Davy: Mother, Father, I’m going to go and see if I can watch them rehearse for Coronation Street today. May I?
Mrs. Jones: Well, I’d rather you finished your chores Davy but, smiling, go ahead your sisters and I will manage.
Mr. Jones: Martha, why do you always let him go? How’s the boy going to learn discipline if you always give him what he wants? Kissing her softly on the cheek.
Mrs. Jones: George I know but he’s so driven, I know something goods coming for our boy I just know it. You’ll see George, Davy will make something of himself.
Mr. Jones; Yes, dear, I know you are right, it’s just I worry that if he can’t do the simplest here how will he make it out in the world on his own?
Mrs. Jones; smiling, you watch George, you watch.. hugging her husband.
AT MANCHESTER’S HILL THEATER….
Davy sneaks inside and watches the actors and actresses practice for Englands number one soap opera Coronation Street. Davy listens to how the lines are delivered and watches the body language of the actors. In his head he repeats the lines flawlessly.
Stagehand: HEY!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!!??
Davy is surprised by the stage hand and starts to get up to run. The actors rehearsing stop and watch, him. Before Davy gets too far the stage hand grabs him and goes to throw him out into the cold Manchester streets.
Colin George; WAIT! He can stay and watch. The boy isn’t hurting anything. Boy what is your name?
Davy; David Jones sir but everyone calls me Davy.
Colin George; Okay Davy come up here with us and have a seat. Peter let him go! I’ll be responsible for the lad. Smiling
The stagehand releases Davy and he goes to sit by Colin George on the stage. Davy’s excited and nervous to be so close to them and on stage. This is amazing to him and it’s like a dream come true of sorts.
The actors finished their rehearsals and offered to buy Davy lunch. Davy being a prideful young boy thanked them kindly and said he’d better get back home to his parents. He was expected to do his chores before the day was through. They said their goodbyes and Davy was invited to come watch anytime. Even Paul the stage hand told Davy it was alright to come by again.
THAT NIGHT…..
Davy: Susan you should have come with me. It was so exciting I got to watch Coronation Street before anyone else in England does!! Smiling
Susan; Oh brother dear, I am so happy for you! I know you love acting and singing. But I’m scared for you too. We come from Manchester nowhereville England. Who has ever come from here and made it? Tears begin to fall. I don’t want you to be hurt by the worlds cruelty.
Davy; I know Sus, but don’t worry, your little brother is going to make it big. All those things I said I wanted to do for mum and dad, I will do no matter what it takes. I want you all to have a better life, You work so hard for so little. Davy looks down.
Susan; I love you Davy, just don’t bite off more than you can chew okay?
Davy’ I won’t I promise you Susan, I love you too.. G’night
Susan, kissing her brothers cheek, Good night. She leaves the room and quietly closes his door.
Davy fell to sleep with visions of him on stage performing in plays and musicals as well as television, maybe even the big screen. Smiling in his sleep he envisions the home he wants his parents to have, his brothers and sisters never having to go without again because their parents are barely keeping them all fed with the money they make at the factories. No more pain and sorrow for the Jones’ Not if Davy can help it.
Davy: If I could sing you a song it would be quite simple, just a little tune to brighten your day, chase the blues away. Love would be your hearts fill and joy would light up your face….
Davy sang and did a little soft shoe dance on the street corner, A small crowd formed around him and they were cheering him on. His improv and ability to keep everyone in the audience engaged was fresh and appealing. Jack Wild who was playing Oliver in Oliver had heard about this young man and decided to check him out. Everything he had heard was true. This boy was simple amazing! Smiling as Davy continued with his skits and drawing the audience in, Jack decided to go place a phone call to the producers of Oliver and see if maybe they can use him. Find him something anyway.
Alister Johns; Okay Jack, I’m here who is this kid you want me to see?
Jack: Here. Pulling him with him. His name is Davy from what people have said. He’s really good! Smiling
Alister Johns: Rolls his eyes. Yeah, okay sure kid. They stand there in the crowd and watch as Davy continues to sing and dance, using his natural improve skills. Jack smiles as does Alister. Hmmmm thinking maybe I can give this kid a break .
Davy; Takes a bow, Thank you ladies and gentlemen for your kind attention and donations. It is surely, greatly appreciated. The crowd claps and starts to disperse. Davy picks up the hat and finds its really full today. This will make his mother happy he hoped. He was going to buy her a big roast for dinner for them with all the fixings.
Jack Wild. Umm.. Davy, Can we speak with you a moment?
Davy turns around to see Jack Wild standing there. His eyes widened and his throat became dry but he quickly recovered.
Davy: H-Hello Mr. Wild. He addressed him with respect even though they were only two years different in age, Jack being the older one.
Jack Wild; Giggles, Just Jack is fine. I want you to meet Alister Johns, He’s the producer for Oliver now and well, I saw your performance and called him to come. You are good Davy.
Davy; Thank you! He smiles
Alister Johns: Jack is right. Currently he’s Oliver but we are looking to recast the Artful Dodger. Do you think you can read for me?
Davy: I’m sure I can, Mr. Johns. Davy smiles
Alister Johns: Great! Here come with us, I’ll give you a ride home and fill in your parants with all the details.
Davy; Alright! Picking up his things from his improve and following them to the car. It’s a limousine, Davy had never really been near one. He became very nervous.
Alister Johns; Hop in kid!
Once at Davy’s small modest home, Alister Johns and Jack Wild sat with his parents and explained everything to them. Mr. Johns even said he would send a car for him each day and bring him home. The family could come watch any time they wanted. Both Mr and Mrs Jones looked at each other they were so happy for Davy but worried too, It was a big change for their son to undertake.
AT PIC A DILLY THEATER……
Davy; Mr.Johns? I-I’m here.
Jack; Come on Davy, he’s in his office. Jack leads Davy to the back
Alister Johns. Davy!! Here you go, Read the lines for me.
Davy; taking the script. “Oliver you know we can get into a lot of trouble if Fagan sees us right?”
Alisters Johns: Wow!! Davy! Can you start tonight. Mr and Mrs. Jones, with your permission of course. Looking at Davy’s parents.
Mr. Jones: Smiling with pride. Sure he can Mr, Johns. Sure he can.
Alister Johns; Wonderful go with Jack to get your costume fitted
The boys leave the room and Alister turns to Davy’s parents to talk about contracts.
