Malory Towers (2020–…): Season 2, Episode 7 - The Play - full transcript

Oh, oh.

Never fear, my sweet.

For tonight, I shall..

Free you from...

..free you from
your father's cruel bonds.

Gwen, you promised you'd be
word-perfect!

We can't have prompting today
in front of the parents.

We shall run away together.

The sword, Gwen.

Oh, and, and... Woe betide him
if he tries to stop us.

Oh!



Girls, do be careful!

Can someone help me, please?

Oh, for goodness' sake.

I can't be excited about
Open Day,

not knowing it might be our last.

The school can't really be closing!

Darrell saw it in writing.

What is so tremendously interesting
that it cannot wait until lunch?

Irene, perhaps you would
like to share it with us.

When was I going to hear about
the school closing, Miss Grayling?

I had to learn it from the girls.

Nothing set in stone.

I'm still doing my best to work
things out

and today is crucial.



I've worked here for 20 years.

Please, Matron, it's imperative
that these rumours do not spread.

I'd like you to speak to the girls
at once.

If you cannot trust me with
the truth,

then how can you trust me to speak
to the girls?

I suggest you do it yourself.

Miss Grayling, I'm utterly sorry,
but I picked up the dictionary

and there was a letter underneath.

You read my private mail?

I didn't mean to read it,

but I saw what it said.

She didn't tell everyone, though.

I was there and even I didn't know

till Gwen read Darrell's diary
and told everyone about it.

I am very disappointed in you both.

I'm so, so sorry.

Is it really true the school's
closing down?

I must be honest with you, girls.

Its future is under threat.

Miss Grayling...

Is there anything we can do to help?

Yes. Promise to keep this
to yourselves, just for today.

Are you asking us to lie?

I'm asking you not to broadcast
private information.

If parents panic,
staying open may not be possible.

It sounds like it's not
possible anyway.

There may still be a way
through.

What? Some incredibly rich
businessmen may happen

to stroll up and decide to give you
enough money

to keep the school open?

Wait, is that what's happening?

Is that why today is so important?

Crikey! I do hope to secure
a backer today, yes.

The school must look its best.

You must all shine.

What if this businessman
isn't convinced?

Then I'll make an announcement
after the play...

..about the likelihood
of the school closing.

Miss Grayling... You are dismissed.

Darrell, before you go,
can I have a word?

Am I in more trouble? Always.

Not this time,
but I have some unfortunate news.

Your father has to perform
an emergency operation today.

He's not coming? Sorry.

Neither he nor your mother
can be here, I'm afraid.

But as you'll have time
on your hands,

I have a task for you.

Could you lead a small group
on a tour?

Of course. Anything to make it
up to you.

Just be the impressive ambassador
for the school I know you are.

Since when did we do tours
on Open Day?

Is this for the investor?

Why would you trust her,
of all people,

after she read
your private correspondence?

Only if you trust people

can they live up to your faith
in them.

Was Miss Grayling terribly cross,
Darrell?

No, it wasn't about that.

I'm to lead a tour around
the school.

I wonder who it is
I'll be showing around.

Oh, there's your mother, Gwen.

You're lucky she came,
despite it all.

What are you talking about?

Well, with your father being ill.

Darrell Rivers, listen to me.

Not a word about my father
being ill. Why?

Because it would make Mother
terribly upset.

It's making me upset thinking
about it.

Darrell was only trying to be kind.

Well, she shouldn't,
and neither should you.

Neither of you must mention
a word about Daddy's illness.

Promise?

BOTH: Promise.

Oh, dear.

I did actually mention it
when I wrote to my granny.

Don't worry, she probably
won't bring it up.

But if she does, it just shows
you and she both care.

Where's the harm in that?

Mother, you look wonderful.

Do I? Thank you.

That's lovely! From Daddy.

Real emeralds, you know,
to match my...

Darling, your hair!

It's for the play!
I'm the main part, you see.

I can't wait for you to see it.

I'm excited to see you in costume.

Do you have a wonderful frock?

Daddy's terribly sorry to miss it.

He's terribly busy at the company,
but I promise to catch him up.

Do you think he might lift
the punishment?

That's between you and him.

You know how disappointed
he was with you last term.

Places such value on mucking in.

Oh, but I am.

I've been desperate all term.

It's really hard to get by here
without pocket money.

Well, let's see how today goes.

And I'll think about making
the case to him.

Yes, of course, but if a job vacancy
comes up,

I have an unblemished...

DISCONNECTED TONE

Well, I wouldn't want to work
for you anyway.

MATRON: Ah, yes, am I speaking
with...?

And what time will she be back?

Oh, yeah.

Georgina... Oh!

Mother, this is Georgina Thomas,
my friend,

the one I wrote to you about.

We're doing the play together,

Gwendoline Mary Lacey.

Ah, the famous Gwendoline.

