Tag: Hannah Smith

After creating the new synopsis the script writers began to work on the new scenes that had been appointed to them. It was decided that we would write our own script and amend it if we felt it needed changes at script meetings. This worked well as we wrote the script a lot faster than before and all deadlines were met.

Drafts of new scenes

Scene 6

(The COUNT and SNOW CHILD enter the room and he arm around her waist holding her up. He takes her over to the bed and lays her down)

COUNT: Here. Get in bed and get warm.

(He pulls the cover over her)

COUNT: How long were you out in the woods? (She doesn’t reply and is just shaking in bed) It’s okay you’re here now. I’ll look after you, just try and get warm.

(The count begins to walk around the room and grabs clothing to cover the SNOW CHILD to keep her warm)

COUNT: This should keep you warm for now. I’ll get the housekeeper to bring up a bed warmer after she has come back from the market. I don’t think she will be too long.

(The SNOW CHILD begins to shiver even more and begins to curl up in a ball as she is so cold. The COUNT looks at the SNOW CHILD and begins to walk over to her slowly)

COUNT: Here. (He gets into bed with her from behind and holds her) I’ll warm you.

(The COUNT lays hugging the SNOW CHILD for a while)

COUNT: You really are like ice. Why did you not go for help or to the closest cottage? Look how week you are. Why did you stay out so long? If only I had found you earlier. I will help you as much as I can. Just try to get warm.

(The COUNT then begins to stroke the SNOW CHILDS head and moves her hair from her neck. He looks at her for a while)

COUNT: You know you are the most beautiful girls I have ever seen. (He grabs her hand and lifts it from under the covers and begins to stroke it) You’re skin is as white as snow. It’s so beautiful. I don’t understand why someone would let you out of their sight. (He kisses her hand) If I had a woman like you I would make sure you were looked after and cared for. I would never let anything bad happen to you.

(The COUNT sits up and moves the SNOW CHILD onto her back. He strokes her face and kisses her cheek)

COUNT: I don’t know what it is about you. You make my heart ache. I can’t bare to see you like this yet I don’t even know you. (Pause. He looks into her eyes) I’ve never felt this way before. (Pause. He kisses her lips. The SNOW CHILD does not move or do anything)

COUNT: I don’t understand why I feel like this. I never have before. (The SNOW CHILD doesn’t say anything and the COUNT kisses her again) But you are so beautiful.

COUNT: I think… I think that I may I love you.

(The COUNT begins to kiss the snow child on the cheeks and on the lips. The SNOW CHILD keeps still and closes her eyes. They then make love. Half way through the SNOW CHILD dies and we see this by her head turning to the side and her arm coming out of the bed and she is just lifeless. The COUNT carries on making love to her and in the end he holds her head to his chest and cries. He then picks up her body and exits)

End scene

Written by Hannah Smith

Scene Seven

The COUNTESS enters the stage, which is now set back in the woods. The COUNTESS is looking for the EX WIFE who she had spoke to previously. The EX WIFE is in the forest collecting wood. The COUNTESS spots the EX WIFE.

COUNTESS
Excuse me.

EX-WIFE
Yes.

COUNTESS
I’m sorry to have disturbed you, but I couldn’t stop thinking about what you said earlier.

EX-WIFE
About my…your husband

COUNTESS
(nods)

EX-WIFE
How old are you dear?

COUNTESS
Why?

EX-WIFE
You look young.

COUNTESS
I’m old enough.

EX-WIFE
Old enough for what?

COUNTESS (pause) Marriage. Happiness. Love.

EX-WIFE
So your his young trophy wife?

COUNTESS
NO!

EX-WIFE
Well where is he now then? Why, if he loved you so much, would he let you wander alone in these woods in the snow?

COUNTESS
I didn’t tell him I left. He loves me and trusts me.

EX-WIFE
So why didn’t you tell him you left?

COUNTESS
Because…

EX-WIFE
Because you know what he would say. You know that he wouldn’t be bothered. He probably has another woman back now with him.

COUNTESS
No.

EX-WIFE
So why did you come out here?

COUNTESS
To find you.

EX-WIFE
Go on.

COUNTESS
I think it is in your best interests that you stop saying, the horrible things about him.

EX-WIFE
You know don’t you.

COUNTESS
Know what?

EX-WIFE
About everything?

COUNTESS
There is nothing to know.

EX-WIFE
He’s a mad man. Have you seen the room yet? No I bet you haven’t but I bet he’s told you not to go in a “certain” room.

COUNTESS
So what if he did, it’s his personal space. It doesn’t really mean anything.

EX-WIFE
Well go in it then… I did

COUNTESS
No. What?

(Long pause)

COUNTESS
What did you see?

EX-WIFE
It was horrible. He told me not to go in the room. He gave me the keys, and said don’t go in this room. What could I do? I wanted to know why. I was his wife, the love of his life. Yet he was telling me I had to stay out of the room. NO SECRETS! I walked up to the door and I just knew I wasnt going to like what I was going to see on the other side of the door.

