Bryan Heiser

44 Church Street, Eye, IP23 7BD

0797 090 8282   Heiseruk@aol.com

JACK   

Characters (in order of appearance):                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Man

Jack’s Mum

Jack

The Giant’s Wife

Prologue

Lights go down to a single spot on the Man as music starts and he sings:

Man     (Wistfully at first..)

I had a family

Somewhere, somehow –

Just the three of us

And a cow

But that was long ago

And now….

Nothing and everything

Is as it seems

we learn that each of us

lives with our dreams

and dreams are everything

and only dreams.

we learn life must be lived

not dreamt away

and dreams kept in their place

not thrown away

and we remember them….

perhaps, one day….

and I once had a son –

How old would he be?

Let’s see….

Speaks:

But first, a riddle.

What stands up tall

And leads us all

A merry dance?

Eh?

A maypole….

Drum roll

A gallows…

Drum roll, then

Gives the audience the finger

And a beanstalk!

Crash!!!

Blackout.

Act One, Scene One

Jack’s front room.

Jack’s Mother, middle aged and tired, is ironing. She sings:

Mum’s first aria.

You should be home for tea by now: it’s late.

Jack, how long does it take to sell a cow?

My dreamy son,

Life’s not all fun:

You should…. by now….

Poor Milky-White ran dry. No – stop – no tears;

We need the money, oh, why aren’t you back?

Don’t let me down,

Come home from town…

Where are you, Jack?

Enter Jack, smiling and excited.

Jack:   Hello, Ma!

Ma:      Jack! What took you so long? Did you sell the cow? How much did you get?

Jack’s first aria

Mum it’s OK

I sold the cow

Everything’s going

To be fine now.

Everything’s going

According to plan:

Halfway to market

I met this man.

Well, halfway to market

I don’t know where

I .lost the path

But I didn’t despair

I followed my nose

And there he stood:

Mum, it’s going

The way that it should.

He showed me the way

To make us rich:

Everything’s going

Without a hitch.

Look in my hand:

What do you see?

Ten magic beans

That he gave to me.

Ten magic beans

For Milky White –                                            Jack’s Mother looks aghast:

Mum, what’s the matter?                                Too stunned to speak!

It’s alll allright –

Mum – what a deal!

The cow was dry:

He said these beans

Will reach the sky.

Each bean we sow

Will give us ten –

Ten give a hundred –

A thousand – then –

All of our land

Covered in beans –

We’ll live in clover

Like Kings and Queens….

Jack’s Mother recovers her speech and interrupts – anger, disappointment, self-reproach and despair:

Mum’s second aria

Oh Jack, how could you?

What have you done?

That was our one and only cow –

How will we pay the landlord now?

You stupid, stupid boy!

Jack:

But, Mum

I can’t believe it!

How could I think…

one last chance, I trusted you

Oh Jack – what are we going to do?

You stupid, stupid boy!

                                                                        Jack:

But, Mum

I should have know it!

Give me those –Ah!

(She snatches the beans and throws them out of the window)

don’t say a word. Get out of my sight.

Go to your room, Jack and stay there all night,

You stupid, stupid boy.

Jack:

But, Mum –

I wanted us …..

No!

JUST GO!

Exit Jack.

(Reprise)

Ma:      Oh Jack,  my hopeless, muddle-headed son,

Y|ou’re so much like your father. I can’t blame you

But, Jack – the cow:

We’re finished now –

What overcame you?

Your head is full of dreams, just like his was –

Hopeless, impractical…Oh, what can I do

and then one day….

he went away

And you ….  today …

What will we do?

Blackout.

Act One Scene Two

Jack’s bedroom. Jack is in bed. Moonlight through the window. He sings:

Jack’s second aria

It’s not fair

It just isn’t fair

When I just do my best

And it turns out my best’s

Not enough.

I’m not bad

Why does Mum get so mad?

And she won’t understand

That I try to be good…

that the man in the wood

said the way it was planned…

it’s not fair.

