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    You Stupid Darkness - Obra de Teatro - Sam Steiner

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    Leonardo Mendoza
    The summary describes a scene taking place in an office called Brightline where staff take calls in the early hours of the morning to help people who want someone to talk to. Frances, Angie and Joey are each on different calls while a radio plays softly in the background. Joey is nervous to take his first call but receives encouragement from Frances.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    You Stupid Darkness - Obra de Teatro - Sam Steiner

    Uploaded by

    Leonardo Mendoza
    2K views127 pages
    The summary describes a scene taking place in an office called Brightline where staff take calls in the early hours of the morning to help people who want someone to talk to. Frances, Angie and Joey are each on different calls while a radio plays softly in the background. Joey is nervous to take his first call but receives encouragement from Frances.

    Original Description:

    Drama escrito por el dramaturgo británico Sam Steiner

    Original Title

    You Stupid Darkness - obra de teatro - Sam Steiner

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    © © All Rights Reserved

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    The summary describes a scene taking place in an office called Brightline where staff take calls in the early hours of the morning to help people who want someone to talk to. Frances, Angie and Joey are each on different calls while a radio plays softly in the background. Joey is nervous to take his first call but receives encouragement from Frances.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    2K views127 pages

    You Stupid Darkness - Obra de Teatro - Sam Steiner

    Uploaded by

    Leonardo Mendoza
    The summary describes a scene taking place in an office called Brightline where staff take calls in the early hours of the morning to help people who want someone to talk to. Frances, Angie and Joey are each on different calls while a radio plays softly in the background. Joey is nervous to take his first call but receives encouragement from Frances.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 127
    At a glance
    Powered by AI
    The story explores themes of hope, perseverance and human connection through a group of counselors who take calls at night to help people in need.

    The story is set in a shabby office space called Brightline, where counselors take calls between midnight and 4am to help callers.

    Brightline serves as a helpline for people to call when they need someone to talk to, with the counselors providing empathy, advice and a listening ear to help callers feel less alone.

    1

    You Stupid Darkness!


    by

    Sam Steiner

    04.01.19
    REHEARSAL DRAFT
    2
    A shabby-looking office. There are four or five desks facing the audience. Chairs sat behind them. There are old-school phones on the desks and stacks
    of files. One has a computer on as well. On the back wall there is a whiteboard and a cardboard-covered window. A yellowish glowing light peeks
    round the floppy edges of the cardboard. There is a banner somewhere with the name “BRIGHTLINE” and some kind of tacky logo.

    The walls are covered with posters/diagrams/cartoons for stuff like “The Listening Wheel”, “Empathise, Don’t Sympathise”, “Peer Pressure”,
    “Reasons To Be Cheerful”, “Today Is The First Day Of The Rest Of Your Life”, an acrostic poem of “FRIENDSHIP”, a massive plaque that says “A
    Problem Shared Is A Problem Halved”. Underneath and around the posters the walls are covered in damp/mould.

    There is always a “WORD OF THE WEEK” written on the whiteboard.

    There’s a hat stand by the door where everyone hangs their gas masks. The sound of rain is near-constant throughout the play. Every now and then a
    siren hurtles past.

    Maybe a radio very quietly plays folk rock and soul songs from the 60s and 70s - Bob Dylan, The Band, Tom Waits, Otis Redding, Leonard Cohen, Joni
    Mitchell, Etta James, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Rolling Stones.

    The design shouldn't root us in a particular time. Some elements may seem retro, some modern, some futuristic. They should all be meshed together.

    In fact, maybe everything that stays in the office - the computer, the phones, the posters, the songs on the radio, etc. - should feel kind of retro, from an
    analogue era. But everything that comes in from outside - the gas masks, smart phones, music emanating in from the takeaway next door, etc. - can feel
    modern or futuristic.
    3
    A note on formatting: Because there is often a character taking a phone call I have written the play in landscape with different columns for stuff that’s
    going on at the same time. I’ve tried to put the most important stuff - the stuff that should be brought to the fore in production - in the left hand column.
    Sometimes people end up talking between columns because they’re halfway through a phone call or something. Hopefully this will make things clearer.
    Also, to make editing easier (text box arrangement/scoring of different columns) I have begun each new scene on a new page. This between-scene page
    space isn’t, therefore, an indication of how long the scene changes should be - just an attempt to save myself multiple headaches.

    / Indicates the point of interruption in overlapping dialogue.


    - Indicates an interruption of speech or train of thought.
    … Indicates either a trailing off, a breather or a hesitation.
    Punctuation or lack thereof is written to suggest delivery rather than to conform to the rules of grammar.

    * indicates a time jump

    Characters:

    Frances - 39, heavily pregnant.


    Jon - 32
    Angie - 27
    Joey - 17

    All of the scenes take place in the early hours of Wednesday mornings between 12am and 4am.
    4

    Week One

    Lights up.

    Frances, Angie and Joey are each sitting at different desks. The kettle is on.

    On the whiteboard is written: “WORD OF THE WEEK - PERSEVERANCE!!”

    Frances and Angie are both on the phone.


    Frances: And what do you think it is that’s making Angie: Huh. So so just - sorry - Huh.
    you feel this way? Well I think maybe it might be helpful if you
    Joey just looks around, nervously.
    calmed down a little bit?
    Right. No I didn’t mean -
    He looks at the phone on his own desk. (to herself) Aw crap.
    Ok. Thank you for telling me that. I’m sor -
    How does it feel to say that to someone? I’m sor -
    He watches Frances and Angie on their calls.
    I’m sorry

    The phone on his desk rings. How do you think she’d react if you said that to
    her?
    He looks over at Frances.
    Err. Yeah. No you’re right when people tell you to
    Frances nods. Maybe she gives him a big No, take your time. There’s no rush. calm down it can be very annoy -
    thumbs up. Unhelpful! Yeah! That’s the exact word I was
    Frances flashes Angie a look. thinking of as well! That’s so funny we were…
    Errrrrr but enough about me!
    Frances: That sounds really difficult. Have 5
    you always found it hard to talk to her about
    these kind of fears?
    Do you mind if I call them fears? Angie: Let’s just - Huh. Ok I know I’ll stop talking
    Joey picks up his phone. and you can just say whatever you want to say at
    Ok how would you like to refer to it? whatever volume you think would work for you -
    whatever your favourite - preferred - level of…
    Joey: Hello, Brightline. You’re
    Concerns? Dilemmas? volume is.
    (he clears his throat)
    You’re through to someone you can talk to. Angie: Um… Yes that is nice. Thank you?
    He waits.
    Ok sure we can call them peeves. Peeves. I
    Joey looks at Frances for reassurance.
    like that, you know. I might start calling my
    She signals for him to keep going. peeves, peeves. Fun to say, right!?
    Joey: So um is… Why don’t you just say it a few times?
    The kettle boils. Frances goes to get it, Peeves.
    Angie: Huh.
    dragging her phone with her.
    Peeves.

    Joey: Is there - like - anything you fancy Peeves.


    chatting about or…? Angie: Mmhmm.

    Like…
    Um… Angie: Mmmm. Huh.
    The line goes dead. He puts the phone down.
    Joey: (mouthing to Frances) They hung up. (mouthing exaggeratedly to Joey) THAT’S Angie winces and holds the phone further away
    OK! TEA? from her ear

    Joey nods. (back to phone) Peeves. Yeah!


    6

    Joey grabs a piece of paper and starts Frances: I think sometimes when you rename
    doodling on it - sketching out a cartoon. the problem you’re dealing with it helps you
    put it in perspective. Angie: Well it’s a very stressful time isn’t it.
    Sorry yes.
    But but but but what I mean is that I’m I’m I’m
    Exactly. sure that they will understand you taking out that
    very understandable stress on on on them.
    (covering receiver) Ange - tea? In answer to Frances, Angie pumps both fists in the
    air as if celebrating scoring a goal.
    Huh.
    Frances: How do you take yours, Joseph?
    Joey: It’s Joey. Mmm.
    Frances: What? Right. Huh. Tell me - tell me about that then.

    Joey: My name’s… don’t worry.


    Just a bit of milk?
    Frances: Sugar?
    Joey: Uh - no thanks. Yeah.
    Frances: (into phone) And in the dreams
    where does the blood come from?
    Ok try to narrow it down for me.
    (Covering receiver, to Joey) Yes to sugar?
    Joey: Sure. Sugar. Yeah.
    Frances:(mouthing) GREAT.
    Ohhhhhhh yeah. Yeah that’s so funny I do that
    sometimes as well. So weird.
    7

    Frances: But they’re not premonitions, Angie: Sorry. Keep going.


    Jon enters from the door. He is wearing a they’re just dreams. They’re not based in
    gas mask and is soaked. He is slugging a anything real.
    trombone case on his back. Angie and
    Frances exchange a look of relief. Yes, I have.
    He takes off his mask and coat. Yes, I’m aware.
    Jon lets out a long groan of frustration.
    Frances and Angie wave at him.
    Angie: Huh. Yeah. I erm - no, go on.
    Jon: The bridges went down! Frances: No I know that kind of thing is
    happening - I just think it’s, you know,
    The others nod, grimly. important to look at the good things that are
    happening as well. And they might be small
    Jesus. things but that doesn’t invalidate them does Angie: No I was just gonna say that I feel that way
    it? all the time about my dog.
    I had to drive like 20 miles north to get round But it’s probably different for a person isn’t it - no
    it. Got stuck behind this little old lady in one you’re right.
    of those old gas cars. Honestly the most
    confused human I’ve ever seen. She kept Frances: Mmm. But no there are some.
    pulling up at these police stops like: “So the Angie: No no no no I wasn’t trying to be
    bridge… disrespectful. Why would I try to…
    fell…
    …down?” Yeah. Yeah. Let’s just pretend I didn’t say that ok?
    “Yeah, babe. Bridge fell down. Bridge gone.
    Bridge no longer viable means of crossing.” Frances: Well I think that’s wonderful. Yes.
    “OHHHHH” she says. Every single time.
    “OHHHHH”. As if it’s new - as if the full
    8
    reality of the situation had just crystallised in
    front of her eyes and then 20 metres further down
    the road: “So the bridge…fell…down.”
    YES BETTY-LOU.
    Fuck. Frances: Absolutely! Angie: That sounds quite lonely.
    Sorry I’m late. No yeah scary as well. I meant scary really.

    Jon registers Joey.

    Who are you?


    Joey: I’m Joey.
    Jon: How old are you? Angie: Huh.

    Joey: I’m 17.


    Frances: Ok so if that were to happen. If that
    Jon: Jesus. were to take place - which I’m not saying it
    Joey: (cluelessly) …yeah. will - how do you think you’d react? Angie: Yep yep yep.
    Ok well how do you think your wife would
    react?
    Jon dumps his bag and goes to sit down at a
    desk. He starts organising some papers. No but I just want you to reason it through
    very slowly with me so that we both
    understand where you’re coming from - does Angie: No - yeah and…
    that sound -
    The line goes dead.
    Hello? Angie: Huh. Well here we think it’s important not
    She turns to Jon. to lose that hope. To hold onto -
    9
    Frances: Hello Jon.
    Jon: Hey Frances. How was your week?
    Frances: Yeah lovely actually. I think I made a really good point in one of my groups today -
    Jon: Oh yeah?
    Frances: and I’m normally a bit shy there so I’m still feeling all buzzy from that. Angie: Mmmm. I can understand and empathise
    (to Joey) I’m doing this masters in counselling at the moment. with your situation.
    Joey: Oh cool. Angie ticks off something on her notebook as she
    says "understand" and “empathise".
    Frances: Weather’s been better than they said!
    Jon: It has.
    Frances: I brought Jaffa Cakes!
    Jon: (to Joey) Mummy brought Jaffa Cakes and the weather’s getting better.
    Angie: And what does your wife say when you say
    Frances: Sorry Joseph - / Jon’s a
    that?
    Jon: It’s Joey.
    Frances: What?
    Jon: Says his name’s Joey. Angie: Ok.

    Frances: Oh?
    Joey: Yeah um… you know. Joseph/Joey - it’s not really important
    Frances: Well what would you prefer we call you?
    Jon: Joey - says his name’s Joey.
    Frances: (to Joey) What would you prefer?

    pause
    10
    Joey: Um… Joey yeah.
    Frances: Right. Fab.
    Joey: But it’s not really important.
    Frances: No of / course it is
    Joey: My dad’s name is Joseph so…
    it’s… Angie: It sounds like you don’t want to disappoint
    weird. her maybe? But I might be reading too much…
    Frances: Gosh that must be so weird!
    No you’re right I probably am. Yeah.
    Jon: Is your dad a total dick or something?
    Frances: Jon.
    Joey: Um…
    Jon: I’m being such a bitch today - christ. Do we have any coffee?
    Frances: The cafetiere needs a wash. / (to Joey) Chris’s group are such mucky pups.
    Jon: I don’t need the cafetiere. Just that dirty dirty instant stuff.
    Fuck it’s cold in here. Heater still broken?
    Frances: I’m working on it. We’re trying to get someone in who’s um… in our price range. Angie: Well I think we all feel that sometimes, yes.
    I mean I guess I can’t speak for other people but I
    feel that yeah.
    Beat.
    Well just exactly what you described.

    Jon: You’ve lost another donor.


    Frances: We’re just being cautious.
    Jon: It’s like the fucking Titanic at the moment.
    11
    Frances: It’s nothing / to worry about.
    Jon: The people jumping off not the timeless love story - Dya want me on chat or calls?
    Frances: Why don’t you jump on chat for now until / we
    Angie: Yeah and then I always get kind of shaky.
    Jon: Until I’ve achieved a more convincing zen?
    Like I get the shakes. Do you get the shakes?
    Frances: No, I trust you entirely.
    Jon: Ok.
    Frances: How was your week?
    Jon: Yeah fine.
    Frances: Ok, then. Angie: Huh.
    Jon: Me and Andy are moving house at the moment as well. So that’s a fun additional
    nightmare.
    Frances: That’s exciting.
    Jon: Andy thinks so, yeah. A new era he calls it. A New Era, Joey.
    Joey: … cool.
    Jon: Spent Sunday trying to squeeze our mattress through the back window. It’s like this
    metre thick posturepedic, lumbar-support thing. Literally saves my life on a night by night
    basis but it won’t fit through a door. So me and Andy are just trying squash this expanding
    fucking bouncy castle through our back window for about 3 hours. I’m just screaming the
    entire time and he’s all do-de-do-de-do as always. It was a fresh hell. Angie: Yeah. Me too! There are like so many times
    that I’ve felt that way. I don’t think I could count
    Jon pours himself a coffee, takes a sip straight away.
    them. That’s how many times there are.
    He winces at the burn.
    Jon: God it’s filthy but I love it.
    12
    Joey’s phone rings. He stares at it.
    Frances nods encouragingly.
    Joey picks it up.
    Frances puts on a headset so she can listen in. Angie: Huh.

