The Visit PDF by Philip Dart

THE VISIT by Philip Dart www.facebook.com/ViennasEnglishTheatreSchooltours www.schooltours.at  The Characters The play is performed by four actors....

THE VISIT by Philip Dart www.facebook.com/ViennasEnglishTheatreSchooltours www.schooltours.at  The Characters The play is performed by four actors. Jez – a ‘posh’ boy1 from a minor public school, studying for a Sports Science Degree. Good looking and arrogant, with some underlying insecurities2. Can be charming but ultimately really only cares about himself.3 Lewis – a boy from a northern working class family, Lewis went to a state school and was the first in his family to go to university. A clever, likeable extrovert,4 he is gay but not effeminate5. Lewis is reading Politics. Abby – a young woman from a lower middle-class background, the daughter of two teachers. An intelligent, articulate6 girl who is reading Drama and English at university. Teena Whitsom – a female detective in her mid-twenties, from a local police station. She is very forceful7 and charismatic. Setting: A student house in a provincial university town. March 2017. 1 One who feels himself to be socially superior 2 Feelings of being insecure; lacking self-confidence 3 Is self-centred, egoistic 4 An open, lively cheerful person 5 Without female characteristics © Vienna’s English Theatre Schooltours 6 Able to express herself with conviction (Vienna’s English Theatre Gastspiel GmbH) 7 Strong and firm 3 2 2 3  THE VISIT do its business on our path, to get her own back. by Philip Dart JEZ: For what? LEWIS: For the noise. Let’s show her we’re back! Party time. A living room of a small terraced house1. The décor is bland2, enlivened3 by a He plugs his phone into the speakers. few posters on the walls. This is a communal space in the house for whom no one ABBY: Well, I hope you got it all off1. There’s a funny smell in here. takes responsibility and consequently has an uncared-for look. There is an old JEZ: You can check if you want. sofa and chair with clothes strewn4 over it. A coffee table has used mugs5, beer He holds his foot up to her. bottles and the remains of take-away meals on it. There is a sideboard, on which ABBY: (Shying away)2 No way. there are some portable6 speakers. One side of the stage leads off to the front The music starts. door and the opposite side to the kitchen and the upstairs. JEZ: You’re not going to play that crap3 …? At present the room is empty. It is after midnight on a midweek spring term night. ABBY: I like it. After a few moments, we hear chatter and laughter and ABBY and LEWIS enter. JEZ: You two have no taste. Why not put on some Avicii4? They have been drinking and are in high spirits. ABBY/LEWIS: Nooo! LEWIS: (Checking empty bottles) There’s no booze5 left. ABBY: Did you see Hannah? She was so wasted7. Ollie had to literally prop ABBY: No, you drank it all before we went out. her up8. LEWIS: I really need a drink. Jez, you haven’t got anything hidden away in your LEWIS: Don’t know what he sees in her – she’s such a loser. room, have you? ABBY: Hey, she’s my friend. JEZ: Depends on whether you’re prepared to take this rubbish off6? LEWIS: When you’re not bitching9 about her. LEWIS: That depends on what you’ve got …. ABBY: Well, sometimes she can be such …. JEZ: It’s Absolut7. LEWIS/ABBY: A loser! LEWIS: OK, I give in. LEWIS: (laughing) My point, precisely. JEZ: I’ll get it. ABBY: Christ, it’s freezing in here. Is the front door still open? Jez exits. LEWIS: I left it for Jez. ABBY: Are there any glasses left? ABBY: Where the hell is he? LEWIS: No, I broke the last one. Sorry. LEWIS: Don’t ask me. (Calling off) Jez! What are you doing, mate10? ABBY: It’ll have to be mugs, then. I’ll sort some out. (She lifts up a mug on the JEZ: Coming. (He enters) coffee table) Christ, this is disgusting! It’s got mould8 in it. ABBY: What kept you? LEWIS: It’s Jez’s. Been there for weeks. JEZ: Dog poo11. ABBY: Does he never clean anything up? There are pans in the kitchen that ABBY: Dog poo? haven’t been washed since last term. JEZ: There was a great, stinking pile of it on the path. I stepped right in it. LEWIS: I know. Your rota system9 doesn’t seem to be working. LEWIS: It’s that black Labrador next door. I think the old crone12 gets her dog to ABBY: It would, if everybody followed it. LEWIS: I’m afraid it’s not “Jez proof”10. 1 ABBY: Why does he never do his share of the cleaning? One of a row of houses linked together 2 Simple and uninteresting 3 1 Made bright Removed it all 4 2 Loosely scattered Keeping her distance 5 3 Large cups without saucers Rubbish 6 4 That can be moved easily Stage name of Tim Bergling, Swedish musician 7 5 So drunk she couldn’t stand up Alcohol 8 6 Support her Stop playing this music 9 7 Complaining, making unkind critical comments A brand of vodka 10 8 Friend (colloq.) Fungus stains 11 9 Droppings (shit – slang) Taking turns to do jobs around the flat 12 10 An ugly old woman The system doesn’t work when it’s Jez’s turn 4 5 4 5 LEWIS: Not brought up to it. Used to having everything done for him. JEZ: Come on, stop playing hard to get1. JEZ overhears as he re-enters with the bottle. LEWIS: Stop it, you two. Let’s get down to the serious business of drinking. JEZ: What’s that? JEZ: Why not? (Mock toasting2) To the residents of number 36. LEWIS: You’re too used to having everything done for you –by the domestics. LEWIS/ABBY: Number 36! (They drink, laugh and sit down.) JEZ: That’s so harsh1! Mummy only had a cook and a cleaner during the week. JEZ: All right. Let’s have another toast! Go on, Lewis. We had to cope2 all by ourselves at the weekends. LEWIS: OK (He stands and raises his mug.) Here’s to … ! No. Can’t think of ABBY: (Sarcastically referring to the mugs) I’ll clean these up, shall I? anything. Why don’t we play “Never have I ever…”? JEZ: (Sweetly) That would be awesome3. Thank you. ABBY: What? ABBY exits, disgruntled4. LEWIS: “Never have I ever ….” LEWIS: And he’s even polite to the servants – a true gentleman. ABBY: I’m still no wiser. JEZ: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just ‘cos I didn’t go to the local Community School with JEZ: She was away, the weekend we played it. all the other plebs5. Now shut up and change that music. LEWIS: You’ll love it. It’s a drinking game. It’s really easy. LEWIS: OK. (He disconnects his phone.) JEZ: Yeah, so someone starts by saying: “Never have I ever…” and that’s JEZ: Did you see Hannah tonight? got to be about something you’ve never done before, like “Never have I ever LEWIS: Of course – she was in the bar. … sky dived”, for instance. JEZ: I swear, she’s got the hots for me6. ABBY: OK. LEWIS: No way. She was pissed7, mate. Probably couldn’t see straight. JEZ: So, then anyone who has actually skydived, has to stand up, take a drink, JEZ: She was definitely giving me the come on8. and pay a forfeit3. Then we move on to the next person, and so on. LEWIS: You think everyone is giving you “the come on”. LEWIS: The important thing is for everyone to be completely truthful. No fibs4 ABBY re-enters. or evasions5. Got it? ABBY: What’s this? ABBY: Got it. Sounds cool. LEWIS: Jez thinks Hannah is lusting after