 
The only real problem with my original script for The Warlock's Dance was that it was far too long. A lot of the scenes ended up on the cutting room floor.
Here are some of the scene's that faced the knife...
1. REX'S GHOSTLY VISITOR
Before the TP's arrive in the village we realise he's a haunted man. This would have been a nice atmospheric touch but hardly necessary.
2. PAUL IN THE GRAVEYARD
Nigel said he was sorry to seen this little scene go as it gave Paul a chance to shine. A was sad too.
3. REGROUP
While this scene was a bit of a story reminder and therefore easy to lose, I did like the banter between the Tomorrow People.
4. THE GHOST OF MAGGIE
This was the scene I was most upset to see go. It was always supposed to be Maggie's last hurrah and a nice spooky end to one of my favourite characters. It also explained how the Halcalan's persuaded the villagers to join the dance.
5. COMMUNION
Writing for the Procurer was one my favourite memories of the writing the play. He was such a nasty piece of work. Here are some more scenes with Paul and the Procurer plus John and Elena discover the fate of the village.
1. REX'S GHOSTLY VISITOR
Episode One - Scene Five
Int. Rex Weir's house. Water Oakley
An old door creaks open and we hear Skardy charge in.
Rex: Careful Skardy! You'll have something over.
Rex shuts the door and drops his keys into a bowl by the door.
Rex: Oh, for heaven's sake. You've got mud all over the carpet. Mrs Burgess is going to have my guts for garters. She only shampooed it the other day.
Rex walks down the carpeted hall into the stone-tiled kitchen. Skardy is scratching at the back door and whimpering.
Rex: Now what's wrong with you, you silly animal? You want to go out again? We've only just come in.
Skardy continues to whimper and bark.
Rex: Very well. If it will shut you up. There...
Rex opens the back door and Skardy shoots out.
Rex: What's got into you, boy? [SHOUTING AFTER HIM] Stay in the back garden, I don't want to have to come looking for you. [SHIVERS] God, it's freezing. Why he wants to be outside heaven only knows. Just pulling the door to, Skardy. Knock three times if you want to come in.
The door shuts.
Rex: I don't know Rex. Trying to have a conversation with a Red Setter. What has become of you? Next stop bedlam, no doubt. Now, where's that carpet cleaner stuff.
Cupboard doors open and close and tins are scraped around.
Rex: How many times have I got to tell that blasted woman! A place for everything and everything in its... (place)
He is interrupted by the sound of glass breaking in the next room.
Rex: What the...? Mrs Burgess, is that you?
There are a couple of beats of silence.
Rex: Is there anyone there?
Rex walks out of the kitchen, through the hall and into the living room. He flips on the light.
Rex: Hullo? [BEAT] No. No one here. So what was the noise?
He walks over to the mantelpiece and his feet crunch on glass.
Rex: What? Oh dear.
He stoops and picks up a metal frame that scrapes across the stone of the mantelpiece, shards of glass falling from it as he stands up.
Rex: Clare. How did your picture end up on the floor, eh? The glass's totally smashed. Have to get another one down at the... Ow! Oh, stupid man. Now look what you've done. Better not get blood and mud on the carpet. My guts will be Mrs Burgess's garters for sure. Just pop you back up there, my girl. There you go Clare.
Clare: [CLOSE TO THE MIC] Thank you Uncle Rex.
Rex jumps.
Rex: What!? Clare? [BEAT] Oh Rex, you old duffer. First talking to animals, now hearing things. I wonder if the loony bin number is in the yellow pages. Ah well, better find a plaster.
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2. PAUL IN THE GRAVEYARD
Episode One. Ext. The Graveyard
Paul: [READING] 'Stephen Chance. 1905 - 1984. Beloved father and devoted husband. Til we meet again on that golden shore.' Well, Stephen, if you lived around here I guess you died of boredom. [SIGHS] Tell me Steve, why do you think that given the entire universe to pillage alien nasties and extra-terrestrial slime-balls always want to invade god-forsaken spots of Great Britain. If I was a megalomaniac mushroom from outer space I'd choose somewhere like Florida. Or the Maldives. Much more enjoyable - both for the evil invaders and the poor old Tomorrow People that have to foil their fiendish plans.
We wait another couple of beats.
Paul: You know, you don't say a lot do you Stephen? Well, this place is dead anyway. I'd better be off.
We hear the TP telepathy effect. The next conversation is mind talk.
John: Paul. Elena. Have you found out anything?