    Joey: Someone you can talk -


    Helloyou’rethroughtosomeoneyoucantalkto.
    Frances: Slow down.
    Joey: Hi. This is Brightline. Angie: Well, for example, I’m a - by day I’m a
    teaching assistant so on Fridays I have to walk
    Can I - Dya wanna talk to me about anything?
    thirty kids to the swimming baths. And it’s like a
    half hour walk down a main road with no barriers
    Frances: Ange. so that feels pretty scary, pretty high risk yeah.
    And the kids -

    Joey: Ok. Well I think you just talk about whatever you want and…
    Yeah.
    Yeah 100%. Frances: Wrap it up, Angie. Time to move on. Angie: No I know it’s not about me - I just
    (to Joey) That’s good, keep going. thought we were talking about - having a
    conversation -
    Huh. Ok.
    Ok.
    So so I’m going to have to let you go but but but
    Joey: Ok. Yeah I understand and empathise with how you feel - your situation BUT I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU
    CAN CALL BACK AT ANY TIME IF YOU
    NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT THIS.
    Jon turns to watch Angie. He slurps his coffee. Angie: Thank you. 13
    Thank you.
    Ok bye bye now.
    Ok - yeah
    Joey: Well what does she -
    Have a nice -
    Have a -
    Have a -
    Pause. Have a nice -
    Jon and Frances watch at Angie. Haveaniceday!
    Jon holds back a laugh. she slams the phone down.
    Joey: Mmm. She doesn’t meet their gaze.
    Eventually:

    Frances: I thought you handled that really


    well, Angie.
    Angie: Yeah.
    Frances: You were controlled and disciplined
    and you were listening very actively. Great job!
    Angie: Thanks Frances.
    Frances: I think if there’s any tiny tiny little
    room for improvement or development
    Angie: Yeah.
    Frances: It would be A) let’s steer away from
    those personal anecdotes.
    Angie: Yeah definitely.
    Frances: And B) let’s try not letting their
    emotional energy influence your emotional
    energy.
    14
    Angie: Yeah I was thinking that - that’s so funny that you said that because I was just thinking that.
    Jon: Well done, Ange.
    Angie: Thanks Jon. I’m sorry that the bridges fell down.
    Jon: Thanks, Ange.
    Joey: Well she sounds like a - like a
    fucking bitch right? Frances: Joey.
    Frances goes back and listens in to Joey’s call.

    Joey: No no I didn’t mean that in a -


    I just meant that because you were angry with her so -
    Frances: Calm.

    Joey: Sorry I didn’t mean to -


    I’m not -
    Look I’m not trying to insult your fucking mum, man. I’m just
    saying you don’t have to like live in fear just cos she
    phone goes dead.

    silence. They all look at Joey.

    Joey: Her mum was like - manipulating… like telling her how to…
    Never-mind.
    pause
    15

    Frances: A really great first go, I reckon.


    Right everyone?
    Angie: Definitely. Yep. Jon: Oh yeah.
    Frances: Let’s go for less swearing though.
    Joey: Yeah. Sorry, miss.
    Frances: Frances.
    Joey: Frances.

    pause

    Frances: I’m gonna get the Jaffa cakes!


    Frances exits.
    Frances: (from off) Great job you guys!

    Silence.

    Angie turns away and starts arranging some papers.

    Jon: Listen, I know in training they go on and on about not swearing on the phones but sometimes it does help set them at ease, you know.
    Joey: Oh cool. Yeah. Um / - training?
    Jon: Yeah it’s something you pick up - just feel it out.
    16
    Joey: Thanks.
    Jon: You’re 17.
    Joey: Yeah.
    Jon: Brill.
    Jon turns back to his computer. Angie picks a tissue out of a box and blows her nose a little too loudly.

    Angie plucks another tissue out of the box


    She starts giggling.
    Angie: (to Joey) Hey.
    Joey: …What?
    Angie: I was just thinking. Uh. Like. How cool is it that when you pick a tissue out of a tissue box another one just comes right up, ready to be picked
    next.
    Joey: Uh. Yeah?
    Angie: Imagine, like, when they were designing the tissues and like - this whole team of people - this team of Crack Engineers from like NASA trying
    all these different folds, doing loads of like mathematical calculations and measurements to find a way to make the next tissue come up when you pull
    one out. Months and months and years of research and like equations go into it. Millions of tissues just folded wrong and THROWN INTO THE FIRE.
    And then they all gather around this one tissue box, in the lab or whatever, and one of them just reaches out a hand, pulls a tissue from the box and…
    Angie plucks a tissue from the box.
    Angie: They’re like: “YAAAAAASSSS! COME ON!” They’re all hugging and kissing each other.
    YEAAAAAAH! AHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
    She tails off.
    Pause.
    17

    Joey: Uh yeah?
    Angie: … just would’ve been a pretty cool room to be in.
    Never-mind though.

    Angie shrinks away. Jon is typing on the keyboard.


    Joey turns to look at the whiteboard.
    He reads the word of the week.
    Turns back to his desk.
    They’re all sitting at different angles - their backs to each other.
    Frances walks past the door humming to herself.
    All in their own worlds.

    Suddenly the kettle explodes.


    Everyone screams and dives under the tables. Chaos:
    Jon: WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?
    Angie: I DON’T KNOW / I DON’T KNOW
    Frances: (shouting from off) WHAT HAPPENED? / EVERYONE OK? JOEY?
    Joey: I think it was the kettle. IT’S THE KETTLE.
    Frances: (shouting from off) The one in here’s gone too.
    18

    *
    Frances sits in the centre of the room blowing up a huge, brightly coloured beach ball. Everyone else watches her. Jon is sat by the computer. Angie
    and Joey are stood up - ready.
    She struggles to blow it up.
    It takes a while.
    Frances takes a breath and the ball goes down a lot.
    Jon groans. She starts blowing again. Eventually:
    Frances: OOOOOKAY!
    Jon?

    Jon stands, reluctantly.


    They stand in a circle.

    Frances: Ready?

    General murmurs.

    Frances: Ok.
    Frances throws the ball into the air and, as she bats it shouts:
    What would you say to someone in your position!
    19
    They play a game of Keep It Up shouting a useful phone phrase whenever they hit the ball - all straight out of the guidebook. Below is a list of phrases
    they say. This bit should be different every night. Joey sometimes panics and repeats ones that have already been said.

    What’s going on in your head at the moment!


    Have you felt able to talk to anyone else!
    Where are you calling me from!
    What name would you like me to call you!
    When we’ve finished talking, what do you think you’ll do next!
    How long have you been feeling this way!
    How often do you think about the things that haven’t fallen apart yet!
    Tap the phone so I know you can hear me!
    If you were to talk to someone how would it feel!
    I understand and empathise with how you’re feeling!
    What options have you thought about!
    What do you think they’d say if they knew how you felt!
    What’s brought you to us today!
    If you had to look for positives what would they be!

    As this goes on and phrases begin to be repeated Joey starts to say:

    Joey: Hello, Brightline. You’re through to someone you can talk to.
    20
    every time the ball comes to him in an increasingly garbled fashion.

    A phone rings.
    Frances: KEEP GOING!

    She answers the phone at the same time Joey hits the ball.

    Joey and Frances: Hello Brightline, you’re through to someone you can talk to.
    Frances: Hi Geoff. What’s brought you to us today?
    Ok.

    The next time the ball comes to Jon he palms it straight down into the ground.
    21

    *
    Jon and Angie are on the phone.
    Jon: Alright, mate. Let it out yeah. Angie: Well you say that but maybe with um… you
    Joey is helping Frances carry a big box of files
    know… with a bit of perspective it won’t feel so
    out of the room. overwhelming.

    Angie: Well why don’t you describe to me what, in an


    Frances: Ok guys let’s wrap it up - debrief ideal world - What was his name did you say?
    time. Oh that’s a nice name - did you choose it?
    Jon: (hand over receiver) I’ve got a weeper. Yeah. So why don’t you describe what, in your mind,
    Shane’s life would look like.
    Frances: Gonna have to wrap them up. Let’s Quickly. Why don’t you describe it to me really
    go. Jon: Listen mate I’m gonna have to leave you. quickly.
    But I’m really proud of you for letting all of
    this out alright? Alright now. Yeah mop
    yourself up and get back into bed. Stay safe South for university. Yep. And who would he meet
    Frances: Ange. alright? there?
    Someone with a bit of fire?
    Frances: Ange. Angie giggles.
    That’s sweet. Where would they settle?
    Oh it’s so nice up there. He could go camping at the
    Frances: Ange stop now please. weekends.
    Oh wow. And they have one of those model villages
    too and they’re always nice.

    Frances: ANGIE.
    22
    Pause.
    Frances is gripping her stomach with both hands - the baby is kicking hard.
    Joey notices.
    Angie: Hi Cathy. Errr I’m really sorry. I need
    to go now but this has been so cool - like so so
    great to…
    She hung up.

    Frances: Sorry, Angie but we really need to save enough time for the debrief. It’s super important.
    Joey: Miss, are you ok? Jon: Bit cruel that I reckon, Ange.
    Frances: Oh yeah, just got a bit of a kicker on board! Angie: What?
    Joey: woah
    Jon: Describe your son’s perfect future.
    Frances: Whenever I get kinda riled…Errrr ok then team! What a good session! Let’s all give
    Angie: Why?
    ourselves some back-pats. Really good atmosphere I reckon. Really intelligent, empathetic
    listening. And what a debut from our young star!
    Frances cheers. The others reluctantly cheer along.
    Joey cheers awkwardly.
    Jon: Give us a bow mate.
    Joey laughs.
    Jon: No go on.
    Go on.
    Joey awkwardly bows.
    Jon cheers very loudly.
    23
    Frances: Ok so - Ooft this is a big one.

    The baby is kicking harder.


    Joey: Is it a boy or a girl?
    Frances: We want it to be a surprise. Blimey. Guys come feel this!

    Beat. The others look at each other uncertainly.

    Frances: Seriously get over here!

    Angie and Joey shrug, go over and put their hands on France’s stomach.
    Jon turns away, averting his eyes.
    Frances looks at Jon, sadly.

    Joey: woah.
    Frances: Right?
    Joey: Miss. There’s… there’s a person in your tummy.
    Angie: It’s like you’ve got a fish tank with one of those big tropical fish in it except it’s like IN your stomach not on a shelf or… or a counter.
    Frances beams at them.
    Joey: I haven’t seen a pregnant lady since I was like 12.
    Frances looks down.
    Joey withdraws.
    24
    Joey: Oh… sorry.
    Frances smiles at him and shakes her head: don’t worry.
    An awkward moment then Angie withdraws.

    Frances: So. Is there anything anyone would like to leave here? At the end of every week Joey we ask if there’s anything anyone wants to get off their
    chest. Anything that’s happened here this evening that you’d like not to carry with you into the outside world. So…

    pause

    Frances: Nothing? Everyone’s completely fine and dandy?


    pause
    Joey: feels like we’re about to do a huddle or something - some kind of chant.
    Frances: We could do a huddle? Bring it in guys?
    She starts to initiate a huddle but immediately senses reluctance.
    Frances: Or let’s just, you know, let’s just hang where we are. Stay cool! So nobody’s got anything to…
    Awkward pause.
    Frances: Well that is great. Aren’t we all tough cookies.
    Ok let’s go have ourselves some good weeks and I’ll see you back here next Tuesday night.

    Pause. They give each other a couple of supportive nods as if to say: stay safe. Jon breaks away first.

    Jon: Cheers Frances.


    25
    Angie: Thanks / Frances.
    Joey: Cheers.
    Angie: (to Frances) Can I just run to the loo before you lock up?
    Frances nods. Angie runs out. Everyone else goes to pack up their bags. This takes as long as it takes.
    Frances: Oh Joey I’m supposed to sign your work experience form?
    Joey: Oh yeah.
    He hands her a form, watches as she signs it then folds it up and puts it back in his bag.
    Frances caries a load of files out and down the corridor.
    Jon hauls his Trombone case onto his shoulder.
    Joey: What’s that?
    Jon: It’s a trombone.
    Joey: Oh cool.
    Jon: I’m not being a prick or anything, bringing it in - it’s just this is crap neighbourhood and I feel a bit dodgy leaving it in the car.
    Joey: Right yeah.

    They resume packing. Pause.

    Joey: I used to play a bit of bassoon.


    Jon: Very cool.
    Joey: Yeah.
    Jon: My husband makes me take lessons Tuesday evenings with this old guy in Denly which means lugging this bloody thing to work, to Denly and
    then to here every week.
    26
    Joey: Effort.
    Jon: Yeah. (finished packing up) Alright mate.
    Joey: Why does he make you take lessons? Is he like a big band player or something?
    Jon laughs.
    Jon: Uh. No. That’d be funny if you knew him. He um…
    He wanted me to “actively engage in something Positive”.
    Joey: And you picked trombone?
    Jon: Yeah. He hates the trombone. Now he has to hear me stumble through Ode To Joy over and over again every evening before bed.
    He’s one of her types, you know. Made me quit smoking. And I loved smoking.
    Joey laughs.
    Jon: Alright mate.
    Joey: Yeah see ya later.
    Jon: Keep your feet on the ground yeah?
    Joey: Uh yeah? Yeah.
    Frances comes back in. Jon doesn’t notice.
    Jon: I know we’re supposed to be all - you know - but don’t let her float you off into the clouds, youknowwhatImean.
    Joey: …yeah.

    Jon turns round to see Frances standing in the doorway.


    An awkward pause.
    Jon: Stay safe, guys.
    Frances: Absolutely!
    27

    Jon leaves - gas mask on, grabs a newspaper from a pile to hold over his head.
    Frances goes to say something then stops herself.
    She resumes packing up.
    Joey hesitates, gas mask on the top of his head.

    Joey: Uh Miss? - Frances sorry.


    Frances: Yeah?
    Joey: I’m not supposed to have like -
    Jon kept talking about training and…
    I swear I wasn’t trying to skip anything - / I didn’t know - nobody told me - I might’ve missed an email or…
    Frances: No no. Oh bless you. No Joey um - we were…so impressed with your application that we that we decided to um - to put you straight through.
    That you could learn on the job. And I’m so glad we did because you’re learning so fast!
    Joey: Oh.
    Frances: Yeah.
    Joey: Ok. Cool.
    Frances: SO cool.

    pause. Frances beams at him.

