyone new yet? No … I'm kind of off men right now. (Knowingly) Oh … like that, eh? Hmmm … Hey, remember Peter Bailey? The school captain? Of course I do! Is he here? Ummm … no, he‟s … away. Oh. How long is he away for? Seven to ten years … depending on parole …

Enter Jenny and Linda. Jenny is nervous.

Jenny Linda

Hiya. Yo, everybody!

More general greeting.

Jenny Brian Leonie Sue Greg Judy Jenny

(Looking around) Does anyone know if Mick made it?

Haven't seen him. Jen. I've seen his name in the paper a few times. Wasn't he over in Cambodia or something? Yeah Greg, remember we saw him on that documentary about the Berlin Wall? Oh yeah ... I thought you might have stayed together, actually. You were joined at the hip all through school. Yes, well …

Helen re-enters. Her lipstick is smudged, her hair tousled and her clothes are awry.

Helen Judy

Did I miss anything? Nope … (looking her up and down) … looks like he didn‟t either …

The „Brave New World‟ theme blasts out. Kevin enters looking very prosperous and impressive followed by two minders. He dismisses the minders who do a quick check of the room before taking up their positions at the rear.

Kevin

Evening all!

There is a pause as they take him all in.

Adam Kevin

Kevin? Is that you? In the flesh! I can only spare an hour … I 've just flown in from Tokyo and I need to be back there tomorrow afternoon.

A general shaking of hands.

Sue

We've read about you in the paper. You've certainly done well for yourself haven't you? 27

Kevin Greg Kevin Greg Kevin Adam Kevin Adam Kevin Jenny Kevin Linda Kevin Helen Kevin Adam

Well, yes … yes, I have. Who would've thought it, eh? Thought what? That you'd end up so successful. (Smugly) I never doubted it for a second. So … is it true you're up for an MBE this year? (Condescendingly) That's confidential. (Not really all that interested) Oh. OK … (Hastily) But since you ask … yes. Well … Congratulations! I'll bet you all wish you hadn't given me such a hard time at school now. Did we give you a hard time at school? I can't say I remember … You all thought I was just some twerp who would never get anywhere. (Looking him up and down) I don't think I noticed you much at all actually … excuse me … (Spotting another target, she smooths her hair and dress, and drags him away). And I suppose you've all forgotten the time you debagged me in science class. (Vaguely) Did we do that? Sorry …

Everyone starts talking amongst themselves, laughing.

Kevin

(Virtually to himself) Well, it's OK, I forgive you … I mean after all it was a long time

Judy Kevin

ago … and I suppose it was difficult for you to have foreseen the meteoric rise in computer-based industries … that is, I wouldn't have if I were you, so, you know, I don't really blame you as such, but you really should have been better to me at school, don't you think? People? Hmmmm? Oh … sorry Kev, did you say something? (Totally deflated) Oh, forget it.

Enter Sven, in a dinner suit.

Sven Adam Sven Adam Brian Sven Sue

(In impeccably precise English) Good evening. How wonderful to see you all again.

Sven? I am he, yes. God, I hardly recognised you! Didn't you go back to Sweden? I did indeed return to my native country at the end of my year here. Don't tell me you came all the way back just for this reunion!

Helen re-enters, even more tousled than before.

Sven

Adam Sven Greg Sven Adam Helen Sven Helen Sven Helen

Oh no. I am stationed in London at present. I am the Swedish Ambassador to the UK. (Helen immediately pricks up her ears). And I was made aware of this function by one of my aides, who saw it in the newspaper and brought it to my attention. I have some extremely fond memories of my time at your school. But Sven … what happened to your accent? My accent? Yeah, you used to sound like the Swedish cook on the Muppet Show! Did I? I am not aware of this Swedish cook of whom you speak. Never mind! It's good to see you again. (Pushing everyone else aside) So tell me Sven, is there a Mrs Sven? If you mean, am I married, the answer is, regrettably, no. I have not yet found a partner with whom I can enjoy the delights of matrimonial bliss. (Suddenly interested) Oh really? So … tell me, are you free sometime next week? Free? Dinner. 28

Sven Helen Sven Helen

What about dinner? I thought you‟d never ask! (Running her finger down his tie). Let's say 8pm, next Wednesday … you can send a car for me, OK? Ah … yes … umm … Great that's settled then. (She gives him a squeeze on the bum).

