The

Mysterious
Staircase
Fall
By
A
Few
Year
10
Students
1

The Mysterious Staircase fall

Other Pleasures (played throughout)(track 1)
Scene 1: (Blacks) (Park Bench (4 chairs))
Enter Jack, Jeanette and Kate (they come in talking and sit on the
park bench)
Jack: Are you sure youre alright to go back to work Kate?
Kate: Well my counsellor has given me the all clear so.
Jean: (interrupting) Im sure shell be fine Jack.
(Small awkward silence in conversation)
Kate: It would have been Dads birthday today.
Jack: Oh would it?
Kate: Yeah it would. Anyway Ive gotta get to work.
Jean: Well see you later love.
Jack: see ya.
(Kate goes off behind the curtain on stage right, Jack and Jeanette
leave via the steps.)
As if we never said goodbye (played throughout)(track 2)
Scene 2: (Blacks) (Police Station)
(Enter Chief Inspector through middle curtain & Penhale up DSL
steps. They sit down at chairs.)
(Dials number on the phone. He waits a while before he speaks)
Penhale: (in a questioning tone of voice) Chief Inspector Miller
Ratcliffe?
C.I: Yes?
Penhale: Inspector Penhale here. Ive been asked to let you know
about a case which may be of interest to you.
C.I: Go on then I dont have all day!
Penhale: Jack Kensington was found dead at
at twenty two hundred hours. Currently the
being treated as suspicious, however there
amount of blood surrounding the body for a

the bottom of the stairs

circumstances are not
was an unusually large
staircase fall.

C.I: (Sharply) so are there officers at the scene?

Penhale: Yes.
C.I: Be there in ten.
(C.I puts phone down)

Penhale: right see you there then I suppose.

(Both rush off their separate ways)
Sunset Boulevard (throughout)(track 5)
Scene 3: (Stage) (Kensington Residence)
(Open curtains)
C.I: (Talking to Jeanette while both walk onto the stage) What was
your relationship like with your husband? When did you last see him?
Was there anybody with your husband apart from you before he died?
Did you see him acting suspiciously? Did you notice anything strange
or out of place about the house? Is there anyone youd like us to
inform?
Jean: (off-ishly): Now really, cant you ask me these questions
another time? My husband just died!
C.I: (before she could reply to Jeanette she notices Penhale) Ah,
Inspector Penhale, try and get some sense out of her will you? Shes
the deceaseds wife.
Penhale: Ok officer.
(Penhale walks over to Jeanette who is watching them clean up her
husbands body)
Penhale: (delicately) Are you Jeanette?
Jean: (reproachfully) Yes.
Penhale: Im sorry to hear about your husband.
Jean:I dont need your pity, youre only a policeman, I bet you tell
that to every murder victims family.
Penhale: I hear you were married for 15 years, thats a long time.
Jean: (upset) How can this happen? Just when everything was going
well between him and Kate.
(Everyone freezes and Jeanette steps forward and talks to the
audience)
Jean: She wont care anyway. She blames him for everything. Her
fathers death, her illness, everything. Its not his fault, none of
it. I dont think so anyway.
(Unfreeze)
Jean: Can you do something for me?
Penhale: What?
Jean: Will you tell Kate, my daughter, I just wanted someone a bit
more
Penhale: (Interrupting) Yeah, course I will.