    Joey: Frances - do you genuinely like… think everything’s gonna…


    Frances: What?
    28
    Joey: Never-mind.

    Pause.

    Frances: How do you get home?


    Joey: A couple of night buses.
    Frances: You live in Wide Oak right?
    Joey: Yeah - well ish - just South of there.
    Frances: I’ll give you a lift.
    Joey: Oh uh. I don’t wanna put you out or anything.
    Frances: No it’s on / my way.
    Joey: Bus is really easy.
    Frances throws Joey her car keys.
    Frances: Can you go turn the heating on while I pack up here? I like it when it’s nice and toasty.
    beat
    Joey: Ok.
    Thanks Frances.
    Joey exits.
    Frances hurriedly clears a few files.
    Once that’s done she waits for a moment.
    She puts her hands on her stomach and looks down at it.
    A moment.
    29
    She exits.
    Frances: (calling after him) You know Joseph is on our baby name list!

    Pause.

    Angie runs back in to find nobody there.

    Blackout.
    30

    Week Two
    Lights up.
    On the whiteboard is written: “WORD OF THE WEEK: GENEROSITY!!!”
    Joey and Angie sit facing each other. Frances is behind Joey, massaging his shoulders as if prepping him for a fight.
    Jon is off to the side, throwing a small ball in the air - seeing how high he can get it without it hitting the ceiling.

    Frances: Alright alright alright! Here we go, champ.

    Angie holds her hand to her ear in the shape of a phone. She makes a phone ringing sound.
    Angie: Bring bring!

    An actual phone rings. Frances goes to it.


    Angie and Joey exchange a glance as if to say: weird timing.

    Frances: Hello, Brightline. You’re though to -


    Hi, sorry no this is a helpline can you take us off your register please?
    Oh well for anyone really. But particularly if you feel at all overwhelmed by recent…
    Oh great! Well why don’t you give us a call back when you are on your own time and we can have a little chat.
    Fab.
    Yep thanks a bunch. What was your name, love?
    Ok you have a nice day now, Jean. Yeah.
    31

    Puts phone down.

    Frances: Ok let’s go!


    Angie: Bring bring!

    Another actual phone rings. Frances goes to it.


    Angie looks down at her hands as if she has magical powers.

    Angie: Woah.
    Frances: Hello, Bright/

    Puts the phone down. Jon pockets the ball, picks his mug off the table, goes to the
    back of the room where the kettle used to be, heaps a couple
    of spoonfuls of instant coffee into his mug, then realises there
    Frances: Dead.
    is no kettle.
    One more time. He pauses for a moment.
    Wait Jon, you ok? He tips the instant coffee into his mouth and chews.
    Jon nods. Returns to his seat and resumes throwing the ball.

    Frances nods at Angie.


    Angie takes a deep breath in as if preparing for a penalty kick.
    Angie: Bring Bring!
    32
    Pause. They wait for a phone to ring. Nothing.
    Frances nods at Joey.
    Joey makes his hand into a phone shape and raises it to his ear.

    Joey: Hello, Brightline? You’re through to someone who can speak to you - talk to.
    Angie: (to Frances) Anything I want?
    Frances: Sure.
    Angie: (putting on a deep, gravelly voice, to Joey) Hey baby.
    Frances: Oh Ange, / let’s try a
    Angie: You said anything.
    Frances: I know / but lets -
    Joey: Err hello. How are you today?
    Angie starts stroking her thigh.
    Angie: “I’m good baby, how are you doing?”
    Joey: Yeah really good, thanks. Is there something you’d like to talk to me about?
    Angie: “There are so many things I’d like to talk to you about baby I can’t even count ‘em.”
    NO! No - wait lemme go again.
    “Yeah we could talk but your words would look so much better on my floor.”
    NO!
    “I didn’t come here to talk.”
    Jon laughs to himself.
    Joey: Um come where - where are you right now?
    Frances shoots him a disapproving look.
    Angie: Errrrrrrrrrrrr “I’m in your bedroom baby.”
    33
    Jon throws the ball to Frances.
    Joey: Woah. Frances, surprised, doesn’t attempt to catch it and it sails past her
    head. Frances mouths: WHAT!?
    Joey turns his chair away from Angie. Jon mouths something like: I thought you wanted the ball?!
    They have a kind of silent, frustrated, mouthed conversation as Jon
    goes to fetch the ball.
    Angie: “I’m I’m I’m all over your bedroom baby.”
    Joey: Ok now. Jon resumes throwing it at the ceiling.
    Angie: “Mmmmm I’m rubbing my whole body over all your clothes and your
    pyjamas, all your files and folders. Mmmm I’m putting them in my mouth.”
    Joey: You’re putting my files and folders in your mouth?
    Frances: Go on Joey.
    Joey: Why - why - why are you doing that?
    Angie: “Cos it feels so good baby.”
    Joey: Oh god.

    Frances leans down and whispers in Joey’s ear.


    Joey: It’s interesting to me that you feel the need to talk in this manner?
    Frances: Great.
    Angie: “Oh yeah? You find it interesting? You find it real interesting? Let me
    tell you what else is interesting. My gigantic-”
    Joey: (standing up) nope.
    Angie giggles.
    Jon laughs. He puts the ball down, takes a huge file out of a draw and
    starts sorting it.
    34
    Frances: Ok.
    Joey: What was that?
    Angie giggles.
    Frances: Ok what Angie was simulating there -
    Joey: She was like -
    Frances: Yep.
    Joey: She was having a wank.
    Frances: The character that Angie was portraying there was performing masturbation, yes.
    Joey: Why!?
    Frances: Well, Joey, lots of people think it’s appropriate to call us as a means of achieving further arousal.
    Joey: That’s fucked up.
    Frances: It is yeah. It’s horrible / actually -
    Jon: Frances hates them.
    Frances: I do hate it but um / there’s definitely a
    Jon: She thinks the baby can hear them.
    Frances: I don’t think the baby can hear them.
    Angie: It’s kind of funny. But also / kinda sad
    Frances: Anyway there’s definitely a trick to dealing with these kind of calls. We try to resist hanging up immediately. That’s Brightline policy,
    unfortunately. It’s possible that these callers may be testing the service out and that they may actually need us at a… at a future date so… we’re
    supposed to try to ask reasonable questions until such a point at which the conversation has become impossible.
    Joey: So like…
    Angie: So like a group of teenagers will ring up and just be like: SUCK MY DICK and I’ll just be like: “Why do you feel like saying that to me?”
    35
    Joey: Woah.
    Angie: “SUCK MY BIG HAIRY DICK.” - So what’s making you feel this way?
    Joey laughs a bit.
    Frances: Thanks Angie.
    Angie: “PUT IT IN YOUR WET DRIPPING CUNT.” - How’s your mum?
    Frances: OKAY!
    Joey stopped laughing on the word “cunt”.
    Pause.
    Frances: They’re good examples. Great examples.
    Angie: People just need an outlet don’t they?
    Frances: (almost involuntarily) No.
    Angie and Joey look at Frances weirdly.
    Frances: Jon are they the DBS folders?
    Frances goes over to help him
    Joey gets out a lunch box and starts eating a sandwich. There is a cartoon sticker on
    the lunch box. Jon: Yeah these are a fucking mess.
    Angie picks up the lunch box to read the cartoon. Frances: I know. Chris just dumps them in here without
    Angie: That’s cool. I like that. sorting them at all.
    Joey: …my mum got it me.
    Angie: Sorry if I like… freaked you out. Frances and Jon sort the files together.
    Joey: (turning away from her) Yeah. It’s fine.
    Angie: I thought it’d be kinda funny.
    36
    Joey doesn’t reply.
    Joey’s phone rings.

    Joey: Hello Brightline, you’re through to someone you can talk to.
    Frances goes over.
    Frances: Ange can I…?
    Frances takes Angie’s seat and puts on a headset to listen in to Joey’s call.
    Angie stands where she is for a moment, not knowing where to go.
    Frances smiles and nods at her. Angie moves away.

    Joey: Ok well tell me about that then.


    Yeah. I um - yeah.

    Joey: Well - well - if it’s making you feel that way why do you keep - why do you
    FEEL THE NEED (looks at Frances for approval) to keep doing it? Jon’s desk phone rings.
    Jon: Hello Brightline. You’re through to someone you can

    Um… talk to.


    Frances: Don’t say your real name. Ok.
    Joey: It’s… Gavin. Alright slow down for me mate
    There you go.
    Um
    Frances shakes her head.
    Joey: I am 57 years of age.
    37

    Joey: Uh well it’s easy. You just go: ok well I’m just gonna think about the next half
    Jon: Right ok.
    an hour not the next 5 years and then uh when that half hour is up you just start again
    and repeat ad… infinitum?
    Frances nods, impressed.
    Joey: I think it means “to infinity”. My mum’s using a lot of Latin phrases at the
    moment. I think she thinks it makes her sound authorita-
    Frances is giving him a warning glance. Jon: No not at all. That’s good. What’s your name, pal?
    Joey: But uh how do you - what dya think of the half hour thing? Wait. Stevie?
    Mate! It’s Jon!
    The very same. HI MATE! How on earth are you?
    Joey: It’s not stupid.
    Yeah well we get all the local calls first. There’s like a
    Joey starts watching Jon.
    switchboard thing so -
    Every Tuesday night yeah. For a little while now.
    Frances: (to Jon) Jon.
    It’s alright you know. You get some dickheads. But -
    Jon come on.
    Beat
    Jon: Listen mate we’re not really allowed to talk to people we
    Joey: Mmhmm.
    recognise on here. Gotta be anonymous and all that. But we
    should all grab a beer soon yeah?
    Frances: Jon, hang up the call please.
    Great. And you’re - you know - you’re alright yeah?

    Joey: Yeah. That makes sense too I guess. But maybe my way’s worth a go?
    38

    Joey: Yeah. No I’m with you.


    Jon: Cool. Yeah that’s between me and you. Won’t go anywhere.
    Frances: Jon.
    I’m sorry about that, I should’ve recognised your voice earlier.
    Joey: I’m not saying it’s not really hard. I think it’s really really hard but -
    Yeah. Cheers Stevie. Sorry.

    Joey: No that’s not what I meant.


    Jon: Yep. I know.
    Jon gets up and goes to the toilet.

    Joey: Well
    Uh.
    Yeah we are a listening service - you just asked me for advice so I gave advice.

    Wait -
    phone goes dead.
    Frances: Great job, Joey!
    Joey: Yeah.
    Frances: You’ve got to remember that 90% of these calls don’t end in “thank
    you so much, you’ve made me feel so much better.” Most people just hang up.
    Joey: Yeah.
    Frances: But they really appreciate it.
    Joey: Yeah.
    Frances: And personally I always give a fake name. You don’t want someone
    39
    that turns out to be a sex caller groaning your name down the phone.
    Joey: Whoa. Yeah.
    Jon reenters and heads to his desk.
    Frances: And I think maybe let’s rein it in when we say our age? You’ve got such a big booming, manly deep voice but I don’t know if it quite sounds
    57 yet. Maybe soon though!
    Joey: Yeah that makes sense.
    Frances: Yeah. It was so great to meet your mum last week by the way.
    Joey: Yeah. She said you seemed really nice.
    Frances: Didn’t wake her up did we?
    Joey: No. She um - she always makes sure she’s up when I get home. She works early mornings anyway so…
    Frances: Nice. And how are you getting on with all those Nasty Decisions?
    Joey: Yeah uh… ok? I guess. I was thinking about… I really like cartoons. Comics and stuff. So I was thinking about maybe looking into some course
    about that?
    Frances: Oh wow. That sounds great.
    Joey: Yeah?
    Frances: So creative!
    Joey: Uh yeah. I’m not a very imaginative person or anything. But yeah.
    Frances: Great stuff, Joe! Why don’t you start working on a personal statement and I’ll read it next week!
    Joey: Um.
    Frances: SUCH an exciting time.
    Joey: Yeah. I hadn’t really um… But I guess it is, yeah.
    Frances: I’m gonna get us some treats.
    40
    Joey: Cool.
    Frances exits.
    Joey smiles to himself.
    Pause.

    Jon throws Joey the ball.


    41

    *
    Jon and Joey are throwing the ball between them, across the room.
    Angie is still on the computer.
    Jon: It’s the worst, it’s the worst, man. People lose their minds at you. Today I was on an evaluation, this 9-year-old girl bounded up to me. Real cute -
    pig-tails, little… kinda bow thing. I was like: Hi! And then she told me to go fuck myself.
    Joey: Woah. Why?
    Jon: Her family’s house went down and I couldn’t sign off on it.
    Joey: Shit.
    Jon: Yeah.
    Joey: What do you say to that?
    Jon: I’m like babe, of course I wanna give you your money. I wanna build your house back up with my bare fingers. I wanna cut my arm off just to
    feel like I am doing something to help you but I am a tiny puny pawn in a large large insurance conglomerate - I’ve got no authority to approve your
    claim.
    Not that anybody knows what to do with these claims now anyway.
    Course you can’t really explain this to a 9-year-old.
    Joey: Where was this?
    Jon: This is round by Gorely.
    Joey: It’s bad there right?
    Jon: Yeah we get a lot of calls from round there.

    Beat.
    42
    Joey: Was that your friend calling before?
    Jon: Stevie yeah. Well I don’t know him that well. He’s my mate Jenna’s little brother.
    Joey: That’s kinda awkward.
    Jon: Yeah I should’ve… You gotta hang up if you recognise them really. Compromises them, compromises you. Frances will have a word with me
    about it later I’m sure.
    Joey: Are you gonna tell his sister he called?
    Jon: Can’t.
    Joey: Yeah.

    Pause.

    Joey: I used to go swimming near Gorely.


    Jon: Yeah people are still doing that! It’s horrible - the sea is this kinda grey colour and it’s thick and stewy / and
    Joey: Viscous.
    Jon: Yeah viscous.
    Joey gags.
    Jon: But people are still swimming.
    Joey: Sometimes we uh… we did some body boarding? pretty fun.
    Jon: Didn’t see any body boarders but I’ll let you know.
    Joey: Thanks.

    Beat.
    43

    Jon: That’s such a school word - viscous. I haven’t heard anyone say viscous in like 10 years.
    Joey: Yeah.

    Beat.

    Joey: My chemistry teacher has this really bad lisp. So he says um, he says - “vishcush.”
    Jon: “Vishcush”
    Joey: “Vishcush”
    Jon: “Vishcush”
    Joey: Yeah.
    Jon: That’s funny, man.
    Joey: …yeah.

    pause

    Jon: So you’re finishing up at school at the moment.


