Children's Theatre: Snottygobbles Draft
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The Secret of the Snottygobbles: A Fairy Story
[Draft]
By
Jenny de Reuck
Act 1
As the houselights dim, Puck is visible on the balcony SR. He will be wearing the usual apparel (Peter Pan-like greens) but with some contemporary features (sunnies, a cap, perhaps, something to indicate both his historical status as well as his existence now.) He is on holiday in Western Australia, having earned a rest after some 300 years of hard work as Oberon, the King of the Fairies’ right-hand goblin. He’s making the most of his time off and has been doing the ‘tourist’ thing near Margaret River and has made his way, beach by beach, to Cottesloe where he’s trying his skills at rock-climbing. He abseils into the action during his opening speech which functions as a Prologue and he becomes the mediator between the children in the audience and the characters on stage.
Prologue:
Puck: (Looking over the balcony directly at the audience) Well, who have we here? You must be XXXX Primary, come to watch this show! Hang on a bit, I’m coming down – nothing easier than abseiling, especially if you’ve got magic powers like I have! Piece of cake! (He will now descend more rapidly than he’d like and should land with a fairly dramatic thud accompanied by unseemly shrieks.)
Pulling himself together, adjusting his cap and abseiling gear. That was a little quicker than I expected. No time really to get the magic going, but great fun I tell you! Guess what? (Bit of business as he tries for an audience response) I’m on holiday, here, my first break in … let me see… 334 years, that’s right, I said 334 years! We goblins really put in long hours! But here I am now and really lovin’ it. I mean, Margaret River, Dunsborough, Green Pool (to the audience) You been there? (Responses, hopefully) Fantastic! I’ve been around the world, let me tell you, for my Master, Oberon – he’s the King of the Fairies, and a bit of a – you know (gestures to indicate control-freak) - and I’ve never, I mean NEVER seen anything like this. Sun, sea, beaches, surf – I’ve been catching waves up and down the coast (does an imitation of a surf-board ride) and it’s really cool. (Puts on his sunnies.)
There is the sound of activity at the door to the theatre and it opens noisily.
Puck: Wait, what’s that? Someone’s coming and I really don’t want anyone to know I’m here. I’m traveling ‘incognito’, see, which means I don’t want anyone to know who I am so I’ll just sit here (he finds a seat among the children) till they’ve gone. Don’t tell anyone I’m here, Okay?
Hopefully the audience will comply.
Scene 1
The Banksia Fairies, Pingle, Mallee and Mouse Ears are visible on the balconies as the lights come up on the apron. Each carries a small coloured light. They move silently up and down the balconies, and as they do the fairy lights come on. They remove the abseiling line as they go. Lizzie Ladybird and her best friend, Bizzie Bee, enter through the auditorium. They’re in a hurry as the sun is setting and they need to be back in the Banksia Forest before dark or their mothers will be very angry. They’re best friends but it’s evident that Bizzie is a little overpowered by Lizzie’s more dominant personality.
Lizzie: Oooh, that WAS fun, wasn’t it, Bizzie!
Bizzie: (Not quite as enthusiastically) Well, yes, Lizzie! Except when … you know ... when that horrible galah nearly -
Lizzie: (Interrupting, impatiently) Don’t be such a loser, Bizzie - we were under a honky nut. It would never have got us!
Bizzie: I’m not a loser, Lizzie! But you know we weren’t supposed to go that far.
Lizzie: I know, but that’s what made it such fun! We flew nearly to the edge of the forest, Bizzie, and we’ve never done that before!
Bizzie: No, and we won’t be allowed out again if we don’t get home soon! Come on, let’s hurry or we’ll be grounded for a week!
Lizzie: Oh, alright. I’m coming.
She looks wistfully over her shoulder as Bizzie runs onto the apron and collides with Louie the Fly who is not looking where he’s going. [SFX Clash of cymbals]They both shriek loudly in fright.
Lizzie: (Catching up and helping Bizzie to her feet) That’s so typical of you, Louie – why don’t you watch where you’re going?
Louie: (Struggling to his feet, adjusting his head-gear) Chill, girls. I’m doing you a favour. Your mum’s going spare waiting for you, Bizzie, so I thought I’d come and warn you.
Bizzie: I told you, Lizzie! Now I’ll be grounded and it’s all your fault!
Louie: Yeah, and that’s not cool, because then you’ll miss the show.
Lizzie: (Intrigued) What show?