COUNTESS
What happened?

EX-WIFE
I placed my hand on the door handle, and i just felt this sense of…of…fear. Like he was stood right behind me. And I have never felt like that in my life. I opened the door and walked down the stairs, it was dark, and the smell was…well horrid.

COUNTESS
What was it?

(Long Pause)

EX-WIFE
It was the smell of…of lies. Cheats. FLESH. That, that horrible man had kept these secrets there, under my nose, under my bedroom.

COUNTESS
I’m confused. What was there?

EX-WIFE
His OTHER wives. The lot of them. There lying in a dark room. Rotting away for his pleasure.

COUNTESS
Other wives?

EX-WIFE
Yes. I am not the only ex wife your precious loving husband has. They were there dead lying in the chamber.

COUNTESS
But…what about you why are you here then if he keeps them?

EX-WIFE
I got away. As you need to too.

COUNTESS
What?

EX-WIFE
Get away while you can. Don’t even go back to the castle. Just run, run as far as you can for as long as you can…in fact come stay with me for a few days.

COUNTESS
No he loves me.

EX-WIFE
You keep telling yourself that, but correct me if i’m wrong. You came here to see me about it?

COUNTESS
Yes

EX-WIFE
So something had happened for you to come to me.

(Long Pause)

COUNTESS
There was this girl.

EX-WIFE
Girl?

COUNTESS
In the forest. The day I saw you. There was this girl. He was being weird, would not stop talking about wanting a girl from the snow. Then..

EX-WIFE
He found a girl?

COUNTESS
Yes. She was ill. Dying more like, and he wanted to help. He tried to insinuate he was only helping her, but I saw the way he looked at her.

EX-WIFE
How?

COUNTESS
A way he never looked at me. I thought he loved me, but the way I saw him look at her was actual love…it was the way I wanted to be looked at, the way that…(she remembers the way the PIANO TUNER touched her.)

EX-WIFE
You must leave.

COUNTESS
No. He will love me again / (she begins to run off) and he will see that I am the one for him. I can’t lose him. I can’t lose everything.

EX-WIFE
/ You have to go, or you will be next. HE WILL KILL YOU

End Scene

Written by Rob Bull

Scene Eight

The housekeeper and the count are alone. The count is sat pondering to himself while the housekeeper observes silently. Finally after a few seconds the housekeeper speaks up

HOUSEKEEPER. Where is she now?

Silence. The atmosphere is uncomfortable.

Where is the girl?

COUNT. Girl?

HOUSEKEEPER. The Child.

COUNT. The chamber.

The housekeeper is shocked

HOUSEKEEPER. What? Why have you put her in there?

COUNT. I…I didn’t know what else to do.

HOUSEKEEPER. You’re going to have to be more careful; you’re starting to slip up.

The Count stays silent. The Housekeeper starts to get impatient

Are you listening to me? Be cautious.

COUNT. It doesn’t matter anymore.

The Housekeeper is now infuriated

HOUSEKEEPER. angrily Are you insane? Your sorrow for that girl is infuriating; she’s dead, dead you hear me. And while you’re here feeling sorry for yourself that wife of yours is out there sneaking around asking questions.

COUNT. Where is she now?

HOUSEKEEPER. I observed her leaving the grounds; she has gone to the forest.

COUNT. Leave her, she knows nothing.

HOUSEKEEPER. I wouldn’t be so sure of that.

The Count says nothing

Listen to me; she’s been seen in the woods.

The Count becomes intrigued

COUNT. Who has?

HOUSEKEEPER. The one who escaped.

COUNT. I thought she died…faded into oblivion.

HOUSEKEEPER. Well she’s still alive.

COUNT. unsure What harm can she do? She’s insane.

HOUSEKEEPER. What is wrong with you?

COUNT. Nothing, I’m fine.

HOUSEKEEPER. You’re a disgrace. Your power is waning and your mind has become corrupted by ideals of love. Let go of that little harlot and do something about this hindrance.

COUNT. Get out.

HOUSEKEEPER. If you won’t do anything then I will remove the poisoned one.

COUNT. he stands I SAID GET OUT!

The Countess enters. She stops when the Housekeeper turns to face her. The Count sits back down. The Housekeeper turns back to the Count.

HOUSEKEEPER. I will take care of this predicament.

The Housekeeper leaves. The Countess watches as she goes then approaches the Count. He doesn’t look at her or even move.

COUNT. Where have you been?

COUNTESS. In the garden.

COUNT. That’s amusing; I don’t remember the woods being a part of the garden.

COUNTESS. taken aback I…How did you…?

COUNT. What were you doing?

COUNTESS. There has been rumours…there’s a woman in the forest.

COUNT. to himself So it’s true then…

COUNTESS. What?

COUNT. he stands This woman, what did she say?

