Lord Shaftesbury addresses the House of Lords on the subject of emigration . He notes that the State would save 100,000 pounds a year if they sent 365 emigrants to Australia instead of 365 convicts. He is sure that the possibility of success in a new land will be the start that they need to rise up out of poverty and squalor. All they need is a chance. In the street, Leary threatens Joe, but the Crossing Sweeper steps in just in time. Unfortunately, he bears the news of Annie's death. Unbelieving, Joe runs back to the Lodging House. The Crossing Sweeper explains that his job is to clear the way for people. He also confronts Leary about his despicable behaviour. At the Ragged School, the children are behaving badly in the terrible heat. As the thunder rolls in, Joe appears. He knocks over desks and tables, half out of his mind with grief. Joe sinks to his knees. In a nightmare scene, Leary makes the police aware of Joe's whereabouts, then falls prey to a den of opium smokers. Joe stumbles through the streets looking for Annie, but cannot find her. He sees Leary swinging from the gallows. A crowd appears and carries Joe over their heads. He returns and finds himself still at the Ragged School. Joe tells Giles that he has decided to go to Australia. In a Drawing Room, a female aristocrat sings to an attentive audience. She is joined on another part of the stage by a group of Ragged Children. Joe returns to the Lodging House to pack his meager belongings. The Lodgers are excited for him to have a fresh start and sing to him, wishing him well. At the docks, the scene is a far cry from the first time Joe was to ship out. A spirit of excitement is in the air as the crowd bids farewell to the emigrants. Joe says goodbye to Giles, McGregor, and Shaftesbury and boards happily, but an Officer appears and points Joe out to a Policeman. At sea, the ship is caught in a violent storm, but finally arrives in Australia where everyone is promised a fresh new start. Giles and Shaftesbury wonder about the boys they have sent overseas. They have heard good news from many, but have yet to hear from Joe Cooper. They believe that, out of all the boys, Joe will be the one to make his mark. When Joe steps off the boat at Port Adelaide, he is arrested by Police Officers who accuse him of fraud and trying to escape punishment. They sentence him to seven years in prison. A Judge asks Joe if he has anything to say for himself. Joe remains silent and accepts his punishment as the inmates surround him and pull him back into the mire. MINIMUM CAST: - 23 male, 13 female (can be expanded) • A Judge • Aggy - a Streetwalker • Alice Smith - a Street Trader • Annie Cooper age 11 • Anthony Ashley-Cooper - 7th Earl of Shaftesbury • Australian Judge • Ben - a boy in the Lodging House and a street urchin who becomes a member of the Bootblack Brigade. • Bill - a Street entertainer • Billy - a boy in the Lodging House and a street urchin who becomes a member of the Bootblack Brigade. • Charlie - a Street entertainer • Clerk of the Court • Connie Crimple - a lodging house owner • Dorry - Street Urchins • Eaves - a boy in the Lodging House and a street urchin who becomes a member of the Bootblack Brigade. • Ethel - a Fish-wife • Francis Ashley-Cooper - Age 13, son of Shaftesbury • George – a boy in the Lodging House and a street urchin who becomes a member of the Bootblack Brigade. • George Lloyd - a Transportee • George Wilson - a Transportee
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