Scene 6
(Scrooge is once again in bed. He appears awake, and wary. The clock tolls. ONE. TWO. THREE. And Scrooge braces himself.)
Scrooge: Anybody there?
(As if in answer, the stage fills with a fog. Enter THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS YET TO COME. The Ghost has a top hat, cloak and cane, and is dressed as a normal townsperson would be. His cane glows with a ghostly light and he walks with exaggerated movement. He makes his way towards Scrooge.)
Scrooge: Am I in the presence of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come?
(The spirit stops walking at the foot of Scrooge's bed and inclines its head.)
Scrooge: Ghost of the Future! I fear you more than any specter I have yet met. But I am prepared to follow and to learn with a thankful heart.
(The Ghost says nor does anything.)
Scrooge: Will you not speak to me?!
(As he says this, the Ghost removes his hat and moves his face upwards. A ghostly light shines on his face and a recording of the following should be played: )
Young Scrooge's Voice: Such nonsense! What idol has displaced you?
(The Ghost puts its hat back on and points its cane at the bed. The bed is taken off the stage and the ghost puts one arm around Scrooge and points into the distance.)
Scrooge: (visibly shaken) Of course. Lead on, spirit…lead on.
(The scene changes. It becomes a run down building in the slums. JOE, MRS. DILBUR, GENTLEMAN 1 and 2 are sitting around a table. Scrooge doesn't see them at first, and the Ghost points towards them. They unfreeze and begin the scene.)
Joe: So, Old Scratch finally got his own at last, eh?
Dilbur: And not a moment too soon.
Gentleman 1: Hear, hear.
Joe: And what have you fine people brought me today?
Gentleman 2: I have his collar buttons. Mother of Pearl.
Joe: Oh! These will fetch a nifty price.
Gentleman 1: I've got his bed curtains.
Joe: D'you mean to say you just took them down, rings and all with him lyin' there?
Dilbur: And I got his blankets.
Joe: His blankets…(feeling them) Why, Mrs. Dilbur, they're still warm! Pity the warmth doesn't give extra.
Dilbur: It should. It's the only warmth the old fool ever had!
(They all laugh rather wickedly. Mrs. Dilbur goes off slightly to the side of them and begins the song.)
LOOK AT THE COFFIN,
WITH GOLDEN HANDLES
ISN'T IT GRAND, BOYS?
TO BE BLOODY WELL DEAD?
LET'S NOT HAVE A SNIFFLE,
LET'S HAVE A BLOODY GOOD CRY,
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER THE LONGER YOU LIVE,
THE SOONER YOU BLOODY WELL DIE.
LOOK AT THE MOURNERS,
BLOODY GREAT HYPOCRITES,
ISN'T IT GRAND, BOYS?
TO BE BLOODY WELL DEAD!
LET'S NOT HAVE A SNIFFLE
LET'S HAVE A BLOODY GOOD CRY
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER
THE LONGER YOU LIVE,
THE SOONER YOU BLOODY WELL DIE.
LOOK AT THE PREACHER,
BLOODY NICE FELLOW,
ISN'T IT GRAND, BOYS?
TO BE BLOODY WELL DEAD!
LET'S NOT HAVE A SNIFFLE,
LET'S HAVE A BLOODY GOOD CRY,
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER THE LONGER YOU LIVE
THE SOONER YOU BLODDY WELL DIE.
(The song ends, and they all laugh very maliciously. The scene freezes.)
Scrooge: Oh, spirit…the case of this unhappy man might be my own. Show me more, connected with this?
(The spirit whooshes his cape and points. They walk in that direction. Enter 2 members of the ENSEMBLE, referred to as MAN 1 and MAN 2. They are talking to each other, frozen. Unfreeze.)
Man 1: No, I don't know much about it either way. I only know he's dead.
Man 2: When did he die?
Man 1: Last night, I believe.
Man 2: And the funeral?
Man 1: It's likely to be a cheap one, and I don't know a single soul who would go to it.
Man 2: I wouldn't mind going if a lunch is provided…but I must be well fed if I do. What's he done with his money?
Man 1: Hasn't left it to me, that's all I know.
Man 2: Well, old scratch is gone at last. Merry Christmas to you!
GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMeN
MAY NOTHING YOU DISMAY
REMEMBER CHRIST OUR SAVIOR
WAS BORN ON CHRISTMAS DAY,
TO SAVE US ALL FROM SATAN'S POWER
WHEN WE WERE GONE ASTRAY
O TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY,
COMFORT AND JOY,
O TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY
(The two Men exit.)