Master Skylark

CHARACTERS MASTER SKYLARK (Nick Attwood) MR. ATTWOOD, father of Master Skylark MRS. ATTWOOD, mother of Master Skylark MASTER-PLAYER and other players WILL SHAKESPEARE BEN JONSON CICELY FRIENDS of Will Shakespeare BOYS of Singing School in London QUEEN ELIZABETH and courtiers, etc.

Time: 1596. Place: Stratford-upon-Avon; London.

Time required for production, forty-five minutes.

FIRST SCENE

Near Attwood cottage, in Stratford . BOYS standing, watching and listening

HERALD. Master-Player's come to Stratford Town.

NICK ATTWOOD.

Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 49 chars .

OTHER BOYS. Jumping up on fence

Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 47 chars .

ANOTHER BOY. Running up

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 9 chars .

A BOY.

Contains 35 words in 3 sentences using 179 chars .

BOYS.

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars .

A BOY. Running before the players

Contains 21 words in 1 sentence using 102 chars .

PLAYERS. Orchestra plays. Singing

Contains 37 words in 5 sentences using 199 chars .

[BOYS follow around the stage after the players, and then follow them out

SECOND SCENE HERALD. Nick Attwood (Master Skylark) is refused permission to attend the play. [NICK runs in and stumbles FATHER.

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 38 chars .

NICK.

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 27 chars .

FATHER.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 27 chars .

NICK.

Contains 26 words in 1 sentence using 124 chars .

MOTHER. Puts arm around NICK.]

Contains 22 words in 1 sentence using 100 chars .

NICK. Eagerly

Contains 27 words in 1 sentence using 139 chars .

MOTHER.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 20 chars .

NICK.

Contains 25 words in 2 sentences using 134 chars .

FATHER.

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 30 chars .

NICK.

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 34 chars .

FATHER.

Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 59 chars .

MOTHER.

Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 46 chars .

FATHER.

Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 111 chars .

MOTHER.

Contains 29 words in 2 sentences using 174 chars .

FATHER.

Contains 29 words in 4 sentences using 135 chars .

NICK. With clenched fist

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 10 chars .

MOTHER. Softly

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 9 chars .

NICK.

Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 57 chars .

MOTHER.

Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 54 chars .

NICK.

Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 49 chars .

MOTHER.

Contains 21 words in 1 sentence using 101 chars .

THIRD SCENE HERALD. Nick runs away and meets the Master-Player. ROBIN. One of the schoolboys

Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 105 chars .

NICK.

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 5 chars .

ROBIN.

Contains 69 words in 4 sentences using 373 chars .

NICK.

Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 52 chars .

ROBIN.

Contains 74 words in 4 sentences using 390 chars .

NICK.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 22 chars .

ROBIN.

Contains 44 words in 2 sentences using 231 chars .

NICK.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 41 chars .

ROBIN.

Contains 29 words in 1 sentence using 153 chars .

NICK.

Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 49 chars .

ANOTHER BOY.

Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 55 chars .

NICK.

Contains 35 words in 5 sentences using 186 chars .

BOY. Laughing

Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 68 chars .

NICK. Defiantly

Contains 62 words in 5 sentences using 311 chars .

ANOTHER BOY. Mockingly

Contains 25 words in 1 sentence using 131 chars .

NICK.

Contains 40 words in 4 sentences using 182 chars .

ROBIN. Running after him

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 37 chars .

NICK.

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 28 chars .

NICK. Comes back, singing

Contains 69 words in 8 sentences using 412 chars .

FOURTH SCENE [NICK singing MASTER-PLAYER.

Contains 29 words in 4 sentences using 146 chars .

NICK. Hat off, and gazing with all admiration at MASTER-PLAYER.]

Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 108 chars .

MASTER-PLAYER.

Contains 40 words in 5 sentences using 202 chars .

NICK.

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 29 chars .

MASTER-PLAYER.

Contains 43 words in 5 sentences using 197 chars .

NICK.

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 44 chars .

MASTER-PLAYER. Laughing

Contains 37 words in 4 sentences using 168 chars .

NICK. Sings a few lines of song MASTER-PLAYER. Thinking deeply. Suddenly slaps thigh

Contains 57 words in 7 sentences using 273 chars .

NICK. Timidly .[

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 25 chars .

MASTER-PLAYER.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 9 chars .

NICK.

Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 45 chars .

MASTER-PLAYER.

Contains 29 words in 2 sentences using 125 chars .

NICK. Stopping; eyes filling with tears

Contains 20 words in 1 sentence using 88 chars .

MASTER-PLAYER. Laughing

Contains 34 words in 4 sentences using 156 chars .