Wish that I

had a Dad

Wish that I had the Dad

I once had

‘Cause it isn’t much fun

When you’re three minus one

And there isn’t much food

And your Mum’s in a mood

And you think that she’s sad

For the Dad that you had

And you’ve only a cow

And you haven’t that now

Wish I knew where he went

Wish I knew what it meant

When your Dad

Up and went

And you can’t

Pay the rent

And your Mum’s always sad

Since your Dad…

And a girl would be nice,

All that sugar and spice,

But you need his advice,

And he’d know

What to do,

And he’d help you know too,,

And he’d know

That the beans

Are the means

To an end

And you’d still have a friend

Not the cow

That you had

But a Dad

Wish I knew

Why he went

What it means

Wish I still

Had a Dad

(yawns)

‘Cause a Dad understands

What you’re trying to do

And he listens to you

When you find a way out

Of the mess that you’re in

And he doesn’t just shout

As adventures begin

And he knows there’s a chance

You can do something good

You can do something right

He believes that you could

He believes that you might

And  it’s better than might

He believes that you will.

(bigger yawn)

Wish I still….

Had a Dad.

Jack falls asleep.

Lights down.

Curtain.

Act One   Scene Three

Darkness.  Alarm clock goes off. Light on to show Jack’s Mum in bed.

Mum’s third aria

Bittersweet:

a candle burns

in dreams

Bittersweet:

the heart still yearns

in dreams

and one fine day he wins your heart

You never want to be apart

Bittersweet:

when love returns

in dreams….

…..bittersweet.

Bittersweet:

when ache is all

that’s left.

The dream recedes

and leaves you there

bereft.

Head tells you that he wouldn’t stay

but heart would take him back today

Bittersweet

when love returns

in dreams.

Bittersweet…

bittersweet.

Mum gets up and opens the curtains.

What’s wrong?

Why is it so dark?

Is it the clock?

No!

She opens the window and leans out.

Oh! Jack! What have you done?

Oh!  Oh!

Jack comes in wearing pyjamas, rubbing his eyes.

Jack:   What’s the matter, Ma? Why are you shouting?

Mum:   Look! (pointing)

Jack:   What?

Jack goes to the window and looks out.

Jack:   Oh! The beans!!!

Jack’s second aria (excitedly):

Ma! The beans!

They’ve grown so high

They must have nearly

reached the sky!

Taller than

the tallest tree:

Quick, let’s go

outside and see!

Jack runs into his room.

Mum:   Oh, Jack!  My dream!  Your father. This will come to no good – I can feel it. …. I’m afraid.

Jack, dressed, runs back and outside. Mum follows.

Jack stands at the base of the beanstalk, gazing up.  Sings:

Taller than

the tallest tree:

Ma! Adventure’s

chosen me!

The beanstalk’s here

for me to climb:

I won’t let you

down this time!

Mum: Jack – no!

Adventure’s calling;

don’t know why;

Don’t know what,

but have to try.

Ma – what magic

countries lie

waiting there

above the sky?

                                                            Mum: Jack! Oh!

Ma – don’t worry:

can’t you see:

wonderful things

in wait for me?

Wonderful things

in wait for me

up there….

Jack begins to climb.

Mum, at the base of the beanstalk, knuckles in mouth:

Mum:   No … Jack …..be careful. Oh!

Jack sings as he climbs:

Jack’s third aria

What will I find at the top of the beanstalk?

What do you find at the rainbow’s end?

Monsters and maidens and bags of gold:

Got to be clever, got to be bold!

Mum: You’re not to, Jack!

.

Jack:   What will I find at the top of the beanstalk?

What lies in wait in the dragon’s cave?

Jewels and swords that can never be beaten:

Got to be cunning, got to be brave.   

Mum: Jack, come back!

.

Jack:   Don’t look down and don’t look back

Jack:   What will I find at the top of the beanstalk?

What’s in the castle surrounded by thorns:

All that I want or a sleeping princess:

follow the heart is the road to success          

Mum: Be careful, Jack

.

Jack:   Don’t look down and don’t look back

Jack:   Fearless and nimble from days in the treetops,

hayricks and rooftops instead of in school;

what if I’d done all the things that I should?

Couldn’t climb up this if I had been good!