MUSIC #12 – ‘WE’VE COME A LONG WAY’ Adam Kevin

You've come a long way since school Sven me old mate. What about me? I've done more than the rest of you put together! Kevin

I'm sure you thought I'd never make it. That I'd end up just like you. Well I'm here tonight To show you all What a little science can do. I've come a long way Since you saw me last There's been some changes made. I've got the power I'm the king of the world I've really made the grade. And now you see That I was right All those years ago. I've come a long way To be here tonight All the way from Tokyo!

Sven

When I first came Here from Sweden. You welcomed Me aboard. Though the only Swedish words you knew Were „Bjorn‟, And „smorgasboard‟! I've come a long way Since you saw me last. There's been some changes made. I got the power In the embassy I've really made the grade. I've met the girls from Abba And my Volvo's big and black. I've come a long way To be here tonight And man, it's good to be back!

[Sven and Kevin now conduct a „dance-off‟ contest that becomes more and more acrobatic, with each trying to impress the other].

Chorus

It's another day … Come what may … And we're here to say … We've come a long way … It's another day … Come what may … And we're here to say … We've come a long way … It's another day … Come what may … And we're here to say … We've come a long way … long way.

Adam Sven Helen All

** Kevin and Sven scat these lines over the top of the Chorus.

** Kevin & Sven

… it‟s another day. … oh, another day. … we‟re her to say. … we‟ve come a

It's another day … Come what may … And we're here to say … We've come a long way …

… etc …

It's another day … Come what may … And we're here to say … We've come a long way …

… etc …

It's another day … Come what may … And we're here to say … We've come a long way …

… etc …

Now then … too much talking and not enough drinking! Who wants a refill? I seem to recall a drink I enjoyed during my time at your school. I believe it was called a „Harvey Wallbanger‟? I wonder if the barman can make me one? (Seductively) I‟m sure he can, honey … I‟m in the mood for something long and smoooooth myself … Yeah, absolutely, lead on … etc etc.

They move off. Linda and Jenny are about to follow when Bruce and Michael enter stage left.

Bruce

Linda!

Linda and Jenny turn. For Linda, a huge smile of recognition. For Jenny, the moment she has been dreading. During the following dialogue she remains standing slightly to one side.

Linda Bruce Linda Michael Linda Bruce Jenny Bruce Michael Bruce Linda

Bruce! (She runs to him). God you haven't changed a bit. Still gorgeous! Well, you're not too shabby yourself. Hi Mick, how are you doing? Well, I'm here, Linda, how about you? Fan-bloody-tastic! Well, here we all are together again! Shall we go and get ourselves a drink … or three! Sounds good! Come on. I'll … catch you up … OK, but it‟s your round, Mick! I'll be there in a minute, Bruce. (Oblivious to the situation) I'll bring you one back, what do you want? (Dragging him away) Umm, Bruce … let's you and me go and get that drink, huh? And you can tell me all about your exciting life!

Bruce and Linda exit. 30

Scene 3 Jenny and Michael are alone, centre stage. Michael Hi. Jenny Hello, Mick. I wasn't sure you were coming. Michael Well I nearly didn't … Jenny Oh? … why not? Michael Oh, I don't know. I'd heard these things can be pretty ghastly … Jenny Well … I'm glad you came … it‟s been a long time, Mick. Michael It has … (awkward pause) … so, how have you been? Jenny OK, OK … you? Michael Yeah, fine … (another awkward pause) … I heard you got married … Jenny Yes, I did … then I got divorced. Michael Oh … sorry Jenny It's OK. Just didn't work out, that‟s all. Michael Kids? Jenny No … how about you? Married? Michael No. (Beat). Never found the right girl somehow. Jenny (Moving slightly away) Someone told me you were working at The Guardian. Michael Yeah, been there nearly ten years now. Jenny So you made it, eh? That was where you always wanted to be. Michael Yeah … I made it. Jenny Well, don't sound so happy about it! Michael Sorry … (yet another awkward pause) … Jen … the reason I nearly didn't come … it was because I wasn't sure how I'd handle seeing you again. Jenny Oh … Michael Why didn't you keep in touch? Jenny Keep in touch? Michael I wrote you so many letters … you wrote back for a while, then the letters became fewer and fewer … Jenny Well you were travelling so much … you always seemed to be in some war-zone or other. Michael And after a while you just stopped writing … not a word. You might have died for all I knew. Jenny Mick, don't … Michael I called your parents. I wrote to all our friends … everyone said they'd get you to get in touch … but you never did. Jenny (Turning away) I don't need this … Michael And then I was in Cambodia doing a story when my parents sent me a clipping from the paper … (sarcastically) … your big society wedding. Jenny (Stronger) Well what did you expect? Hmm? An invitation? Michael I expected you'd tell me you were getting married. Jenny Why? I hadn't seen you for five years. Michael Well, whose fault was that? Jenny Jesus! I knew I shouldn't have come … Michael Meaning what exactly? Jenny (Wearily) It means, this is what I was afraid of … that you would still be bitter about the fact that we didn't stay together after school. Christ, it was only a high school romance and it was bloody years ago! Get over it! Michael But Jen I … 31