Paul: Nothing much unless you consider the fact that there's a jumble sale on Wednesday important. Or, according to graffiti on the back of the mausoleum, that Lisa loves Pricey.
John: Your mood isn't improving, is it Paul? What about you Elena?
Elena: Hardly anything I'm afraid. No one seems that keen to speak to me. Lots of nervous glances and conversations coming to a premature end when I get anywhere near.
John: I've noticed the same. They certainly don't seem to like strangers round here.
Paul:Why do all villages we investigate have to be such a cliché? They'll be telling us to 'keep to the paths 'next.
John:I think we should regroup. Where shall we meet?
Elena: What about the pub on the green?
John: Good idea.
Paul: Let me guess, it's called the Slaughtered Lamb or something?
John: No Paul, The Furry Tree apparently. Why would you think it was called that?
Elena: Ignore him John. He's just teasing. I'll see you two there.
The telepathy is cut
Paul: Ah well. That's my cue. See you Stephen.
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3. REGROUP
Episode Two . Int. Rex's Bedroom.
All is calm except the sound of Skardy scraping against the door every now and then.
Paul:Well, she's certainly calmed down now.
John:Yes, she seems a lot happier.
Rex: But still out for the count.
John: I think she's just sleeping.
Paul:Any clues then Columbo?
John: [IGNORING THE JIBE] If I didn't know better I'd say she was a normal, healthy 17-year-old sap.
Rex: Sap?
John: Er, I mean, girl. There's no physical damage that I can see. She's just exhausted.
Paul: Oh yeah, she's normal all right. As long as she was off to a fancy dress party when we found her. Is that really how people dressed in the eighties? Nice leg warmers!
John: Just be glad you missed the seventies.
Paul: Trust me, I always am. I wouldn't have suited a basin.
Rex: I still think we should call a doctor in? Doctor Pegg is away at a conference, but he gave us all contacts for the surgery at Radstock. I'm going to see if I can find the number.
John: OK then.
Rex leaves the room.
Paul: Is that such a good idea. Having a sap Doctor poking around?
John: It'll keep him busy for now at least, give him something to do.
Paul: I wonder where Ele's got to.
John: You're right, she's been gone ages now. Hang on, I'll contact her.
John calls telepathically.
John: Elena. Can you hear me?
Elena:Yes John. I'm here.
John: Are you all right?
Elena: Other than the deadly plague of the feathered variety, yeah we're doing fine.
John: What do you mean?
Elena: Don't worry; I'll explain when I see you. There's just been some weird stuff going on, that's all.
Paul: Ain't that the truth.
John: [ANNOYED AT THE INTRUSION] Paul!
Elena: What do you mean Paul?
Paul: Hasn't he told you yet? It's Clare Jones. She's re-appeared.
Elena: You're joking? When?
John: About an hour ago, up in the woods.
Paul: Right in front of us. All very David Blane.
Elena: Is she ok?
John: Resting for now. But I'll be happier if you could join us. Can you get back?
Elena: You don't have to ask twice. I've been dying to find an excuse to get out of here.
John: OK, Elena. See you in a bit.
Paul: Weird stuff eh? Now there's a novelty. Do you think they'll ever do a reality TV show on us. "I'm a Tomorrow Person, Get Me Out Of Here." It'll be a killer. Ratings through the roof.
John: As always, I have no idea what you're babbling on about. I'm going to have a chat with Rex. See if I can get some more answers. You stay here and watch over Clare. Let me know if everything happens.
Paul: A babysitting job? To be honest I think that's all I'm up for at the moment. Oh and John?
John: Yes?
Paul: Can you see if you can stop that flaming dog scratching against the door? It's giving me the willies.
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4. MAGGIE'S GHOST
Episode Three. Ext. Coles Wood.
Rex crashes through but stops running, fighting for his breath.
Rex: Got to stop... Catch my breath... Not long though... not far behind... got to get away.
We hear the angel arrive...
Angel: Why do you run Rex?
Rex: Oh no. Not you again.
Angel: Why do you not hear?
Rex: Why can't you leave me alone?
Angel: I have someone who wants to talk to you Rex.
Rex: Who? What are you talking about now?
Maggie appears behind Rex. Her voice is distant but close at the same time.
Maggie: Hello Rex.
Rex: What? Maggie? But. But you're...
Maggie: Dead. Yes I am. And I tell you something Rex, you can see the whole picture from this side of the fence.
Rex: No. I won't believe it.