(out of sight)

Climbing a beanstalk…

Having adventures….

Maybe a hero….is not always good!

Wouldn’t be climbing high into the sky now

If I were good – I’d be going to school!

To have the adventures the others all had –

Maybe a hero must sometimes be bad!

Now all that matters is climbing the beanstalk -

what’s at the top’s not important till then:

riches or battles or crowns or romance – ugh! -

having adventures means following chance.

(getting fainter)

Having adventures….

Climbing a beanstalk…

Being a hero….means following chance!

But ……

it’s hard work!

Act Two  Scene One

Outside the Giant’s house. The Giant’s wife is on a wicker couch swinging in the sun, by the pool, painting her toe-nails. 

The Giant’s wife’s first aria

My first love took me under a haystack,

totally drunk on the sweet scent of hay;

That hot afternoon we went all the way

Each boy brings it back.

My sweet first love Jack.

After that I had lovers a-plenty,

Lads from the farms and lads from the city,

Fellers who loved me and said I was pretty,

Lovers a-plenty

‘Till I turned twenty.

In this land where lawlessness thrived

A desperate land without laws or detection

A pretty young woman had need of protection –

I somehow survived

till the Giant arrived.

Now I’m his wife and I’m safe from the others

What the eye doesn’t see, the heart doesn’t fret for

And if there are those that I sometimes get wet for

If I take a lover,

Who should it bother?

It starts with a Jack

And each one brings it back.

She sighs.

We see Jack’s head thrust through the hedge behind her.

Jack:   Ouch!

She looks up in alarm:

GW:     Who’s there?

Jack:   I’m stuck!

GW: (she sees Jack’s face):  Who are you? What do you want?

Jack:   To get out of this hedge. Ouch! It hurts!

GW:     What? Oh! – (pause) – Who’s there with you?

Jack:   No-one. There’s just me.  Please?

GW suddenly sees the humour of Jack’s situation and starts laughing (Jack’s not pleased!) decides he’s no threat, and goes and helps him out of the hedge.

GW:     There. Oh, you poor boy! You’re scratched to ribbons!

Jack:   Yes. Ow! It’s nothing, really.

GW:     No. Come and sit down and let me look at those scratches.

Jack sits on couch and GW examines his scratches:

GW:     Yes: some of them are quite deep. Stay there while I get something for them. But first, what’s your name?

Jack:   Jack.

GW:     Oh dear: I have a weakness for Jacks.

GW goes into the house – we hear her vocalising her preceding aria while Jack – looking dumbstruck – sings:

She’s so beautiful!…..

She’s like….I’ve never seen….

Just…so beautiful…

She’s like a dream…

GW returns and sits on the couch next to Jack; dabs at his scratches.

GW:     That’s better. Now tell me about yourself, Jack. What are you doing here?

Jack:   I’m having an adventure, I think.  I’m looking for one.

GW:     Oh, Jack! What sort of adventure?

Jack:   I don’t know.  But it’s already started – this morning. I climbed a beanstalk into the sky and arrived here.

GW, holding up his T-shirt to dab at the scratches, bends and kisses his stomach.

Jack:   Oh!

GW:     Is this a sort of adventure, Jack?

She sits up

Jack:   What….?

GW smiles and holds her arms out to him

GW:     Kiss me, Jack!

Kisses.  GW gets more passionate and Jack more confident. Then….

Crash! Crash!

Jack:   What’s that?

GW:     Oh! My husband! Quick –  hide!  Under here!

Jack hides under the couch as sounds of Giant’s footsteps approaching. Shadow over stage. Boom of:

G:        Fe! Fi! FO! FuM! (The voice is somehow familiar))

I smell

GW (interrupting):  Hello, Darling. Back for lunch?

G:        I’m hungry. And tired. And – something’s funny – what….

Giant’s first aria

I can smell lust in the air

what I don’t trust in the air

Someone’s been sniffing around you –

Once he’s been caught he’ll be sorry he found you:

I’ll help the fellow get over his ardor:

See how he feels on a hook in my larder.

Other men better beware:

Damned if I’m going to share.