Jenny

(Angrily) What did you expect, Mick? Huh? Did you think I'd fall into your arms

and tell you that I was a fool to ever leave you? Do you really think I've spent the past fifteen years pining for you? Believe it or not, I've moved on. (More tenderly). Yes, I thought of you … especially when my marriage fell through … I even thought of calling you then. I had some crazy idea that maybe we could get together … rekindle the flame. But I didn't … (beat) and do you know why I didn't, Mick? (Now hurt, upset). Because I knew it'd be like this, I knew you'd be bitter, I knew you wouldn't have forgiven me. I knew you'd try and make me feel like I abandoned you, that somehow I was to blame for all your pain. And I was right, wasn't I? I was so … bloody … right! She exits in tears.

MUSIC #13 – ‘THE MAGIC IN HER EYES’ Michael

I've travelled all across the world, Seen the flags of war unfurled, Dined with emperors and kings, Done a million other things, But I'd trade them all tonight, For the magic in her eyes. I never thought we'd meet again, One look into her eyes and then, That old familiar song, I haven't heard it for so long, Now it echoes in my mind, The magic in her eyes. If I could find a way, To turn back time I'd stay, Back when we both were young. But now the years have flown, If I had only known, Why was I so blind? Now one by one the lights go down, The stage is bare, I hear no sound. And now I realise, The moment passed me by, I'll never see again, The magic in her eyes.

Exit Michael.

Scene 4 Enter the Company except Michael and Jenny.

Fiona Leonie Fiona Leonie Fiona Leonie

Is Debbie Munroe here? Oh no, didn‟t you know? She‟s a big movie star now! Really! Yeah. Her last film was a really big hit. I don‟t think I‟ve seen it … what was it called? ‘Debbie Does Dorset‟ …

Helen enters with an armful of empty glasses which she deposits on the bar. She picks up two bright yellow drinks. 32

Judy Helen Judy Helen Judy Helen

How‟s it going with Sven? This is his eleventh Harvey Wallbanger! But things are looking up! How so? He just asked me if I‟d ever had a naked Sauna … Ooooh! Yeah … (rolling her eyes) … would have been romantic if he hadn‟t been flapping his arms about like a chicken … (She exits with the drinks).

Bruce and Linda take centre stage.

Linda Bruce Linda Bruce Linda Bruce Linda Bruce Linda Bruce Linda Bruce Linda Bruce Linda Bruce Linda

Bruce Linda Bruce Linda Bruce Linda Bruce Linda

So Brucey, you enjoying yourself? Yeah, you know what? I am. Feels like the last fifteen years never happened. I haven't seen most of these people since school, but they haven‟t changed a bit. How about you? Do you feel the same? Well, sort of. Been a lot of water under the bridge since then. It's good to see you again Lin. Awww, did you miss me then? Yeah I did a bit, when you first went off to India. I wrote to you and asked you to come, don't you remember? Yes, I remember. And you never wrote back! As if I was going to drop out of Uni to go live on a Kibbutz! Ashram, Bruce. Kibbutz is Israel. Anyway, you could have deferred it for a year. It was your dream Linda, not mine. (Beat) I thought about you all the time. Really? Yeah. Even thought of coming home a few times. I never knew you were that serious about it. Well, for a while I was … then I met this amazing guy over there. He was German and quite high up in Greenpeace. We ended up travelling through Europe together for a year or so. What happened to him? (Vaguely) Dunno really … he stayed on in Turkey … think he knew some people there. Were you close? Close? How do you mean? Weren't you upset when you split up? Split up? „Course not! We had fun for a while … then we moved on. Life's too short! So … there were other guys then? Oh God, yes! Heaps! (She drains her glass).

