As Tom tells Edward about life in Garbage Court, Edward becomes more and more envious, wishing he could experience just one day of such freedom. Edward admits that his father isn’t nice, either, and shows Edward a photo of his family. Tom explains that his mother is sick and his father is mean to everyone. When Tom enters, Edward gives him some fruit and asks for his name. Edward calls out the window to Edward, inviting him in. Lord Hertford snobbily refuses, insisting that people like Tom are poor because of their own faults. Edward spots Tom and asks Lord Hertford if they can give him some pennies. The guard snobbily tells him that Tom is standing in front of the palace and orders him away. Tom approaches a soldier at the gate, asking what neighbourhood he’s in. Meanwhile, Prince Edward is at his desk in the palace, with Lord Hertford nearby. Canty dismisses Tom’s dreams as useless and orders him to go out and not come back until he finds money. When Canty doesn’t understand why Tom needs to read, Tom explains that there are wonderful things in stories-things he imagines experiencing one day.

Tom admits that he’s trying to teach himself to read. Canty accuses Tom of holding the money back, but all he finds is a small book. Canty then chases Hugo offstage and takes Tom by the ear, demanding to see the money Tom brought home…but Tom insists his begging didn’t even get him a penny. John Canty, Tom Canty, Hodge, and Hugo introduce themselves as the Lads of the Garbage Court and warn people to stay away from them. Judson Hall Theatre, (New York) 11th March, 1962 (Perfs: 158) Synopsis

The prince in the prince and the pauper