1066 – The Battle of Hastings
SCENE ONE - Westminster Abbey The scenery flats show Westminster Abbey. There is a throne in the centre of the performance area. This throne is covered with a lavishly decorated ornate back. William FitzOsbern, Robert of Eu, Robert Martain, Bishop Odo and William Duke of Normandy enter the performance area. SONG 1: The Norman Year – William Duke of Normandy, William FitzOsbern, Robert Mortain & Bishop Odo. William.
I am a man and an almighty man. Leading a people who understand, I am the future I am the way. I lead my kin to a brighter day.
William. Normans. William. Normans. William. Normans. William. Normans.
Normans are strong and they have the will. Normans are strong and they have a will. Ready to fight and to make the kill. Ready to fight and to make the kill. If you should stand in our path we say. If you should stand in our path we say. You may be sorry you chose to stay. You may be sorry you chose to stay. We are the Normans and here to stay. We are the Normans and here to stay. We are the Normans and here to stay. (Balance of song in main script)
During the song, the characters sing and dance and are in celebratory mood. William walks around proudly, high fiving some of the others, particularly, Robert of Eu. At the end of the song, they all exit except for Bishop Odo. Bishop Odo.
What a year it was for Normans 1066 no less. The year brought deaths and comets, Coronations, war, unrest. And I, Bishop of Odo, Recorded each event. I wrote the Bayeaux Tapestry, A lasting document. It started with King Edward, Who reigned alive and well. So follow through the tapestry, The story that I tell.
Bishop Odo exits the performance area. King Edward and Queen Edith enter the performance area. Edward sits on the throne while Edith stands next to him. King Edward.
I am weary Edith. I don’t have much more time. I’m not long for this world.
Queen Edith.
Oh stop it Edward. Ever since you became king you have been complaining about your health. You are fine.
Harold Godwinson enters the performance area arm in arm with Emily Swansneck. King Edward.
Ah Harold, my faithful servant. You have served me well.
Harold.
Thank you King Edward. I plan to serve you for much longer your highness.
King Edward.
And how is your faithful wife, Emily?
Emily.
I am very well thank you your highness.
King Edward.
Good to hear it. I’ve not been at all well. My back’s playing me up, my arthritis is killing me, and my ingrown toenails are appalling.
Tostig enters the performance area, escorted by Gryth and Leofrin. His clothes are torn and tattered and he looks very tired. King Edward.
Oh look Harold, your favourite brother Tostig is here!
Gryth.
(To Harold) I thought I was your favourite brother!
Leofrin.
No, I thought I was.
© Educational Musicals Limited
1066 – The Battle of Hastings
Harold.
He was being sarcastic!! Of course you are both my favourite brothers.
King Edward.
He’s got a lot of brothers.
Harold.
But you Tostig, you always let the family down.
Gryth & Leofrin.
(Optional Italian gangster accent) And we don’t like people who let the family down. Tostig and Harold sneer at each other.
King Edward.
What is the problem this time Tostig? Can’t you rule Northumbria on your own?
Tostig.
They are all mad up there Edward. They rebelled against me again!
Harold.
What did you do to them this time Tostig?
Tostig.
Not a lot. I only killed a few peasants.
Some townspeople enter the performance area and stand on the far right of the performance area. Townspeople.
You are a cruel ruler Tostig!
Townsperson 1.
My husband stole an apple and you burned down our farm.
Townsperson 2.
My brother asked for directions and was beheaded.
Townsperson 3.
That’s why the men don’t ask for directions anymore.
Townsperson 4.
My aunt walked on the grass and you had her legs chopped off!
King Edward motions for Gryth and Leofrin to get rid of the townspeople. They move towards them and shoo them off the performance area. The townspeople shout taunts as they exit, such as “ Toxic Tostig” or “ Tinpot Tostig”. King Edward.
Tostig, You are bringing shame on your family and on me. You can no longer be Earl of Northumbria! I have no option but to, oh what’s the word? Uh, oh yeah, exclude. You are excluded!
Harold.
Uh! It’s exiled your majesty.
King Edward.
Yes, that’s what I meant. You are exiled. Get out of here!
Harold.
Go on, get out you rat!
Tostig.
You will regret this, and you and you (pointing to Harold, then Gryth, then Leofrin). I will get my revenge!
SONG 2: Revenge - Tostig. During the song, Tostig sings to the audience about the revenge he is going to get. He gets very worked up and animated during this song. He pretends to drag Edward around the performance area by his ear. Revenge will be sweet, Revenge will be neat, Revenge will be so divine. Revenge will be sweet, Revenge will be neat, Revenge will be mine, all mine! Revenge will be sweet, Dancing to my beat. Revenge will be oh so fine! (Balance of song in main script)
© Educational Musicals Limited