Louie: (Unrolling a poster) The circus is coming to the Banksia Forest. Look at this! There’re clowns, acrobats –
Bizzie: - jugglers, stilt-walkers! Ooh, look, Lizzie.
Lizzie: (Lizzie takes the poster and scans it as the others look over her shoulder.) And there’s a fortune-teller too! “Madame Sosotris”! I’m so going to visit her!
Louie: I dunno, Lizzie. Do you really want to know the future?
Bizzie: What if it’s something you don’t want to hear!
Lizzie: That’s just like you two! Don’t be so boring. I want (reading her name, dramatically) Madame Sosotris to tell me that I won’t spend the rest of my life just here in the Banksia Forest; that I’ll travel far and wide, that I’ll meet (pauses, for theatrical effect) - a tall, dark and handsome stranger!
Bizzie: (Giggling) You wouldn’t need to go that far – there’s always Louie!
Louie: (He’s used to this teasing so he shrugs it off.) Tall, dark and handsome! That’s me, Louie.
Lizzie: (Brought back to earth by all this.) Don’t be silly! I want to travel the world, meet new people – have an adventure! And I’m going to ask Madame Sosotris what my future holds if it’s the last thing I do.
Bizzie: This may be the last thing we do if we don’t get home soon!
Louie: Yeah, your mum’s really mad at you for staying out late. Come on, now –
He heads off SL, followed by Bizzie as Lizzie lingers a moment, a little lost in her daydream. She’s still holding the poster, but drops it as she runs to catch up with them
Lizzie: Oh, alright – I’m coming!
Exits SL after them.
Puck jumps up onto the apron and picks up the poster.
Puck: How good is this? Papa Gorgonzola’s Circus is coming to town! Who would have thought he’d be here in W.A.? Last time I saw him and his troop they were in the Enchanted Forest where my Master, Oberon and Titania, live. I haven’t seen him for … look it must be a hundred years at least … and, guys, I tell you he can really put on a show. Looks like we could be in for some real fun today. (To the audience) Don’t go anywhere – I’ll be back. Just going to get myself something to eat. I wonder if anyone here sells fairy-bread… Yum, my favourite food.
Exits SR
Scene 2
Lights up on the balconies reveal two of the fairies, Mallee and Mouse Ears on either side of the auditorium. LFX timed to dim and then glow brighter, then dim.
Mouse Ears: (Distress in her voice) Mallee, Mallee, it’s happening again!
Mallee: (Equally upset) Yes, here too! Oh, Mouse Ears, the lights are going out.
They comment as the lights glow and then dim
Mouse Ears: Now they’re coming back again!
Mallee: Pingle said there was something wrong, and she’s right. Oh no, look!
The lights glow and then dim again
Mouse Ears: We must find her and tell her! She was right, it’s happening everywhere. Oh, Mallee, this is too awful!
Mallee: Come quickly, we haven’t a moment to lose. Pingle and the others are doing the Banksia Forest section and if the lights go out there … I can’t bear to think about it!
Mouse Ears: To the Banksia Forest, then. Quickly, let’s fly.
Music, SFX should help to establish the mood.
They run back up the balconies as the curtain flies to reveal the Banksia Forest. It should appear a little eerie, with mist curling across the scene. Gradually, in the gloom, and through the mist several figures come into focus. The Snottygobbles are spread across the stage, trying to appear invisible. Their names each carry meanings that contradict their ‘snottygobble’ appearance. They’re goblin-like creatures, of the earth so should be dressed in earth colours with the occasional yellow or green highlight. Make-up should emphasize their ‘otherness’; hair dressed with twigs and sticks to contrast with the fairies’ flower wreaths and head-dresses.
They are of varying ages: their leader, Sarki [Chief] must carry some insignia on his clothes to indicate his status (a military cut to a jacket, epaulets, medals, a flash on a hat?). The others are Synan [Old] and Sedana [Prince] and the women are Sayu [happiness], Sarama [nice] and Selma [fair]. Their fate is not to appear to others as they truly are. They, thus, contradict their essences as characterized by their names and present to the world a façade that is less than appealing but which should keep the fine line between being grotesque and being comical. They are sensitive souls trapped by their grubby physical appearance.
As the music fades, they start making the sounds of the forest – hoots, whistles, rustling. It should have the polyphonic effect and contribute to the initial mystery surrounding them. Not looking at each other, they speak from their positions, perhaps under toadstools. On some of the toadstools the Circus Poster can be seen, advertising the imminent arrival of Gorgonzola’s Circus.