him9. JEZ: It is. ABBY: Yeah, in his dreams! Everyone knows she’s devoted10 to Ollie. LEWIS: (To JEZ) What happened to the cards? ABBY puts the mugs down and JEZ pours the drinks during the following. JEZ: What cards? JEZ: You wait and see. He’s too much of a wimp11 for her. LEWIS: The forfeit cards? From the last time we played? They must be around ABBY: And you’re not? somewhere. JEZ: That hurt, Abby. Really hurt. Don’t be jealous – you know you fancy me LEWIS searches the room for the forfeit cards, upturning clothes, etc. rotten12, as well. (He moves towards her.) ABBY: How do you know who the winner is? ABBY: Get off. I said, get off! JEZ: By elimination6. If you throw up7, you’re out of the game. There is a playful scuffle13 between them. ABBY: That’s evil8. Leave me alone. JEZ: (Smiling) Yes, isn’t it? LEWIS: (Finding the forfeit cards and spreading them face down on the table) Ah. Here they are. JEZ: I’ll pour out the drinks. (He does so.) 1 Hard 2 Look after the house LEWIS: And we are ready to go. 3 Fantastic, brilliant 4 Bitterly annoyed 5 Members of the lower social classes (Latin) 6 1 She is very interested in me sexually Stop pretending you are not interested (when you actually are) 7 2 Drunk Pretending to offer a toast 8 3 A sexual invitation To do sth. (usually unpleasant) as a ‘punishment’ for losing 9 4 Wanting, desiring sexually Lies 10 5 Emotionally committed Avoiding the truth 11 6 Weak, soft character By who is still left at the end (after the others have been excluded) 12 7 Really like me a lot Vomit, are sick 13 8 Fight Cruel 6 7 6 7 ABBY: Who starts? He pours a shot into JEZ’s mug. LEWIS: I will – here’s a gentle one. “Never have I ever” … stolen anything ABBY: I had you down as a lot of things, Jez, but never as a cheat. from our fridge. JEZ: Hey! This was at Primary school1. I was nine at the time. There is a pause. They look at each other then JEZ stands and takes a drink. LEWIS: (Indicating the forfeit cards) Go on, then. I knew it was you – you bastard1. You’re the one who steals all my milk. JEZ picks up another forfeit card. JEZ: Sorry (He isn’t really.) LEWIS: (Selecting the card) If this is anything like the … (Seeing the card) Oh, LEWIS refills JEZ’s mug. well, that could be worse. ABBY: So, he gets to pick a forfeit now, yeah? ABBY: What is it? LEWIS: He certainly does. LEWIS: “Remove an item of clothing”. ABBY starts a rhythmic chant of “forfeit, forfeit” and LEWIS joins in. JEZ JEZ takes off his shirt and is bare chested beneath. tentatively2 lifts a card, then puts it down again. JEZ: Feel free to gaze2 in awe3 and admiration. JEZ: There’s no way I’m doing that. ABBY: Uh, I don’t think so. Your call. ABBY: What is it? JEZ: My pleasure. Never have I ever … now, let’s see … kissed a boy – and I LEWIS: You have to – no copping out3. mean a proper kiss – tongues and all. ABBY grabs4 the card and reads it. LEWIS: That is SO unfair! ABBY: “Eat something out of the bin.” Eeugh5! That’s totally gross6! ABBY and LEWIS stand and take a drink. JEZ: I’m not doing it. JEZ: (Chanting, mimicking4 the others as he tops up their mugs) Forfeit! Forfeit! LEWIS: You are. Those are the rules. ABBY and LEWIS each pick up a card. LEWIS brings a kitchen bin into the room and they lift the lid. He and ABBY ABBY: (Reading) “Call someone you don’t know and tell them you want to have exclaim at the smell. sex with them.” OK, I’m going to get this over as quickly as possible. JEZ: There’s stuff that must be over two weeks old in there. She grabs LEWIS’ phone, which is on the table and presses a random number5. ABBY: I have no sympathy. It was your turn to empty it. LEWIS: (Tries to stop her, it’s too late.) Not my phone! No! Holding his nose, JEZ searches inside the bin while ABBY and LEWIS laugh ABBY: Hello? Is that (checks name in phone) Mark Thewlis? Hi, I’m just hysterically. He comes up with a half-eaten banana, still in its skin. calling to say that I’ve seen you around and I really want you. I’d do JEZ: OK. One bite. That’s as far as I’m prepared to go. anything, and I mean, anything, to hook up6 with you. You’re SO HOT. ABBY and LEWIS clap and chant “forfeit” again, while JEZ takes a small bite (Brightly) Bye! and throws the banana back in the bin. LEWIS takes the bin back to the kitchen. LEWIS: Thanks, Abby. Thanks a lot. LEWIS: Let’s play on. Your call7, Abby. ABBY: So, who exactly is Mark Thewlis? JEZ: Yeah. I’ll look forward to seeing one of you utterly humiliated8. LEWIS: One of my history professors. LEWIS returns. ABBY: Oops. ABBY: Never ever have I … cheated in an exam. JEZ: Awesome, Abby. Perfect choice. So, Lewis, what does your card say? JEZ: Oh, what… ?!! LEWIS: (Reading card) “Recite the alphabet backwards in twenty seconds or JEZ stands and drains9 his drink. less without pausing”. LEWIS: Abby and I will end up stone-cold sober10 at this rate. JEZ: That’s really lame7. ABBY: But just about impossible after a couple of shots. 1 Devil (swear word) LEWIS: Z-y-x-w-v-u-t-s-r-q-p-o-n-m-l-k-j-i-h-g-f-e-d-c-b-a. 2 With hesitation 3 Avoiding 4 1 Suddenly takes For pupils aged 5 to 11 5 2 Expression of disgust To look long 6 3 Horrible, awful (slang) Respect 7 4 Turn Copying 8 5 Made a complete fool of One chosen by chance 9 6 Finishes Make sexual contact 10 7 Not having drunk any alcohol at all Weak 8 9 8 9 ABBY: Awesome! When did you learn to do that? LEWIS: Do you remember that boyfriend you had – Ethan? LEWIS: When I was a kid. Harry and I were a real pair of nerds1, always trying ABBY: You didn’t? (He looks at her) You didn’t? to outdo2 each other. You know, quizzes, puzzles, problems … the more off- LEWIS: Only joking. It was Joe Williams. the-wall3, the better. ABBY: I thought he was straight1. JEZ: I wish I’d known you when I was doing my maths GCSE4. LEWIS: Thereby lies a tale2. LEWIS: It would have cost you. We used to charge5 the other kids for solving JEZ: Can we get on? (Indicating forfeit cards) Lewis, you go first. maths problems. One term we made over twenty quid. LEWIS: (Picking up a card and reading) “Act out a love scene from a movie – ABBY: Your turn, Lewis. playing both roles”. LEWIS: Never have I ever …worn the same underwear for over a week. They all laugh – the doorbell goes. Pause – they look at each other. JEZ stands and takes a drink. JEZ: Who the hell is that? ABBY: Oh, Jez! You are disgusting6. LEWIS: Probably the woman next door, complaining about the noise. JEZ: Didn’t get a chance to go to the launderette. Had to buy new ones in the The doorbell goes again. end. JEZ: Isn’t anyone going to answer that? They laugh, LEWIS fills JEZ’s mug as he picks a card. LEWIS: Let’s leave it. She’ll get bored and go away. JEZ: This is strangely appropriate7, given8 my last confession9: “Wear someone The doorbell rings again. else’s underpants or knickers on your head”. Come on, then Abby, get ‘em ABBY: I’ll go then, shall I? off. ABBY gets up and exits. ABBY: Eugh! You’re not having mine!! LEWIS: Thank you! Pass the bottle, Jez. LEWIS: There’s some of mine in the kitchen, hanging on the dryer. JEZ: After I’ve had a top up3. JEZ exits to fetch the underpants. They drink – we hear ABBY’s voice off and also that of a woman. ABBY: At least they’re clean. LEWIS: Hope she gets rid of her quickly. I’ve just thought of the best … LEWIS: Sort of. We’re out of washing powder again. question … EVER. JEZ returns with the pants on his head. He struts10 like a model and poses centre ABBY re-enters with TEENA WHITSOM a plain clothes police woman – she is stage. holding a card. JEZ: There’s not many men would be able to carry off11 this look. ABBY: This is Detective Sergeant Whitsom. LEWIS: That’s something to be grateful for. Abby? JEZ stands up and offers TEENA his hand to shake, forgetting that he has no ABBY: Is it my turn again? All right, let’s see: “Never have I ever …” shirt and he’s wearing LEWIS’ underpants on his head. snogged12 someone else’s partner at a party. JEZ: We’re sorry about the noise. (Realising) Oh, and … about this. We were JEZ: I cannot lie. just, um, playing a game and it sort of got4… LEWIS: Nor I. TEENA: (Interrupting) Yes, I can see. (To LEWIS) Turn the music off, will you? LEWIS and JEZ stand and take a drink.. LEWIS turns the music off. ABBY: Who with? (To JEZ) And I suggest you take those things off your head and put some clothes on. 1 JEZ starts to giggle5. There is a slight pause before he catches her look and ‘Obsessives’ who spend lots of time on way-out activities realises she is deadly serious. 2 Beat, defeat 3 Way out, extreme Now, please. 4 General Certificate of Secondary Education, exam taken at 15 or 16 years of age in England JEZ quickly removes the underpants and puts his shirt back on. 5 6 Ask for, demand money from ABBY: Look, we’re really sorry if we’ve disturbed anyone. We don’t usually Horrible 7 Suitable 8 1 Considering, in view of Heterosexual 9 2 Admission A phrase used to show that there is a secret 10 3 Walks proudly (as on the catwalk) A refill 11 4 To perform successfully (Out of control) 12 5 Kissed intimately To laugh a little 10 11 10 11  have the music this loud, in fact, we’re normally really quiet, it’s just … time. We’re just making enquiries1 at this stage. TEENA: (Interrupting) I haven’t come about the noise. ABBY: About what? LEWIS: Really? TEENA: Earlier this evening a young woman was found lying unconscious in the They look at each other. grounds of the university. TEENA: No. JEZ: (Under his breath, to LEWIS) Sounds like we missed a good party. ABBY: So, how can we help you? TEENA: (With steel2, to JEZ) Not really. She tried to take her own life. A TEENA: This may take a few minutes. I suggest we all sit down. suspected3 suicide attempt. They sit, awkwardly1. ABBY: That’s awful! Is she OK? TEENA: Let’s start with your names. (Getting out a notebook. To LEWIS) Yes? TEENA: Too early to tell. She’s in intensive care. LEWIS: I’m Lewis Martin. ABBY: It isn’t someone we know, is it? TEENA: And you live here? LEWIS: Jesus! Is that why you’re here? LEWIS: Yes, we all do. TEENA: We don’t currently4 know the young woman’s identity. She was found TEENA: So, you’re a student at the university? lying underneath a willow tree5, close to Highfield Campus. The officers LEWIS: Yeah – doing Politics and History. (To the others) I’m beginning to feel attending the scene found nothing on her person, apart from6 a suicide note. guilty, and I haven’t done anything. JEZ: So why us? TEENA: Date of birth? TEENA: I thought you might be able to help with our enquiries. LEWIS: Sorry … ? ABBY: Of course – whatever we can do. Right, boys? TEENA: Your date of birth? The boys nod7 in agreement. LEWIS: Oh, right. First of February, nineteen ninety-five. (Turning to TEENA) So you think she was a student, yeah? TEENA: Thank you. (Looking at ABBY) And you are? TEENA: We’re almost certain she was. ABBY: Abby – Abigail Myers. LEWIS: Because she was found on campus? TEENA: Is that Miss Myers? TEENA: Mainly because of certain … information that has come to light since ABBY: Ms2. she was discovered. She used an online username - rather than her actual TEENA: Ms. And you’re a student, too? name - to sign the suicide note. We’ve discovered that the username relates ABBY: Yes. Reading3 English and Drama. Born eighteenth June, nineteen to an anonymous blog, and whoever wrote that blog is clearly a student at this ninety-six. University. TEENA: And? (Turning to JEZ) LEWIS: So you think the girl wrote this blog? JEZ: Jeremy Brokenshire. Studying Sports Science. TEENA: It would appear so, but she seems to have gone to some lengths8 to LEWIS: (To ABBY) When he feels like it. conceal her real name. TEENA: (To LEWIS) Did you want to say something, Mr Lewis? ABBY: Then why even give a username … If she didn’t want to be identified? It LEWIS: No, nothing. Sorry. doesn’t make sense. TEENA: (To JEZ) Date of birth? TEENA: I couldn’t say. In my experience, people hide their real identities for all JEZ: Twenty third of March. kinds of reasons. Pause, TEENA looks expectantly. LEWIS: So if you don’t know who she is, what brought you here? Oh. Nineteen ninety-six. TEENA: The blog suggests she knew someone living in this house. TEENA: Does anyone else live here? ABBY: No, just us. TEENA: (Briskly4) I know it’s late, so I’ll try not to take up too much of your 1 2 Trying to find out information In a hard tone 3 Believed to be 4 At present 1 5 Feeling uncomfortable (A symbol of death or mourning) 2 6 Alternative to Miss or Mrs (Here Abby is refusing to be categorised) Except 3 7 Studying (With their heads) 4 8 Quickly, sharply Made a great effort 12 13 12 13 JEZ: Really? TEENA: It could be. ABBY: Doesn’t sound like anyone I know. ABBY: As I said, I didn’t have much to do with her. TEENA: So I’ll need a few minutes with each of you. Just to see if anyone is TEENA: Did she have many friends? able to identify her. ABBY: A few, I think, but you know what it’s like. She was a newcomer and the JEZ: (Jokingly) I’m not going to need my lawyer, am I? rest of us already had our friendship groups. TEENA: I sincerely hope not, Mr Brokenshire. TEENA: I see. Do you think that was why she joined the drama club? JEZ automatically picks up his mug and reaches for the bottle. ABBY: I don’t follow? TEENA: (To JEZ) No alcohol, please. I’ll need your full attention for the next TEENA: To make friends? If she was new, and lonely? few minutes. (To ABBY) I’d like to start with you, Ms Myers. ABBY: I don’t think she was lonely. She seemed to get on with the boys well ABBY: Me? OK. enough. TEENA: When I visited the girl in hospital I took a picture, for identification TEENA: You’ve observed that she was pretty, and popular with the boys. Would purposes. I’d like you to look at it. you say you were a little bit jealous1 of her? TEENA opens an image on her phone. ABBY: Me?! Why would I be jealous? JEZ: (Half rising from the sofa) Can I see? TEENA: Well, a new, attractive girl arrives at school. Maybe she takes some of TEENA: Please stay seated for now, I’ll be speaking to you shortly. Ms Myers? the attention away from you? TEENA takes ABBY to one side and shows her the picture in her phone. LEWIS: Hold on, Abby’s not like that. TEENA: Here. TEENA: Thank you, Mr Martin, but please don’t interrupt. I’ll come to you in ABBY: She looks in a bad way. All those tubes1… No, no I don’t recognise her. a minute. She hands the phone