COUNTESS. She…she…

COUNT. angrily SPEAK WOMAN!

COUNTESS. She told me about a room…
COUNT. temper flaring What room!?

COUNTESS. nervous A room that stunk of hate. A room of death….

COUNT. Well this is just perfect.

COUNTESS. distressed She told me she was not the first, that there were others before…

COUNT. Oh really please do go on.

COUNTESS. terrified that you were evil, that you were going to kill me…

COUNT. To kill you…

COUNTESS. She said that you didn’t love me!

The Count stops what he’s doing and stares at the Countess

COUNT. Love you?

COUNTESS. Yes.

COUNT. Oh my darling, I loathe you.

COUNTESS. No…

COUNT. What’s this? You don’t like that?

COUNTESS. You’re lying to me…

COUNT. Oh no, I think you’re lying to yourself.

COUNTESS. You are horrible.

The Count laughs. She goes to leave. He stops her

COUNT. You are mine.

COUNTESS. No, I’m not…

The Countess leaves

COUNT. And so it ends.

End Scene

Written by Lewis Chanel

Final Scene

(Scene opens on bloody chamber. The SNOW CHILD is in the middle of the chamber slightly raised and the Ex wives are around her in different positions. The COUNTESS walks on stage with a knife and looks traumatised at what she is looking at. She walks around the chamber trying to take everything in. She goes to touch some of the objects in the chamber and then notices the SNOW CHILD. She walks up to the SNOW CHILD and walks around her. She stops and stares at her for a while.)

COUNTESS: Whats so special about you? Peasant child. Look at you! Disgusting. I am far more beautiful and you took him away from me. You took all this away from me. I was living my dream and I had everything I have always wanted. He would buy me everything until you came along. It’s sickening really how he could love something like you.

(The COUNTESS begins to stroke the SNOW CHILDS face with her knife to show she is crazed linking to the scene 7. As she is doing this the door to the chamber opens and a males silhouette is shown on stage. The COUNTESS stands up straight with her knife clutched in her hand and it is obvious she thinks it is the COUNT. The male begins to walk into the chamber and the COUNTESS can sense that he is getting closer and closer. The PIANO TUNER is the male and he is trying to feel his way into the chamber feeling around for the COUNTESS. The COUNTESS is unaware who this is as she is facing the other way. The PIANO TUNER moves towards the COUNTESS and puts his hand on her shoulder. She is still gripping the knife tight)

PIANO TUNER: I heard the argument… (The COUNTESS turns sharply and plunges the knife into the PIANO TUNERS stomach. He keels over and she withdraws the knife and screams.)

COUNTESS: NO! NO! William?! NO! (She places him on the floor and begins stroking his face and touching his wound. She is getting blood all over her hands and is putting it all over his face as she is touching him.)

PIANO TUNER: Elizabeth… You must leave this place.

COUNTESS: No, No. I said I would come back to you. I promised. I promised.

PIANO TUNER: You did. You’re here with me now.

COUNTESS: (She is sobbing) But… No. I didn’t… I’m sorry. I’m sorry.

PIANO TUNER: (The PAINO TUNER smiles and touches the COUNTESS’ face as she is leaning over him) I love you, Elizabeth.

COUNTESS: I love you too. (They kiss and the PIANO TUNER dies) William? (She begins to shake him) William? (She says in disbelief and begins to cry) No. No.

(The COUNT enters the chamber. The COUNTESS is still on the floor crying)

COUNT: How touching.

COUNTESS: You! You did this! (The COUNTESS stands with the knife in her hand)

COUNT: My darling, I am not the one holding the knife.

COUNTESS: No.. but.. but you made him come down here. I know you did. You did something. You did this. (She turns back and stares at the PIANO TUNER and puts her hand over her mouth. She is trying not to cry)

COUNT: (Spiteful) I did nothing. This was all you… (His eyes light up) Did you enjoy it? Did you? (He walks around his chamber with confidents. Pause) I do. I’m a little upset that I will have to add you to my collection so soon. I was enjoying your company.

COUNTESS: I am nothing like you. You disgust me. Look at what you have done to these women. Sick. Your sick. I will be no part of your collection.

COUNT: You honestly think you will get away?

COUNTESS: Well one has already…

COUNT: (The COUNT laughs) Has she? I wouldn’t be so sure. (A light comes up and we see the EX WIFE dead in the chamber)

COUNTESS: (Gasps) No. But how…

COUNT: … Shhh. Secret.

(Long Pause. The COUNTESS moves towards the SNOW CHILD but does not take her eyes off the COUNT. He flinches as she gets closer but does not move from where he is standing)

COUNTESS: I didn’t think she would be in here. Not judging by the way you were looking at her in the woods.

COUNT: I did not kill her if thats what you mean.

COUNTESS: (Laughs) I do not believe that for a second. Look around you.

COUNT: (Angry) I DID NOT KILL HER. (He looks at the SNOW CHILD. Finds it hard to say) She… She died in my arms.