Jean: (Indignantly) Thanks

(Penhale then moves away)
Jean: Oh, and by the way me and my husband had a good relationship,
I last saw him when he went up to bed early, he said he was tired,
there was no one else there and I didnt notice anything strange
about him or the house.
Penhale: Thank you.
(Penhale moves over to C.I)
Penhale: Her relationship with her husband was good, she last saw
him when he went to bed early, he said he was tired, there was no
one else there and she didnt notice anything strange about him or
the house.
C.I: (surprised) how the hell did you get that out of her?
Penhale: (sarcastically with a hint of seriousness) Well, sometimes
when youre nice to people.........
C.I: (Interupting) Alright I get the point.
Penhale: Ive got a bit more investigation to do, Ill report back
later.
(close curtains)
He Whistled at me (Played from the end of scene three) (track 3)
Scene 4: (Blacks) (Police station)
(there are police officers around the table talking in loud voices.)
C.I: (Waiting (Obviously) for a while before saying) SHUT UP! (She
hits the board) weve got a lot to get through. Ok, so heres what
we know so far. (She starts writing and drawing diagrams on the
board). Jack Kensington was found dead at twenty two hundred hours
at the bottom of the staircase in Oak Manor. We arrived on the scene
at Twenty Two hundred and ten hours. We believe that Jeanette
Kensington (his wife) pushed him down the stairs. From the
pathologists reports, jack died at around twenty two o two hours.
Although it was earlier presumed a staircase fall, we found a
picture cracked on the floor. The corner of the picture frame
corresponds with the injury to Jack Kensingtons head. So thats
that. Arrest the wife and get her charged.
Penhale: Actually Ive been doing some extra poking around and have
found some other evidence that might contradict your conclusions
Mam.
C.I: (sighing) Oh, go on then.
Penhale: Firstly I found out that the picture frame had in fact
fallen off the wall earlier that day as Jack rushed down the stairs.
Therefore it is unlikely that it was used in conjunction with the
murder. Secondly, the phone call to the police was not registered

until twenty two hundred and five hours. I know because I took the
call. And thirdly, the Kensington residence Oak Manor is
approximately twenty minutes from the police station, therefore the
police cant have got to the scene until at least twenty two hundred
and twenty five hours.
C.I: Thank you Inspector for improving my explanation (she does a
fake smile). I expect this case to be over and done with by the end
of the week! (She pauses and everyone sits and chats) Cmon, move
it!
(Everyone Exits)
Sunset Boulevard (Played from the end of scene four to start of
scene five)(track 5)
Scene 5- (Blacks) (Kates work place)
With one look (played throughout)(track 6)
Penhale: Hey. Um... Kate? Sorry to intrude.
Kate:(distractedly)(Kate doesnt look up at him) mmm

Penhale: Can I ask you a few things?

Kate: Yeah, sure carry o(look up at him)oh! Its you, sorry I
thought you were someone else for a moment then.(laughs nervously)So
are you any further in solving the case?
Penhale: Not exactly (Kate relaxes a little) thats why Im here to
ask you a few things. Did any arguments happen on the day of your
dads death? (Awkward pause)
Kate: What, between Jack and Mum? No, none.
Penhale: No thats not quite what I meant, I mean between any of
you? You and your mum, you and your da..I mean jack or jack and your
mum?
Kate: No, none that I remember.
Penhale: Are you certain?
Kate: Actually now that you mention it. There was a little bit of a
tiff that morning. Mum always likes to go for a morning stroll, says
it clears her head. Anyway I said Id go with her and then walk on
to work. Well as soon as I offer, Jack says hell come too. We got
to just before where I had to turn off to go to work when Jdcack
started questioning my welfare and whether I was fit enough to go
back to work.
Penahle: And what did your mum say to this?
Kate: She was quite passive actually.
Penhale: Why did Jack question your health may I ask?