Sarki: Snottygobbles, are you there?
A general sniff from all of them indicates their presence.
Sayu: Snottygobble Sayu here, Sir. Reporting for duty, Sir!
Synan: (Casting about a little frantically, because he’s very old and can barely see. He walks with the aid of a crooked stick) Where, where is she? Can’t seem to see her anywhere? (Looks closely, and myopically at a poster)
Selma: (A little impatiently) That’s because you have your back to us, and are staring straight at that piece of paper, Synan. Turn around and you’ll see us . (Sniffs)
Synan: (Doddering. Does he have an ear-trumpet to signal his agedness?) That’s better, now I can see you. Just needed a clue that’s all!
Sedana: Right, all Snottygobbles accounted for! All present and correct, Sarki! I mean Sir!
Sarki: I haven’t heard from the new recruit. (On a note of rising impatience) Snottygobble Sarama, report for duty!
Sarama: Snottygobble Sarama here, Sir! (She stands to attention which disconcerts the others as they’re trying not to draw any attention to themselves)
Snottygobbles: (Together) Get down, Sarama, or they’ll see us!
Sarki: (Losing it a bit – his ‘control’ of the troops must be marginal at best) And we certainly don’t want that! At ease, Snottygobble, at ease!
Sarama: (Apologetically) I’m so sorry I just can’t help myself. It’s so hard being an Upright Snottygobble. It’s not as easy for me as it is for you Spreading Snottygobbles, crouching down like this (Sniffs loudly)
Sayu: (Comforting her) I know, dear, but we don’t want (gestures US) you know, the others to see us.
Sedana: We must be absolutely quiet, remember!
Synan: (It dawns on him suddenly) I remember. Absolutely quiet (Sniffs). We don’t want THEM to know we’re here.
Selma: No, just sit still … listen, and watch!
Sarki: (Taking charge) Take up your positions! Snottygobbles -
Sarama: - Why not?
Sarki: - atten-tion!
Sarama almost rises but is subdued by Sayu. Whistles, hoots, hissing – in polyphonic order – as they observe the entry of the Bush Fairies.
Mallee and Mouse Ears enter from USL, Pingle from DSR
Mallee: (Anxiously) There you are, Pingle. Mouse Ears and I have been looking for you.
Mouse Ears: (Clearly distressed) It’s just as you feared. It’s happening all over the forest now and we just can’t work out why!
Pingle: I’ve been up and down the banksias till I’m exhausted and though the candles light up briefly when I put all my strength into the magic, they fade again as soon as I stop. I don’t know what to do.
Mallee: Perhaps if we all join together, it might work!
Mouse Ears: But we’ve never had to do this before –
Pingle: No, there’s something very wrong, here. And I’m going to get to the bottom of it!
The Snottygobbles hiss, hoot and whistle in sequence but remain where they are.
Mallee: Let’s just try lighting them together.
Mouse Ears: (Doubtfully) It may work …
Pingle: Alright, let’s pool our magic powers, then.
They turn to face the banksias, and on a music cue, wave their wands.
Pingle: Altogether, now, one, two three –
They watch expectantly as the lights glow brighter briefly and then (almost) go out.
Mouse Ears: (Bursting into tears) What’s happening, Pingle? Mallee, the magic’s dying. Oh, what’s wrong with our forest?
Mallee: I wish I could answer that. But I just don’t know what’s going on.
Pingle: It’s never happened before – not in the thousands of years we fairies have been tending the flowers of the bush. There’s something very odd about all this, and we’ll have to find out what it is!
The Snottygobbles sniff severally, but the Fairies don’t seem to hear them and they remain unseen.
Mouse Ears: There’s someone coming!
Mallee: (Looking USR) It’s Mother Bee and Bizzie. Perhaps the insects have seen and heard something. Do you think they can help us?
Pingle: Won’t hurt to ask -
Scene 3
Mother Bee enters on her lines with Bizzie trying to apologize. She is followed by Lizzie and Louie.
Mother Bee: Do you know how dangerous it is, Bizzie? A little ladybird and a baby bee –
Bizzie: (Indignantly) I’m not a baby, Mum!
Mother Bee: Oh yes you are. (To anyone listening) These two flew to the edge of the forest and didn’t get back till dark. I can’t tell you how worried I was!