Maggie: Then you're a fool. You should listen to these people. You should hear what they have to say.
Rex: But they're not saying anything.
Angel: Yes we are Rex, you're just not listening.
Maggie: You have to go with them, see. You have to trust them.
Rex: Why should I?
Angel: To escape the tragedy.
Rex: The what?
Maggie: It's true. I've seen it. I've seen the future. The entire village is going to be wiped out.
Rex: No. No I don't believe it.
Angel: You should.
Maggie: I didn't want to believe it myself. But it is true. Those kids, the two boys and the girl, they're the start of it. They ain't even human Rex. They're different.
Rex: But what am I supposed to do, eh? I don't understand anymore.
Maggie: You don't have to understand. You've been chosen.
Angel: We've come to release you from fate. To offer safety.
Maggie: And you should take it. It's too late for me. But you have your entire future ahead of you. You want to be safe don't you?
Rex: Yes, but...
Maggie: But nothing. Go with him. They'll treat you right.
Rex: Yes, yes. I want to be safe.
Angel: This way Rex. Walk with me.
Rex: Walk with you. Yes.
Rex and the Angel walk off into the wood, leaving 'Maggie' alone. She begins to talk but as she does her voice morphs into that of a Halcalan.
Maggie: That's it Rex. Walk into the light. Take our hand. Join the...
Halcalan: ... dance. Feed her. Feed us.
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5. COMMUNION
Episode Three . Int. The Halcalan Chamber
Paul is crying out to John telepathically.
Paul: John. Ele. Someone please hear me.
Procurer: Oh dear. Have your little friends left you alone. All high and dry. If I were you I'd let those pipes burst your skin and suck out your essence. There's nothing left to fight for.
Paul: Will you please put a sock in it; I'm trying to concentrate.
Procurer: Pardon me for... actually, I don't breathe. But soon I'll be in good company when I collapse your lungs.
Paul: Like you've been able to do anything so far. You're all talk and no trousers you are.
Procurer: Stick, stones or words will do nothing to break my bones worm. You'll see. Soon and very soon.
Ext. Coles Wood
John is trying to contact Paul but has no luck.
John: Paul. Paul, are you there? It's no good.
Elena: [COMING UP ON MIC] John. Thank heavens. I thought I'd lost you. What's wrong? You look worried.
John: It's Paul. I think he's been taken through the ring.
Elena: What? Is that why we can't contact him?
John: That's what TIM thinks. I believe he's trying to contact us but his attempts are unfocused.
Elena: You mean he was behind the wave of skull-splitting agony a minute ago.
John: You felt it too?
Elena: Yes. Came out of the blue and knocked me off my feet. Literally.
John: That's settles it then. Originally I thought it was Clare, but if you were affected too it must be Paul. [SUDDENLY REALISES SHE'S ALONE] Where's Rex?
Elena: I was going to ask you the same about Phil.
John: I lost him when Paul was trying to break through.
Elena: If that's the case you'd better come and look at this.
John: What?
Elena: You'll see. This way.
Elena leads John through some branches and as they move closer we hear the tramp of dozens of feet, a line of people moving through the wood.
John: Oh my.
Elena: There's dozens of them. The entire village.
John: They look like they're in some kind of trance.
Elena: That's not all. Look!
We hear the Angels urging them on, until the voices morph into Halcalans.
Angel: Come my friends. Hear my voice. Come with us and be safe. Come with us and... [AS HALCALAN] join the dance.
John: What are they?
Elena: Well Rex said he saw an Angel.
John:They don't look much like Angels to me. Hoofed feet. Long spiralling horns...
Elena: And not to mention faces completely made up with razor-sharp teeth.
John: It's more like one of Milton's worst nightmares.
Elena: Whatever they are, the entire village seems under their control.
John: But where are they taking them?
Elena: If I had three guesses I'd say the Warlock's Ring, the Warlock's Ring or the Warlock's Ring.
John: Oh no.
Elena: What is it?
John: There, in the crowd.
Elena: Where?
John: It's Rex...
Elena: And Phil.
Int. The Halcalan Chamber
Paul: You do realise I will never give up don't you?
Procurer: To be crushingly honest little worm, I no longer care. We won't need your fire. We have new supplies on the way.
Paul: Oh, so I can be off then?
Procurer: I don't think so. I still aim to bathe in your entrails.
Paul: Charming.
Procurer: But for now we must complete the harvest. The Clare has reaped well. I must make communion.
Paul: You and me both brother.
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