COUNTESS: How?

COUNT: (Looking at the SNOW CHILD still and is lost in his own thoughts and emotions) The cold. On the day I found her. She was so beautiful… Just like snow.

COUNTESS: (Mocking) Ohhh… Touching. (She COUNTESS puts the knife to the SNOW CHILDS neck)

COUNT: (Threatening) Do not touch her.

(The COUNTESS begins to move the knife across the SNOW CHILDS neck)

COUNT: I am warning you. Do. Not. Touch. Her.

COUNTESS: (Looks at the SNOW CHILD) How precious. (She slits the SNOW CHILDS throat)

COUNT: NO!

(In a rage the COUNT marches up to the COUNTESS and grabs her by the throat. The COUNTESS is chocking and he is threatening her though gritted teeth in her face)

COUNT: I said not to touch her. I said not to touch her! Look at what you have done. You have stained her with blood. You have stained my child with blood. Her neck… (He puts releases the COUNTESS and begins to stroke her neck as if he is planning to cut it where her necklace is) Her beautiful neck.

(The COUNTESS is weeping and sees this as her chance to kill the count. She slaps him and plunges her knife into his stomach and drops it on the floor and stumbles back. The COUNT falls to the floor but tries to reach up to the SNOW CHILD but he can’t reach. He dies. The COUNTESS is left on the floor of the chamber holding her knees. A spot light it on her for a few minutes as she just sits there)

End Scene.

Written by Hannah Smith

After we had all written the scenes they were all put together to make a final script which was then looked over by Stephanie Doe- Director to make any notes she felt were relevant. A full script draft was then put together.

Hannah Smith

After writing scenes one to three separately we came to the realisation that it would take to long to write the whole script if we stuck to this idea. Along with this we also realised that we did not have enough scenes to properly explain the story so the audience would understand. We took the decision to add more scenes to the performance and create a new synopsis of scenes.

New Synopsis

Scene One-

Housekeeper and countess- Getting ready for wedding. Staying the same.

Scene Two-

Count and countess passionate scene. Staying the same.

Scene Three- Rob (Done for 16th)

Count and countess meet the snow child- Scene two ends with the count and countess taking a walk. They are walking through the snowy woods and see the snow child. The count sees her beauty rushes to her aid and tries to make her warm. Hear about some backstory from the snow child. Why she is out there etc. countess is trying to get him away from the snow child as she doesn’t want any other women in his life that may sway him from her as she enjoys the wealth. He refuses to do as the countess says and she leaves. The countess then runs into the ‘crazy lady’ and the crazy lady warns the countess about the chamber etc. The countess is trying to get away this whole time and doesn’t really listen to what the crazy lady is saying.

Scene Four

Piano tuner and housekeeper- We find out more background information about the two. Ending needs changing as count and countess don’t walk in anymore. Me and Steph will edit this when it comes to doing it.

Scene Five- Lewis (Done for 16th)

Piano tuner and Countess- (needs adding onto) The countess comes back and she is shaken up about the incident with the crazy lady. She goes to her music room and finds the piano tuner in there playing the piano. She sits with him for a while and they begin to talk about his sight etc. She then begins to talk to him about what the crazy lady said to her about the chamber and how she isn’t sure what to believe. The piano tuner says that he has heard that these stories are true and the countess tells the piano tuner she is worried and isn’t sure what she should do about asking the count or not. They have a kiss in this scene towards the end. He promises to look after her or something.

Scene Six- Hannah (Done for 16th)

Snow child and count- The snow child and the count return to the castle. They go into the bedroom and the snow child is weak and we can see that she is finding it hard to walk etc. The count is helping her and puts her on the bed and gets in beside her. He says how beautiful she is and how he has never felt like this. He remarks about how beautiful her skin is as she is white as snow or something. She is just laying there and he begins to stroke her face and kiss her and show affection and love towards her. They then make love and she dies during sex. He weeps at the end.

Scene Seven- Rob (Done for 22nd)

Crazy lady and countess- After everything that has been said about the count the countess decided to go and search for the crazy lady as she wants to know more about the chamber etc. They meet again in the woods and the crazy lady explains what happened to her in the castle and about what she saw and warns the countess to run. The countess leaves the scene with rage as she has been used and she feels she does not have the upper hand on the relationship.

Scene Eight- Lewis (Done for 22nd)

Count and countess- Confrontation about everything that the countess now knows and she wants answers to why he has hidden all this from her. The count does not say much as he is upset over the death of the snow child. (I feel we need more discussion about this scene before i write anymore because I don’t know where this is meant to go)

Scene Nine- Hannah (Done for 22nd)

Countess finds snow chamber. I see this as a quiet scene with music and the audience just watch what the countess finds.

This just gives you all an idea about what is happening. I feel we need to clarify some scenes more as i’m not sure where they are going at the moment but hopefully we will be able to have a meeting soon and sort that all out. Hope this helps.