Lizzie: I’m sorry Mrs Bee, it’s my fault, really –
Mother Bee: (Turning unexpectedly on Louie) And you’re as unreliable as your father – a fine neighbour he was! Here one day, promising to help me with all my honeycombs, and gone the next with no explanation. I expected more of you, Louie. I’m very disappointed!
Louie: (Confused) But… but …
Lizzie: It’s my fault, Mrs Bee, not Louie’s. He came to call us but we were having such fun. Weren’t we Bizzie?
Bizzie: (Nervously, caught between her friend and her irate mother) Yes, we were having the best time – except when -
Lizzie: - when the flowers dimmed a bit. (Trying to change the subject) And that’s what we came here to find out, Pingle, Mallee, Mouse Ears. What’s happening to the candles?
Louie: It’s, like, really weird!
Mother Bee: I’ve been too upset to notice. Is there something wrong?
Pingle: Yes, definitely, but we don’t know what it is!
Mallee: Our magic – which lights the candles every night and which keeps the forest beautiful is… is getting weaker –
Mouse Ears: And it’s never happened before, not in thousands of years!
Mother Bee: I thought it was gloomier than usual tonight – and there’s a full moon, too.
Bizzie: How awful! If the candles go out what will happen to us?
Louie: Like – how will we survive if all this (he gestures to the forest canopy) fades and dies?
The Fairies look anxiously at each other.
Pingle: Let’s not think about that yet. What we need to do is find out what – or who – is behind this!
Lizzie: I’ll bet those sneaky Snottygobbles are behind this. Always creeping about and turning up just when you least expect them.
Bizzie: Yuck, and they’re so grubby (shudders). And slimy. Eeuw!
Louie: (Knowing he’ll be attacked for this, but valiantly stating his case anyway). They’re alright, y’know. I mean that Sedana is quite a cool dude.
Lizzie and Bizzie: (Together) Eeuw! That’s so not true!
Mother Bee: (Distracted by the argument) Girls! Louie! I can’t understand a word of what you’re saying. (To the Fairies) Perhaps the Snottygobbles do know something? Always up to no good in my opinion so it might be a good idea to find them and see what they have to say for themselves.
Some indignant, but silent reactions from the Snottygobbles as this exchange takes place. Space for a few visual gags as, of course, no-one – except the audience – knows they’re there.
Mallee: That sounds like a good idea. They do get around in their strange way, so they might have heard or seen something.
Mouse Ears: But they’re not powerful enough to do this … unless –
Pingle: - unless … you could be on to something here … unless they’re working for someone else!
This is too much for Sarama who erupts into the action from her crouching position
Sarama: We are NOT making the candles go out. On the honour of a Snottygobble! An UPRIGHT Snottygobble.
Mother Bee, Lizzie and Bizzie step back from them to avoid contact. Louie is a little more accommodating. The Bush Fairies are unfazed
Sarki: (Appearing from behind his toadstool, with the others) That’s quite enough from you, Private. I’ll speak to you shortly. You’ve destroyed the operation completely. Follow me! Snottygobbles, on the left … march! Hup, two, three, four – hup, two three four …
They follow him out in a motley line, with Sarama compliant with the instructions but fearful of the consequences. Loud combined sniff as they exit.
Mother Bee: Now that was very odd. Were they there all the time?
Lizzie: And why were they eavesdropping on us like that?
Bizzie: And what did Sarki mean when he talked about the ‘operation’?
Louie: I’m really glad I’m not in that young Snottygobble’s shoes. She’s in for it for sure!
Pingle: Well, I think they know more about all this than they’re telling us.
Mallee: So do I.
Mouse Ears: And I think we’ve scared them off with the things we said about them. We’ve hurt their feelings, you know. They’re very sensitive!
Mother Bee: A Snottygobble with feelings! I doubt that my dears. But we definitely must try to find out what’s happening here in our lovely forest. It’s very worrying.
Lizzie: (A poster in her hand, excitedly) I know what we can do! We can ask Madame Sosotris!
Mother Bee: Who?
Bizzie: Ooh yes, she’s the Fortune Teller -
Louie: - from Gorgonzola’s Circus
Lizzie: And they’re coming to the Banksia Forest this very night. (Pointing to the details on the poster) She can tell the future and I’m sure she’ll know what lies behind this … and whether, one day, I’ll travel the world, have wonderful adventures and meet a tall, dark and handsome stranger!
Bizzie: Not Louie (they giggle.)