    Joey: Yeah.
    Jon: What’s next?
    Joey: Dunno.
    Jon: Weird atmosphere?
    Joey: What?
    44
    Jon: In school.
    Joey: Errr. Yeah? Kind of.
    Jon: Hard.
    Joey: What?
    Jon: Working towards…
    Joey: Yeah.
    I dunno.
    School’s ok.

    Pause.

    Jon: What?
    Joey: …my mum says that when you’re a teenager, everything feels like the end of the world.
    Jon: Yeah.
    I’m 32.
    Joey: Yeah.
    Frances’s kid’s gonna be like…
    Jon: Yup.
    Joey: It’s her first right?
    Jon: Yeah. I can’t…

    He shakes his head. Pause. They throw the ball back and forth for a while. The sound of Angie typing on the keyboard.
    45

    Joey: Do you get to choose what pieces you learn?


    Jon: What?
    Joey: On the trombone.
    Jon: Err I don’t really play “pieces” yet. I just do kind of exercises and basic tunes.
    Joey: Oh right.
    Jon: Arpeggios.
    Joey: Yeah.
    Jon: Why?

    Joey shrugs.
    Joey: I used to have lessons but I don’t really have them anymore.
    Jon: Such a pain.
    Joey: Yeah.
    Jon: You’re at St. Catherine’s right?
    Joey: Bartholomew’s.
    Jon: OH MY GOD. You are such a St Bart’s kid. YES. Literally everything about you makes sense to me now.
    Joey: What does that mean?
    Jon: Come on St. Bart’s kids all have that same kinda smell.
    Joey: What smell?
    Jon: You all have The Smell.
    Joey: I don’t have / The Smell.
    46
    Jon: Oh my god I used to fucking HATE kids from that school. Me and Andy are moving into this new place down the road from Barts. I keep seeing
    you guys just…fucking… going into shops. It’s like being haunted.
    Joey: Oh where’s / your new
    Jon: You were all fucking self-important and self-righteous and had kinda weird hair. Like you all had a really anal thing about your hair. People
    touching it / and
    Joey: I’m completely fine with people touching my hair.
    Jon: Sure.
    Joey: You went to Cats?
    Jon: Atley College. My sister went to Cats - lucky bitch.
    Joey: You went to At Col.
    Jon: At. Col…? That is so “youth of today” of you.
    Joey: What?
    Jon: I mean must we abbreviate everything these days? Must we? Ange, touch his hair.
    Angie pulls herself away from the computer and goes over to mess up Joey’s hair.
    Joey: (evading Angie) Errrrrrrrrrrr. Seriously? / Seriously?
    Jon: Oh man - I used to hang out in the um - above your canteen hall there’s like, or there used to be, this kind of little attic thing. Basically a loft that
    everyone had just forgotten was there. We used to go up there and smoke and like tentatively feel each other up.
    Joey: I thought you hated Barts kids.
    Jon: Yeah but I was 16 - I didn’t exactly live or die by my principles. A couple of your teachers used to come up sometimes. My mate had this
    threesome with this guy who was in for supply.
    Joey: Wait wait wait wait wait - what teacher?
    Jon: Um I think his name was like Thorn…ford? Thornton?
    47
    Joey: Thornburg!?
    Jon: Yeah!
    Joey: WHAT
    Jon: What?
    Joey: Thornburg’s like an urban legend. Holy shit. Apparently he ran some horrible sex orgy dungeon with his students.
    Jon: Nah that’s such bullshit. He had like one fumbley threesome with my mate Vinny and some girl on foreign exchange.
    Joey: …I mean everyone says he had a dungeon.
    Jon: Ohhhh that is SO Barts. You guys blow everything way out of proportion.
    Jon starts laughing to himself.
    Jon: “Reign it right back in, lads.”
    Jon keeps laughing. .

    Joey: Well um… we all say At Col kids are a bit: “ahhhhhhhhhh”
    Joey sticks his tongue out and shakes his head around a bit while saying: “ahhhhhh”

    beat.

    Jon: Well that’s just mean.


    Joey: I can’t believe you knew horny Thornburg. He’s a legend.
    Jon: He is a legend? That’s like the most depressing thing I’ve ever heard.
    Joey grins.
    They throw the ball back and forth for a while.
    48
    Joey: Where did you go to school, Angie?
    Angie doesn’t respond - too focussed on the screen ahead of her.
    Jon: Ange?
    Angie: Oh. Sorry. What?
    Joey: Where did you go to school?
    Angie: Oh. Errr. All over really.
    Frances enters carrying a huge tray of doughnuts.
    Frances: Ok Potatoes! I’ve got mainly jam and chocolate. I got a couple of vanillas because I knew I wanted a vanilla but that none of you guys really
    like vanilla but then I got really panicked that you’d see me having a vanilla one and think I was being really selfish so I got two vanillas just in case.

    beat
    Jon: I’ll have a jam.
    Angie: Me too please!

    Frances throws them each a doughnut. They tuck in.


    Frances: Joey?
    Joey: I’m actually ok thanks.
    Frances: Not a doughnut fan? You’re not gonna fit in here!
    Joey: No I’m just feeling a bit…eurgh
    Frances: Oh no what’s up?
    Joey: Oh just um Jon was telling / us about
    Jon shakes his head at Joey as if to say: I wouldn’t.
    49
    Joey: Actually, nevermind.
    Jon’s desk phone rings.
    Jon: Hello Brightline. You’re through to someone you can talk to.
    Ok.
    Alright slow down for me mate
    Frances: What? There you go.
    Joey: It doesn’t matter.
    I might have one later.

    Joey throws the ball back to Jon.


    Frances stands, watching him, still carrying the tray.
    Frances: Jon, can I get you back on chat after this call.
    Take your time. There’s no rush.

    He nods obligingly.
    50

    *
    They are sat facing each other for a debrief session.

    Silence.

    Frances: Nothing? Nobody wants to leave anything here?


    Jon?
    Jon shakes his head.
    pause
    Frances: How are we all feeling about everything?
    general nods.
    Frances: GREAT!

    Frances beams at everyone for a moment.

    Frances: Ok I think I’d like to… I’d like to leave something here. If that’s ok with you guys. I errr… Huh.

    She steadies herself.

    Frances: I spoke to a little girl on the phone today who had um - she was in care, social care, and she was basically just shouting about the care home
    - like “THEY’RE NOT THE BOSS OF ME”, apparently they kept telling her when to go to the toilet and everything. And she was really angry. She
    51
    was really angry that they had that control over her. “THEY CAN’T TELL ME WHEN TO GO TO THE TOILET.” She’d been taken into care because
    her mum had uh…had had a vision of God. Or a god. Her mum thought she’d had a vision of a God telling her to go to Guadalajara in Mexico? Which
    I actually went to once and is a really lovely place with a really good zoo. But yes - and to go on her own - not to take the little girl with her. And that
    that’s where he, God, would find her and and tell her what he needed her to do. But she had to go alone. She couldn’t take anyone with her. So she left
    the little girl - this girl I was speaking to - outside a hospital and took off. But well… the thing is, the girl on the phone wasn’t angry at her mum at all.
    She just loved her. She’s just totally head over heals in love with her. And she couldn’t stop going on about this care home person called Sally who
    stopped her going to the toilet during dinner time. Kept ranting and ranting about Sally. She’d hiss and spit her name out like: SSSALLY. SSSALLY.
    SSSALLY. SSSALLY. SSSALLY. SSSALLY.

    Silence.

    Frances: Great! Thanks for listening to me there. Feels great to get that off my chest. SO good we have these!
    She beams at them all once more.
    Frances: Well lets all go out there and have great weeks.
    And get some good sleep.
    They all go to pack up their stuff. Joey hands Frances his form to sign. She does so.
    Frances: Oh yes. Oh oh oh! Next week is Angie’s six months! So we’ll have a little do. Sound good?
    Joey: (to Jon) Is six months a big deal or something?
    Frances: They say that if you’re here for six months, you’ll be here the rest of your life. Well done, Angie.
    Jon: Well done, Ange.
    Joey: Well done.
    Angie smiles.
    52
    Frances: Can’t wait to celebrate with you all.
    Jon exits. Joey checks that he’s gone then:
    Joey: Uh Frances am I ok to get a lift again?
    Frances: Yeah of course.
    She throws him the keys.
    Joey: And you can uh… You can come in for a cup of tea when we get there if you want?

    Beat.

    Frances: I would love that.


    Joey exits. Frances grins, grabs her stuff and makes to leave.
    Angie has been hesitating.
    Angie: Frances?
    Frances: Yep?
    Angie: Um. It’s totally ok if you say no to this but I was wondering if next week I could be on the phone more? Instead of the chat. Just seeing as its
    my six months.
    Frances: Oh gosh you were on that all night weren’t you?
    Angie: Yeah. Pretty much.
    Frances: Sorry, Angie. I must’ve got distracted.
    Angie: That’s ok.
    Frances: Great
    Angie: I just think I’m better at connecting with them on the phone.
    53
    Frances: Ok.
    Angie: It’s like - when we’re on the phone - there’s this string holding us together. Like when you were a kid and you / made those
    Frances: Ok, Ange.

    Beat.
    Angie: Thanks Frances.
    Blackout.
    54

    Week Three
    On the whiteboard is written: “WORD OF THE WEEK - UNDERSTANDING!!!”
    All of the posters have fallen off the walls to reveal huge patches of damp and mould. Maybe some cracks in the wall as well? Pipes?
    Angie is alone in the office, trying to put the posters back up.
    She does this in silence for a while.
    Then she looks around.
    She runs to the door and peaks her head around it, scanning for anyone there. Nobody.
    She returns to the poster.
    Then, very softly she begins singing La Vie En Rose by Edith Piaf.
    Initially it’s too quiet to tell what song it is but, as she goes on it gets very slightly louder - never full-volume though, always just about under her
    breath. She’s not very good at singing. Lot’s of the notes are a bit strained. Maybe she does really small, subtle dance moves - a flick of the wrist, a
    sway of the hips.
    She has gotten through most of the song when she hears Frances’s voice and immediately falls silent again. .
    Frances: (off-stage) Ok well, Harry, if you want to use money that you’ve earned to
    Frances walks past the door, down the corridor, wearing her gas mask. We hear her turn a tap on.
    Frances: I’m not being unsupportive. I’m really super proud that you got it written but I don’t -
    Like if you were a a a Heroin Addict and you asked me to buy you some Heroin then I, as someone that cared about you, wouldn’t do that.
    Ok.
    I’m sorry I didn’t mean to be inflammatory. Maybe it wasn’t a good analogy. But -
    Frances walks round the door, into the room. She has her gas mask propped on the top of her forehead.
    She notices Angie.
    55
    Frances: Angie.
    Angie: Hi.
    Frances: You’re here early.
    Angie: Yeah - sorry is that…?
    Frances: No - no problem.
    (into phone) Hi Harry, listen I’m going to have to go.
    We can talk about this at breakfast.
    I love -
    Oh.

    She puts the phone down, takes off her coat and gas mask, smiles at Angie.

    Frances: What happened to all the posters?


    Angie: When I got in the cardboard was off the window and the wind had…
    It was like an air tunnel in here.
    Frances: Woah.
    Angie: Yeah.

    Pause.

    Frances goes to help Angie stick the posters up.


    56
    Frances: Good week?
    Angie: It was nice. You?
    Frances: Yeah. Great. Thank you.
    Have you tried that new bakery in Arlington?
    Angie shakes her head.
    Frances: It’s really good.
    Angie: Oh cool.
    Frances: They do these lemon cakes. I don’t normally like lemon cakes but my friend Annie got one and I tried a little corner and… Yeah. Really tasty.

    Angie smiles and nods. pause.

    Angie: Are you ok?


    Frances: Yeah of course why?
    Angie: On the phone you sounded…
    Frances: Oh thanks, Angie but you don’t have to - I’m not a caller!!
    Angie: Oh ok. As long as you’re alright, Frances.
    Frances: I am

    They move onto the next poster.


    Angie sings La Vie En Rose, absentmindedly under her breath.

    Frances: Do you live with your boyfriend, Angie?


    57
    Angie: I don’t have a boyfriend.
    Frances: Oh I thought you did for some reason.
    Angie: Nope.
    Frances: … girlfriend?
    Angie: No it’s just me and Sandy.
    … my dog.
    Frances: Oh. That’ll be… yeah.
    Angie: And my brother comes by every week or two.
    Frances: Oh.

    Pause.

    Angie: Is your husband a heroin addict?


    Frances: What!? no.
    Angie: Oh. Cool. That’s really good.
    Frances: Yeah.
    Angie: That’s really really good - cos like my mum was for a little while and so when I was born they had to like ween me off it and I just had to stay
    in this weird glass box for like a month and a half and apparently it made my snot really weird - like I was a really snotty baby for ages - so I think that
    like, while you’re - while the baby is still inside you it’d be really good if you didn’t have any heroin.

    Pause. Frances stops putting the poster up.


    58
    Frances: Angie, I’m so sorry I didn’t know.
    Angie: Why are you sorry?

    Frances stares at Angie.

    She resumes putting the poster up again.

    Frances: It was just an analogy.


    Angie: What was it an analogy for?
    Frances: Well he um… he’s a teacher - he teaches 10-year-olds. But he’s always wanted to write a novel?
    Angie: That’s cool.
    Frances: Yeah and he - he’s finished it. Finally.
    Angie: Wow!
    Frances: Yeah it’s great.

    Pause. They continue to put the posters up.


    Frances: He wants to send it into space.
    Angie: What?
    Frances: Yeah he saw this um this advert. In a magazine. For a - for this service that is basically sending a rocket up into space with a capsule or
    whatever and you can pay - for a certain price - you can put something in the capsule.
    Angie: That’s so cool.
    Frances: Do you think?
    59
    Angie: Yeah I think that’s so so cool.
    Frances: He wants to do it so that if um… if something bad happened here - were to happen here - someone somewhere might still be able to read it.
    Some alien species or whatever. Translate it and…
    Angie: Wow.
    Frances: Yeah.

    pause.

    Frances: I just think that is so… male.

    They smile at each other.

    They continue in silence.