GW:     Nothing’s wrong, Darling; there’s no-one else here. I’ve been sunbathing and painting my nails, beautifying myself for you. Sit there and have a drink while I get you something.

G rumbles and sits; GW goes into house. We hear cork pulled and wine poured, bag dropped on table, drinking, chink of money being counted.  Jack quakes under couch.  Giant’s mumbles turn to snores.

Jack gets out from under the couch. He runs silently into the house and quickly out carrying a bag – and off. Blackout.

Act Two Scene Two

Jack’s bedroom, evening. Jack kneels on his bed, looking out of the window at the falling night. Jack sings slowly, reflectively.

Jack’s fourth aria

Well, Milky-White, what a day!

Up there in the sky there is a woman

Married to a man who isn’t human -

him, I mean, not her – she’s very human….

Up there is a world for me to travel

Mysteries and secrets to unravel

And adventures – and there is a woman…..

I’ve got to go back and see that woman

Even though her husband isn’t human

Mysteries and secrets and adventures…..

Bag of gold upon the kitchen table:

How can Mum deny now that I’m able?

She looked and smelled and …..no, not  Mum….and tasted…

Mum would not approve of what I’m learning

Never mind what Mum thinks – I’m returning..

This time I won’t leave before I’m ready…

Last time we had only just begun it

This time I won’t leave until I’ve done it

Me and the delicious Mrs. Giant….

This time I won’t run away from danger

I can be her handsome, hero stranger

loving with the luscious Mrs. Giant

I must go to sleep – no time for dreaming

now I’ve reminisced and done my scheming……

quickly through the night to Mrs Giant.

Early birds must watch me if I want her

Climbing up the beanstalk to confront her -

Climbing through the dawn to Mrs. Giant…

Goodnight.

Blackout ; curtain.

And – maybe – interval.

Act Three  Intro

Jack’s bedroom. Early morning. First light and first birdsong. Jack is stirring in his bed. No speech: musical backing.

Jack rubs his eyes and leaps out of bed, washes from a small sink, dresses and climbs out of the window. Through the window we see him start climbing the beanstalk.

Act Three  Scene One

The top of the beanstalk. Jack steps off the beanstalk into early morning sunshine. Birds are singing, and he soon recognises landmarks that show him the way to the Giants’ house.  Then:

Crash!  Crash!  Crash!

he hides and watches the Giant (unseen) walk by, heading in the opposite direction. The omens are good.  In no time at all, he is ringing the Giants’ doorbell.

Sound of doorbell bridges us to:

Act Three Scene Two

Inside the Giants’ house. Giant’s Wife opens the door.

GW:     Oh! It’s you!

Jack:   Yes. Can I come in?

GW:     No. ….Yes: you can’t stand out there! Quick!

Inside: accusingly: You stole from me.

Jack:   Not from you – I robbed the Giant. That’s what happens in adventures. And I had to: Mum and me – we were going to be thrown out of our home.

GW:     Mum and I, Jack

Jack: Yes: that’s what I said.

GW:     And why have you come back – to rob us again?

Jack:   No.  I – I wanted to see you.

GW:     Why?

Jack:   Because …..because I love you.

GW:     Jack, you can’t  – you hardly know me.

Duet – Jack and GW

Jack    If this were a fairy-tale

Which it’s not

You’d fall in love with me

On the spot

And I would be a Prince

Which I’m not

GW     It doesn’t matter, Jack

We can’t go wrong.

You’re adventurous

Handsome and strong

We can be lovers, Jack

Don’t wait too long.

Jack    If this were pantomime

Which it ain’t

You’d take one look at me

And you’d faint

And I’d wake you with a kiss

But it ain’t.

GW     I’m not a school-girl

Head full of dreams

Our situation, Jack

Is what it seems

This is our narrative,

We write the scenes

Jack     If this were make-believe

Not real life

Then you wouldn’t be

Someone’s wife

And we’d be able to….

But it’s life.

GW     It’s not important

Life isn’t fair

And what he doesn’t know

Won’t make him care

You can have me Jack

Only dare.

Jack:   Then….can we?