back to TEENA. LEWIS: Not much point – I don’t even know the girl. TEENA: I’ll make the image bigger. Look again. TEENA: (Back to ABBY) So you weren’t jealous of Lucy Fenton? She enlarges the image and hands the phone back to ABBY. ABBY: No, not really. ABBY: I’m sorry, I still don’t … I mean, she looks a bit like a girl I knew at TEENA: Not even when teachers praised her as the star of your drama club? school, but … actually, it could be her. Older, of course, and a lot thinner. ABBY: No! Look, where are you getting all this stuff2 from? Lucy… Lucy … Lucy Fenton. I haven’t seen her since the sixth form2. But TEENA: From her blog. Lucy also mentions a dispute3 over a boy … Matt? (She why would she be here, at this Uni? refers to her notepad). Yes, Matthew Courtney. She mentions an ‘Abby’ TEENA: That’s what we’re hoping to find out. Can you tell me anything more who was dating him – was that you? about her? ABBY: I did go out with Matt Courtney. Yes. ABBY: Not really. I didn’t know her that well. She only joined my school to take TEENA: He showed some interest in her, didn’t he? Did that make you angry? her A Level exams3. She didn’t stay long. I think she dropped out4 after a ABBY: Of course it made me angry – who wouldn’t be? (Playing down her couple of months. reaction.4) But I knew he wasn’t serious, so I let it go. TEENA: Do you remember why? TEENA: Really? Didn’t you and your friends say some pretty unpleasant things ABBY: Sorry, I can’t. about Lucy, on social media? TEENA: Anything else about her? ABBY: I don’t recall. There may have been a couple of comments on Facebook. ABBY: I think she joined the drama club at school. You know what young girls are like. TEENA: And? TEENA: I’d say it was a little more than that. ABBY: She was quite pretty. JEZ: Oh Abby, I am deeply shocked. It turns out that little Miss Perfect isn’t so TEENA: Did you like her? perfect after all. ABBY: Is that relevant5? ABBY: Shut it, Jez. TEENA: In the blog, Lucy describes a confrontation with you the day before she 1 (To keep her alive in intensive care) 2 1 Final two years at upper-secondary school Envious 3 2 General Certificate of Education ‘Advanced’ Level (in England) Information (colloq.) 4 3 Gave up, left school An argument 5 4 Important here (To make it seem less important) 14 15 14 15  left the school. Tell me about it. pictures are nothing to do with me. ABBY: If you already know what happened, why do you need me to go over it? LUCY: You know they are. TEENA: Lucy was very clear about her side of the story. I haven’t heard yours. ABBY: All right. Where’s the proof? ABBY: What did she say? LUCY: Lauren and Rachel. I overheard them, saying how you’d played me TEENA: She talked about bullying1 and betrayal2. About lies that were along1; made me think “Luke” wanted a relationship. If you really meant to circulated. Perhaps you’d like me to refresh your memory? (Looking at her keep it a secret, they’re the last people you should have told. phone). I’ve got a link to the blog here, I can read it out. ABBY: That’s not proof. ABBY: (Turning away from TEENA, unable to look her in the eye) Look, is this LUCY: I know. That’s why I went straight to Holly. She confirmed it. really necessary? I’ve already told you who she is. What more do you want? ABBY is caught out. She doesn’t know how to reply. TEENA: (Ignoring ABBY, looking up the blog date on her phone) … So, here we You know, you were good. Really good. You made me believe that “Luke” are. 6th April 2013. “I decided to follow Abby home from school. Not to pick was real, and that he cared for me. I felt so lucky to have him when you and a fight: I really, really wanted to know what could drive a person to be so your friends were ignoring me, or bitching2 about me. So when he … when horrible, to hate someone so much for no reason.” you … asked for those pictures, I... (She takes a breath, pauses) Have you TEENA moves towards ABBY during the next few lines, speaking LUCY’s words any idea what it feels like to walk in to school and know that everyone’s seen and seemingly becoming LUCY herself. you … like that? Can you imagine what it’s like? I mean, what have I ever “I kept my distance as we walked, trying to build up the courage to run up to done to you, Abby? her - challenge her3 - but I couldn’t do it. Just before she reached home she ABBY: Tried to take Matt off me. stopped and pulled out her phone. She must have got a text from one of her LUCY: What? Why would you think that? friends. She was standing, half turned towards me, and I could see she was ABBY: I read one of his texts, one he sent to you. Saying he was ready to break smiling. That’s when I got the courage to speak. Even without seeing the up with me, talking about kissing you, touching you. text, I knew exactly what she was looking at.” LUCY: Shame you never bothered3 to look up my reply. The one where I said I TEENA speaks as LUCY, grabbing ABBY’s shoulder and forcing her to face her. didn’t fancy him4. The one where I said that if he tried to grope5 me again, I’d As ABBY turns, there is a sound effect and a flashback4 begins. tell you. (Reaching for her phone) I’ll show it to you, if you want? Here. Do LUCY: Why? Why did you do it? you want to read it? ABBY: I don’t know what you’re talking about. She holds the phone at ABBY’s eye level. ABBY barely reads it. LUCY: I think you do. ABBY: I didn’t know. ABBY: All I know is, you’ve made an even bigger embarrassment5 of yourself LUCY: If you’d only asked me, I would have told you. than usual. I heard about the photos, going round school today. You, with ABBY: OK. Maybe I went a bit far6. Too far. I’m sorry. your top off … that’s pretty tacky6, even by your standards. LUCY: I’m sorry. Is that all you can say? LUCY: I didn’t send them out, though. You did. ABBY opens her mouth as if to defend herself, then thinks better of it. She turns ABBY: And how exactly would I get hold of topless photos of you? away from LUCY, defeated and ashamed). LUCY: Because you’re “Luke.” TEENA: (Out of role, suddenly businesslike) According to the blog, that was the ABBY: Sorry? Luke who? last time you and Lucy spoke. The following week she left school … as you LUCY: You set up a fake profile of a guy called “Luke Ellison” on Facebook. can appreciate, she found it impossible to stay on after those photos went out. You messaged me, pretending to be him. Don’t try to deny it7. LEWIS and JEZ are stunned7 by what they have heard. ABBY: Sounds like you’ve lost the plot. I’ve never heard of him and those LEWIS: Wow. Abby – I would never have thought you capable of doing 1 1 Being ‘mobbed’ Tricked me 2 2 Being let down Complaining, saying bad things 3 3 Ask her direct questions Tried, made the effort 4 4 A scene that takes place earlier than the main story Didn’t want him as a boyfriend 5 5 Worse impression Touch in an indecent way 6 6 Cheap, in bad taste Overdid it, exaggerated 7 7 Say it’s not true Shocked 16 17 16 17 SEASON 2017/18 13 Sept – 21 Oct 2017 SHIRLEY VALENTINE by Willy Russell The heroine in this actor’s tour-de-force is an ordinary middle-aged English housewife 5 – 20 March 2018 VET’S YOUTH ENSEMBLE presents