– Written by Hannah Smith

We felt that these added scenes would help explain the story more for the audience as long as help develop characters and emotions. Along with these changes to the script and synopsis a head script writer was appointed (Hannah Smith) as we needed to keep the script moving and deadlines needed to be set so everyone could begin learning their lines. After this decision was made I appointed scenes to certain people in the script writing team and dates that they had to be done by. This would then help the script be written so we could begin to perform.

Hannah Smith.

Each script writer went away and began to write their own take on each scene. We all met and developed a finished scene from each others ideas.

Beginning drafts


Characters

Count

Countess

Snow Child

Piano Tuner

Housekeeper

Ex lover of the Count. Slightly crazed.

Scene One


(The curtain opens to reveal a castle’s boudoir, the COUNTESS and HOUSEKEEPER are in the boudoir. The COUNTESS is sat on a chair in the middle of the room.)


HOUSEKEEPER: You look beautiful. You make a wonderful bride. (pause) From here on your life will start. (pause) You’re so lucky if I may say so Madame.


(HOUSEKEEPER carries on brushing COUNTESS’ hair)


COUNTESS: (staring off into the distance. Pause.) Thank you.


(Silence)


HOUSEKEEPER: He will look after you, you know. He has much to give. Wait until you have a tour of the house. It is magnificent. I know you will enjoy living here. The master has put a room aside just for you so you are able to play music till your heart is content. What a good man.


COUNTESS: (happy and surprised) My own music room?


HOUSEKEEPER: Oh yes. He will dote on you as you are beautiful. The master can’t seem to resist your pretty face. (strokes her face and carries on brushing her hair. Pause)


HOUSEKEEPER: Oh you must be so happy. I tell you I wish I could find a suitor like him. Charming, handsome, wealthy, he is every woman’s dream.


(The COUNT enters)


(Silence)


HOUSEKEEPER: Doesn’t she look beautiful.


COUNT: Indeed. (not acknowledging the COUNTESS)


(COUNTESS smiles)


HOUSEKEEPER: You make such a fine pair, if you don’t mind me saying master. This is a day that you will remember for the rest of your lives.


(COUNT smiles and nods)


(Pause. COUNT stares at COUNTESS)


COUNT: Ready?


COUNTESS: (turns to COUNT) Yes…sir


HOUSEKEEPER: Of course she is. All ready for your new life aren’t you dear?


(Silence)


COUNT: (To HOUSEKEEPER) Good. As you were.


(COUNT exits)


HOUSEKEEPER: Nothing to worry about madam. I’m sure your nervous, but today will be wonderful… absolutely wonderful.


COUNTESS: I’m sure it will.


HOUSEKEEPER: There all finished. (COUNTESS looks in mirror) Aren’t you just a picture. Come now. It is time.


(They both exit.)


END SCENE


Scene Two


(The COUNTESS enters on stage. There is a stool at the front of the stage with a spot light on it. She sits and after a few seconds of thinking looks up)


COUNTESS: I was unsure of marrying him as I am so young and he a lot older. But the safety and stability he could provide was overwhelming and what girl would not want that? (Looks at and plays with the huge ring on her finger) Even though he is older then I, he is very handsome. He almost took my breath away the first time I saw him. His dark eyes stared at me and I felt like I was drowning in them. I could feel his lust. He just had something about him and I felt like I was under some kind of spell. He was beautiful. (Pause) He had been married before. More then the once. It bemused me as she had died only 3 months before we met. Maybe he didn’t love her as much as he had previously though as he moved on quickly. (Pause) They never found the body. Poor soul. (Pause) My wedding day was just beautiful. A small affair with only a few people but elegant and luxurious. It felt like a dream… I couldn’t believe it was my day. I was treated like a princess. (Pause) Then it was all over and everyone left. (pause) Then it was just us. Me and him.
(Lights come up to reveal the rest of the stage and a bed. The COUNT is stood at the back and is staring at the COUNTESS. She jumps to her feet and hurries back taking the stool with her and places it somewhere near the bed. The COUNT stares at the COUNTESS for about 10 seconds before speaking)


COUNT: Darling.


COUNTESS: (Hesitates)… Sir.


(The COUNT stares at the COUNTESS and she begins to feel uncomfortable and begins rubbing her arms and looking down)

COUNT: Well look at what I have managed to get for myself.

(He approaches her slowly. She stands rigid. He walks behind her and smells her. Breathes out a huge sigh)

You smell like a pure rose my darling.


(The COUNTESS begins to take a step forward but the COUNT grabs her and pulls her close to his chest as he is still stood behind her. He keeps her here for a few seconds and then he begins to stroke her face and jolts it to the side and begins to kiss her neck. The COUNTESS does not move and remains rigid and scared)


COUNT: (Pushes her forward and she spins around to look at him. He stares at her) What a pretty little doll you are.