Kate: Oh. Um.. Ive been off ill for three months.
Penhale: What sort of illness.. if you dont mind me asking.
Kate: Er. Its not important. (Shakes head and goes back to
working)
Penhale: Right Anything else happen on that walk?
Kate: (sighs) yeah. Dads birthday came up (Penhale gestures for her
to continue) Jack got really ratty at me for mentioning it, telling
me about how I had now upset my mother. Not really having the energy
to argue back I gave mum a hug and left for work.
Penhale: Oh, right. You dont seem at all distressed by the recent
events?
Kate: Well I ama bit. Im more distressed by how upset mum is
than. I have to keep strong for her, you understand.
Penhale: Perfectly. Well Im sorry to have distracted you from your
work for so long.
Kate: No worries.
Penhale: Thank you for your help, I must be off. I will get back to
you with good news soon I hope. Goodbye.
Kate: Bye (wait for him to leave) not too soon I hope.
Scene 6: (Blacks) (Police Station)
Other Pleasures (played throughout)(track 1)
C.I: (Walking in, talking to Jean) Ok so if youd like to take a
seat.
Jean: Thanks
C.I: So, other than what you told us is there anything else we
should know about the incident?
Jean: (In a questioning tone) I dont really understand what you
want me to say.
C.I: well is there anything we should know about your familys past?
Jean: Well we used to live in spain. Thats where I met my first
husband, Kates Dad. That was where I met Jack. It didnt mean
anything until Arron died. Then Jack was there for me. I liked the
security he provided. Over time I learned to love him. Kate however
didnt.
C.I: Kate didnt?
Jean: Oh no, she hated him, blamed him for everything.
C.I: By everything, what exactly do you mean?

Jean: Well, her fathers death, mine and Jacks marriage and her
illness.
C.I: Right, er I think thats all we need, (as an after thought)for
now. Thank you Jeanette.
Jean: Thanks.
(Jeanette starts to leave)
Penhale: Oh, and Jeanette, dont worry, well sort this out.
Jean: Thank you.
C.I: Send Kate in please.
(Jeanette exits)
(Kate enters)
Kate: Hi.
C.I: Kate, take a seat please.
Kate: Sure.
C.I: Id just like to ask you a few questions about your family
life.
Kate: Oh, Okay. Well go ahead.
C.I: Thanks. What was your relationship with Jack like?
Kate: It was ok, I suppose it could be better but then
considering
C.I: Considering what?
Kate: Oh, no nothing.
C.I: Kate, if theres something important you need to tell us then
please feel free.
Kate: Nope, nothing.
C.I: Hmmm...
Penhale: Thanks Kate.
Kate: Ok. (She exits)
C.I: There is definitely something shes not telling us.
Penhale: Ok, Ill have a think and get back to you.

Hell whistle at me (track 3)

Scene 7: (Police station/ Professors office)(blacks)
(Penhale walks in and sits down at his desk, he picks up the phone
and dials a number, then puts the phone to his ear)
Penhale: Hi, is that Professor Louise Taylor?
Louise: (In American accent) Yes thats me.
Penhale: Hi, Im Inspector Penhale, a police officer in England. Id
like to inquire into how the brain recollects things please?
Louise: Well youve phoned the right person!
Penhale: Were working on a case which could possibly involve some
sort of childhood memory recollection. A word or phrase that could
bring back a particular memory?
Louise: Well, yes that can happen. If a person hears (even faintly)
a word or phrase from their childhood theyve associated with a
particular incident, then it is quite possible it will set off some
sort of trauma.
Penhale: Kates illness!
Louise: Sorry?
Penhale: er dont worry. Could the word be related to a crime? Maybe
a robbery or murder they witnessed?
Louise: Yes, quite probably, any significant event that someone has
tried to block out of their mind.
Penhale: Great! Thanks very much for your help. (He cuts her off and
rushes off stage)
Louise: Er youre welcome. (Look up, shrugs her shoulders and
exits)
Sunset Boulevard (Throughout) (track 5)
Scene 8: (The Kensington Residence) (Stage)
(Penhale enters with Kate talking to each other)
Penhale: Can I ask a few questions about your illness Kate, its
essential to our investigation?
Kate: If you have to I suppose.
Penhale: How exactly did you become ill?
Kate: (Sigh) one day at work, one of the window cleaners went past
the window and slipped, he was hanging off the edge shouting
Socorro! I heard him first and because we lived in Spain, I
understood him at once and called for help. Unfortunately that
brought back a childhood memory and I had a panic attack, Ive been

seeing a counsellor for help, well u until a couple of weeks ago

that is.
Penhale: Thanks, is it ok if I ask some other questions?
Kate: Go ahead.
Penhale: Did you have a good relationship with your step-dad?
Kate: Not really, it felt like my mum had just moved on from my
dad, and replaced him with Jack. I didnt like that, but it doesnt
mean that I killed Jack.
Penhale:

Are you sure about that?