DOGFIGHT Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, Book by Peter Duchan who has lost sight of her dreams and aspirations. She started her life full of passion and On the eve of their deployment to a small but growing conflict in Southeast Asia in 1963, three promise, but this spirit has been slowly and gradually eroded by years of frustrating fa- young Marines set out for one final boys’ night of debauchery and partying. But, when Corporal mily life. Now that her children have moved out, she’s struggling to find an aim in her life. Eddie Birdlace meets Rose whom he enlists to win a cruel bet with his fellow recruits, she rewri- When her best friend wins an all-inclusive vacation to Greece for two, Shirley grasps the tes the rules of the game and teaches him the power of love and compassion. opportunity to head for the sun and to her surprise, re-discovers her youthful inner-self Poignant, funny and totally endearing … could melt the coldest heart. – THE NEW YORK OBSERVER and her joy of life. Based on the Warner Bros. Film and Screenplay by Bob Comfort. This production is presented by arrangement with Absolutely smashing. – THE NEW YORK POST MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL EUROPE 6 Nov – 22 Dec 2017 22 – 24 March 2018 WAIT UNTIL DARK by Frederick Knott THE ENGLISH LOVERS A cool-as-ice criminal and two petty crooks have traced the location of a mysterious Best Improv in town! doll to the apartment of photographer Sam Henderson and his blind wife, Susy. Sam had apparently been persuaded by a woman at Amsterdam airport to take the doll to 9 April – 12 May 2018 London, not realising its valuable and dangerous content. The con men worm their way into the apartment, and start searching, literally right in front of Susy who is made to CLOSER by Patrick Marber believe that the vanished doll would implicate her husband in a murder. This brilliant Dan rescues Alice. Anna photographs Dan. Larry meets Anna online. Alice rescues Larry. This psychological thriller probes which frightens us more – the evil you can see coming, or is London at the end of the twentieth century where lives collide and fates change in an in- the one you can’t? stant. Strangers become lovers and lovers become strangers... Patrick Marber has created a brilliant exploration into the anatomy of modern romance, whe- Full of mystery, suspense, thrills, and chills. – BROADWAY WORLD re a quartet of strangers meet, fall in love, and become caught up in a web of sexual desire and betrayal. Closer is being hailed as one of the best plays of the nineties, exposing the pain 15 Jan – 24 Feb 2018 that comes with the territory of love. Not suitable for under 16s ART by Yasmina Reza Patrick Marber’s searing follow-up to Dealer’s Choice establishes him as the leading playwright of his generation. – INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY Serge has bought a modern painting for a large sum of money. The canvas is white, with a few white lines and seems to be highly valued among modern art experts. When Serge proudly presents this valuable acquisition to his long time friend Marc, the latter is flabbergasted – 28 May – 7 July 2018 and not in the way Serge expected. Yvan, the third party of the trio, refuses to take a position THE ODD COUPLE by Neil Simon as he’s already burdened by the chaos of his wedding arrangements. The ensuing, somewhat hilarious, conflict threatens to break up a 15 year old friendship as the argument expands A group of friends are in the midst of their weekly poker game in the apartment of divorced not only into the fields of art, humour, philosophy and psychology but also touches on the Oscar Madison, when Felix Ungar finally arrives. He is very distressed as he has just been essential self-perception of the three men. thrown out by his wife, who is demanding a divorce. To save his friend from further pathetic suicide attempts, Oscar persuades Felix to move in with him – an offer he will soon come to A remarkably wise, witty and intelligent comedy … has touched a universal nerve. – THE TIMES regret. As the action unfolds, the bickering increases with hilarious results. Wildly, irresistibly, incredibly and continuously funny. – THE NEW YORK POST w w w. englishthe at re.at VIENNA’S ENGLISH THEATRE – 1080 VIENNA, JOSEFSGASSE 12 – 01-402 12 60-0  something like that. with your … course work. JEZ: Yeah. I’d call that pretty harsh1, even by my standards. She beckons1 him over to look at her phone. LEWIS: More than harsh – vicious2. What got into you? JEZ: OK. But this is all pretty pointless, isn’t it? ABBY: I feel … I think I might be sick. (To TEENA) can I sit down, now? He looks at the picture from his reaction it’s clear that he recognises the girl. TEENA nods. TEENA: So you do know her? TEENA: (To LEWIS) Get her some water, will you? JEZ: Er… LEWIS grudgingly3 exits to the kitchen. TEENA: You recognise her? ABBY: What happened, just then? It all came flooding4 back, like I was actually JEZ: Yeah. Yeah, I think I do. But she’s not called ‘Lucy’. Well, at least, the girl there. (To TEENA) I don’t understand! How did that happen? I know who looks a lot like her, isn’t called ‘Lucy’. I think this is a girl She sits with her head in her hands. called Charlie. LEWIS returns with a mug of water and hands it to her roughly5. ABBY drinks. TEENA: Think, or know? TEENA: Now your little Facebook prank6 is out in the open … I assume there’s JEZ: Know. It’s Charlie. nothing else you have to tell me about Lucy Fenton? TEENA: It appears that she changed her name. (She looks at ABBY.) A fresh ABBY: No, nothing else. I just want to say that you’re right, Lewis. What I start, perhaps? (To JEZ) What’s your connection2 to her? did was vicious. I was young and stupid and it just didn’t occur to me that she JEZ: I met her at a party, last year. might be so …vulnerable7. She always seemed so confident. TEENA: How would you describe your relationship? TEENA: Her blog tells a different story, I’m afraid. JEZ: I wouldn’t say it was a relationship – more a friendship, really. I met her at LEWIS: Look, what Abby did was really unforgiveable but it happened a while a student house party – everyone was pretty wasted. ago. There must have been something else - something that happened more TEENA: Tell me about that evening. recently - to make her … you know... do what she did. JEZ: Not sure I remember much about it. JEZ: Absolutely. (He stands up and goes to leave the room) Well, if we’re done, TEENA: Charlie remembered it pretty well. It’s all in the blog. I’ll just …. JEZ: Oh? TEENA: Where are you going? TEENA: Would you like me to read the blog entry? JEZ: I’ve … er8 … got some course work to write up. JEZ: No! TEENA: But I haven’t spoken to you yet. TEENA: (She ignores him and calls up the entry in her phone) 8th October, 2015, LEWIS: You’ve got the girl’s name now. Surely that’s all you wanted? party at Callum Brady’s… TEENA: Not quite. I’d still like to talk to you, Mr Brokenshire. JEZ: Look, if you’re going to question us all like this, shouldn’t we have a JEZ: This course work … it’s got to be in by tomorrow … solicitor present, or something? TEENA: Then the quicker we can complete the