GW takes Jack’s hand and leads him into bedroom and shuts door behind them: we hear appropriate music – leibestode/crescendo/fanfafre; then quiet. Wall goes completely transparent. Then:

Duet: Jack and Giant’s Wife (in bed)

(Allegretto mobile)

GW:     Congratulations, Jack.

Jack:   Thank you!

GW:     Carnal relations, Jack:

Jack:   Mmmmmm!

GW:     Look at this body, Jack: You laid it!

Sexual intercourse: You made it!

Isn’t it great to lose your cherry?

Jack:   Very!………

…….    It was beyond belief.

GW:     Lovely!

Jack:   Pleasure, excitement, relief!

GW:     Mmmmmm!

Jack:   I’m not a virgin any longer

I’ve never felt a feeling stronger

Stronger than I’d supposed it could be!

GW:     Should be!………….

……..   Welcome to play-time, Jack.

Jack:   Play time?

GW:     Roll in the hay-time, Jack.

Jack:   Mmmmmm!

GW:     Nothing need stop you, now you’ve started,

Girls are by nature open hearted

Hard to refuse when you’re asked politely.

Jack:   Nightly?………

………This is the life for me!

GW:     Me, too!

Jack:   Here’s where I want to be!

GW:     Mmmmmm!

Jack:   Here in a bed with a silken cover

Held in the arms of a beautiful lover

This is what life is all about.

GW:     No doubt!……….

……… You’re such a desirable boy, Jack

Jack:   Thank you!

GW:     I wish you a life of joy, Jack.

Jack:   Mmmmmm!

GW:     You’ll never lack lovers, if you know how:

Shall we continue your lesson right now?

Ready to do it again?

Jack:                                       Yes.

GW:                                                     Really?

Jack: Nearly……..

But tell me about the Giant, first.

GW:     What do you want to know?

Jack:   How can you live with him? He’s so… so…

GW:     Oh, Jack, we do what we have to. And anyway, appearances can be deceptive.

Wife’s second aria

He isn’t extremely endowed –

For a Giant;

But that doesn’t mean he’s not proud –

For a Giant;

Everything’s relative  – where he’s deficient

For those of his species, for me he’s sufficient –

More than sufficient -:

And I’m –

very pliant.

Though the earth doesn’t move with my Giant -

Least, not when I make love with my Giant -

What he lacks in his part

He makes up for in heart

And he’s really quite smart

For a Giant

What he’s got at his thighs – for a Giant

Won’t win any prize – for a Giant

More important’s what lies

At the back of his eyes

And he’s tender and wise –

For a Giant.

He’s thick where I need him, my Giant,

So easy to lead him, my Giant,

And what use is length

if you haven’t the strength

for a Giant?

And I’m

Very

Pliant –

Reliant –

Defiant ?

Compliant!

And now…

Distant sounds of Giant footsteps

GW:     Oh no! It’s him! Quick, Jack: help me make the bed!

Jack and GW jump out of and make the bed.

GW:     Now hide!

Jack (putting on his clothes): Where?

GW:     Anywhere. In the wardrobe. Under the bed. I’m going to shower.

Exit GW; Jack hides under bed. Sounds of Giant arriving.

Giant: FE! FI! FO! FUM!

GW:     I’m in the shower, Darling!

Giant: I SMELL….

GW:     Why don’t you join me?

Giant: I SMELL ….

GW:     Darling?

Giant’s second aria

Giant: …..Sex! It’s that love-making smell.

Don’t bother to lie – I can tell

Someone’s been making love to you:

Once in my hands he’ll be sorry he knew you

He’ll pay the price if you’ve screwed him -

See how he tastes when I’ve jointed and stewed him:

Men like him better watch out –

You’re not going to put it about.

GW:     Darling: there’s no-one here. Come on – I’m feeling loving.

Giant: Later. I’ll look around, first.

Sounds of Giant stomping around until we and Jack are aware of him standing at the bedroom door, wondering.

GW:     Ho-ney …….

The Giant goes away. Jack creeps out. Fade. Curtain.

Act Three Scene Three

Jack’s front room. Jack and Mum are sitting at the table watching a hen laying..

Jack:   See: a golden egg! Mum – we’ll never want again!