NICK.

Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 63 chars .

MASTER-PLAYER.

Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 64 chars .

PLAYERS. They shout and clap at the sight of MASTER-PLAYER.] MASTER-PLAYER.

Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 64 chars .

PLAYER.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 21 chars .

MASTER-PLAYER.

Contains 52 words in 5 sentences using 283 chars .

PLAYER.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 10 chars .

MASTER-PLAYER.

Contains 16 words in 1 sentence using 75 chars .

NICK.

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 6 chars .

MASTER-PLAYER.

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 35 chars .

NICK.

Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 50 chars .

MASTER-PLAYER.

Contains 15 words in 3 sentences using 82 chars .

A PLAYER. Angrily

Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 47 chars .

MASTER-PLAYER.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 34 chars .

Exeunt

FIFTH SCENE HERALD. Nick's father hears that he has gone with the players. MR. ATTWOOD.

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 44 chars .

ROBIN.

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 42 chars .

MR. ATTWOOD.

Contains 8 words in 4 sentences using 45 chars .

ANOTHER BOY.

Contains 26 words in 2 sentences using 128 chars .

MR. ATTWOOD. Very angrily, turns to a man

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 30 chars .

MAN.

Contains 50 words in 4 sentences using 243 chars .

MRS. ATTWOOD. Running to meet him

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 9 chars .

MR. ATTWOOD.

Contains 38 words in 3 sentences using 187 chars .

All pass out , MRS. ATTWOOD heartbroken

SIXTH SCENE HERALD. Nick is stolen by the players.

SEVENTH SCENE At the MASTER-PLAYER'S house in London . NICK, sitting, the picture of despair, in a big chair . CICELY, the PLAYER'S daughter, comes in CICELY.

Contains 32 words in 4 sentences using 151 chars .

NICK. Stammering

Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 74 chars .

CICELY.

Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 41 chars .

NICK. Clenching his fists

Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 68 chars .

CICELY. Passionately

Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 83 chars .

NICK.

Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 91 chars .

CICELY. Stamping her foot

Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 46 chars .

NICK. Indignantly and choking with emotion

Contains 15 words in 1 sentence using 69 chars .

CICELY. Coming over and patting his head

Contains 166 words in 11 sentences using 781 chars .

NICK.

Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 83 chars .

CICELY.

Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 55 chars .

NICK.

Contains 32 words in 2 sentences using 150 chars .

MASTER-PLAYER.

Contains 35 words in 6 sentences using 173 chars .

CICELY.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 30 chars .

MASTER-PLAYER.

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 22 chars .

CICELY. Patting his cheek

Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 88 chars .

MASTER-PLAYER. Uneasily coughing

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 27 chars .

CICELY.

Contains 36 words in 4 sentences using 173 chars .

MASTER-PLAYER. Nervously

Contains 25 words in 1 sentence using 125 chars .

NICK.

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 29 chars .

MASTER-PLAYER.

Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 89 chars .

CICELY. Clapping her hands

Contains 13 words in 3 sentences using 58 chars .

MASTER-PLAYER.

Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 47 chars .

EIGHTH SCENE HERALD. The other players object to Nick's being kept from his mother. A PLAYER.

Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 101 chars .

ANOTHER PLAYER.

Contains 20 words in 1 sentence using 113 chars .

MASTER HEYWOOD.

Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 69 chars .

MASTER-PLAYER.

Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 86 chars .

HEYWOOD.

Contains 24 words in 3 sentences using 142 chars .

MASTER-PLAYER. Sadly

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars .

HEYWOOD.

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 32 chars .

MASTER-PLAYER. Bitterly

Contains 37 words in 5 sentences using 164 chars .

HEYWOOD.

Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 47 chars .

MASTER-PLAYER.

Contains 45 words in 4 sentences using 208 chars .

NINTH SCENE HERALD. Nick, and a few boys from the Cathedral School, sing before Queen Elizabeth. A BOY.

Contains 31 words in 9 sentences using 158 chars .

NICK.

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 28 chars .

ALL.

Contains 12 words in 3 sentences using 57 chars .

Orchestra, plays. Trumpets blow . QUEEN ELIZABETH and COURTIERS pass in. The QUEEN gives signal for the children to come forward PROMPTER.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars .

RAFE.

Contains 74 words in 5 sentences using 400 chars .

NICK AND COLLEY. With a garland of flowers about them They sing a Spring Song NICK. Sings Skylark Song QUEEN.

Contains 35 words in 3 sentences using 180 chars .

Contains 48 words in 3 sentences using 240 chars .

COLLEY.

Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 64 chars .

QUEEN.

Contains 69 words in 3 sentences using 339 chars .