interview, the quicker you’ll be TEENA: I’ve got a squad car3 outside. If you’d prefer to continue this at the able to get on with it. And just by way of advice, drinking vodka is probably station, then … not the best preparation for doing course work. JEZ: OK! I’ll do it! Let’s just get this over with4. JEZ: Look, my great uncle was a magistrate9 and I’ve got massive, massive TEENA: She says the first time you met, you spilled a glass of red wine over her. respect for the law, but don’t you think this is taking things a bit far? I mean, Remember that? I don’t even know anyone called Lucy. JEZ: Yeah. I remember. But it wasn’t my fault. There was this huge guy – TEENA: Take a look. If you don’t recognise the girl, then you’ll be free to get on must’ve been a rugby player, or something – charged in to me and I sort of swung round, like this … 1 Fairly hard As he turns, sound effect and we revert5 to a flashback as before – TEENA 2 Nasty, evil 3 Reluctantly, unwillingly 4 Rushing 5 1 Not gently Invites, gives him a signal to come over to her 6 2 Trick Relationship 7 3 Easily wounded emotionally Police car 8 4 (Hesitation) Finish this (the questioning) 9 5 Court judge Return, go back 18 19 18 19 becomes CHARLIE. JEZ is drunk –slurring1 his words. JEZ: So, I tried to knock on1 with her. It’s not a crime, is it? CHARLIE: Hey, watch out! LEWIS: “I’d have remembered those beautiful blue eyes”. You sound like some JEZ: Sorry. Didn’t see you there. Can I get you a cloth or something? middle-aged salesman. Dabbing at2 her dress with a tissue... JEZ: In fairness, I was pissed2. CHARLIE: Don’t worry. I’ve got stain remover at home. That should do it. TEENA: So what happened next? JEZ: Pretty shit party. JEZ: We went back to her room. CHARLIE: Pretty shit. TEENA: And? JEZ: And now I’ve just made it worse. JEZ: I’m sure it’s all there in the blog. They laugh. TEENA: It is. When did you next see her? Mind if I sit down? I think I need to. JEZ: Er, not for a while. We’d both been pretty drunk – it was just a spur-of-the- CHARLIE: You look as if you need to. moment thing3. He sits down heavily – nearly spilling his drink. TEENA: Do you think it was like that for her? Careful! JEZ: Yes... Yeah, definitely. JEZ: Sorry. You with anyone? TEENA: (Looks at her notes) “We had the most amazing night. He was so sweet, CHARLIE: No, I came on my own. said he couldn’t wait to see me again. He promised he was going to call me JEZ: Me too. the next day.” CHARLIE: Really? Weren’t you … JEZ: Yeah, well I never actually promised. I might have said, “See you around” JEZ: What? or something. CHARLIE: Oh, nothing. It’s just, I thought I saw you with someone. TEENA: “Weeks went by. Then, just when I had given up on him, he came JEZ: (Caught out) Oh, Alice? She’s just a friend. round one night, really late. He was drunk. I know that’s not a great way to CHARLIE: You two seemed … close. build a relationship, but I thought maybe he hadn’t been in touch before JEZ: Well, she’s a very good friend. Anyway, she went ages ago. (Pause) What because he was shy.” year are you? LEWIS gives a snort4 of laughter. CHARLIE: First. “I figured he needed a drink to give him courage.” JEZ: I thought I hadn’t seen you around. I’d have remembered those beautiful TEENA: (To JEZ) Would you say that was true? blue eyes. LEWIS: (Laughingly incredulously5) Don’t you dare say yes! CHARLIE: (Laughing) Is that a chat-up line3? TEENA: After that you made a number of similar visits: calling round late at JEZ: It could be. night for sex. CHARLIE: They’re brown. JEZ: It wasn’t like that. She wanted me to come round. (Making a feeble6 joke) JEZ: What? Couldn’t get enough of me. CHARLIE: My eyes. ABBY: For Christ’s sake, Jez! Do you ever listen to yourself? The way you talk JEZ: Well in this light they look… blue. Whatever, they’re beautiful and you’re about women – it makes me sick. beautiful. Want another drink? JEZ: I don’t think you’re in any position to criticise. CHARLIE: Better not. LEWIS: Come on, you two. JEZ: Go on. There’s some beer left … TEENA: Shall we continue? CHARLIE: No, really. I think I’ve probably had enough. JEZ nods his head. TEENA: (As herself, out of flashback) And I think I’ve probably had enough of After a few weeks you stopped going to visit her. your chat-up lines. That was your first meeting, the first of many. LEWIS: Jez, that is such a cheesy4 chat-up line. 1 To ‘make it’ sexually 2 Drunk 1 3 Speaking unclearly Spontaneous 2 4 Rubbing…… lightly A noise like a pig makes – a sudden loud noise through the nose 3 5 A way of trying to flirt with me Unbelievingly 4 6 Clichéd and silly Weak 20 21 20 21 JEZ: Yes. CHARLIE: Not the first time – we were both pissed. TEENA: Why? JEZ: Shit, shit, shit. JEZ: It wasn’t fun anymore. When I got there she’d be in a mood. Then we’d CHARLIE: So I’m not sure where we go from here? argue. Then she’d cry, I’d feel guilty and finally we’d end up in bed together. JEZ: You have to get rid of it! TEENA: What did you argue about? CHARLIE: I’m not sure I … JEZ: She wanted us to go out - to meet my friends - to meet her friends. She even JEZ: Please don’t say you’re actually thinking of keeping it? Christ! You can wanted me to say we were ‘in a relationship’ on Facebook, barely cope1 on your own, let alone2 with a baby. TEENA: You didn’t want that? CHARLIE: That’s not fair. Other people manage. When I first found out I was Jez shrugs1, acknowledging2 her comment. really scared, you know? But ever since I’ve been thinking about it. A new So, what did you want? life. All that hope, just waiting to be born. It could be a new start, for both of JEZ: For it to stay like it was at the beginning – uncomplicated, no strings3, just us. having fun. By the end she was just too … needy4. JEZ: What about your course? Your career? Your future? TEENA: “Needy”, because she wanted you to acknowledge5 her? CHARLIE: I could take a year out. ABBY: Poor girl! JEZ: And come back with a baby? TEENA: So you stopped seeing her? CHARLIE: Other students have children. There’s even a day nursery3 on JEZ: It wasn’t worth the hassle6. campus. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but I feel like I’ve been offered TEENA: But that wasn’t the end of it, was it? You saw her again about a month a chance to change my life. Maybe this was meant to happen. I know we later? (JEZ does not answer.) Didn’t you? haven’t been that close, recently. But please, at least say you’ll think about it? JEZ: Yeah. She sent me this weird text, saying she needed to see me, urgently. She goes towards him, he turns away, visibly annoyed. She’d added these lines, from a song or something, at the end. JEZ: Don’t! I can’t handle this. It’s not fair. You can’t hit me with this sort of TEENA: “These days of dust news and expect me to … Which we’ve known Pause – CHARLIE cries. Will blow away with this new sun”7 JEZ: (Softening) All right, all right, I’m sorry. (He sits her down.) I apologise if I JEZ: Yes, that’s it. I’m pretty sure that’s what she wrote. So I went round to her reacted badly, but this is … huge. I can’t take it in. (Pause) Let’s just think it flat. (To LEWIS and ABBY) It was a Saturday morning and I was supposed to