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Outcast by Jenny Mullinder

Characters

• Emma – girl being bullied
• Tom/Sally – classmate sticking up for Emma
• Mr/Miss Short – kind teacher
• Mr/Miss Place – helpful teacher
• John/Jessa (leader of the bullies}
• Hank/Holly – bully }
• Steve/Susie – bully } will be know collectively as ‘the gang’
• David/Danielle – bully }
• Carter – bully }
• Narrator
• Sam }
• Chloe }
• Katie } will be known collectively as ‘pupils’
• Reena }
• Zoe }
• Dom }

Scene 1

The scene is the PLAYGROUND. EMMA walks in carrying a backpack. She walks to the middle of the stage and stops. Suddenly THE GANG come in.

JESSA: (nastily) Hey Emma, come here
EMMA walks wearily over to THE GANG
HOLLY: what’s the matter? You scared of us or something ?
EMMA: (scared) No, I, I just, um I wondered what you wanted
SUSIE: (mocking) Oh, I just wondered what you wanted! (Sneering) you’re pathetic, you make me sick
CARTER: What do you think we want, kisses?
EMMA: No I just meant that…
Danielle: You just meant nothing! Don’t speak unless you’re spoken to
SUSIE: (whispering loudly) where’d you get that from?
DANIELLE: My mum
SUSIE: Oh
JESSA: (points at Danielle and Susie) Hey, you two! Stop nattering!
DANIELLE and SUSIE: sorry Jessa
JESSA: You will be! Anyway Emma, what are you waiting for? Give us the stuff NOW!!
EMMA: (flinches nervously) w, what stuff?
HOLLY: Don’t go stupid on us!
SUSIE: yeah you know what we mean
CARTER and DANIELLE grab EMMAS’ bag and chuck it to JESSA.
JESSA: let’s see what we’ve got here then.
JESSA proceeds to pull items from EMMAS’ bag and pass them to THE GANG. She then tips the bag upside down.
JESSA: That it?
EMMA: Y. Y, yes.
JESSA chucks the bag back to EMMA
JESSA: Now, if you tell anyone about our little deal, what will happen?
EMMA: (gulps) um, I’ll be beaten up so badly I won’t know what day it is.
JESSA: GOOD. Now don’t you forget that!
THE GANG walk offstage

Scene 2

EMMA is alone onstage. She slowly walks to the corner of the playground where she sits down, sobbing. SALLY enters
SALLY: Hey Emma, what’s wrong?
EMMA: oh go away Sally, you don’t know anything about me, and you’re just like the others!
SALLY: Emma, I’m sorry, I just…
EMMA: (wearily interrupting) pleases Sally, just leave me to be.
SALLY walks offstage, looking slightly hurt.

Scene 3

The curtains close. Background changes to EMMAS’ BEDROOM. EMMA is sitting on a seat. She has a diary in her hand.
NARRATOR: later, in Emma’s room.
EMMA: (voiceover) Dear diary today was awful! Jessa and her gang are really mean. I’m scared they’ll beat me up if I don’t have enough stuff to give them. I can’t tell anyone though, they’ll beat me up if I do, and I can’t win either way. Sally’s always on my back “are you ok Emma?” “Shall I tell the teacher Emma?” She gets on my nerves, pretending that she’s different. She’s just like the others they all hate me. Oh well, I won’t be there long, not if I have my way. I HATE school! Better go, Mum’s calling me for tea. Write later, Emma.
EMMA gets up and walks offstage.

Scene 4

The curtains close. Background changes to THE STAFFROOM. MISS PLACE and MISS SHORT are sitting at the table.
MISS PLACE: Yes we’d better organise that, the more able students don’t seem to be rewarded enough, it’s a very good idea.
MISS SHORT: I assume Emma Mulder will be going? She was the best student when she was in my class!
MISS PLACE: A couple of months ago, yes, but her grades have been slipping recently. I just can’t figure it out.
MISS SHORT: Maybe someone is distracting her in class?
MISS PLACE: Her homework hardly ever arrives anymore though, and if it does it’s mostly wrong.
MISS SHORT: Then what? Trouble at home?
MISS PLACE: I don’t think so, I met her parents at parents evening and they seem lovely.
MISS SHORT: is she actually getting worse, or is the work just harder?
MISS PLACE: No, she used to be top of the class but now she’s almost bottom, something’s not right.
MISS SHORT: I think we need to investigate this, who are her friends?
MISS PLACE: You know, now that you mention it, she doesn’t seem to have any at all…
MISS SHORT: that could be it…
MISS SHORT breaks off as THE BELL RINGS.
The teachers gather up their books and begin to leave
MISS SHORT: I’ll look into it for you
MISS PLACE: thank you Miss Short.
The teachers leave.