MUSIC #14 – ‘YOU CAN’T STAY YOUNG’ Bruce Linda Bruce Linda Bruce Linda Bruce Linda Bruce Linda

I see. So … what are you doing now? I've been working for a publishing company for the last few years but I'm getting bored … time to move on I think. What will you do? Dunno. Might head to the US for a while … Don't you have any firmer plans than that? Life's an adventure Brucey … the more you plan, the less adventure. You don't want to settle down? Have a family? That's your dream Brucey … not mine. You can't stay young forever, Linda. No, that's true Bruce you can't … but you can sure try! 33

Linda

What's the point of getting older, Living day to day? Waiting for the sun to come your way. What happened to the dreams you clung to, All those years ago? All you have is dreams of yesterday.

Bruce

Things are different now we're so much older. There's planes to catch, and all those bills to pay. Working hard to get a new promotion, When the man says "jump", we must obey.

Linda

Life's too short, before you know it, We'll be old and grey. Forget about the mortgage and the bills. Time to party, kick your heels up, Come and have some fun, The best years of our lives have just begun.

Bruce

Gotta build another new extension. School fees for the kids are nearly due. Fly to Paris for a sales convention. There's just so many things for me to do.

All

You can't stay young, you gotta grow up, sometime. You can't pretend that life won't pass you by. Before you know it you'll be hitting forty … You can't stay young forever, But you can sure try!

Linda

Look around you, all you see, Are people having fun. Forget about your troubles for a while! Let's go dancing in the midnight hour, Let me see that old familiar smile!

Bruce

I remember when my life was easy. All I had to do was have a ball. Suddenly I find myself a-wonderin', What's the point of trying to have it all?

All

You can't stay young, you gotta grow up, sometime. You can't pretend that life won't pass you by. Before you know it you'll be hitting forty … You can't stay young forever, But you can sure try! You can't stay young, you gotta grow up, believe it. We all get old and that you can't deny. But tonight we're gonna have ourselves a party … You can't stay young forever, But you can sure try! You can't stay young forever, But you can sure try! You can't stay young forever, But you can sure try!

Scene 5 Outside the reception room. Michael is sitting alone on the steps, deep in thought. Jenny enters and sees him - it is clear she has been looking for him.

Jenny Ahh … so here you are … Michael (He turns to see her, then turns back) Yes, here I am … Jenny Mind if I join you? Michael It's a free country. Jenny sits on the step next to him. There is an awkward silence. Then they both start to speak at once. Michael Jen … about what you said … Jenny Mick … I'm sorry about … They stop. A small smile comes to each of them.

Michael Jenny Michael Jenny Michael Jenny Michael Jenny Michael

Jenny Michael Jenny Michael Jenny Michael Jenny Michael Jenny

Listen to us, will you? It's like the last fifteen years never happened. We're sitting outside arguing just like we did the night of the school dance … I know. It's crazy (Pause). Mick, I … (Interrupting) Do you remember the day Elvis died? What? The day Elvis died. Do you remember what you were doing? Umm … no … I don't think so. When did he die? 16th August 1977. Oh. OK. (It is clear the date means nothing to her). I remember everyone was hanging around … you know, just having a chat. I was sitting on a bench and you were on my lap. I had my arms around you … and you had your head on my shoulder. I remember how good you felt … I remember the smell of your hair. (Beat). And I remember thinking that no matter how long I lived, I would never be any happier than I was at that moment. (Beat). Then Peter Davies came up and said “Guess what! Elvis Presley‟s dead!” And everyone just said like, “What? You're kidding!”, you know … and … even though none of us were what you'd call Elvis fans … I remember everyone was kinda shocked. And I remember holding you and thinking, “Everything‟s changing … soon we'll leave school … leave home … it'll be a whole different world”. But I was holding you … and I knew that no matter what happened we'd be together … so it was OK. Oh Mick … Pretty stupid, huh? (Quietly) No … Not at all. I never found that feeling again. Mick, I loved you too. More than you know. But we were so young … and you were so intent on us being together … forever … I just wasn't sure. I was so afraid of losing you … Funny isn't it? Maybe if I hadn't tried so hard not to lose you … I wouldn't have lost you at all. Maybe not. I always thought I'd get over you … but I never did. Later, even when I was with someone else it was always you I thought about. I did the same thing when my marriage was falling apart. I found myself saying, “Mick wouldn't have done that”, or “Mick would have understood”.