    Angie: There’s this - I used to live on a boat for a while when I was little and one time we were moored next to these mudflats? They’re like these
    really wide stretches of barren land where rivers and tides have dumped a load of mud and sediment.
    Frances: Mmmm.
    Angie: And one time I was walking along the the mudflat yeah - well you kind of walk through it cos you sink up to your knees or so - and I found this
    thing buried in it. This shell thing sticking out of the surface of the mud. It was massive. Like as big as a football or something. Maybe bigger. And in
    my head I kind of cycled through all of the shell-based animals that I knew - trying to match it to one of them. But I couldn’t. It looked different to all
    of them. And then I started thinking: maybe it’s not from here. Like maybe it’s from somewhere else. Like a different world or planet. And then, once
    I’d mustered up enough courage, I went over to it and I pulled it - yanked it - up out of the soil. And underneath the shell there was um this mass of tiny
    60
    legs that suddenly started scuttling in the air, panicking and flailing around but mainly there were just these two massive eyes. And I was holding it up
    at about head height so that it’s eyes were looking straight into my eyes and it was like… like I was looking at something from a whole different…
    place? You know? And it was looking at me.
    Frances: And what was it?
    Angie: What?
    Frances: Like what did it turn out to be?
    Angie: Oh um. I don’t know.
    Frances: Oh.

    A confused pause.

    A phone rings.
    Angie smiles at Frances then goes to pick it up.

    Angie: Hello, Brightline. You’re through to someone you can talk to.
    Ok.
    Frances watches Angie, curiously.

    Angie: What name would you like me to call you?

    Frances turns to the whiteboard and, underneath the word of the week writes: CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 6 MONTH ANGIE!!!
    61

    Angie: Huh. Well can you move to


    Joey enters.
    somewhere where talking would be
    easier? Or do you have to…
    Joey: Hiya.
    Frances: Hey Joey.
    Joey: How’s it going?
    Yep that sounds a lot better to me.
    Is it not too cold in there?
    Frances is still watching Angie and doesn’t reply.

    Great.
    Frances: Oh! Oh I’ve got something for you!
    Joey: Ok? Jon enters, scoffing a sandwich, waves to Great. So tell me what your dad
    Frances: SO! Right right right. My partner is a primary everyone. was saying.

    school teacher and he recently ran into the parent of one of Jon: (to Frances) Chat?
    his ex-students! (to Jon) Oh yes please Jon!
    Joey: Ok. Jon sits at the computer. Huh.
    Frances: So it turns out the ex-student’s older sister is
    working as a Courtroom Sketch artist!

    Pause.

    Frances: How cool is that?


    Joey: Yeah no / what do they
    62
    Frances: What an interesting profession!
    Angie: Yeah. Ok.
    So anyway I reminded Harry about you and he said he’ll try
    to get back in touch with the parent so that they can put you
    Jon types quickly.
    in touch with the daughter!
    Angie: And what do you think he meant by
    Joey: Oh cool.
    saying that?
    Frances: Right?!
    Joey: So she like… draws murderers?
    Frances: Well. Um. Sometimes I suppose.
    Angie: Do you think there’s anything else he
    Joey: Woah.
    could have meant?
    Frances: I’m sure most of them are much less violent
    crimes than that. Parking tickets. Why? Does that sound
    interesting to you?
    Joey: Uh. I dunno. I think drawing murderers would be
    Angie: Huh. Ok.
    kinda - kinda exciting yeah.
    Frances: Exactly!
    Joey: Yeah. I think that’d be like one of the coolest things
    ever.
    Frances: Great! We’ll make it happen.
    Jon types quickly. He looks concerned.
    Joey: (grinning) Uh. Ok. Yeah.
    Frances: Jon, you ok?
    Jon doesn’t reply.
    Frances goes over to sit with him.
    63
    Frances: What’s going on?
    beat
    Frances: Jon?
    Jon: She lost her kid.
    Frances: How?
    Jon: When all the fir trees went down. Playing in the woods.

    Frances: Boy or girl?


    Jon: Didn’t say. Does it matter?
    Frances: No. Can I?

    Frances scrolls up the chat.


    Her mouth moves as she reads.
    64

    *
    Angie is on the phone.
    Frances, Jon and Joey are doing a training exercise and both hold finger phones to their ears. Jon is putting on a different accent. They are all
    wearing party hats and eating bits of cake.
    Joey: No no no / I’m not trying to
    Angie: I know you’re trying to be really quiet
    Jon: Well how can you possibly say that everything is / going to be
    but can I get you to talk a tiny tiny tiny bit
    Joey: No I said it could be. It could be.
    louder for me.
    Jon: Oh it could be?
    Joey: (looking at Frances) Yeah?
    Jon: And is that how I’m supposed to live, Gavin. If that is your real name. Is that how I’m supposed to
    Angie: Thank you.
    get out of bed everyday and make breakfast kettle-less everyday and put the bins out everyday / and errr
    Joey: (murmured) who puts the bins out everyday?
    Jon: And kiss my hus- my wife and my kids? Is that what I’m supposed to think when I’m reading little
    Rusty and Chip their bedtime stories?
    Frances looks down on “kids”.
    Joey laughs a bit.
    Angie: Bit louder for me.
    Joey: Rusty and Chip?
    Perfecto!
    Jon: Yes. After my grandmothers.

    Frances pushes him on the shoulder.

    Angie: Ooooh what joke did you tell hm?


    65
    Joey: Uh but but but there are reasons that that it could be ok.
    Angie: That’s a really good one.
    Jon: Oh yeah?
    Can I tell you one?
    Joey: Yeah.
    Knock Knock
    The Interrupting Cow.
    Pause. Jon waits.
    MOOOOOOOO.

    Joey: errrrrr
    Jon: Ok tell me everything’s gonna be ok.
    Joey: What?
    Angie laughs.
    Jon: Just tell me everything’s gonna be ok.
    Joey: …everything’s gonna be ok?
    Jon: What did you say? Sorry the line cut out for a second.
    Joey smiles.
    Joey: Uh…everything’s gonna be ok.
    Jon: (racing through) My daughter was playing in the wood behind our house when all the pine trees
    Angie: That one’s great.
    went down, the trunk landed on her rib cage, shattering all of her delicate little ribs into a thousand
    pieces, we found them scattered around her body like confetti, tell me everything’s gonna be ok.

    Angie laughs again.


    pause.

    Joey: Uh.
    Frances: OK / then!
    66
    Angie: Ok ok ok ok one more joke then you
    Jon: (casual) Tell me everything’s gonna be ok.
    should go back to bed and I should go talk to
    Joey: everything’s gonna be ok.
    somebody else.
    Jon: Say it again: everything’s gonna be ok.
    Joey: Everything’s gonna be ok.
    Angie: Pick the one that you like the best - I
    Jon: Everything’s gonna be ok?
    think me and you have a very similar taste in
    Joey: Yeah.
    jokes. Oh and wait before you say it, can you
    Jon: Tell me. Frances: Jon.
    put the card back in your dad’s draw so he can
    Joey: Everything’s gonna be ok.
    call us if he needs to?
    Jon: Yeah?
    Joey: Everything’s gonna be ok.
    Jon: One more time.
    Joey: Everything’s gonna be ok.
    Jon: The line cut out again.
    Joey: Everything’s gonna be ok. Everything’s gonna be ok. Everything’s gonna be / ok.
    Jon: Is it really? Oh I feel better.

    Silence.

    Angie laughs.
    Joey: I’m uh… I’m interested in why you feel the need to to impress this upon me so um… so
    strongly.
    Frances: Great.
    Jon: Because I’m not interested in treating you like a child.
    67
    Because, Gavin aged 27, I am the prophet Zephania sent from on high to impart wisdom in these
    times of darkness. And the wisdom that I have been sent to impart to you Gazza, is that the only thing
    that matters, when nothing matters, is having a bit of fucking credibility.
    I guess what I’m telling you, Gav - Gavo - Gagabites - is to keep your feet on the ground. Angie: Ok I’ve got another.
    Knock Knock.

    Pause. The Interrupting Sloth.

    Joey: Well that’s very nice of you but this is a listening service and we, at Brightline, we’re here for
    you. We’re here to listen to your / worries.
    Frances: Let’s end it there. Really really impressive Joey. He was a tough one.
    Jon, so great you gave Joey such a tricky practice run.
    Jon: Sorry mate, went a bit hard on you there.
    Frances: Now the real callers will be easy peasy, right!
    Jon: Definitely. Joey: Yeah. Cool.
    Frances: SO cool. You know you very rarely get someone quite so Hell Bent on bringing you down.
    Joey immediately starts drawing a cartoon, his face close to the desk.
    Behind him Jon and Frances either hold each other’s gaze or they don’t.
    Angie: SLO-O-O-OTHHHHHHHH
    Angie laughs.
    68
    *
    Frances and Angie are on the phone. Jon and Joey are carrying a box of files out of the room.

    Frances: Mmhmm.
    Right.
    Right. Well, why do you want to know what I’m wearing?
    Ok. Some people would find that very offensive.
    Angie: Huh. Ok that’s cool.
    Is there anything else you’d like to talk about?
    Not cool. But you know. Jon and Joey re-enter with a hoover.
    Please don’t -
    Jon: Can you plug me in?
    You know there are numbers that you can call that are
    Angie: Yeah that’s more what I meant. Joey plugs it in. Jon turns the hoover on. It’s
    actually designed for this kind of -
    annoyingly loud for Angie and Frances.
    And I’m sure you’d find them a lot more fulfilling.
    Because really this number is for people who are afraid or
    Frances flashes Jon a look. He stops
    feeling overwhelmed in some way by the current state of
    hoovering. Joey sits at his desk and starts
    things. And so in some ways, in a lot of ways you’re
    Angie: Huh. Ok. eating his sandwich.
    misusing the service. Unless you are feeling overwhelmed
    at all. Cos I’d be very happy to talk about that.
    Jon watches Frances - she seems
    Ok.
    uncomfortable.
    Ok if you’re gonna -
    Angie: Wait no no no but we’re just getting A phone rings. Jon answers it.
    I’m going to have to hang up the phone if you’re going to
    to know each other!
    persist with this but I want you to know that if you ever…
    The line goes dead. Jon: Hiya, Brightline.
    if you ever do want to talk to someone… if you need
    69
    reassuring or…
    Goodbye.
    She puts the phone down.
    Jon keeps watching Frances.
    She shivers.
    She stands.
    Jon: Mmhmm
    Frances: Just gonna… go grab something from my car!
    She exits.
    Ok.

    Sorry can you say that again for me mate?

    Mmhmm.

    Jon covers the receiver.


    Jon: Guys, I think I’ve got Merlin.
    Angie: What?
    Jon: FRANCES!
    Jon stands and gets as close to the door as the cord
    will let him.
    Jon: I think I’ve got Merlin!
    Frances: (from off) What?!
    70
    Angie bounds across the room and sits/crouches next to Jon.
    Frances re-enters and joins them.
    Joey: Who’s Merlin?
    Jon: (to Frances) I can keep going?
    Frances: Err/rrr
    Jon: Sorry mate, really quickly - is there a specific name you’d like me to call you?

    pause. They wait for a response.

    Angie punches the air in celebration. Jon and Frances share a smile.
    Frances: I thought we’d lost him.
    Joey watches.
    Jon: Great. My name’s Jon. As you were, Merlin.
    Yeah you have spoken to me before! Very nice to know I made an impression.

    Frances puts a hand on Jon’s shoulder. He puts his hand over hers for a moment.

    Joey: What’s going on?

    Angie beckons Joey over.

    Angie: Merlin is this old man that calls every now and then and just monologues for about half an hour.
    71
    Jon: Longer.
    Frances: He tells these stories about his life. He spent about 45 minutes telling me about the first time he went on a plane a couple of months ago.
    He’d be really detailed about the seats and the food and the view from the window.
    Angie: Last time I spoke to him he was going on about this year he spent living in Wyoming helping out on a dairy farm. He was supposed to be there
    for 2 weeks but he like fell in love with the girl who picked up the milk so he stayed just so he could talk to her for ten minutes at 4am everyday.
    Frances: And at the end he always says Thank You and wishes you a good night.
    Angie: He’s a gentleman.
    Frances: He is abusing the service though. Management hate him. We should / really
    Jon: Don’t make me hang up.

    Beat.

    Frances: We know he’s ok now. We should hang up.


    They all turn to look at her, pleadingly.
    Jon: Give yourself a break, Frances.

    Pause.

    Frances: Ok.
    Joey: What’s / so
    Angie: Listen!
    72

    They listen.

    Jon: Yeah.

    They listen.

    Jon: Mmm

    They listen. This should go on for 45 seconds or so.

    Frances plucks a tissue from the box.


    Angie smiles to herself.

    Another phone rings.


    73
    They all look at each other, nobody wanting to get it.

    Frances: I’ll / get it


    Jon: (firm) Ange dya wanna…

    Angie grumbles but goes over to get it.


    Angie: Hello, Brightline. You’re through to someone you can talk to.

    Jon, Frances and Joey continue to listen to “Merlin”.


    My name’s Brenda. What’s yours?
    Can you just speak a little clearer for me?
    Sephy. That’s such a pretty name. There’s this dog that my dog, Sandy, really
    likes to play with called Sephy. She’s a Lab so she’s much bigger than Sandy.
    Jon: That does sounds fun.
    Kind of pushes him around to be honest. Anyway. Is there anything you’d
    like to talk about Sephy?

    Huh.
    Yeah. Bit louder, Sephy?

    Jon, Frances and Joey snort with laughter.


    And do you remember when you started feeling that way, Sephy?
    Frances has to cover the receiver as she tries to stifle her laughter.
    The forgetting what good news sounds like, yeah.
    Feels like, sorry, yes.

    Sorry do you mind if I ask how old you are?


    16?
    74
    Angie: Ok carry on.
    Can you say that again for me just a little bit louder and a little bit clearer?

    Angie: Ok I’m really struggling to hear what you’re saying now. Can you
    really enunciate for me?

    Ok well if you’re having trouble, why don’t we do some tongue-twisters.


    They’re really fun. Do you know any?
    My favourite was always: Betty bought a bit of butter - but the bit of butter
    Betty bought was bitter - so Betty bought a bit of better butter - to make the
    bitter butter better. Say it with me!

    They glance, bemusedly at Angie. Betty bought a bit of butter!


    But the bit of butter Betty bought was bitter!
    Angie giggles.
    You’re not really getting any clearer, Sephy.
    So Betty bought a bit of better butter.
    Sephy?

    Frances looks over at Angie, concerned. Can you hear me? Is the line bad?
    Ok. Are you feeling ok?
    Huh.
    Angie: You sound a bit fuzzy. 75
    Are you sure?
    Huh. It’s “to make the bitter butter better.”
    Yeah. Except I’m not really hearing your Ts - you’re slurring.
    To make the bitter butter better.

    Jon and Joey are now looking at Angie as well.


    Angie stares at Frances.