Scene 5

The curtains close. Background changes to THE PLAYGROUND.EMMA walks on, swinging her arms. Unknown to her, SALLY is hiding on the stage. THE GANG enter. EMMA doesn’t see them.
JESSA: (quietly to GANG) look at that freak! Let’s get her
SUSIE: Yeah come on. Let’s beat her up!
THE GANG walk over to EMMA. JESSA taps her on the shoulder.
EMMA: (turning around) yes? (She spots JESSA and looks crestfallen) Oh, w, what do you want?
CARTER: you haven’t given us any stuff this week!
DANIELLE: yeah! And now we’re not in a very good mood.
HOLLY: and you know what happens when we’re not in a very good mood, don’t you?
EMMA: NO!!! Please Jessa, I, I’ll give you extra money now and then you can……
JESSA: we gave you a chance to cough up, so now you’re REALLY gonna pay!
THE GANG advance towards EMMA
CARTER: No more nice girls!
SUSIE: No, we’re mean girls!
DANIELLE: and you just got on our bad side!
EMMA steps backwards with each step THE GANG take towards her
HOLLY: Get her!
EMMA turns and runs the gang chase after her. They get to almost the other side of the stage before EMMA trips up. THE GANG pounce and ‘beat her up’. When they are done, EMMA is lying on the floor, looking ruffled.
JESSA: just remember, that was only a little taste.
SUSIE: yeah, if you do anything else, you’ll get full throttle!
THE GANG all thump their hands menacingly and walk offstage.

Scene 6

The curtains close. Background changes to STAFFROOM/CLASSROOM. SALLY is in the classroom, clearing up. There is a toy rabbit on the table in a cage.
NARRATOR: In the classroom
SALLY: (addressing ‘rabbit’) Oh thumper, you have it easy. You just have to sit in a cage and look cute; you don’t have to deal with people being BULLIED! I’m really worried about Emma, she seems so unhappy. Jessa and her ‘gang’ laid into her again today. I don’t know what to do, should I tell the teacher, at the risk of being beaten up, or keep quiet, at EMMAS’ risk? Oh I can’t do this to her, she may be moody and horrible to me, but it’s not her fault, she’s being picked on. I’ll HAVE to tell Miss Place!
SALLY gets up decisively and marches offstage.

Scene 7

The curtains close. MISS SHORT and MISS PLACE sit down at the table. Curtains open, SALLY rushes in.
MISS SHORT: Hello sally, is anything wrong?
SALLY: well, yes, there is. See, it’s about Emma Mulder.
MISS PLACE: Ah, yes, year 8 girl. Mr Larvin is her tutor, yes?
SALLY: yes that’s right.
MISS SHORT: what about her Sally?
SALLY: well, um, you know Jessa Harnthorn?
MISS PLACE: Oh her, 8PM girl?
SALLY: well her and her gang have been bullying Emma. They’re ever so horrible to her and they beat her up, just this break!
MISS SHORT: (to MISS PLACE) yes, we were discussing Emma the other day in the staff room, weren’t we Miss Place? (Miss Place nods) Thankyou for telling us this information Sally, you are a good girl. Could you go and get Emma for me please?
SALLY: Yes miss.
SALLY walks offstage to get EMMA.

