Mary Poppins

Scene 1-Street in front of the Banks’ House

(In front of stage, far right – Chimney sweep sitting on a chimney pot – spotlight on. Stage, in darkness, is set up like a living room, two pieces of luggage downstage stage left.)

Sweep 1– Winds in the east, mist comin’ in

Like something is brewin’ about to begin

Can’t put me finger on what lies in store

But I feel what’s to happen, all happened before

(Sweep starts cleaning chimney. Bert comes from stage right to stand in front of stage right)

Bert:
(Tips hat) How d’you? Please ta meet ‘cha. (pointing at the stage) This here is Number 17 Cherry Tree Lane. The residence of George Banks esquire.

(As he’s talking, sweep goes off stage right with broom over shoulder. Passer By comes from stage left)

Passer By:
A word of advice, young man. You may want to get out of here. Storm signals are up at number 17. Bit of heavy weather brewing there.

(Both turn to look at stage, after a few seconds, look worried and exit stage right)

Scene 2 – In the House

Cook:
(Barging onto stage from stage right followed by Ellen) Leave her alone!

Ellen:
You be quiet!

Cook:
Don’t you be trying to stop the wretched creature! Let her go, that’s what I say, and good riddance!

Ellen:
(Breaking loose) But who gets stuck with the children with no nanny in the house? Me, that’s who!

Cook:
(Shouting to Katie Nanna, who enters stage left and picks up her luggage) Her and her high and mighty ways! I never liked her from the moment she set foot in the door.

Katie Nanna:
(Heading for the door, stage right at the steps) Now Mrs Brill (cook) I wouldn’t stay in this house for another minute, not if you gave me all the tea in China!

Ellen:
(blocking the door) No, no, Katie Nanna, don’t go! What am I going to tell Mrs Banks about the children?

Katie Nanna:
Well it’s no concern of mine. Those little beasts have run away from me for the very last time!

Ellen:
They must be somewhere. Did you look around the zoo in the park? They like hanging around the cages. (To Cook) You don’t think they’ve been eaten by the lions do you?

Katie Nanna:
Ellen. Move out of the way!

Cook:
(Waving) Goodbye!

(Mrs. Banks starts up the far right aisle of the audience, humming Sister Suffragette)

Ellen:
Now, now Katie Nanna…. Oh no… Mrs Banks! She’s home!

Mrs Banks:
(Entering from stage right, bursts into song. The other women are drawn into the song.)

Song- Sister Suffragette

(Katie Nana tries to interrupt at the end, repeating, “Mrs. Banks.” Finally...)

Katie Nanna:
(Shouting!) Mrs Banks!!!!!! I would like a word with you!

Mrs Banks:
What is it Katie Nanna? (Looking around) Where are the children?

Katie Nanna:
The children, to be precise, are not here. They’ve disappeared again!

Mrs Banks:
Oh Katie Nanna… This is really too careless of you! Doesn’t this make it the third time this week?

Katie Nanna:
The fourth, Madam and I’ve had enough of it!

(Mr. Banks starts down the aisle towards the stage to enter stage right.)

Mrs Banks:
So when do we expect them home?

Katie Nanna:
I really couldn’t say! Now if you could just pay me what I’m owed.

Mrs Banks:
Oh, gracious, Katie Nanna! You’re not leaving? What will Mr Banks say? He’s going to be cross enough as it is to come home and find the children missing and he was just beginning to like you!

Katie Nanna:
My wages, if you please.

(Mr Banks enters stage right)

Mr Banks:
Hello Katie Nanna. That must be heavy. Allow me.

(He takes her bags out of her hands and sets them down at the bottom of the steps stage right. Katie Nanna Follows. He waves goodbye as she walks down the far right aisle. Music He returns to stage. Meanwhile Cook and Ellen slink off stage left. Mrs. Banks waits worriedly centerstage and tries to get a word in while Mr. Banks sings.)

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