COUNTESS: Sir. I…


COUNT: … Sh. I did not say speak! (The COUNT looks angry)


(The count walks over to the COUNTESS and begins to feel her body etc. He stares at her and begins to take off her jacket then top leaving her stood with her arms trying to cover her body with her head down. The COUNT take a step back to admire what is his. He stares for a few seconds then steps forwards to the COUNTESS)


COUNT: (Walks up to COUNTESS strokes her face and strokes her lips) Soon.
(Pause) Come, we will now take a walk.

(The COUNT exits.The COUNTESS is left to quickly put her top and jacket back on and swiftly runs after the COUNT)


End Scene.

Scene Three

(We see the PIANO TUNER attempting to tune a piano in the music room. The HOUSEKEEPER enters the room and looks around and she spots the piano tuner on the floor looking for a tool)


HOUSEKEEPER: Hello.


PIANO TUNER: (The piano tuner stands up. Pause) Hello?


HOUSEKEEPER: Hello dear, I’m the housekeeper (NAME) (She reaches for the piano tuners hand and lifts it from his side to shake it) Just thought I would introduce myself to you. The master said you would be coming. I’m glad you found your way to the room. This castle is rather grand.


PIANO TUNER: Yes, it is. The master showed me up earlier as he wanted the piano fixing for his new bride he said. I’m (NAME) by the way.


HOUSEKEEPER: Yes, he mentioned getting someone over to sort it out. Are you from the village?


PIANO TUNER: I am.


HOUSEKEEPER: I thought as much. The master tries to get all his staff close as they may have family. He is a good man.


PIANO TUNER: Yes, I’m sure he is mam. I lived with my father so hopefully I will be able to see him. (Pause) My father was in the business. He passed it down to me. Unfortunately, I was able to do little when it came to work so he taught me to tune pianos so I was able to make a living. It’s more about feeling the vibrations and hearing the correct notes more then anything.


HOUSEKEEPER: (looks at him sympathetically) I’ve heard you’re nothing but the best dear. Thats why we simply had to have you.


(The PIANO TUNER looks embarrassed)


PIANO TUNER: Thank you, mam. That means a lot. (He smiles to himself. Long pause) Do you have family in the village too?


HOUSEKEEPER: Oh no my dear. I have worked for the master for as long as I can remember.


PIANO TUNER: You must be the best as well then.


HOUSEKEEPER: Well he likes things a certain way and expectations are always met when it comes to me. I always strive to meet perfection and often do if I say so myself. (Long pause) The master took me in at a very young age you see dear and has looked after me ever since. I owe him a lot as he has helped me a lot. I guess he is like my family.


PIANO TUNER: I am sorry mam. I didn’t know that you didn’t have…


HOUSEKEEPER: …Thats perfectly fine, dear. I don’t mind sharing my story. It’s the truth at the end of the day. He’s been good to me and is such a good man. I couldn’t have wished for better (She gives a small smile to herself. Pause) If you don’t mind me asking… How did you lose your sight?


(The PIANO TUNER hesitates but reluctantly talks. He is emotional)


PIANO TUNER: I was like this from birth. My mother had complications and was ill during her pregnancy. When the birth came around unfortunately she did not make it and passed away. I was blind and my father was left to look after me. It was hard for us but we managed.


HOUSEKEEPER: (Pause. Walks up to the PIANO TUNER and takes his hand in her hands) I’m really sorry to hear that. I can’t imagine how hard it would have been. Your father sounds like a strong person and I can see that has reflected on you. You’l be happy here and if not you come and see me.


PIANO TUNER: Thank you.


(The COUNT and COUNTESS arrive home from their walk and enter into the room where the HOUSEKEEPER and PIANO TUNER are)


COUNT: I see you’ve had introductions. Good. (HOUSEKEEPERS NAME) I need you to go and pack for a night away. I have been called to business.


HOUSEKEEPER: Yes, sir. Come (PAINO TUNERS NAME).


(The HOUSEKEEPER and PAINO TUNER exit. The COUNT turns to the COUNTESS)


COUNT: I have been called to go on business. I won’t be gone long but it is a very important trip.


COUNTESS: I don’t understand. We have only just got married and you’re leaving. I thought we were going to…


COUNT: … I won’t be gone long. Only a few days.


(The COUNT pulls out a large set of keys from beneath his jacket and unhooks them from a chain. He puts them into the COUNTESS’ hand)


COUNT: Here. These are keys to all the rooms in the castle. Feel free to go anywhere. This is your house now. Wear as many jewels as you desire and have as many dresses made as possible if you wish. I ask one thing… Do not go down to the west wing. (The pulls one small key from the bunch and shows it her and she stares at it) This key is forbidden. Do not use it.