Scene 8

EMMA comes in, sulkily.
MISS SHORT: Ah, Emma, have a seat!
EMMA sits down opposite the two teachers.
MISS PLACE: Would you like a drink?
EMMA scowls and shakes her head.
MISS SHORT: now, Emma, your’ friend Sally has told us about what’s been going on, can you tell us in a bit more detail? We really can’t……
EMMA: (interrupts MISS SHORT) She’s not my friend!
MISS PLACE: REALLY Emma! That’s very unkind, sally has been a good friend to you, and she has let us know that you are unhappy!
You should be grateful.
EMMA grimaces
MISS SHORT: As I was saying, we really can’t help you unless you tell us exactly what’s been happening with Jessa.
EMMA: (angrily) you don’t know anything about me! You can’t even imagine what it’s like! Teased, tormented, beaten up! You wouldn’t like my life, believe me! You’re all hypocrites, the whole lot of you! And you have the nerve to turn round and say ‘what’s been going on with Jessa?’ as if I’m her best pal or something. I can tell you, she’d never want to be friends with me! None of you would. Just admit it, you’re all the same! (At this point, EMMA storms out angrily)
MISS PLACE: Emma! Come back! We’re only trying to help!

Scene 9

The curtains close. Background changes to THE PLAYGROUND. SALLY and THE PUPILS are dotted around the stage. EMMA storms in.
EMMA: (angrily) I want a word with you Sally!
SALLY: (turning round) Oh, hi Emma!
EMMA: never mind ‘hi Emma’ you went and ragged to the teachers!
SALLY: I, I was only trying to help I didn’t mean …
EMMA: well don’t! Jessa’s going to come and beat me up now, thanks for helping me Sal!
THE PUPILS gather around the two. MISS SHORT and MISS PLACE enter.
SALLY: oh Emma, I didn’t know, I was only trying to be your friend… (Sally breaks off, her face creases into sadness)
EMMA: Sally, I’m sorry, I, I don’t know what came over me. I’m turning into one of THEM. No, I AM one of them.
SALLY: (quietly) Oh Emma, don’t feel bad, it’s not your fault.
EMMA: (sadly) No Sal, you don’t know what it’s like. Called names, beaten up, having stuff thrown at me. It’s horrible.
SALLY: Oh Emma, no one should be subjected to that. I can’t even imagine it. I was only trying to help, I didn’t realise I was making it worse.
EMMA: No Sally, you did the right thing. I realise that now, if only I had told the teachers at the beginning, none of this would have happened. I shouldn’t have let it get out of hand like this. Thank you. For everything. You’ve been a true friend, through everything. When I was angry. When I shouted. When I just wanted to be left alone. You have always been there for me, but I’ve only just realised it. Some friend I’ve been to you though. You stick by me, though anything and I turn around and bite your head off. I was selfish. I was blinded by the anger, I’m really sorry, I, I. How can I make it up to you? I’ll do anything.
SALLY: You don’t have to do anything Emma. I don’t want you to change, or, or try to be something you’re not. Just be. Be YOU. Be EMMA.
SALLY and EMMA walk offstage, SALLY has her arm around EMMAS’ shoulders.
SAM: aww, I wanted to see a fight!
CHLOE: what is your problem?
KATIE: (To Sam) just push off!
SAM walks off in a huff.
REENA: Emma didn’t deserve that. No matter what Sam thinks, Emma is safe!
ZOE: Yeah! I agree, I mean, how would Sam like it if she was constantly teased and beaten up.
CHLOE: It’s so hard to speak up if you’re being picked on.
KATIE: Yes, you’re always afraid of being beaten up.
REENA: I suppose we can’t really imagine what it’s like for Emma.
PUPILS walk offstage.

Scene 10

MISS SHORT, MISS PLACE EMMA and SALLY walk to the centre of the stage. Emma is looking subdued.
MISS PLACE: Emma, why haven’t you told us about this before?
MISS SHORT: Tell us exactly what’s been going on, in your own time.
EMMA: (tearfully) well, it all started about 4 months ago. I was walking through the playground
All characters walk back until eventually, they are offstage.