through. I know this must be hard for you, but you are going to have to be be watching my mate Tobes - you know, Toby Winthrop - play rugby. I can sensible4. You don’t want to let this ruin your life – our lives. (Long pause.) tell you, I was pretty pissed off8, to have been summoned9 like that. If you decide to - you know - to have an abortion5, I’ll support you through it. JEZ turns to TEENA – sound effect and we go back into flashback. CHARLIE: Really? CHARLIE: I wasn’t sure you’d come. JEZ: Of course. JEZ: What is it? I can’t stay long. CHARLIE: Then isn’t it worth trying to work things out between us? For the CHARLIE: I don’t know how to tell you this, so I am just going to say it – I’m sake of the baby? pregnant. JEZ: (Losing patience) No! Look, I’m sorry, but I’m just not ready for this. JEZ: Christ. (Pause) How? Being a father, having to think about another life, it’s just not … (Brief CHARLIE: I think you know how. pause) If I’m honest, responsibility isn’t exactly my thing, never has been. JEZ: But I always wore a condom. Look, I’ll get some money from my parents to pay for the operation. I’ll say it’s for a new laptop and I need it for my studies – they’re bound to give it to 1 (His shoulders) me then. Take the money, get it done, and I promise, one day you’ll look 2 3 Showing he has understood back and thank me. Without commitment 4 In need of attention and emotional support 5 1 Recognise and respect Manage, handle your life 6 2 Trouble, effort Especially 7 3 Quote from song I will wait by Mumford and Sons (2012) Crèche, where young children are looked after during the day 8 4 Annoyed Reasonable and practical 9 5 Told, ordered to come An operation to end a pregnancy 22 23 22 23 TEENA: (Out of role) But as we know, she never did thank you for your help lovely and funny when she’s on good form, but when she goes into one of her with the abortion? black moods1, she can be a real pain. JEZ: (Breaking out of the scene) All right. I might have been a shit boyfriend, but TEENA: You say you met her at Glastonbury? at least I supported her right up to the day she had it done. LEWIS: Yes, we sort of teamed up together. I was with a group of dull2, straight TEENA: And afterwards? guys and she didn’t seem to fit in with her group, either. We had a similar JEZ: She didn’t seem to want to know me, then. sense of humour - liked the same music - she would belt out3 our favourite TEENA: Would you say she was depressed? songs, but she had the worst voice ever. She was hysterical. ABBY: Who wouldn’t be? TEENA: Can you explain why she might have tried to take her own life? JEZ: No idea. All I can tell you is she was pretty hard going1. You can only take LEWIS: She told me she suffered from anxiety4 when she was at school. You so much. know, anxiety about her schoolwork, anxiety about what her friends thought ABBY: You used her, Jez. You used her and when you got bored you didn’t about her. She felt everyone was judging her, all the time. I think her parents want to know. You’re unbelievable. moved around a lot, so she had to go to lots of different schools. That didn’t LEWIS: Persuading her to have an abortion she clearly didn’t want. I mean, Jez – help. what were you thinking? ABBY: I didn’t know. JEZ: I’m not proud of the way I behaved, but I have my own life to lead. I’m LEWIS: How could you? entitled2 to that aren’t I? Aren’t I? TEENA: Anything else? TEENA: Shall we move on? LEWIS: She’d had some bad experiences with men (Looking at JEZ.) Sorry, TEENA looks at LEWIS. mate. But if it’s any consolation5, you weren’t the only one. LEWIS: Oh, no. You can’t think I’ve got anything to do with this girl? JEZ: Thanks, but I don’t think that does help. ABBY: (To TEENA) Girls are not exactly his thing. You’ll be wasting your LEWIS: She told me she had given up on men and just wanted a friend. time. TEENA: And you provided that friendship? TEENA: Nevertheless, I’d like you to look at the picture. LEWIS: Yeah. LEWIS: If I must. TEENA: What else did you provide? The others watch with interest as TEENA calls him over to look at her phone. LEWIS: I’m sorry? LEWIS takes a long hard look. TEENA: In her blog she said you supplied6 her with drugs. OK. That’s Jade. ABBY: Lewis? JEZ: Christ. How many names does that girl have? LEWIS: I didn’t supply her. I just gave her some tablets - legal highs I’d bought ABBY: How do you know her? for my personal use - at Glastonbury. LEWIS: She was at Glastonbury3 last year. I met her with a group of friends. TEENA: Was that wise? I mean you have already said she was “a screw-up”. TEENA: And? LEWIS: I didn’t really know her, then. LEWIS: Look, you’re not going to suggest I had a sexual relationship with her, TEENA: How did she react to the drug? are you? As Abby has already pointed out, I’m gay. LEWIS: She seemed fine: happy. Said it relaxed her. TEENA: I’m not suggesting anything. I just want to find out how much you TEENA: And when you came back to University. Did you see much of each know about her. Is she a friend? other? LEWIS: Yes. But I haven’t seen her much recently. LEWIS: I saw quite a bit of her, on and off. TEENA: Why is that? TEENA: You said earlier that she became a bit of a pest? LEWIS: To be honest, she became a bit of a pest4. Jade is crazy, a screw-up5 – LEWIS: OK, well maybe that was a bit harsh. Trouble was, she would keep 1 Depressions 2 1 Difficult to handle, deal with Boring 3 2 Have a right Sing loudly 4 3 Annual five-day festival of music and other performing arts, held in Somerset, SW England Deep worry or fear 5 4 A pain, a nuisance Comfort 6 5 Confused, mixed-up person Provided 24 25 24 25  texting and ringing me. She seemed to be getting more manic1. JADE: Mickie says you do. TEENA: Why do you think that was? LEWIS: I don’t. It’s just … I sometimes get it for friends. LEWIS: I don’t know. JADE: I thought I was your friend? TEENA: You don’t think it was because she had moved onto harder drugs? From LEWIS: Jade, I really like this guy and he’s going to be here any minute, so … her blog it seems she was developing quite a habit. JADE: Give me what I want, and I’ll go. LEWIS: I wouldn’t know anything about that. LEWIS: Look, there must be someone on campus who can supply you? TEENA: Tell me about the last time you saw her. And please, be honest. JADE: I’ve got no cash and I’ve used up all my credit. Please, Lewis? LEWIS: What do you mean? LEWIS: I can’t afford to give it away. I’m sorry. TEENA: Do you want me to put you under caution2? There’s already enough JADE: Please! I’ve never begged before. Have I? Have I? evidence in the blog for me to do that. LEWIS: No. LEWIS: What? JADE: I promise I will never, ever ask you again. If you don’t help me, honestly, JEZ: Hey, steady3. Lew, I don’t know what I’ll do. LEWIS does not answer. Pause – LEWIS looks at his watch. TEENA: I’m not interested in any minor offence you may have committed. At LEWIS: I’ve a few grams in my room. You can have them, but this is it1. I’ll get this moment I just want to understand why she tried to attempt suicide. OK? it. JEZ: You had better ‘fess up4 if there’s more, Lewis. She’ll get it out of you like We break out of the flashback. she did with