Francis Thomas.

Sylvia Louise Mary Lacey.

It's a real coup that Daddy's come.

This is his first visit.

He's normally far too busy.

Well done, Gwendoline.

The Thomases of Thomas Mines.

Just the sort of friends Daddy
hoped you'd make.

Hello, everyone.

Sorry to break things up, but I need
those girls in the play...now.

Come along, Gwen. Final rehearsals.

Oh, Mother, you will be all right
on your own, won't you?

We'll keep each other company.

I'm being shown around the grounds
any minute.

Why not join me on the school tour?
Why, thank you.

Mr Thomas.

Let me introduce you to Darrell,
your tour guide.

I'm so pleased to meet you.

I promise to give you the best
ever tour.

No need for special treatment.

I'd like to see the school
from the girls' perspective.

Warts an' all. Bye, Daddy.

Don't miss the play.
I won't. Come on.

Remember, not a word about my
father. Right.

So if you'd just like to walk this
way... Oh, Darrell!

My granny's got an extra passenger,
so we've got one more for your tour.

Oh, no, I don't know... Darrell!

Felicity! How...?

She was so upset at missing
Open Day.

Daddy called and arranged
for me to come with...

Granny Margo.

That's what Mary-Lou calls me.

And so may you both.

Imagine, this will be my school
too in a few terms.

I really want you to come along,

but I've got a lot of responsibility
today.

I'll help you. It'll be fun!

Granny and I could come too.
For, um, moral support.

Alicia, Alicia, quick!

What?

I think Matron's leaving. What?

What are you two looking at?

Ellen, back to bed.

Are you going somewhere, Matron?

I'm due some leave.

Even we staff are allowed time off
sometimes.

Has the school closure been
confirmed?

She's been telephoning about
a new job.

Have you been listening
into my private business, Ellen?

No, I... Matron.

How could you?

We have to pull together
to save this school,

not run like rats
from a sinking ship.

Are you calling me a rat,
Ellen Wilson?

We both are.

Miss Grayling needs you, Matron.

Well, if she needed me,
she would have told me before now.

Sometimes you have to look after
number one.

No-one else is going to do it.

How am I going to look after number
one if the school shuts?

Where am I going to go?
Won't your family...?

I can't bear to go back to my aunt.

I worked so hard to get away.

Matron.

Please, stay, help.

Nothing I do will make
a difference now.

And from here, we have a wonderful
view of

our historic school buildings.

Splendid. Gracious!

There's quite a few cracks
in that roof.

That must be why
there was a leak in your dorm.

If you could please just walk
this way.

And, over here, we have the natural
beauty

of our own freshwater stream.

The water's a bit cloudy.

Interesting. Does it always look
that way?

Well, I suppose it does,

but the grounds sweep all the way
over to the sea

and we have our own swimming pool.
A couple of rocks.

It's extremely impressive.

FELICITY: Darrell says everyone
loves it, except for Gwen.

She's such a cowardy-custard.

Oh, poor, Gwen.

Don't be so hard on her, girls.

After all, it can't be easy
with her father being so ill.

How is Mr Lacey?

I beg your pardon?

Well, Mary-Lou told me the sad news
about his...

His serious illness.

Did she?

I see.

Girls, show me where this stream
goes.

What's this Gwendoline said
about her father? I don't really...

I don't remember. Of course you
remember

if you told your grandmother.

We should... Tell me
what my daughter said.

All we know is that Mr Lacey
is very ill

and we are very sorry.

Tell Mr Thomas I've urgently
had to go back

to the school. Mrs Lacey.

Mrs Lacey, you can't go that way.

I think you'll find I can go
any way. I... Argh!

Help!

Help me!

Oh, oh, help me!

Oh, wait there, wait! Oh!

Now, don't move
or you really will get stuck.

Why is it so muddy there, I wonder?

My shoes!

Everyone, one last time!

Scene seven, from the top.

Cue chicken.

Here comes my valiant steed.

Neigh! Neigh!

Jean, the horse is not our star.

Straight to Lady Jane, please.

Do you want to sabotage this show?

If we make a mat with these
branches...

I'll get another branch!

Thanks, but just stand back!

Mr Thomas, let me, I'm lighter.

Take my hand.

Good show, Darrell Rivers!
Hang on, just one more.

Oh, Mr Thomas! Argh!

MR THOMAS GROANS

Oh, no, no, no!

Gracious!

Please, Matron, we need you.
Please... No!

What difference does it make to some
fat cat businessmen

if one tower has a matron or not?

Matron! Thank heavens!
We need your help.

What's going on? It's the investor.
His suit is covered in mud.

He won't be able to see the play.

Well, it's probably
a jolly good thing. Not at all.

Him seeing his daughter as the star

is our last chance
to get him to invest.

There's no way I can clean and dry
a suit ahead of the play starting.