Scene 11

‘Flash back’ EMMA comes in, wearing a coat and swinging a school bag. She has a fixed grin and different hairstyle. THE GANG enter, EMMA takes no notice.
JESSA: (quietly to rest of gang) Look at that Emma Mulder, little bean. She thinks she’s so clever!
DANIELLE: (mimicking) Oh please miss, I know the answer.
SUSIE: Oooh Miss, can I have extra homework please?
THE GANG laugh
HOLLY: She’s so pathetic!
DANIELLE: Let’s get her
CARTER: Do we have to? (Jessa gives Carter a withering look(CARTER- hesitantly)) Why can’t we just leave her alone?
JESSA: (scornfully) Pardon?
CARTER: N, nothing Jessa.
JESSA: Good! Let’s go.
THE GANG walk over to EMMA. DANIELLE calls out when they are nearly there.
DANIELLE: Hey Emma?
EMMA turns to THE GANG then walks over to them, centre stage.
EMMA: Yes?
SUSIE: What are 3 times 52?
EMMA: (without hesitation) 156. Why?
THE GANG snigger
JESSA: (mocking) 156
EMMA(blushing) what?
JESSA looks at rest of THE GANG, then nods to DANIELLE
DANIELLE: Get her!
THE GANG advance on EMMA who gulps and tries to run away but CARTER is behind her. THE GANG encircle her.
JESSA: Give us your’ mobile geek!
SUSIE: Yeah, hand it over, dumbo
DANIELLE: (to Susie) She’s not a dumbo is she, dur-head?
SUSIE: Oh fine, hand it over um… dog!
CARTER: Crap head
HOLLY: Smelly
JESSA: Come on, you scared of us or something?
THE GANG smirk as JESSA pushes EMMA
EMMA: (crying) why are you doing this to me? What have I ever done to you?
JESSA: You stole him you stupid cow!!
JESSA ’slaps’ EMMA
EMMA: Oh that was in the past Jessa, learn to forget!
SUSIE: Who stole what?
JESSA: (snapping) shut up!
SUSIE: Sorry Jessa
JESSA ‘pulls’ EMMA’S hair
JESSA: You stupid selfish dog! Mark my words Emma, I’ll make your life hell, you’ll wish you’d never laid eyes on him!
EMMA breaks out of the circle and runs offstage. THE GANG call after her.
THE GANG: Chicken!
THE GANG shrug and walk offstage

Scene 12

Curtains close. Open to reveal THE STREET. EMMA is walking down THE STREET.
EMMA: (soliloquy) My life is so rubbish, I’ve got no reason to live. No one would care if I were gone. I’ve got no way to outsmart Jessa.
Suddenly, EMMA sees a sign in a ‘window’ it reads: ‘join our karate classes, you CAN beat them’. She walks into the ’shop’

Scene 13

Curtains close. Open to reveal ’shop front’
There is a sign above the door saying ‘karate club’. EMMA walks out with SALLY, REENA, CHLOE, KATIE, DOM AND ZOE.
REENA: I can’t believe John’s karate top came open!
CHLOE: I know, that was so funny!
SALLY: come on, let’s go to the cinema.
KATIE: I can’t wait to see the new Orlando Bloom film.
DOM: Yeah, he’s sooo fit!
ZOE: I prefer Chad Michael Murray.
THE GANG walk onstage from the opposite direction. JESSA is leading; she turns and talks to the rest of THE GANG.
JESSA: (to gang) Look at Emma over there
HOLLY: She thinks she’s so popular!
DANIELLE: (mimicking) ooh I have friends!
THE GANG laugh
SUSIE: Let’s get her!
CARTER: Yeah!
THE GANG walk over to EMMA and friends.
JESSA: Hey Emma?
EMMA looks up at JESSA,
JESSA goes to punch EMMA, but EMMA blocks it. JESSA looks shocked, her arm is shaking as she tries to release it from EMMA’S grip, but she can’t.
EMMA: You may have thought you were making me weaker by picking on me Jessa, but you’ve only succeeded in making me stronger. (Emma pushes Jessa’s arm aside) I’ve got no time for bullies like you. (Turning to friends) Come on; let’s go to the cinema.
EMMA and SALLY, KATIE, CHLOE, REENA, DOM AND ZOE turn and walk offstage, linking arms. JESSA looks on, open-mouthed, before turning and shoving THE GANG offstage. Curtains close, open to reveal ALL CAST AND CREW for final bow. JACKIE comes onstage, in front of line
JACKIE: If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this play, don’t hesitate to talk to your’ tutor or head of year.

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