    Frances goes to sit next to Angie. She puts her headset on. Sephy. Um. I really hope you don’t mind me asking you this.
    But have you taken any pills or tablets or…?
    Because because if you have then I really need you to call an ambulance now
    because because I don’t know where you are so…
    Ok, if you just get out your mobile and dial 999 and I can stay on this line
    and - Sephy please keep talking to me ok? Don’t stop talking otherwise I’ll
    get worried.
    Yeah that’s the - bitter butter better. Ts. Good Ts!
    Ok you keep going and I’ll - I can say it with you.
    Bitter butter better. Bitter butter better. Bitter butter better. Bitter butter better.
    Bitterbutterbetterbitterbutterbetterbitterbutterbetterbitterbutterbetterbitterbutt
    erbetterbitterbutterbetterbitterbutterbetterbitterbutterbetterbitterbutterbetterbit
    terbutterbetterbitterbutterbetterbitterbutterbetterbitterbutterbetterbitterbutterb
    etterbitterbutterbetterbitterbutterbetterbitterbutterbetterbitterbutterbetterbitter
    butterbetterbitterbutterbetterbitterbutterbetterbitterbutterbetterbitterbutterbett

    Frances: (steely) Angie. erbitterbutterbetterbitterbutterbetterbitterbutterbetterbitterbutterbetterbitterbut


    terbetterbitterbutterbetterbitterbutterbetterbitterbutterbetter.
    76
    Silence.

    Frances takes the phone.


    Frances: Sephy, can you tap the phone to let me know that you’re still there?

    Pause.

    Frances: If you’re still there can you tap it for me?

    Beat.

    Frances turns to Angie and hugs her tight.


    Angie takes the phone back and presses it to her ear.

    Long silence.

    Frances pulls away.


    Frances: Ange, you’re gonna have to put the phone down.

    pause.

    Frances: Angie.
    77
    I need you to put the phone down now.
    Angie: What happens?
    Frances: I don’t know. I don’t know what happens.
    Someone will find her. Over the next few days or so.
    But I need you to put the phone down.
    Now, Angie.
    Please.
    Please.
    Please.
    Pause.
    Frances presses the hang up button on the desktop phone console. The line goes dead.
    Angie stares at her in horror.
    Frances stares at the floor.

    Angie: Why.
    Another phone rings. Neither Frances nor Angie seem to register it. They remain statue-still. Frances doesn’t answer her.
    It continues to ring. Angie: Why.
    Frances says nothing.
    Joey answers it.
    Joey: Hello.
    Yeah mmhmm.
    When did - um - how did it start?
    78
    Right. Yep. Ok.

    Blackout.
    79

    Week Four
    On the whiteboard is written: “WORD OF THE WEEK - COMMUNICATION!!!”
    One of the desks has collapsed and all of the files etc. resting on it have spilled onto the floor. The posters have fallen off the wall again. It’s a tip.
    Joey and Jon are sat there. Maybe Jon’s on a chair and Joey’s on the edge of a desk.
    Jon is holding a lighter underneath a mug, trying to warm its contents with the flame.

    Joey: Yeah I thought it was like…really creepy.


    Jon: Yeah I see that.
    Joey: I thought a bat was gonna fly out at me or something you know. Or like a ton of bats. Like 30 or 40 bats.
    Jon: Yeah I guess it’s dark and kind of dusty.
    Joey: So dusty. You know when you go into a place and it’s scary so you squeeze your eyes closed really tight for a second (he does so) then you open
    them and kind of plan your escape route? Like you go: Oh I’d jump off there and climb down that pipe thing and pivot onto that tree.
    Jon: Do you do that?
    Joey: Uh / well
    Jon: Squeeze your eyes shut and plan an escape route.
    Joey: I dunno. Sometimes.
    If there are bats.

    Pause. Jon grimaces in pain and rubs his lower back.

    Joey: But it’s like crazy creaky up there now. I thought I was gonna fall right through the floorboards into the canteen.
    80
    Jon: Yeah.
    Joey: Did you actually have… sex up there?
    Jon: I didn’t. But people did.
    Joey: Woah.
    I’d be all in my head about falling through. It’d totally put me off my game.

    beat

    Jon: Your game?


    Joey: …yeah.

    Pause.

    Joey: Oh and I told a load of people about Thornburg. About what you said. That he’s not a legend or anything. There was no dungeon.
    Jon: Oh yeah?
    Joey: Yeah.
    Jon: What did they say?
    Joey: They thought it was funny. And amazing that I met a guy that was there then. But they still think he probably did have a dungeon.
    Jon: Classic.
    Joey: I guess it’s more fun to believe it.
    Jon: Yeah.
    81
    Pause. He takes a sip of the coffee, grimaces and puts it down.

    Jon: God I miss kettles.


    Joey: Yeah. I miss peddle boats.
    I never went on one. Just thought it looked fun.
    Jon: They were fun.

    Joey laughs.

    Jon: Been down to West Rowe recently?


    Joey: No.
    Jon: I took Andy for a drive down there at the weekend.
    They’ve got mould growing on their skin. It’s in their eyelids. And in their dimples when they smile.
    It’s on all the buildings too. Just these big fuzzy purple-green blotches right there in the brick.
    Joey gags.
    Jon: Sorry.
    Joey: It’s ok.

    Pause.

    Joey: Sounds romantic.


    82
    Jon starts to laugh. Joey smiles.
    Jon gets up and tries to stretch out his back.

    Joey: What you doing?


    Jon: My back is killing me.
    Joey: What about your wonder mattress that saves your life on a daily basis?
    Jon: Feels like one of those - what are those trucks that roll out cement called? The ones with like a metal barrel for a wheel?
    Joey: …I think they’re just called roller trucks.
    Jon: Feels like one of them has just really gone to town on my whole spinal situation.

    He keeps stretching. He groans.

    Jon: This is my apocalypse.


    Joey smiles.
    Pause.

    Joey: It’s weird. I went up there between classes - I had this free period after DT that nobody else really has because only me and this girl Lorraine
    take DT. And I thought that’d be a good time to sneak up there because it’d be pretty quiet. You know, everyone would be in lessons. And when I was
    there, after I got over the bat thing and the escape plan thing, I was sitting in the corner thinking about you coming up here when you were my age.
    And I had this like - I don’t think I’m a very imaginative person or anything - but I kind of suddenly had this really vivid image of a 17-year-old you
    climbing up that ladder. Putting your knee on the floorboards to push yourself up. And your hand wiping the dust from the patch you were gonna sit in.
    83
    He wipes his hand along the desk, imitating it.

    Joey: Just that little… motion. Really clearly. And it was kind of like - even though it was years ago - it was like there was this line being drawn in
    front of my eyes.

    Silence.

    Jon: I presume Lorraine wasn’t also there.


    Joey: No. Lorraine always stays in the DT room to work on this chest of drawers she’s making.
    Jon: Good on Lorraine.
    Joey: Lorraine’s really good with pine.

    Jon smiles.

    Jon: Are you gonna be like a carpenter when you grow up? Wear overalls wherever you go and have like a pencil behind each ear so you’re always
    ready to… carpent.

    Joey laughs.

    Joey: Yeah. I dunno. I don’t find it useful to think too far ahead.

    Pause. They hold eye contact.


    84

    Jon: Do you um - when you get home do you like tell your - you live with your mum and dad right?
    Joey: Just my mum.
    Jon: Oh. Your dad…?
    Joey: He lives in the flat below us.
    Jon: What?
    Joey: Yeah. It’s weird. But we don’t really - you know, I don’t really talk to him. Or see him.
    Jon: Oh.
    Joey: But sometimes - he’s a piano teacher mainly but he’s one of those people that can just pick up an instrument and be amazing at it straight away.
    It’s really annoying!
    But yeah sometimes I can hear him playing through the floor. So I know he’s there I guess.
    Sorry you were gonna ask me something?
    Jon: Oh. No.
    Joey: No I wanna / know!
    Jon: It doesn’t matter.
    Joey: Tell me.

    Pause.

    Jon: Could you crack my back?


    Joey: Uh.
    Jon: You don’t have to. / If it’s weird.
    85
    Joey: Yeah? I mean I don’t know how but…
    Jon: Oh it’s easy you just kind of lift me um - here let me show you.

    Jon beckons Joey up. He turns him around.

    Jon: Ok so cross your arms over your chest. And…

    Joey does so. Jon stands behind Joey, wraps his arms around him and, leaning back, lifts him into the air.
    Joey’s back cracks. He puts him back down and releases him. Joey shakes it off.

    Joey: Whoa.
    Jon: Feel better?
    Joey: Yeah. I didn’t know you could crack a back.
    Jon: You can crack a back.

    An awkward beat.

    Joey: Oh.

    Joey remembers that Jon wants the favour returned. He turns him round. Jon crosses his arms over his chest. Joey lifts him into the air. He struggles -
    Jon’s a lot bigger and heavier than him. No crack.
    He puts him back down.
    86
    But he doesn’t let go.
    They stand there for a moment, Joey holding Jon. Jon’s arms remain awkwardly crossed over his chest. It’s somewhere between romance and
    friendship. Support, more than anything else.
    Then Joey pulls away.
    Joey: Did it…?
    Jon: Oh. No. Don’t worry I’ll just… suffer on.

    Pause. They smile at each other.

    Frances enters.

    Frances: So sorry I’m late guys. I had a scan and the waiting time was a bit longer than me and Harry were expecting it to be and he had a meeting he
    had to go to and take the car and that meant that I had to take a couple of buses so…
    Beat.
    Great to see you guys.
    Jon: Boy or girl?
    Frances: We want it to be a surprise.
    Jon: Oh come on you definitely know! I won’t / tell Harry.
    Frances: So Angie’s not coming in today. Her dog is sick. It - he - has been throwing up and diarrhoea-ing all over her flat so she doesn’t want to leave
    the poor guy.

    Jon and Joey exchange a glance.


    87

    Joey: Is she ok?


    Frances: Angie? Yeah! She’s fine - it’s just her - just the dog must have eaten something. Jon, you look tired.
    Jon: Thanks.
    Frances: I don’t mean that / in a
    Jon: It’s ok.
    Frances: Have you been getting enough sleep?
    Jon: I guess not.
    Frances: Oh dear. It’s uh… sleep’s really important.
    Jon: (not entirely sardonically) Thanks for your concern, Frances.
    Frances: Joey! (she roots around in her bag) Your mum sent me over the first draft of your personal statement / so I’ve printed it off and made
    Joey: (glancing at Jon, mortified) What!? Why did she do that?
    Frances: Well you hadn’t sent it over yet so I just dropped her a text / and
    Joey: Err well it was just / something I had to
    Frances: Anyway I’ve printed it off and made a few annotations. / Just little grammar and spelling suggestions really.
    Joey: It was just something I had to do for homework. I didn’t put a lot of effort in or anything.
    Frances: I think it’s really brilliant, Joey. It actually brought a little tear to my eye!
    Joey: …really?
    Frances: Mmhmm.
    Jon: I thought you didn’t like to think too far ahead?

    Frances holds the piece of paper out to Joey. He doesn’t take it.
    88

    Frances: We can go through it together later.

    Pause.

    Joey grabs the paper from her and sits down. Maybe he hides it under a load of other papers on his desk. He turns away from both of them.
    Jon snorts with laughter, turns around and busies himself with papers.

    Frances: I actually have to talk to you guys about something.


    Jon: What’s up?
    Frances: Well I spoke to Helen at regional head office. And basically it seems as though a few of our bigger donors have decided to pull their
    investment.
    Jon: This has been happening for ages though right?
    Frances: Yeah. But it seems to have become fairly serious.
    Jon: Are they shutting us down?
    Frances: No! No they’re not shutting us down. They are shutting a couple of branches down but not ours! So well done us! Great news!
    Joey: …cool?
    Jon: That’s cos nobody wants this shitty piece of real estate anyway. Our rent must just about balance the landlord’s tax on it right? They may as well
    call it a wash / rather than
    Frances: Anyway. Because of all that, Helen and I came up with a few changes to our erm our practice that should help us get a better lay of the land.
    And we’re gonna be the first branch to try them out!
    Joey:…ok? Jon: What does that mean?
    89
    Frances: It’s not a big deal or anything but what we’re gonna do - at the end of the phone call, whenever you sense the caller is about to hang up - all
    we’re gonna do is ask them really quickly and simply if they’ve found the service useful or not. So hopefully we’ll get a better read on how um - you
    know / how…
    Jon: Are you kidding?
    Frances: Yeah and then, if they are forthcoming with their response, there’s like a small list of follow up questions.
    Jon: what.
    Frances: I just think it could be a really great way of showing the world that we’re doing really good work, that we’re making a real, positive impact
    on people.
    Jon: That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.
    Frances: Well I’m really excited about it.
    Joey: It does sound a bit dumb, Frances.
    Jon: “I’m just afraid that I’m gonna die and that everyone I know is gonna die and all of our lives rendered entirely meaningless.”
    “Ok, Karen, can I just get you to rate your experience today out of 5.”
    Frances: I think it’ll be really good to know what people think of the service. Really good to hear how much / it’s appreciated.
    Jon: They were gonna shut us down too weren’t they? You’re literally bribing Helen with the prospect of fresh publicity / material!
    Frances: Jon. Stop.

    pause.

    Frances: Anyway it’s just something that we’re gonna have to throw ourselves into for a little while, ok? Just until things get back on track, money-
    wise.
    90
    Murmurs of compliance.
    Frances: I’ll give Angie a call and talk it through with her before next week.
    Joey: Why are they pulling out? The donors.
    Jon scoffs, turns away and tries to fix one of the broken desks.
    Frances: We don’t know why they pulled out, Joey. They didn’t say. So all we can do in this situation is remember that - that what we are doing is
    important and useful and good because - because people need to know that stuff is gonna work out.

    Pause.

    Joey: (to Frances, uncertainly) Errr errr - (motions to Jon) stuff is gonna / work out, Frances.
    Jon: stuff’s gonna work out, frances.
    beat.

    Frances: No not me, Joey - I don’t need / to be - it’s them that


    A phone rings. They look at it.

    Frances takes a deep breath and answers it.

    Frances: Hello Brightline, you’re through to someone you can talk to.
    Yep you’ve got the right number. What would you like to talk about today?

    Absolutely. That sounds like a great thing to talk about.


    91
    Jon and Joey exchange a weary glance. Joey goes to help Jon mend the desk.

    Frances: Well, try for me, ok? Please.