Louie: (Used to this, shrugs) Whatever!
Pingle: (To the Bush Fairies) What do you think?
Mallee: I think we should at least try it – Madame Sosotris is fantastic.
Mouse Ears: A bit scary, but that’s because she’s so powerful. Let’s go to the Circus then. They usually set up in the clearing not far from here.
Pingle: Right, I’ll meet you all there – I’m going to see if I can find the Snottygobbles and sort things out with them. I have a feeling we may need their help.
Louie: Cool! Nobody’s grounded after all! We’re going to the Circus!
The Bush Fairies ‘fly’ off . Mallee and Mouse Ears USL, Pingle USR where the Snottygobbles exited.
The children join hands and dance around happily as Mother Bee gathers her pollen basket.
Mother Bee: Come along now, children. Tthat’s enough of that.
Exit, following the Fairies USL. Mouse Ears has waited for them.
The CURTAIN FALLS.
During this scene change the circus wagon and a booth are set up to signal Gorgonzola’s presence. Bunting, flags and a balloon seller complete the festive circus setting.
Scene 4 (Interlude)
Lights up on apron as Puck enters.
He’s eating an ice-cream or chips or a chocolate bar and is in full beach mode. Sunnies, zinc, cap.
Puck: No fairy bread at the deli in Fremantle - you call it ‘Freo’, do you? But look at this! (Shows them a bag full of lollies) I bet you wish you had this for your school lunch, don’t you? It’s SOOO unhealthy! But if you’re a goblin it’s cool. We live forever, see, and don’t have to worry about healthy eating like humans do. No broccoli or carrots for us! No! We can eat as much junk as we like. So, guys, I’m off to the Circus to catch up with my old friend, Gorgonzola. I haven’t seen him for at least 100 years. I wonder if he still has the stilt-walking act, and the clowns! And there was the scary lady who could tell the future, too… Madame Something? Madame …? (he may get some help from the audience here). I can’t really remember it was that long ago!
Don’t go anywhere, I’ll be back… listen – that’s the sound of the Circus. I’m outa here!
He exits SL behind the bandstand.
Scene 5.
The sounds of the circus are heard faintly in the distance.
The CURTIN FLIES to reveal the stage set for the Circus. The performers are all from the Commedia dell’Arte tradition in their dress but they should have specific circus skills.
[Going to return to characters from The Greatest Show on Earth, here, with Papa Gorgonzola (a Puncinello character with a wayward handle-bar moustache), his wife, Madame Sosotris (Judy, mercifully minus a moustache), Cucurucu, the trapeze artist with the curling moustache and the passionate temperament, the sad clown, Pierrot, Columbine, the stilt-walker and, of course, Harlequin, the jester figure (juggler). They’re of the goblin tribe, but went in for entertainment rather than conventional magic.
As the music fades, Gorgonzola in full Ringmaster mode, complete with whip which he cracks alarmingly from time to time, strides CS as the troop gathers round. They seldom keep still but busy themselves with warm-ups, stretches and even a little juggling practice. He steps up onto the podium in order to make his announcement.
Gorgonzola: Friends, gather round!. I have wonderful news! Our hard work and reputation have secured us … (pauses dramatically) a Command Performance!
Madame: It is a dream come true, my love. And it’s all thanks to you. (Turning benevolently to the rest of them) My dearest Papa Gorgonzola has –
Gorgonzola: (Interrupting her before she reveals the delightful surprise he has in store for them) My dear Madame, allow me to speak –
Madame: (Excessively apologetically) But of course, my love, I do beg your pardon. Of course! How foolish of me … please, the podium is yours! (She gestures towards it).
Gorgonzola: Thank you my dear (Aside, to the audience) A lovely woman, but a bit overbearing. (Turning to his immediate audience again and beaming at them) Friends, we are about to return to the Old Country!
Cucurucu: This cannot be true! Whatever would drag us back there?
Madame: (Taking over) Papa Gorgonzola has just heard –
Gorgonzola: (Through clenched teeth, his smile a little fixed) Madame, I must beg you to be silent!
Pierrot: (Mournfully) Come on Papa Gorgonzola, what’s the news, then!
Gorgonzola: (Slightly deflated, losing his momentum) Well, we’ve been invited to perform for the King and Queen of the Fairies, on midsummer night, no less. I have here a letter signed by Oberon and Titania themselves. (He flourishes the letter from which fairy dust falls, gleaming to the floor!)