NICK.

Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 43 chars .

QUEEN.

Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 103 chars .

NICK.

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 34 chars .

QUEEN.

Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 69 chars .

NICK.

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 33 chars .

QUEEN.

Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 58 chars .

NICK.

Contains 63 words in 2 sentences using 289 chars .

QUEEN. Laughing

Contains 38 words in 2 sentences using 190 chars .

NICK. Shakes his head QUEEN.

Contains 37 words in 9 sentences using 203 chars .

NICK.

Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 62 chars .

QUEEN. Softly

Contains 81 words in 6 sentences using 379 chars .

Music and horn while QUEEN and Court pass out

TENTH SCENE HERALD. After the Master-Player is sent to prison for killing a man, Nick and Cicely come back to Stratford Town. CICELY.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 19 chars .

NICK.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 7 chars .

CICELY.

Contains 72 words in 5 sentences using 359 chars .

NICK.

Contains 71 words in 6 sentences using 355 chars .

ONE OF THE WOMEN.

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 42 chars .

NICK.

Contains 21 words in 1 sentence using 115 chars .

ANOTHER WOMAN.

Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 126 chars .

NICK.

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 42 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 17 chars .

NICK.

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 12 chars .

WOMAN.

Contains 17 words in 4 sentences using 76 chars .

DOLL.

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 32 chars .

CICELY. Running to NICK.]

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 17 chars .

NICK.

Contains 17 words in 3 sentences using 81 chars .

ELEVENTH SCENE HERALD. Nick's father refuses to receive him until Will Shakespeare intercedes. At last Nick gets back to his mother. NICK.

Contains 15 words in 4 sentences using 80 chars .

MR. ATTWOOD.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 19 chars .

NICK.

Contains 25 words in 4 sentences using 114 chars .

ATTWOOD.

Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 46 chars .

NICK.

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 28 chars .

ATTWOOD.

Contains 23 words in 3 sentences using 98 chars .

NICK.

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 17 chars .

ATTWOOD.

Contains 29 words in 4 sentences using 136 chars .

CICELY.

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 43 chars .

NICK.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars .

CICELY.

Contains 24 words in 3 sentences using 116 chars .

SUSAN SHAKESPEARE. Comes running up

Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 60 chars .

WILL SHAKESPEARE.

Contains 42 words in 3 sentences using 219 chars .

NICK. Falteringly

Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 53 chars .

WILL SHAKESPEARE.

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 10 chars .

NICK.

Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 135 chars .

WILL SHAKESPEARE.

Contains 34 words in 2 sentences using 170 chars .

NICK.

Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 60 chars .

BEN JONSON.

Contains 21 words in 3 sentences using 102 chars .

WILL SHAKESPEARE.

Contains 34 words in 3 sentences using 180 chars .

ONE OF THE MEN.

Contains 50 words in 2 sentences using 247 chars .

ANOTHER MAN.

Contains 15 words in 1 sentence using 81 chars .

WILL SHAKESPEARE.

Contains 39 words in 2 sentences using 186 chars .

NICK.

Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 122 chars .

WILL SHAKESPEARE.

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 26 chars .

BEN JONSON. Sings "Drink to me only until thine eyes." FATHER.

Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 71 chars .

WILL SHAKESPEARE.

Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 80 chars .

FATHER.

Contains 40 words in 5 sentences using 179 chars .

NICK. Joyfully

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 21 chars .

FATHER.

Contains 27 words in 3 sentences using 121 chars .

NICK.

Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 56 chars .

WILL SHAKESPEARE. Carrying two bags

Contains 38 words in 2 sentences using 203 chars .

BEN JONSON.

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 13 chars .

WILL SHAKESPEARE.

Contains 52 words in 2 sentences using 315 chars .

NICK.

Contains 18 words in 1 sentence using 82 chars .

WILL SHAKESPEARE.

Contains 34 words in 4 sentences using 174 chars .

SIMON ATTWOOD.

Contains 36 words in 4 sentences using 159 chars .

WILL SKAKESPEARE.

Contains 17 words in 3 sentences using 94 chars .

ATTWOOD.

Contains 66 words in 6 sentences using 301 chars .

BEN JONSON.

Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 93 chars .

WILL SHAKESPEARE.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 21 chars .

Attwood goes off the stage and instantly returns with wife ATTWOOD.

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 9 chars .

MRS. ATTWOOD.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars .

ATTWOOD.

Contains 25 words in 1 sentence using 120 chars .

MRS. ATTWOOD.

Contains 12 words in 3 sentences using 62 chars .

NICK.

Contains 42 words in 2 sentences using 209 chars .

THE END