    Another phone rings. Joey picks it up.
    Joey: Hello Brightline, you’re through to someone you can talk to.
    Mmhmm ok.
    Frances: Yep yep that’s great.
    Yeah yeah yeah. That’s - that’s what this is for really.
    No! You’re doing so -
    Can I just ask - you don’t have to answer this now but when you’ve finished talking can you uh - can you
    The phone goes dead.
    just stay on the line for a tiny bit while I ask you some quick questions but YOU DON’T HAVE TO
    Frances stands up, looking for something to
    ANSWER NOW! Let’s just - yeah you tell me the thing - forget I said that - let’s just start again.
    do.
    Hi. Yeah.
    Jon sets the table up and it falls down again.
    He groans.
    Jon: Does anyone have a cigarette?
    Frances: I thought you quit.
    Joey: Errrr my name is…
    Jon: I did yeah. Don’t tell Andy.
    Andy.
    Frances: Very bad for you, you know.
    What name can I can call you?
    Jon: Oh I do.
    Oh wow. That’s weird. That’s never happened to me before.
    Frances: I. Think. We. Need. Some.
    Not that long but still.
    Doughnuts!
    Yeah - you too, Andy.
    Frances exits.
    Is there anything you’d like to talk to me about?
    Ok.
    Jon notices when Joey says “Andy”.
    Joey: Take your time. 92
    He dismisses it and sits down at a desk, centre- First time’s always weird.
    stage.

    Where are you calling me from?


    Jon picks up Joey’s lunchbox looks at the
    cartoon on the front. Is anyone there with you?
    Jon: (to Joey) That’s cool.
    Joey smiles at him.

    Why are you moving house?

    Jon looks up at Joey. He watches the


    conversation from now on. The focus should be Oh that’s just near where my school is.
    on him. Was. Sorry. I’m too old for school now. Obviously.
    Yeah. Anyway you were saying about the fresh start thing.

    A fresh start from what?

    Pause.

    Jon is leaning forward, hanging on Joey’s next Joey: Andy, you still there?
    words. That’s ok.
    It’s ok.
    Ok. I totally get that it’s weird talking to someone you don’t even fucking know.
    93
    Joey: Yeah exactly. Uh.

    Beat.

    Joey: Dya wanna just take a moment to… I’ll just be


    quiet and you can be quiet and then we can either keep
    going or not?
    Andy? Frances enters with doughnuts.

    Cool. Frances: Alright it’s doughnut time!

    Silence. Joey holds the phone to his ear. A phone goes off.

    Joey smiles at Jon politely. Unknowingly. Frances: Jon can you?

    Jon doesn’t even register. Frances answers

    Joey: Ok? it.


    Frances: Hello! Brightline here. You’re

    Great. through to someone you can talk to.

    What would you like to talk about?

    Ok what’s your husband’s name? Sorry you don’t have


    to - Frances: Mmhmm

    Joey realises who he’s speaking to. He glances at Jon.


    Jon stares at him.
    94

    Pause. Joey thinks. Frances: Ok. Go grab yourself a glass of


    Joey turns away from Jon slightly. water.
    Um. Sorry, Andy, I lost you for a second.
    Uh. How long have you been together? Did you say
    Jon is open-mouthed. that already?
    Right yeah.
    Frances: Can you tap the phone to let me
    Yeah. But uh that makes sense - it’s the opposites know you’re there?
    attract thing right? Great. Thank you. Yeah your voice does
    sound a lot better now - less hoarse!
    What so he enjoys making you feel like -
    Yeah hopel- like the glass is half-empty yeah.
    Joey steals a glance at Jon. Frances: You can take your time. There’s no
    rush.
    Well uh… you know that can be useful sometimes
    can’t it? It’s good to be practical. And have some uh…
    like realistic expectation.
    Credibility! Yeah that was the word I was…
    Frances: Ok.
    No I’m not saying that’s not still… difficult.
    Jon: (quietly) Hang up the phone.
    Frances: Hello? 95
    Pause. Joey doesn’t look at Jon. By the way, are you finding this call useful today?

    Joey gulps.
    Do you think he wants you to be as miserable as he is?
    Jon: (slightly louder) Hang up the
    Like when he makes that sound and that face he’s not
    phone.
    trying to -
    Frances: Are you still there?
    The line goes dead.
    He sounds like a um - you know - like a really good
    guy who’s just… yeah.
    Jon: (slightly louder again) Hang up
    the phone.
    Oh right ok. Well it’s been really good to talk to you,
    Frances: Just gonna pop to the loo.
    Andy. From one Andy to the other! So ok if you could
    Jon turns away, giving up. Frances exits.
    just rate your experience today out of five that would
    be -
    The phone goes dead.

    A horrible silence.

    Jon stands and walks towards the door.


    Joey: Jon / uh
    As Jon passes Joey’s desk he snatches the personal statement that Frances printed off.
    Joey: Whoa. Uh. Jon that’s um…
    96
    Jon: I thought I could give you some notes?
    Joey: That’s just a stupid - / I had to do it for school - it’s not
    Jon: Yeah I thought you didn’t like to think too far ahead.
    Joey: I don’t - Like I don’t wanna go or anything.
    Jon: (reading aloud) I’ve always been very good at drawing cartoons since I was able to
    manipulate my fingers into the grip of a pencil.
    My mum and dad used to have to rip the HB Graphite drawing implement out of my tiny
    hands when it was time to go to bed or to have a bath or to go on an errand. And this only
    blossomed as I grew, both in age and in size. (aside) Nice.
    Joey: Sounded kinda poetic-y in my head.
    Jon: (continuing) I think it’s kind of interesting that characters in comics don’t grow up.
    Frances enters.
    The whole world can change in a comic: it can go back in time and it can enter New Ages
    that are unlike all the ages we know and love. And they’ll still be there wearing the same
    Frances: Oh great!
    outfits and saying the same catchphrases and making the same dumb mistakes. It’s like time
    happens all around them. But not inside them. Just because they’re made out of lines
    instead of atoms. They never have to think about who they’re going to become and
    therefore the future doesn’t seem scary to them. Like it does to us.

    Pause.

    Frances: Love that bit at the end.


    Jon: I think that’s fucking brilliant mate.
    97
    Frances: Isn’t it just!

    Beat.

    Joey: thanks.
    Jon: I think you’re gonna get in.
    Joey: thanks
    Jon: I think you’ve got a long sparkling life ahead of you, mate.
    Joey: thanks.

    Pause.

    Frances: So lovely that you read it Jon!


    Jon: Mmhmm.

    Jon gives the piece of paper back to Joey.

    Jon: (to Joey) Hey stick the kettle on would you?

    Jon turns, pushes past Frances and exits.

    Pause. Joey turns away from Frances.


    98

    Frances: Is everything ok?

    Joey nods.

    Frances follows Jon off.

    Joey sits there, alone.

    We hear the muffled sound of Jon and Frances arguing outside.

    Joey squeezes his eyes closed really tight.

    He opens them and looks around.

    He squeezes his eyes closed again. Tighter than ever.

    He opens them.
    99
    *
    Frances, Joey and Jon are stood in a circle batting the beach ball between them once more.
    As before, they say one of the below phrase each time the ball comes to them.

    What’s going on in your head at the moment!


    Have you felt able to talk to anyone else!
    Where are you calling me from!
    What name would you like me to call you!
    When we’ve finished talking, what do you think you’ll do next!
    How long have you been feeling this way!
    How often do you think about the things that haven’t fallen apart yet!
    Tap the phone so I know you can hear me!
    If you were to talk to someone how would it feel!
    I understand and empathise with how you’re feeling! At one point Frances interjects:

    What options have you thought about! Frances: Ooh it’s harder with three! More ground to

    What do you think they’d say if they knew how you felt! cover!

    What’s brought you to us today!


    If you had to look for positives what would they be!

    After a little while a phone rings.


    Frances: I’ll get it! Keep going!
    Hello Brightline, If you had to look for positives what would they be! No. Sorry. Hi.
    100

    *
    Jon and Joey are both holding finger-phones to their ears. Frances watches over.

    Pause.

    Joey: Um.
    I don’t know what to -
    Jon: How have you found the service today?
    Frances: Jon.
    Jon: Just improv mate - say whatever.
    Frances: This is more for Jon’s benefit. So he can get the hang of the new system.
    Joey: Um ok. Well uh… I’m sad.
    Jon: Alright can you tell me why you’re sad?
    Joey: Because because everything is terrible. All the time.
    Jon: Alright.
    Joey: Like everything is falling apart isn’t it. Bit by bit.
    Jon: Is it?
    Joey: Yeah?
    Jon: What do you mean by that? How does that feel to you?
    Joey: How does it feel to me?
    Jon: Yeah.
    101
    Joey: Um…
    Frances: Keep going Joey.
    Joey: Um maybe it makes me tireder, more tired yeah. Like my body feels - yeah.
    Jon: Alright.
    Joey: It makes me want to sit down more.
    Jon: Ok so that’s how it physically feels.
    Joey: Yeah.
    Joey’s getting flustered.
    Jon: How does it feel emotionally?
    Joey: It feels tired. It feels slow. It feels like I want to sit down.
    Jon: Ok calm down for me, now.
    Joey: I’m not good at this side. I don’t have a good imagination.
    Frances: That’s ok.
    Jon: That’s fine mate.
    Joey: No I’m just not good at it. I don’t want to do it.
    Frances: Joey I think you’re doing just great!
    Jon: How does it feel emotionally?
    Joey: Wanting to sit down IS an emotion.
    Jon: Ok steady on now, mate. We’re just talking here. We’re just trying to have an honest conversation.
    Joey: No you’re not.
    Jon: Listen mate, I don’t know what to tell you.
    Joey: Why do you even come here?
    102
    Beat.

    Jon: Uh. I’m just trying to talk to you?


    Joey: We’re not talking. We’re not trying to have an honest conversation. Nobody is -
    He stops himself.
    Frances: Joe?
    Joey: Can I stop please.

    Pause

    Frances: Yeah of course you can. Of course you can, we’re just practicing. There’s nothing at stake.
    103

    *
    A briefing session - they sit facing each other.

    Pause.

    Frances: Nobody wants to leave anything here?

    Nothing.

    Frances: Nobody wants to leave anything here.

    Nothing.

    Frances: Ok you know what I’d quite like to do - just because I think occasionally, at points tonight the mood has been maybe a bit low? I’d like to
    play a game. I’d like to play a game just to make sure that we’re hitting the street with the same positive energy that we usually do!
    Frances stands and starts rooting around in all the drawers. She pulls out the deflated beach ball and starts blowing it up frantically.
    Jon: Oh god Frances are you serious?
    Joey: I really don’t want to play a game.
    Jon: I think it’s a bad idea.
    Joey: I think a game is the worst thing that could possibly happen.
    Frances: Ok ok sorry errr well let’s just let’s just - we could dance - put on a song and dance
    104
    Joey: OH MY GOD.
    Frances: Or we could sing - let’s sing um -
    Joey: No please no. Jon: Have you lost your…
    Frances: I don’t think any of us should leave here until we’re feeling better.
    Jon: Frances you need / to stop.
    Frances: Jon you could play us a song on your trombone! / YES! You could play us a song!
    Jon: WHAT. Are you completely out of your - / you’ve fully lost it
    Frances: YES that’s it that’s it! Cos we’ll be proud of you of all the
    Jon: You think me playing a fucking - that’s gonna make everyone feel chirpy?
    work that you’ve been - yes I do think that - I do - YEP YEP YEP. I think
    - You think that is gonna magically evaporate - oh you do - you do - you do
    that will make all of us - put in perspective for everyone what has been
    think everything is just going to melt away at the sound of my pathetic, shitty -
    going on. I think it’s perfect to be honest, Jon.
    you do - you - OK I’LL DO IT! I’M GONNA PLAY THE TROMBONE. (Jon
    YAY! Isn’t that great Joey? Isn’t that just a perfect end to the night. To to
    moves to the corner and starts unzipping his trombone case) IT’S 4AM AND
    to see how much WORK and EFFORT and HOPE and GOOD WILL Jon
    I’M GONNA PLAY THE TROMBONE BECAUSE THAT IS THE ANSWER
    has poured into learning to play the Trombone! Right Joey!
    WE HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR. WE SHOULD JUST PLAY TROMBONE
    STRAIGHT INTO THE PHONES. THAT WOULD SOLVE EVERYTHING
    I think that would be great I think that would be lovely and if you want
    RIGHT? THE DONORS WILL STOP PULLING OUT, THE TREES WILL
    me to I will communicate that to head office.
    COME BACK, THE AIR WILL BE CLEAN, THE KETTLES WILL BOIL

    Jon has got his trombone out of its case, lifts it to his lips and launches into Ode To Joy.
    He is terrible at it and fluffs several notes. The tune is only just about recognisable.
    He plays the melody slowly, taking ages to get from note to note. It’s a marathon.
    What is normally a 45 second piece should take double that.
    105
    By the time he starts the second phrase his shoulders have begun to shake a bit.
    By the end it’s pretty horrible to watch.
    He finishes. Maybe he fluffs the last note.
    Silence.
    106

    Week Five
    The lights don’t come up.
    Frances enters in darkness. There is an inch or two of water covering the entire floor. France’s shoes squelch with each step.
    She fiddles with the light switch.
    Nothing.
    Frances: Oh crap.

    Frances goes over to one of the phone consoles. She dials a number, puts the phone to her ear.
    It rings.

    Frances: Hi Harry, it’s me. Sorry I just needed to check the phones were working here and yours was the number I…
    Yeah all the lights have gone down.
    Thanks.
    Um yeah.
    Yes obviously I know that.
    Yeah.
    Thank you for saying that.
    Listen I can’t have this conversation here so - you’re not supposed to take personal calls on…
    Ok. Um. If we’re trying to be totally honest with each. Yeah. I’ve know for a while. I know you wanted it to be a surprise. But I just had to know what
    I’m about to bring into the world. I’m sorry I didn’t say anything. I didn’t want to ruin it for you.
    Pause.
    107
    Are you sure?
    Ok.
    Um
    Ok can you do me a favour though? Just for the - just for the duration of this phone call can you just not get like you were about it.
    Because… because I think you might.
    But if, for now you could just pretend to be… you know, I’d really appreciate it.
    And it’s ok if you do it after - just not when we’re still - when there’s this cord connecting…
    Ok.

    It’s twins!
    Yeah.

    Pause. Frances takes some deep breaths.

    Frances: Ok I need to go and sort out these lights.


    Bye. Thanks, Harry.

    Frances hangs up the phone and leans on the table for a moment.
    She then goes to rifle round a few drawers.

    This should take a while.


    108

    She checks every drawer in the room.

    When she is next to the radio, she turns it on. Suzanne by Leonard Cohen plays quietly.

    Frances exits and walks down the corridor to the office.

    The stage is empty for about 20 seconds. We listen to the song. And the sound of torrential rain from outside. Maybe some seeps round the corner of the
    cardboard-covered window and trickles down the wall.
    Eventually Frances returns carrying an arm load of candles.