Madame: Is this not wonderful? The pinnacle of your career, my love.
Columbine: This is very exciting. A performance at the court of the King and Queen of the Fairies! I can hardly believe it.
Harlequin: We’ve heard so many stories about the Old Country. I can’t wait to see it for myself. We’ll have to work really hard, though, if we’re to perform for Royalty. (He juggles a few rounds as the others cheer him on.)
Cucurucu: It’s been a long time since we were there, Brother.(Aside) So many memories …
Pierrot: … and not all of them good, Cucurucu! Here in Australia we’ve been free of our Tribe.
Madame: Don’t be so gloomy, Pierrot. This is a great honour for Papa Gorgonzola, for all of us –
The lights dim a little, flicker and then stabilize
Gorgonzola: There must be something wrong with the Bush Fairies, the lights aren’t working as they should. I’ll need to speak to them. I have a show to put on and we need light … Come Madame, let us see what’s to be done about this.
Madame: (Excitedly) A crisis, I love a crisis!
They exit USL as Harlequin and Columbine head to the cart for some equipment to practice with. Plates, scarves.
Cucurucu (Aside): He’s forgotten – the last time the lights in the forests went out was back there, in the Old Country. I wonder if he’s behind it again?
Pierrot: What are you thinking, my friend. Do you think this is more than a momentary power failure? This is not the work of Caballus, King of the Goblins – surely…?
Cucurucu: Who can say…? His power is huge, his ambition even greater! And he has no love for Oberon, a king more powerful than himself!
Pierrot: And he’s tried before to destroy the magic in the world. To destroy the Enchanted Forest. To put out the light …
Cucurucu: - and cover the world in darkness.
Pierrot: He must not succeed. But who do we have here?
Scene 6
Enter the Bush Fairies, Mallee and Mouse Ears with Mother Bee, Lizzie, Bizzie and Louie, to consult with Madame Sosotris and to see the Circus performance. Pingle is still off trying to locate the Snottygobbles.
Columbine: (Darting forward) It’s Mallee and Mouse Ears! Our favourite fairies. Harlequin, come and say hello!
They greet each other enthusiastically.
Mallee: We’re here on urgent business, Cucurucu, Pierrot.
Pierrot: Is it what we fear?
Harlequin: What do you mean? Is it serious?
Columbine: It’s not to do with the lights, is it? I must say, it’s very dim in the forest tonight and Papa Gorgonzola is really worried we won’t be able to perform.
Cucurucu: (Looking at the assembly in alarm). So there is something wrong, is there? You’ve noticed it too.
Mouse Ears: It’s the magic – that lights the candles. It’s getting weaker every day. Soon we won’t be able to light them at all!
Mother Bee: Then what will happen to all the living creatures of the Banksia Forest?
Lizzie: (A little intimidated, but determined to get a result). We thought we might ask Madame Sosotris, you see. Her crystal ball –
Bizzie: (Interrupting, briefly) – we saw it on the poster!
Louie: (Trying to assert himself a little) I found the poster, remember.
Lizzie: - might tell us what we need to know.
Mallee: She can read the future, can’t she?
The Circus people look solemn and nod in agreement.
Cucurucu: But she isn’t always ready for it.
Pierrot: It’s an enormous strain, but I think the situation requires it.
Harlequin: Columbine, let’s fetch her – and Papa Gorgonzola.
Columbine: I hope she can manage.
[They fetch her, and the scene develops with her reading the signs in the crystal ball. What we see is what she sees in it and it involves a scene, set in the Old Country, in which we meet the Villains for the first time. And Mother Bee discovers what has happened to Bluey, her neighbour and Louie’s Father]
Scene 7
Enter Caballus, the Goblin King followed by his side-kick, Galen, a cousin of the Snottygobbles,prone to giving indiscreet sniffs from time to time, revealing his relationship and infuriating his Master. He is, effectively, the weak link in a tribe which is devoted to their evil leader.
SFX Thunder and LFX Lightning
Caballus: (Laughs evilly) It’s working, Galen, my wonderful plan is working. Oh how I love being evil!
Galen: (Slightly bored – this is something he’s heard over and over for thousands of years.) Yes, my Lord, so you’ve said. Often.
Caballus: (In ringing tones) This time he will not defeat me because I have been cunning as a fox. Oh how I love being cunning!
Galen: You’ve said, that too, my Lord. A lot.