us. LEWIS: The irony is that the guy stood me up2. ABBY: He’s right. We all seem to be responsible in some way. ABBY: (Disapprovingly3) I didn’t realise you dealt. Pause. LEWIS: I don’t. I just know a few people who do back home, and I get stuff for LEWIS: OK, OK. A few months ago she called round here one night. (He friends. concentrates most of this speech on ABBY and JEZ.) You were both away for ABBY: (To JEZ) Did you know about this? the weekend. I was expecting someone. A guy I had just met. I opened the JEZ: Well… door - just a little - I could see she was in a state5. Before I could stop her ABBY: You did? You did! You know how I feel about drugs. You know about she’d pushed her way past me and into the house. my sister. Sound effect – flashback. TEENA becomes JADE, pushing past LEWIS. JEZ: I didn’t agree with what Lewis was doing. JADE: Why won’t you answer my texts? LEWIS: Don’t be such a hypocrite4, Jez. I don’t remember you refusing the odd LEWIS: Yeah, sorry – I’ve had a lot on. snort5. (To ABBY) Don’t look at me like that. It’s all right for you and Jez. JADE: It’s been ages. We used to be really good friends. Listen, I need your You’ve got parents with money. How do you think I afford the rent on this help… house? LEWIS: Look, any other time, Jade, but I’m expecting someone. A guy. TEENA: (Writing in her notebook) Possessing Class A drugs, selling them on for JADE: Please. Lewis. I need a fix6. profit. You’ve just admitted you’re a dealer. LEWIS: I can see that. But I don’t know why you’ve come to me. You know I’m LEWIS: I told you, I’m just helping out the odd mate. not a dealer. ABBY: And yourself. JADE: I need some crack7. TEENA: Mr Martin, this is a serious matter. But for now I want to concentrate LEWIS: I’ve told you! I don’t deal. on the girl lying in the hospital. Here’s my card. I’d like you to call me as soon as possible if you think of any other information that would help us with our inquiries. 1 2 Hysterical ABBY: Of course. An official warning the police give when they arrest someone, to tell them that anything they say may be used as evidence against them 3 1 Hold on, wait a minute This is the last time I’m giving you any 4 2 Admit or confess it Didn’t turn up, appear 5 3 Emotionally upset Critically 6 4 Some drugs A person who says one thing, but actually does something else 7 5 A form of cocaine that can be smoked Taking powdered cocaine up through the nose 26 27 26 27 TEENA: “Critical but stable” is the official account of her condition. Between her up1 in the beginning. I don’t see how she could ever get over something you and me, I’d say there is less than a fifty-fifty chance of her surviving. as vicious as the trick you played on her. ABBY: It’s so horrible. Do you think the hospital would let us see her? I started ABBY: Yeah, you just said it. It was a trick, a joke … I know it was a horrible all this. I’d like to visit her. Say I’m sorry. thing to do, but at least I didn’t get her onto drugs. JEZ: Me too. I just didn’t realise the impact1 I was having on her life. LEWIS: So, I was the evil drug dealer, while you and Jez were just … What?! LEWIS: Seems to me she was in a pretty bad way before I met her, but I should Misunderstood little innocents? My heart bleeds for you. have had more time for her. Helped her sort herself out…instead of giving JEZ: OK, we may not be totally innocent here, but Abby’s right: the drugs her pills… were the last straw2. It wouldn’t have taken much to see she was in a mess, TEENA: Excuse me. I need to call in with her identity. (She picks up her mobile) but you gave them to her anyway. Yes it’s Detective Sergeant Whitsom. Any news on the girl found at the ABBY: Yeah, that’s how you buy your friends, isn’t it? Making out you’re so University? (She listens) Right – thank you…. Yes, I’m on my way back and cool. Everyone’s “Gay Best Friend.” I have a definite identification. Lucy Fenton. She’s used different aliases2 JEZ: But in the end all you’re interested in is getting high3 and getting laid4. since then, but her real name should be in the University records. Ring me if LEWIS: Er, hello? (To ABBY) Who was it that totally destroyed her confidence? and when you get a permanent address, and I’ll go and inform the parents. (To JEZ) Who knocked her up and made her have an abortion. If anyone’s… Yes, I’m just leaving now. (She ends the call and looks at the three students.) JEZ: I didn’t make her have an abortion! I am afraid I have to tell you that Lucy died about 15 minutes ago. LEWIS: As good as! ABBY: No! JEZ: She wouldn’t have said that – you lying shit! (He moves towards LEWIS.) JEZ: Oh, God. LEWIS: Yeah? What are you going to do? Hit me, big boy? LEWIS: Jesus! That’s terrible. JEZ: Do you think I wouldn’t? TEENA: I must go now. I may need to be back in touch if my superiors decide to LEWIS: Come on then! pursue charges3 with regard to the use and dealing of Class A drugs. Thank ABBY: Stop it!! you for your time. Talking to you has been very … enlightening4. You may JEZ relents5 and moves away. have forgotten this girl once, but I doubt you’ll do so again. I can see myself Just calm down. None of us are innocent, here! We’re all to blame, one way out. or another, and the sooner we realise it, the better. She leaves. The three students look at each other. LEWIS/JEZ: Yeah, whatever/You’re right. JEZ: I need a drink, and I intend to get completely plastered5. ABBY: Please, let’s not talk about it any more. Not tonight, anyway. I’m going ABBY: You think that’s going to help? to bed, although I don’t expect I’ll get much sleep after everything that’s JEZ: I sincerely hope so. happened. That woman’s words will just keep going round and round in my ABBY: I can’t stop seeing Lucy in that hospital bed, with all those tubes. head. LEWIS: Don’t… JEZ: Mine too. ABBY: And the worst thing is, now we can never say sorry or make any kind of LEWIS: This has been the most surreal6 night of my life. I mean, the whole amends6. thing has just been … seriously odd7. LEWIS: It’s all right for you two. Looks like I’ll be up on a drugs charge. That ABBY, leaving the room, hesitates. means no more Uni, a criminal record and probably a prison sentence. ABBY: Odd? Why odd? ABBY: Can’t you think of anyone else but yourself? Lucy’s dead! Maybe with JEZ: Well, the way she behaved, for a start. an overdose of the drugs you supplied. ABBY: How do you mean? LEWIS: What I gave her was hardly anything! Not enough to kill! You screwed 1 Messed up her life 1 2 Effect The last of a series of events that led to her death 2 3 Other names or identities (On drugs) 3 4 Make formal legal accusations Having sex 4 5 Has made things clear Gives in 5 6 Totally drunk Extraordinary 6 7 Make up for doing wrong Strange, weird 28 29 28 29 JEZ: It just … wasn’t what I’d expect, of a detective. JEZ: What does that mean? LEWIS: Jez is right. I don’t think they are supposed to question people like that. LEWIS: Duh1! It means she wasn’t a real policewoman. Almost making you re-live it. What kind of a detective does that? ABBY: Oh, come on! It could just be a complete coincidence2. I mean, if you ABBY: Maybe it’s some new technique they’re using now? She may h