Kate: Of course I am!

Penhale:

So who do you think did it?

Kate: I dont know.

Penhale: Did you know that your mother could be charged for this, as
she was the last one who saw him.
Kate: What! But mum cant go to prison, not with what shes been
going through lately.
Penhale: So someone else will have to take the fall.
Kate: But who?
Penhale: Well the only other suspect is you.
Kate: OH. (Pause)...
entire fault!

Fine...I did it! Take me not her, it was my

Penhale: (To Kate) Ill see you at the police station soon then
Kate.
Kate: Why?
Penhale: For a real legal confession well have to have you on tape.
(Jeanette walks in)
Jeanette: Going so soon?
Penhale: Ive got all I needed
Jeanette: Surely you need to know more?
Penhale: No, its all very clear to me now.
Jeanette: But inspector......
(Penhale Leaves, leaving Jeanette confused and speechless)

Sunset Boulevard (continued if finished start again) (track 5)

Scene 9 (blacks) (police station)
(Policemen wandering around on stage left)
C.I: Jeanette (surprised). Can I help you?
Jean: I have something important to say, about Jacks death. Can we
go somewhere private?
C.I: Yes follow me please. (She clicks her fingers when passing
Penhale, he is flirting with another policeman)Penahle!
Jean follows S.O to the chairs on stage right)
C.I: Thats better. Now what can what did you want to tell me?
Penhale, you might wanna get this on tape.
(Penhale sets the tape going)
Jean: I admit to murdering both of my husbands! (Starts to break
down)
C.I: Jeanette?
Jean: I know what Kate said but she was just trying to protect me.
She thought she was doing the right thing. She has her whole life
ahead of her she shouldnt spend it in prison. I know she blamed him
for me killing her father but...
S.O: Jeanette Kensington you are under arrest for murdering Jack
Kensington. You do not have to say anything but anything you do say
may be held and given in evidence.
(Puts handcuffs on and leads her off stage)
Other pleasures (track 1)
Scene 10 (Kensington Residence) (Stage)
(Kate dead on the floor, note is in her hand)
Penhale: Oh Kate (Spots note on the floor, picks it up and takes it
to Jeanette)
(Curtains Close)
(Police station)
Penhale: Come take a seat, I found this in Kates hand, its
addressed to you.
(Jeanette takes the note and starts to read the note)
(Kate appears in opposite corner)
Close Every door (played until end of letter) (track 4)
Jean: Dear Mum, Im s

Kate: (Carrying on from Jeanette) Im Sorry for leaving you in this

position, but there are reasons for everything. I never fully
explained about my illness, but now I see no reason for keeping it
from you. A Spanish colleague of mine had a stroke at work a while
ago. It brought back memories of the past we had in Spain. I tried
to forget that moment you killed dad, however my frustration for
Jack was more powerful.
So now to the real reason of my letter; it was me who killed Jack.
There Ive written it, I have no regrets, he deserved it! Being so
close, my inspiration came from you. Maybe if youd stayed faithful
to dad none of this would have happened.
Kate & Jean: Good Bye Mum
S.O: So about this other murder Jeanette. (Pause) Well do you a
favour and not pass on the information to the Spanish police.
Jean: Thank you so much.
Penhale: Youre welcome.
(He escorts Jeanette out)
Other Pleasures (played till end) (track1)
C.I: (off- handedly) Sometimes you surprise me Penhale.
Penhale:Sometimes I surprise myself.
C.I: (She stops, and thinks) How do you feel about a promotion
Penhale?
Penhale: Are you joking?
C.I: Penhale, I never joke.
Penhale: Does this mean I can ask you to make me coffee?
C.I: (allowing herself a little laugh) You can ask, but youll be
waiting a long time!
(Both Exit)
(Bows)