Mum:   But you stole it, Jack. You know that’s not right.

Jack:   No, Mum: I took it. From a Giant. A fearsome Giant who threatened to eat me if he caught me. That can’t be wrong, can it? Taking things from where they shouldn’t be……..don’t… have to be? Anyway, it’s an adventure.

Mum:   Adventure or not, Jack, I know one thing:

Mum and Jack: Duet

Mum:   I’ve never enjoyed an adventure like yours Jack, but look at my life:

I’ve had my adventures by being a lover and mother and wife;

And one thing I’ve learned: though you think what you’ve taken is worth quite a lot:

Nothing is worth very much when it’s easily got

Jack:   But Mum – we’ll be rich. Let me look at your hands: see – they’re wrinkled and rough:

And look at your life, Mum – you think I don’t know it’s been lonely and tough?

I know that we’re poor and I’ve given you grief, Mum, but that’s in the past:

This time I’ve brought back a treasure that’s going to last.

Mum:   Dear Jack, you’re a good boy and I’ve never doubted you mean well at heart

But this is no good, Jack: you’ve got to grow up, and it’s time that you start.

You think that I don’t understand, but give up what it is that you’ve found:

Don’t climb the beanstalk again: keep your feet on the ground

Jack:   No, Mum – I can’t stop; I can’t stay; I must live and take risks and explore;

I can’t be your child – I mean, Mum, I can’t just be your child any more;

You’ve taught me to know good from bad and explained my mistakes and that’s fine:

But Mum, from now on the mistakes that I make will be mine.

Mum:   Jack, listen to me: it’s not easy I’m sure, but there’s one thing I know:

We take what it is that we want to escape from wherever we go.

Leave dreams of adventure and settle for school and a job: though it’s hard

You’ll discover the truth of adventure in your own back yard.

Jack:   Mum, part of my staying is going: I have to say No to you now:

For half of my knowing I’m growing is how I say No to you now:

I don’t want to do what you tell me I shouldn’t but, Mum, it’s too late:

My mind is made up – and I think I’ve discovered my fate.

I have to return – there is unfinished business way up in the sky;

Mum:   What, Jack?

Jack:   And I’ll never know what I’m capable of if I don’t even try;

Mum:   You’ll not, Jack.

But somewhere a line must be drawn, Jack: if not we can never find rest:

So stop while you’re able to, Jack; say goodbye to your quest.

Jack:   Mum – I’m sorry – I can’t. I – I have to go back.

Mum:   Then what can I say? I’ve said it all, Jack. Goodnight.

Jack:   Goodnight?  Kiss me, first…..

Mum:   Jack….

Jack:   Please?

Mum:   Oh, Jack!

Kisses Jack and exits. Jack sits at table, thinking. Slow fade.

Act Three Scene Four

Mum in her room, sitting by her bed, lit by bedside light.

Mums fourth aria

Jack, I’m losing you -

You’re leaving me,

Slipping away;

You’re changing, Jack.

What do I want?

What do you need?

What do I ever want?

What do they always need?

To lose a child….

To find a friend….

To lose a husband….

And in the end

You tell them: Go!

And in the end

What have you left?

What have you done?

What have you left undone?

But what could you……?

What else could you…..?

And you  know

They need to go

They have to grow…

Act Four Scene One

The Giants’ bedroom. Jack and GW in bed.

GW      (ff to pp) Ohhhhh!

She rolls off Jack

That was lovely!

Pause: silence

Jack    Run away with me!

GW      What?

Jack    Run away with me. You don’t love the Giant. And I …….I…….

GW      Oh, Jack: you’re so sweet. But what would we do? What would I do?  You’re a sweet and generous lover, Jack, but could you give me everything I need?  Protection, affection, education, a roof over my head, food in the cupboard?

GW’s third song

A man for all seasons is rare:

A man must be means to some end:

Lover, provider, defender or friend –

You have to have something to share, Jack:

You have to be willing to share.

It’s either the cupboard is bare, Jack,

Or the bed or the head or the heart:

Affection, direction, protection or part –

A man for all seasons is rare, Jack,

And you have to be willing to share.