Beat.

Michael Jenny

We were very good together … We were … God, you know sometimes I'd give anything to be seventeen again … so naïve, so innocent … Everything was new; everything was an adventure. 35

Michael Jenny

Do you think … What?

MUSIC #15 – ‘SEVENTEEN’ Michael Jenny Michael

Have we really changed that much? Can we … can we maybe, find it again? We're not seventeen anymore. If it meant being with you, I'd stay seventeen forever … Michael

Memories, of a summer, When there was only, You and I. When the days went, on forever, And there was magic, In your eyes.

Jenny

I remember, every moment, Just as though, It was a dream. In the right place, at the right time, We were only, Seventeen

Michael

I thought that I could, live without you, But you never, Left my mind. Though I tried so, to forget you, In my dreams your, Eyes I'd find.

Jenny

Melting, in the distance, All the years, That came between. Now I see you, here before me, Its like we're only, Seventeen.

Both

Memories, of a summer, When there was only, You and I. In the right place, at the right time, We were only, Seventeen. Only seventeen

Scene 6 Lights up on Kevin sitting dejectedly at the bar - a stark contrast to his cocky manner earlier. Adam enters.

Adam Kevin Adam Kevin Adam Kevin Adam

Hey Kevin, you're looking cheerful! Hello, Adam … Why so glum, chum? You know … I've really been looking forward to tonight. This was my chance to show everyone what I've achieved, how I've made something of myself. They know, Kevin. We read the papers. You all gave me such a hard time at school. Always putting me down, laughing at me behind my back. I thought at least now I would get a little respect. Why? 36

Kevin Adam

Kevin Adam Kevin Adam Kevin Adam

Because now I'm successful. And none of us are? What's success anyway, Kevin? It means different things to different people. So you've made a million quid and you're head of a huge corporation. That's great. Me, I've got a good job, great marriage and three terrific kids. I reckon I've been pretty successful. Huh. Of course we all gave you a hard time at school. But not because you were different. It was because you thought that as you were more clever than us, you were somehow better than us. And now, fifteen years later you still reckon you're better than us just because you've got more money in the bank. But doesn't what I've done mean anything to you people? Yes, of course it does. We're all pretty impressed actually. But you've been rubbing our noses in it all night, as if you're the only one who's done anything with his life. Well, maybe … You know Kevin, there's a wise old saying which I think sums up this situation. What's that? (Patting him on the back) Nobody likes a smartarse … come on, mate, I'll buy you a beer.

They move off.

Fiona Leonie Fiona Leonie

So, what about Glen Connors? Well, there‟s been a few … changes … there … Changes? Let‟s just say … he‟s a lot happier now he‟s changed his name to Glenda …

Enter Linda and Bruce.

Linda Bruce Linda

So you promise? You'll at least try a relaxation tank? OK, OK. Yes, I promise! As long as you promise to at least think about settling down. (Smiling) I'll think about it Bruce … when I get the time.

Enter Mr Franklin.

Franklin All Franklin Linda Franklin Linda Franklin Bruce Franklin

Hi everybody! Hey, it‟s Mr Franklin/Wow/Hi/Hey There (etc etc) Heard you were having a get together, thought I‟d stop by Well, well, well … if it isn‟t Mr Nuclear … Hello Linda. Still saving the world? Still think nuclear energy is the way to go? (Laughing). Nah, you were right, Linda. Actually I‟ve given up teaching. Found something a little more rewarding … What‟s that? I invested a few thousand pounds in a little company in 1980 … turned out to be quite a good investment … the company was called Nike … (pronounced „Ny-key‟, the shoe company).

