Splinters

Let me see your mast design, says Belle.

Here, says Kierkegaard. 

Very neat, says Belle. Three planks bound together with ropes.

Of course, they don't have to be ropes, says Kierkegaard.

No, we don't have any ropes, says Belle. But we've got plenty of string.

Yeah, in the drawer, says Sweezus.

And they don't have to be planks, says Kierkegaard.

Just as well, says Belle. We don't have planks either. We'll cut up some boxes.

Can I do it? asks Terence.

No, says Belle.

So me and Pangloss are clinging to a piece of cardboard, says Sweezus. And the Sailor is swimming.

Yes, says Vello. The Sailor is swimming. Arthur, that's you.

Which way is Lisbon? asks Arthur.

That way, says Vello. No wait. A quick scene change. Gaius, help me move the table.

If it's to represent Lisbon, it should be upended, says Gaius.

Not till they get there, says Vello. That's when the earthquake starts. 

Me! cries Terence.

Yes, you, says Vello. 

Crash bang HEY! Watch out people! sings Terence.

Whirlwinds of fire and ashes! says Captain Baudin.

What? says Terence.

Houses collapse, roofs topple, foundations crumble, says Captain Baudin.

Excellent intervention, says Vello. 

Your own words, says Captain Baudin.

It's not fair! says Terence.

It's okay, Terence, says Belle. He's describing the effect of your actions.

And mine! says Baby Pierre. 

Baby Pierre has now got his new socks on. 

He dances round Terence, shouting HEY!

Shut up! says Terence. You're just the stand-in.

No, says Vello. It's better with two of you. 

Yes it is, says David. Double the drama.

Double the comedy, says Vello.

Don't I get injured by splinters? asks Sweezus.

Yay! That's my next job! cries Terence.