A man has to learn how to share, Jack:

A man must be means to some end:

Lover, provider, defender or friend –

You have to have something to share, Jack:

you have to be willing to share.

Jack    (crestfallen) Oh!

Then: Crash! Crash! Crash!

GW      Quick, Jack: hide!

Jack    Where?

GW      (Dressing)  Under the bed!

Jack    (Dressing) This is getting to be a habit!

Jack hides under bed: GW makes bed.

Giant:  (Offstage) Fe! Fi! Fo! Fum!

GW      Here I am, Darling!

Giant:  I smell….

GW:     Back already?

Giant:  I smell excitement, my dear

the scent when there’s somebody near;

Someone’s been here – don’t deny it:

Soon as my back’s turned you can’t wait to try it.

if I find that he’s got you aroused

he’ll soon be gutted and soused.

Take care who gets in our bed -

You won’t put horns on this head!

GW:     Darling – you’re right. I am excited. It’s been such a long time. I can’t stop thinking about it. Can we go into the bedroom, please? Please?

Giant:  Huh!  Well – OK.

GW:     Thank goodness, Darling: I can hardly wait. You go in the bedroom, and I’ll pop into the bathroom and get ready.

Giant:  Grunt.

GW:     And let’s have some music to put you in the mood. Where’s that harp of yours?

Giant   Here somewhere……Ah!

[Sound of Harp offstage and Giant going into bathroom: GW giggles and gasps. Jack gets out from under bed and runs softly out. Sounds of Jack picking up harp and running off, Harp protesting, Giant shouting and running after Jack:]

Act Four Scene Two

• N.B. This last scene is very much in draft.

[M and J at base of beanstalk - J paralysed by indecision / conflict – G coming closer]……

trio built around:

Ma:      This is no dream: this is a nightmare

Jack:   That is the land of everything I want

Ma:      Jack: you must chose:

Ma:      This is no dream: this is a nightmare

Jack:   That is the land of everything I want

Ma:      Sometimes to win you must lose.

Jack:   Ma: give me the axe!

[J chops beanstalk – collapse of beanstalk and Giant – huge sounds – maybe scream of GW – then  silence…]

Ma goes and looks at Giant

Ma:      Shocked It’s him!! It’s….Jack: it’s your father!!!

Jack:   (Aghast)  What have I done?

Man     Staggers in, brushing himself off.

Ma:      You’re not dead!!!

Mant    Only winded!

Mum , The Man, GW  and Jack

Man:                You’ve chopped the beanstalk, Lad

Ma:                  And nearly topped your Dad:

Man:                You’ve closed the way to Paradise

And now you’ve got to pay the price:

Ma                   Nothing will ever seem as nice –

Both:                Or will it?

Jack:               Oh dear!

Mum:               You’ve ended someone’s life

GW      :           And been with someone’s wife           Mum:  Jack!!

Mum                Killer, adulterer and thief -

Your crimes are almost past belief

Man                 Only confession brings relief –

Both:                Now spill it!

Jack:               Well, I … I….it’s like this….

The Giant:       You’ve got to face the truth:

Had lots of space for youth

There’s no more time left for parole

:                      It’s time you learnt some self-control

:           And when you find a decent role –

Both:                Fulfill it!

Jack:               OK. But….but….

Mum and Man             Don’t look so downcast, Jack:

The journey’s not past, Jack:

No-one is happy every after -

GW                  There will be time for fun and laughter

The Giant:       Look at that rooster up on the rafter….

Both:                But first you must find the field you know you’re after -

Then when you’ve found the field you’re after –

Pause…waiting…

Both:                Then when you’ve found the field you’re after –

Jack:               Till it?

Mum, GW and The Giant: That’s right!

Jack:   Well– I feel better now. Thank you.

The Giant:       Mmmm. And what about Milky-White?

Jack: (sings:)  Milky-White is just a cow

Ma and The Giant: Was, Jack

Jack: (sings)   Well… I don’t need such playmates now.

(speaks)  But I’ll remember her every time I eat a burger –

No: better still: I’ve become a vegetarian!

Curtain

The End