Linda

Nike! Did you know they exploit women and children in third world countries, making shoes in slave labour camps and …

Bruce clamps his hand over Linda‟s mouth as she continues to rant. Enter Judy and Brian.

Judy Bruce Brian Linda Judy Brian

Hey, guess what? Brian has offered me a job! Really? Doing what? Judy's going to be in charge of my Birmingham office. She's just what I've been looking for. I don't think you actually told us what you do Brian. Brian has a PR company. He's got some fantastic clients! And Judy's gonna knock 'em dead with that killer smile of hers! 37

Judy Bruce

Oh cut it out Brian! But I am excited … this is a whole new start … Good for you, Judy.

Enter Greg and Sue.

Greg Sue Greg Bruce Sue Greg Sue Linda Bruce

Well, time we were off. The babysitter's only booked till midnight. Been great seeing you all again. Now don't forget Linda, call Ron first thing on Monday. If you're quick I'm sure he can find a place for you. (Looking at Linda) What's all that about? A friend of Greg's is setting up a new company in Scotland. Adventure holidays in the Highlands. And he needs an experienced guide. And that's me. Compared to travelling through India in the wet season it should be a piece of cake. You never know, I might even buy a house up there. And … settle down … (Linda just smiles).

Helen enters with Sven, who is looking dishevelled and totally dazed. His eyes are glazed after being seduced by Helen.

Judy Helen Sven Helen

Aha, and what have you two been up to? Sven is going to take me for a holiday in Sweden. (Sven continues to stare blankly ahead. She prods him). I‟m afraid he‟s been rather overdoing it on the Harvey Wallbangers … (Whose accent has returned) Ya … ya … ve are going to Sveden … I show Helen the sauna … ve have much wallbanging and shaking our booties I think … Don‟t you just love him? (She gives Sven a huge kiss which he is not expecting).

Enter Michael and Jenny.

Michael Linda Jenny Michael Linda Jenny Michael Jenny Michael Jenny Michael Adam

What a night, eh? I see you two have patched up your differences. Yeah. He's not such a bad guy when you get to know him. Oh, thanks. I always knew you'd work it out. You're so good together. Well, we'll have a coffee or two and see how it goes. Next Tuesday? I'll have to check my diary … I think I have something on … Wednesday? (Smiling) Don't start, Mick … OK, OK … sorry … Hey everybody, how about a group photo?

There is general agreement, "great idea" etc. The company gathers for a group photo. Adam sets the camera up and runs to join the group. As the camera flashes, the cast freezes and the music starts. As each character sings they detach themselves from the freeze until, the by the end of the first chorus the entire cast has unfrozen and is involved in the song.

MUSIC #16 – ‘GOLDEN YEARS’ Bruce Adam Linda Sue

Here we are again, It's plain to see. Faces of our friends, Like family. It seems like no-one's, Really changed. Seeing them now, It seems so strange 38

Greg

Like it was, Another century …

Sven

Everyone recalls, What used to be. Now we've turned a page, In history. We've laid, Another cornerstone. Look at the way, We all have grown, Maybe it's all, A fantasy …

Kevin Brian Helen Judy Cast

Every day, Filled our lives with smiles and tears. Finding ways, Of getting through the golden years. Looking back, Everything is oh so clear. We were young, Living in those golden years.

Kevin

Remembering the days, When we were free. Sven Living in, The seventies. Male Cast If we could, Go back there again … Female Cast Where nothing but, Crazy dreams remain … Cast The agony, And ecstasy … Every day, Filled our lives with smiles and tears. Finding ways, Of getting through the golden years. Looking back, Everything is oh so clear. We were young, Living in those golden years. Michael

It's time we opened our eyes, There's no going back, To days that are gone. It's time to live for the now, The hours have fled.

Jenny

Take a look at us now, We're really the same, As when we were young. The best years of our lives, Are those up ahead. [Now strongly and confidently – note different lyrics].

Company Here we stand, Ready for the new frontier. Glad to be, Living in these golden years. Take my hand, Let me drive away your fears. Here and now, These will be our golden years. Turn around, All those days have disappeared. We were young, All our dreams were so sincere. All at once, Everything is free and clear. You and I, Living in our golden years. Golden years. Golden years. Golden years. Curtain. Reprise MUSIC #9 – ‘CLASS OF 77’ for walkdown, bows and big finale.

THE END