(The COUNTESS looks at the key then into the COUNTS eyes. She feels scared but curious. She slowly nods her head)


COUNT: Good. (The HOUSEKEEPER enters with his case. He nods at the HOUSEKEEPER and he puts his hand on the COUNTESS’ chin and lifts up her head and gives a long kiss)


COUNT: Ill be a few days. (He exits)


(The HOUSEKEEPER and the COUNTESS are left standing in the room alone)


HOUSEKEEPER: Do not worry my dear. He will be back soon. The master occasionally has to go away on business but its never for too long.


COUNTESS: Thank you. Will you leave me now please?


(The HOUSEKEEPER exits)


(The COUNTESS looks through all the keys like she has never seen them before. She begins to wander around the room and around the castle opening boxes and putting on jewellery. She then finds a box full of letters from the COUNTS ex-wives. She looks through them)


COUNTESS: (Reading the letter out loud) Darling, I can’t wait to be in your arms. Its been such a long time since I felt your touch. You’re the one I want and the one I need. My darling to be with you I am willing to do anything and for fill any fantasy. I crave your skin on mine and will do anything for you. I’m willing to do what we discussed. Till we meet again my darling. All my love.


(The COUNTESS stares at the letter for some time in confusion. She is curious to what the letter is talking about)


COUNTESS: I’m willing to do what we discussed? What did they discuss? I don’t…


(The COUNTESS carries on looking through the box of letters and we see her reading more but she doesn’t say anything. She puts the box back and carries on looking through the rest of the castle. She comes to the key and starts to walk towards the west wing. The HOUSEKEEPER then shouts her name)


HOUSEKEEPER: (COUNTESS’ NAME!)


(The COUNTESS hesitates and turns around and walks away from the west wing off stage)

End Scene

– Written by Hannah Smith

These are all original from the original written script and will be built upon and used for the final master script.

Hannah Smith.

As a Theatre company we decided to use Angela Carter and her stories to influence our script. We went on to read all her stories from ‘The Bloody Chamber’ novel and came to the conclusion of using three stories as we felt they reflected our theatre company and what we wanted to achieve perfectly. These were; The Bloody Chamber, The Snow Child and The Courtship of Mr Lyon. We were originally going to turn these into individual scripts and perform them on stage linking them together with another story called ‘The Little Matchstick Girl’. This would work by the little matchstick girl coming on between the performances telling parts of her story and ending with her dying. It was then decided by the script writing team, the director and the producer that this would over run the given time limit and we all felt it would not flow as well as originally thought. We then decided to just use ‘The Bloody Chamber’ and ‘The Snow Child’ story, merge them together to make one story and turn this into a script.

Synopsis of ‘Bloody Chamber’

• A young bride travels from Paris through the night with her much older husband towards her new home, a large and isolated castle in Brittany
• She describes her introduction to a world of luxury and pleasure
• Their honeymoon unfolds in the ways she had not expected
• The Marquis leaves to attend to his business affairs, trusting the narrator with the keys to his entire castle
• He asks her to promise not to open the door his private study
• The narrator contacts her mother by telephone, bursting into tears as she speaks of her luxurious surroundings
• Bored and curious, she searches the Marquis office and finds some informatexion about his previous wives.
• She decides to explore the rest of the house
• She opens the door to the forbidden chamber, where she discovers the Marquis collection of the bodily remains of his previous wives on display.
• As the wife dreads the return of the Marquis she is comforted by a blind piano tuner, Jean-Yves.
• The marquis returns and prepares to carry out his murderous plan
• She is rescued from her villainous husband by the timely and heroic arrival of her mother who shoots him dead.
• Now a wealthy widow, the narrator and piano tuner begin a new life together

Synopsis of ‘The Snow Child’

• The count and his wife go riding
• He wishes for a beautiful girl
• The girl appears and the countess is jealous
• The countess destroys the girl
• The count still desires the dead girl and the countess, though she has everything learns that jealousy can be painful.
The symbolic significance of his desires is communicated in the similes of his three wishes: snow, blood and a raven = a mixture of coldness, bloodthirstiness and fatality.

– Written by Stephanie Doe (Director)

We worked of these small synopsis’ to merge the two stories together and create our script. A synopsis of both stories together was then developed which all the scriptwriters would use to begin writing the script.

Original synopsis of whole script

This is obviously going to change it’s just my view as we haven’t managed to have a meeting so hopefully we will have one after lesson tomorrow and sort a few things out and obviously all collaborate together. I think that it’s more about the bloody chamber as the main story then like filtering the snow child in so it makes sense. Also, do we want the necklace in this? I dont think its too important.

Main characters (A few more will be added)

Marquis & Count being combined into one character. (A cold man who enjoys women for sexual pleasure only)

Countess & 17 year old new bride one character. (Naive character but gets stronger in the play and is driven to jealousy. Also in love with the Piano player)

The blind piano tuner (A kind, gentle soul and in love with the countess)

The snow child and The Marquis/Counts true love. (She does not talk/ talks very little. Pure)

I think that we need other characters such as a ‘housekeeper’ or something in the house and she could have something to do with helping the count as when i read the story i got a cold feeling off her but this will all be sorted out as and when we have a rough story etc and we obviously need a few other characters too to help the story make sense and so it doesn’t just focus on this one story. Sub stories are key and a lot of depth need to be added to all characters to make them believable. The hardest thing about script writing is giving your character a back story without actually writing any of it in. It is for the audience to make up in their own head.

