When Worlds Collide is a ‘timeslip’ love story that explores the relationship of two people from very different backgrounds. It is a great ensemble piece where actors work together to create the magic and excitement of the 1980s and stretch themselves as performers. The piece demands stylised movement; dancing and singing combined with moments of intense drama. Previous ensembles have enjoyed participating in the play and have been immensely happy that the piece was received positively by audiences.

St Leonards School took 'When Worlds Collide' to the Edinburgh Fringe in August 2023.

Cast

Large cast (30+) but the play lends itself to multi-roling thus reducing the number of actors required.

Content

There are scenes where language is used that could be deemed offensive but these can be easily made more palatable depending on your audience.

Extract: Opening scene

London 1980s

(A man in his thirties stands DSR in his own spot. A girl, late teens early twenties stands USL in her own spot.)

 JEN                        It's raining

BOBBY BOY         Cats and dogs! 

VOICE 1                What's that, son? 

BOBBY BOY         Pissing it down, dad!

 JEN                       And the streets glisten but not with/gold

BOBBY BOY         Cold, dad, taters! 

JEN                        But with tears –

VOICE 2                What are you talking about now? 

JEN                        Tiny diamond tears.

VOICE 2                Get your head out of the clouds! 

JEN                         Dripping.

BOBBY BOY          Damp! Put a scarf on; keep your chest warm.

VOICE 1                 Set in for the day? 

JEN                         Cleansing – 

BOBBY BOY          I don't know.

VOICE 1                 They said the sun was coming – 

BOBBY BOY          Yeah, well.

JEN                         They sparkle!

VOICE 2                 What do?

 JEN                        The buildings. 

VOICE 2                 You do spout rubbish. 

JEN                         I'm going out.

VOICE 2                 In this?

VOICE 1                 It might clear up later.

JEN                         I want to sparkle too!

(Bobby Boy and Jen walk DS.) 

BOBBY BOY           It'll take more than a bit of sun to clear up /these streets - fucking filthy!

 JEN                         These streets are...so beautiful! 

BOBBY BOY           But this is/ London. 

JEN                           London! I'm going /to love London! 

BOBBY BOY            I am London. (Beat) I am the blood, sweat and tears that carries empty fag packets down oily 

                                  drains; the pollution that puts a hand around your throat and chokes the breath out of your 

                                  lungs; the punch to your face as your pockets are picked; the boot that kicks those already in the 

                                  gutter; the knife that tears flesh ending pointless existence.

JEN                            Look! I'm sparkling! 

BOBBY BOY            The darkness at the end of the alley where nobody goes.

VOICE 2                    Promise me you'll be careful, love!

(Following lines said in unison.)

JEN                            I'm here! 

BOBBY BOY            I'm here.

(All cast cross the stage becoming the busy streets. Jen crosses and backs into Bobby Boy who knocks her over.) 

BOBBY BOY              You need to look where you're going!/You alright? 

JEN                              Sorry! Yes, I'm fine. I was looking at that building; amazing! 

BOBBY BOY               It's an old prison.

JEN                              It's very impressive. It's the brickwork – 

BOBBY BOY              So you're not hurt? 

JEN                              No. I've just moved here to study, I live there – 

BOBBY BOY              Don't tell me.

JEN                             Why? 

BOBBY BOY              You don't know me.

JEN                              I live next to a prison. Brilliant! 

BOBBY BOY              If you put your ear against the wall, they say you can still hear the moans of the condemned – 

JEN                             Really? 

BOBBY BOY              No.

JEN                             Oh.

BOBBY BOY              Go back to your digs and stay indoors - you're a statistic waiting to happen! 

JEN                              (Laughing) That's what my mum says! 

BOBBY BOY               Do yourself a favour and listen to her, little girl.

(Bobby exits.) 

JEN                               (Shouting after him) Have a good evening.