I know what you could do, though!

Gwendoline?
Sorry, it's Georgina. Gwen?

What is that absurd outfit?

I thought you said you were
the lead. I am! The Highwayman.

Fast Jack.

I need to talk to you now.

No, I can't.
The play's about to start.

You have a lot of explaining to do,
my girl.

I'm covered in mud.

And what's this about
your father's health?

What? I've been utterly humiliated.
And in front of Mr Thomas, too.

How could you put me
in this position?

I... Everyone offering me
consolation for my sick husband.

Why would you lie like that?

I didn't mean to.

It was a mistake.
A misunderstanding.

Gwen, we need you.
Hurry. We're about to start.

I have to go, Mother.
We can continue this afterwards.

Can't possibly sit through a play
after the upset you've caused me!

And I will be telling your father
all about this.

No! Mother, please don't tell
Father anything. Please!

Come on.

You know, Mary-Lou was so happy...

Matron's helping Mr Thomas
with his suit.

It's all going to be all right.
No, it isn't.

Gwen ran off, it's almost curtains
up and we have no Highwayman.

There's no way we can win around
Mr Thomas now. No, wait... We can.

We don't have to have Gwen.
How's that?

Darrell knows the lines better
than Gwen. That's not saying much...

You can do the part instead.
No, I don't think... You must!

Smashing idea. We need you.

This is our last chance
to win Mr Kelly over.

He needs to see his princess
starring in the play.

Come on. I can't do this... Sword!

Hat! You have to.

Come on, you've got this,
break a leg!

The show must go on.

Miss Grayling. May I? Thank you.

Is that my suit?!

Shhh! It's for the greater good.

PIANO PLAYS INTRO

Ladies and gentlemen,
welcome to the Summit of Love.

APPLAUSE AND CHEERING

DISTANT APPLAUSE

PLAY CONTINUES IN DISTANCE

..Jack, must it be tonight?

Gwendoline.
I'm so pleased you're here.

Mother, I thought you'd gone!

I must have lost my new brooch
on that dreadful tour.

Come along.
I need you to help me find it.

..tonight is our last night....

Gwendoline?
I don't like to ask twice.

DISTANT APPLAUSE

Simply enthralling!

PIANO PLAYS GENTLY

Never fear, my sweet.

Tomorrow night, I shall free you
from your father's cruel bonds.

We shall run away together!
And woe...

What's wrong?

..and-and woe betide him
who tries to stop us.

APPLAUSE

Must be here somewhere.

You will tell Daddy I helped out,
won't you?

You think this makes up for the lies
you told about him,

you've got another think coming.

We'll try that way.

# We came here as girls
to be women of the world

# And we'll do so with prosperity. #

APPLAUSE

Encore!

Encore! Wonderful!

Miss Grayling, please don't say
anything yet. There's still time.

Ladies and gentlemen, girls...

..I have important news
about the future of Malory Towers.

Important and wonderful news.

Perhaps you heard a rumour

that Malory Towers
was threatened with closure.

Nothing could be further
from the truth.

Georgina's father, Mr Thomas,
is investing in the school

and with me will lead the school
to a new, prosperous future!

Everywhere I've been today,
I have seen resourceful girls

and staff pulling together
for the greater good.

This show was no exception.

I'm impressed.

And I've really enjoyed myself.

Thank you.

APPLAUSE AND CHEERING

Malory Towers forever!

Whoo! Hooray!

Bye, Daddy. Bye, darling.

Well done again. The show was
really, really first-rate.

Thank you. Margot.

Margot!

Oh! I love you, darling.

It's good to see you.
See you soon. Mwah!

Thank heavens you saved the day.

I so desperately want to come here,
just as soon as I'm old enough.

Well, now you can.

HORN HONKS

Do tell your father we think
he's ever so wonderful

for saving the school.
Well, you can tell him yourself.

He's coming back next week
to go through the details

and to give Mr Parker back his suit.

That was quite a performance.

Darrell, thank you
for everything you did today.

Mr Thomas spoke very highly
of your tour.

Matron!

Are you leaving?

Oh, I have leave owing.

I was going to take a weekend away,

but...if you need me,
I suppose I can stay.

Your quick thinking with
Mr Parker's clothes saved the day.

Ah, no, we have Ellen to thank
for that idea.

It was very sporting of him.

Malory Towers needs you
more than ever.

Please stay.

The summer holidays will be here
before you know it.

Marvellous!
So glad Matron's staying.

Let's get back to the others.

What a day...

Darrell, look.

..terrible day...
I'm so sorry.

Poor Gwen.
I think we got her into trouble.

GWEN'S MOTHER CONTINUES COMPLAINING

Here's the car. I must go.

I don't know how I'll face
your father without my brooch.

I'll keep looking. If I find it,
I'll be sure to let you know.

Goodbye, Mother.