Caballus: (Relishing it) Oberon, King of the Fairies, I have you now! Oh, how I love being nasty. (Laughs evilly again).
Galen: I know. You’ve said so. Pretty much every day for centuries(Sniff. Before he realizes what he’s doing, he sniffs like a Snottygobble)
Caballus: (Whipping round.) What – was - that?
Galen: A sniff, Sire, I couldn’t help myself.
Caballus: Well, don’t do it again! I cannot stand to hear it. (Shudders) It reminds me of a past I’d sooner forget!
Galen: (Aside) He has (looks over his shoulder) ‘issues’ I’m afraid. But I’d better be careful. I don’t want him turning on me! He has a dreadful temper. Totally unpredictable.
Caballus: I have set them against each other, you see, Galen, Oberon and Titania, his loving Queen and as they grow apart, the magic dies. Together they are all powerful, apart they are NOTHING!
Laughs horribly.
Galen: Well, it’s not quite over yet, Sire. Titania is ready to heal the rift you’ve caused between her and Oberon. She’s invited all of Fairyland to the Enchanted Wood for a midsummer night celebration. And you know what will happen if they get back together –
Caballus: Don’t even think of it! I haven’t schemed and plotted like the deadly villain I am for it all to come to NOTHING! I want this plan to work, Galen, and what I want, my idiotic slave, I get!
(He looks over at Bluey, the Fly, Louie’s lost father, whom he’s wrapped in chains)
Caballus: Like that Blowfly over there! He’ll talk by the time I’ve finished with him.
Galen: I’m sure he will, Sire. (He looks at Bluey meaningfully) It would be better for you if you did, my friend.
Bluey: I’ll never betray them! Never
Caballus: We’ll see about that! Summon my troops Galen. I want to celebrate my imminent victory! I, Caballus, King of the Goblins will soon be Ruler of the Earth and Sky – oh, how evil I am!
Galen: Yes, Sire, so you’ve just said.
[Act 1 will conclude with the Snottygobbles harnessed to the side of the ‘Good’ as they set off for the Old Country to warn Oberon and Titania of the plot against them. Pingle will return with the Snottygobbles who know the secret of Caballus’ only weakness. It’s something Bluey found out by accident, and that’s why he’s languishing in captivity.
Puck has to abandon his holiday and return with them all to help out.
Act 2 comprises 7 scenes. Several characters, including the members of the Goblin Tribe (Team Evil), are still to be written in.
Titania and Oberon will host a party on Midsummer Night to which Gorgonzola’s Circus troop is invited to perform. They will be attended by the Flower Fairies, Elves and Pixies of their realm
The Bush Fairies and their Insect friends will all fly to the Fairy Celebrations to warn Oberon and Titania not to fall victim to Caballus’s tactics.
Madame Sosotris’s readings (of Caballus’s plot and Lizzie’s future) are accurate. He is defeated and she meets her tall dark and handsome stranger.
It ends happily, thanks, ultimately to the children in the audience believing in magic and so the possibility for enchantment remains. The candles are lit once again as harmony between the forces of the Little People is restored.]
, followed by a retinue of Gumnut Elves, carrying a very large box of matches.
Back to... Week Three -Four
View other 'Snottygobble' production extras... Julian's Drawings One Julian's Drawings Two
Circus Skills Photo Gallery Mel's Acting CV Geoff Glencross Theatre History
First Draft Second Draft Final Script - Act One Final Script - Act Two
Samantha's Costume One Samantha's Costume Two Paul's Unbanned Suicide Run Costume Fitting
Dance Workshop Darren's Character Profile First Dress Rehearsal One First Dress Rehearsal Two
First Dress Rehearsal Three First Dress Rehearsal Four Jamie at the Final Dress Rehearsal
Final Dress Rehearsal One Final Dress Rehearsal Two Final Dress Rehearsal Three
Final Dress Rehearsal Four Pre-show Make-up Wrap-up
...or view other 2006 'Notice Board' entries... Week One - Week Two Week Three - Week Four
Study Break One - Week Five Week Six - Week Seven Study Break Two - Week Eight
Week Nine - Week Ten Week Eleven - Week Twelve Week Thirteen Week Fourteen
...or view other Notice Board entries... 2005 Children's Theatre Notice Board
Go to Children's Theatre: My Journal History Notice Board Your Work
Contact Andrew @ thechaseison@optusnet.com.au
This page last updated: 30th June 2006