The Story from my view- The fairy tales I see running through this is Beauty and the Beast, Snow white and Blue Beard

Scene one
I think we should start with the rough opening to how the bloody chamber starts. Like the whole thing where we learn about how a young girl has married a much older and wealthy man and how he is strange and cold etc and possibly take this through a narrative view. Then we get an opening to the story and a description of the characters. It goes on to the girl arriving in the castle and it being grand and dark (I see the castle in beauty and the beast in my head) and they go to the bedroom. This is when she gets nervous etc as he is quite sexual towards her as it is their honey moon but nothing happens etc. He decides that it is not time for sexual experiences yet and stops all seduction. This is when I think they should go on a ride/ walk (just to get it in the play that it’s a hobby of theirs so they can go for a ride) It could be kind of another fetish thing for him?

Scene Two
The piano tuner can arrive and be back at the house so we can focus on him for a bit and his story. Maybe he could be talking to the housekeeper about how he became blind and I think we should also get some back story of the housekeeper here to do with how long she has waited on the Marquis/Count for and how they may have a bond or something. She could help him preserve the bodies or something like that. When the Marquis/ Count and the girl arrive home thats when he is told about his urgent business and he has to go. The girl is given all the keys to the house and is told to go anywhere she pleases apart from one part of the castle (Beauty and the beast again) and he shows her the key and tells her the room she is unable to go into. The Marquis/ Count goes and she begins to explore the castle.

Scene Three
She has found the music room and plays the piano in it. This is when she can have her first encounter with the piano tuner and they can discuss if he is able to listen to her play when she gives consent. I think this scene should also show the audience that they have a spark and they could do this through the fact that they both love music or something. She begins to go and explore the rest of the castle and finds evidence of his ex wive’s and what they look like and some of the past etc. She however does not go into the chamber as she wants to honour his wishes as she is scared of him but has found a lot of evidence that there is something not right about the count. The piano tuner comes in and they talk once again and she tells him what she has found. They get closer through out the rest of the scenes and begin a secret relationship. When the Marquis/Count comes back he asks to see her in the bedroom and she gives him back the keys and he believes she knows nothing. He checks the key and is happy she did not go into the chamber. This makes her even more curious to what is in it as he has checked. A potential passionate moment here as he is lusting for a woman.

Scene Four
Time has passed and the scene starts with them riding/ walking once again and it is snowing. The Marquis/ Count seems to be mystified with the snow and wishes for a girl made out of snow. They continue riding and come across a girl that is white as snow. I don’t feel the girl just appeared out of no where though I think she has been out all night in the snow or something and has become so white and cold but he sees her as something pure and a thing of beauty. The countess gets jealous as she does not want anyone else to have the count/ marquis due to the wealth he has. The snow girl dies after the countess has demanded her to do many things but before this the countess goes back to the castle. I think the girl should die of the cold not pricking her finger though to make this more realistic don’t know what everyone else thinks? The count/ Marquis then goes looking for the snow girl and finds her dead and the snow is still falling on top of her and he falls in love with her. Then he rapes her but this is a thing of love to him as he has never been in love before. The audience then feels emotion towards his loss but they understand at the same time that is it wrong for him to have sex with this woman. He goes back to the castle and demands the housekeeper to go and find this woman and put her in this chamber and preserve her. The paino tuner and countess meet so she can share with him what happened and she is worried he shall leave her for this beautiful woman. She did not see her die or the rape.

Scene five
The marquis/count has to go on business again and gives the keys to the countess once more. She countess then takes this opportunity to go into the chamber as she has wanted for so long and she finds the dead wives and the dead snow girl. The snow girl looks different to the other two wives. The wives have been left in torture equipment but the snow girl has flowers around her and has been cared for. This is a sign of love. She drops the key in a pool of blood on the floor picks it up quickly and runs. She bumps into the piano tuner on the way and explains all she has seen then it all begins to make sense to each other. They make a plan to escape and run away together but it is too late. The marquis/count is back. He asks for the keys back and sees she has been into the chamber as the blood has dried onto it. He slits the throat of the countess as he fears she has done something to his love and she is then put in the chamber along with his other wives. The piano tuner stays in the castle and lives in the music room where her piano is and pines after her. The count/Marquis preserves his one love for as long as he can and visits her daily and makes love to her. I think the end stage picture should be the countess dead in the torture chamber or something.

– Written by Hannah Smith

We then all decided to begin a script each which would be written scene by scene and have a meeting weekly to put all the scenes together to make one master script to use.

Hannah Smith.