    She slowly goes around the room, placing and then lighting each of the candles.

    There should probably be about 15 lit candles? The rest of the play is conducted by candle-light.
    The whiteboard reads: WORD OF THE WEEK: O TI SM !

    THE LIGHTS AREN’T WORKING!!!!


    Frances smiles at the words on the whiteboard.

    A phone rings.
    Frances: Hello, Brightline. You’re through to someone you can talk to.
    My name is Emily, what can I call you?
    109

    Pause. Frances sighs.

    Frances: I’m wearing a pretty standard pair of jeans and a shirt.


    It’s not very interesting or… sexy
    I’m also 7 months pregnant by the way if that…?
    Nope. Ok.

    Frances looks around - nobody there.

    Why are you doing this?


    Why can’t you just be… polite?
    Not kind. Caring. Just polite.
    I don’t understand it.

    So I’m really supposed to stay on the line for a while here. Just so that if, at any point in the future, you are feeling like you actually need someone to
    talk to - if you’re scared or worried or overwhelmed - you’ll know that we’re here for that.

    Beat.

    But I want you to never call this number again.


    110
    She hangs up.

    A moment.

    She gets back up and continues to light the candles.

    Joey enters. He registers the candles.

    Frances: Hey Joey!


    Joey: Whats…?
    Frances: We’re having a little problem with the lights.
    Joey: Oh. But the phones…
    Frances: Phones are all good.

    Pause. Joey goes to dump his stuff by his desk. Frances keeps lighting the candles. Her voice catches in throat when she speaks.

    Frances: Hey Joe, did you uh…


    Did you fix those little typos and grammar things in your personal statement?

    Pause.
    111
    Joey: Uh. Well. I actually told my teacher that I’m not gonna apply at all this year. So uh… he said that there wasn’t much point me finishing off the
    statement. In that case.
    Frances: Oh.
    Joey: Yeah. But uh… thanks for the, you know, all the help and stuff.

    Beat.

    Frances: No problem.
    Joey: I really appreciate it.

    Frances smiles at him.

    Frances: Joey, if I give you some money could you run out and get us some donuts?
    Joey: Yeah sure.
    Frances: You wouldn’t mind? I just want to finish setting up here.
    Joey: Sure.

    She roots around for some money in her bag. Joey watches her. She finds it. We hear a loud siren passing outside.

    Frances: Hurray!

    She hands it over. Joey hesitates then exits.


    112

    As soon as he leaves Frances crouches down and puts her hands over her ears.
    Pause.

    Jon enters. He doesn’t have his trombone. He hangs his gas mask up.

    Jon: Are we having a vigil?

    Frances stands up.

    Frances: The lights are down.


    Jon: Ah.

    He steps into the room with a splash.

    Jon: Should’ve brought my wellies.

    Frances doesn’t reply.

    Jon: How was your week?


    Frances: It was ok.
    Jon: Woah.
    113
    Frances: What?
    Jon: I’ve just… nothing.

    Jon starts helping Frances fix up the room. Either he lights more candles or he tries to right the half-collapsed table.

    Frances: How was your week?


    Jon: I went camping.
    Frances: What?
    Jon: I went camping.
    Frances: With Andy?
    Jon: Nope.
    Frances: On your own?
    Jon: Yep.
    Frances: I didn’t know people still did that.
    Jon: I don’t think they do really.
    Frances: Did you have to wear your mask the whole time?
    Jon: Yep. It was incredibly inconvenient.
    Did you know anyone?
    Frances: What? Oh.
    Um. Yeah. Guy I went to uni with.
    Jon: I’m sorry.
    114
    Frances: It’s ok. We’d kinda lost touch. He went out with one of my best friends and when they broke up we had to do the side-picking thing, you
    know.
    Jon: Yeah.
    I’m sorry though.
    Frances: It’s ok.
    You?
    Jon: A few people yeah.
    Frances: I’m sorry.

    Pause.

    Frances: Why did you go camping?


    Jon: Don’t know really.
    It was an Impulse Decision.
    Frances: That’s nice.
    Jon: And I thought trying something new wouldn’t actually be…you know.
    Frances: The end of the world?
    Jon: Yeah.

    A warmer pause. They tidy on in silence.

    Jon: Angie’s not coming back is she.


    115
    Frances shrugs.
    Pause.

    Jon: I really wanna ask you something but it’s gonna sound really aggressive and judgemental and I don’t want it to sound that way.
    Frances: Ok.
    Jon: It’s gonna be pretty horrible.
    Frances: I think we’re all quite used to hearing horrible things.
    Jon: No but this is gonna sound like proper fucking knife in / the back -
    Frances: What / is it?
    Jon: Blood pouring out everywhere. You gasping / for breath.
    Frances: Jon. What.
    Jon: Can you just close your eyes when I say it?
    Frances: Uh.
    Jon: You’ve just always got those stupid headlight-beamy things glaring / up at
    Frances: Is this the horrible thing?
    Jon: No.

    Pause.

    Frances: Ok.

    Frances closes her eyes.


    116

    Frances: Lay it on me.

    Pause.

    Jon: It’s just been going round my head for a few months. In some form or other I guess.
    Cos I don’t understand. And, for some reason, I think if I did, everything would be a lot clearer. Maybe.
    Frances: Jon.
    Jon: Do you - ARGH
    Do you regret getting pregnant?

    Frances opens her eyes. Jon looks away.

    Frances: No.
    Jon: Ok.

    Silence.
    Eventually Jon resumes tidying - maybe he heaves the collapsed table over to the side of the room and props it against the wall as he talks. Only two of
    the desks are fixable. They push them together at the front of the room.

    Jon: I’ve been living in um - we’re moving house at the moment. Feels like we’ve been doing it forever. But Andy’s moved into the new one. With all
    our stuff. And I’ve just stayed back at ours. I’m kind of squatting. Sleeping on a bed sheet on top of this lovely soft bit of floorboard.
    117
    And I keep trying to stop dragging him…
    I keep trying to be more… present or open or whatever.
    Joyful.
    Joyful.
    I first started calling this place about two years ago. A couple of times a week maybe. Spoke to you a lot. This was when me and Andy first started
    arguing about it. Didn’t help at all. Didn't make me feel any more… you know.
    So I thought that if I had to pretend enough. To these fuckers (motions to phones). I might get better?
    Because right now.
    I’m just sucking it out of him you know?
    I’m just sucking it out.
    Jon makes a long sucking sound with his mouth.

    Silence.
    Frances turns to Jon.

    Frances: Sometimes.
    Not today.
    But sometimes.

    Pause. They hold each other’s gaze.


    Frances feels the babies kicking.
    She puts her hands on her stomach.
    118
    Jon walks over and puts his hands on her stomach to feel the babies kick.

    Jon: That’s fucking weird.

    Frances smiles at him.


    Joey enters.
    Joey: So they didn’t - oh hi.
    Jon: Hiya.
    Beat
    Joey: They didn’t have any donuts left. The shop’s basically empty actually. Uh. So I just got
    us some rice cakes and a jar of peanut butter.
    A phone rings. Jon sits and answers.
    Frances: That’s great, Joey. I’ll get us some paper plates. Jon: Hello Brightline, how can I help?
    Frances exits. Errr. So -
    Joey moves the chairs so that they’re all gathered around the one remaining desk. He gets Excuse me -
    out his lunch box and starts eating his sandwich. Hiya love. Sorry I think you’ve got the wrong number.
    Another phone rings. Joey answers it. No there’s no Polly here sorry.
    Joey: Hello Brightline, you’re through to someone you can talk to. No I’m gonna struggle to pass a message on - this is
    Hello? actually a call centre not a
    Can you tap the phone so I know you’re still there? Yeah.
    Joey: Great, thanks. Well just to let you know. You can just talk about anything you want to Cheers. Yeah.
    and I’ll just have a listen really. That’s how it works. Is this your first time?
    119
    Hello? Jon hangs up the phone.
    Can you tap the phone again?
    Ok. Great. Well I’m just gonna wait for you to start then? Whenever you feel comfortable. He watches Joey for a while - impressed.
    Take your time.

    Silence. Jon starts sorting some papers, trying to make space


    on the desk.
    Joey covers the receiver.

    Joey: Oh Jon, by the way. Is your husband - uh - is he like… Scandinavian?


    Jon: What?
    Joey: Oh just cos last week at one point I got this call from this guy who said his name was
    Andy - which is your husband’s name right? And uh he was talking about moving house and
    stuff so I thought - you know - there’s a chance it could be…? BUT he had this really really
    strong unmistakable Scandinavian accent so unless your husband is from one of the
    Scandinavian countries, it like 100%, no-doubt-about-it wasn’t him.

    Pause.

    Jon: What does a Scandinavian accent sound like?


    Joey: Oh it’s kind of sing-songy?
    Jon: Sing-songy?
    120
    Joey: Yeah definitely a kind of musicality to it.
    Jon: Right.
    Joey: A lightness maybe?
    Jon: Oh yeah?
    Joey: Yeah. (into phone) Hi! Yeah I’m still here. Sorry.
    Yeah whatever you want.
    Ok you don’t have to. That’s cool too.
    Uh yeah whenever you want.
    Can I just quickly ask if this call has been helpful for -

    The line goes dead. Joey puts the phone down.

    Joey: (to Jon) What?


    Jon: You handled that well.
    Joey: Thanks
    Jon: You’re 17. Frances re-enters carrying 3 cups of water and some
    Joey: …yeah. paper plates. She walks over slowly trying not to spill
    the water.
    Pause.
    Joey: But your… he’s not…
    Scandinavian?
    121
    Pause.

    Jon: No.
    Must’ve been a different guy. Frances unpacks the shopping onto the table.

    Pause.

    Angie appears in the doorway.

    Frances: Angie.
    Angie: Hi.
    What happened to the…?
    Frances: They’re um… They’re boken.
    Angie: Ok. Do the phones still…
    Frances: Yep.
    Angie: Ok.
    Frances: How’s your dog?
    Angie: Oh uh. Yeah. He’s doing alright. Thanks

    Pause. Angie hesitates then goes to sit down at the desk. The four of them looks strangely close
    together, huddled round the last remaining table.
    Frances: Angie you missed Jon playing us his trombone last week.
    122
    Angie: Oh no really?
    Frances: Yeah.
    He’s really getting good! And that was the first time you’d performed in public?
    Jon nods.
    Frances:“ A WORLD PREMIERE OF JON”
    You know, I don’t know your last name.
    How do I not know your last name?
    Jon: I don’t really tell people my last name.
    Joey: What?
    Jon: I try to keep it off registers and stuff.
    Frances: Why?
    Joey: What is it?

    Beat.

    Jon: It’s Lennon.


    Frances: What.
    Jon: Yeah.
    Joey: Your name is John Lennon.
    Jon: Yeah. I don’t have an H in Jon. But yeah.
    Joey: well that’s fucking ridiculous.
    Jon: I know.
    123
    Joey: You’re like the least suitable person for that name.
    Jon: Yep.
    Frances: John Lennon played in my office last week.

    Angie’s phone rings.

    She stares at it. The others watch her.

    She waits.

    She waits.

    Frances leans forward and holds Angie’s hand.

    She waits.

    Jon goes to pick up Angie’s phone instead.

    Angie: no.

    Angie takes a deep breath and picks it up.


    124
    Angie: Hello?
    Yes this is Brightline. You’ve got the right Jon’s phone rings.

    number. Jon: Hello Brightline, you’re through to

    Huh. Ok. Well. You should tell me about that. someone you can talk to.
    Ok.

    Angie gives Frances a gratified look and Frances Great. Go ahead.

    lets go of her hand.


    Mhmm.
    Frances picks up Joey’s lunch box.
    Huh. Ok. Frances: What’s on your lunch box?
    Joey: It’s a Charlie Brown comic. My mum got it
    me.
    Well from the sounds of it that’s definitely true.
    Yep I get that.
    Frances tries to read it but it’s too dark. She
    Huh. Mmhmm. shrugs.

    Huh. Alright that’s uh -


    Frances: Can’t read it.
    Sorry yeah.
    Joey: Um. So it’s night and Linus - he’s one of
    the characters - he lights a candle and goes
    (pompous voice) “I have heard that it is always
    better to light a candle than to curse the darkness”
    and then Lucy - one of the other characters - is
    just outside shouting “YOU STUPID
    DARKNESS!” into the sky. In like... comic sans.
    125
    Joey’s phone rings.
    But isn’t that different to saying she’s draining
    Joey: Hello, Brightline. You’re through to
    the hope out of you?
    someone you can talk to.
    Jon: Ok can you just walk me through that
    Yep sure.
    No of course not. I s’pose I’m just trying to get reasoning one more time.
    some context. Just interested in why you’ve put those things
    Frances looks around at the candles.
    And at Joey, Jon and Angie. Still going. together.
    Huh. Joey: Well uh - what do you think she’d say if
    you knew she felt that way. Yeah see I think you’re giving yourself a tough
    Bob Dylan’s Shelter From The Storm is playing time there, mate.
    quietly over the radio.
    Frances wipes a tear from her eye. Alright I see that yeah. That makes sense.

    Yeah! Those things can feel so so so huge and Frances: Who wants a peanut butter rice cake? Yeah exactly. It’s a balance.
    then… Angie pumps both fists in the air.
    Joey: Yes please!
    Frances passes round the food.
    (to Frances) Can I have a get more peanut butter
    Very slowly the sound of the rain outside begins
    on mine? Really lather it on.
    to swell. An echoey siren. The song from the
    An example? Well we’re not really supposed to
    radio fades up onto the theatre speakers.
    talk about ourselves here. (to phone) Listen I hate to do this but I have to ask
    Joey: Ok and how would that feel?
    you for some feedback on your calling experience
    Frances smiles at Angie - granting her today.
    permission. Yeah.
    126
    Angie: But um. If you’re asking.
    This thing happened to me a couple of
    Joey: Mmhmm yeah.
    weeks ago and I’ve been thinking about it
    quite a lot I s’pose.
    And sometimes, a lot of the time actually, it
    feels like this big explosion in my head. That Jon: That’s great.
    Joey: Right.
    wipes out everything else.
    But then other times it feels like just a thing Jon: Mmhmm.
    that happened.
    And I don’t really have any control over that
    yet. But I’m trying.
    Frances smiles.
    The music and rain get louder now until they
    Joey: No keep going.
    begin to overwhelm the dialogue.
    Maybe the lights begin to dim somehow, Jon: Yeah I know it’s fucking bullshit. But thanks
    Joey: Mhmm yeah.
    even though they’re candles. for playing along yeah? It actually does help.
    Angie: Oh no no I didn’t mean to like - to play it
    down or anything.
    Really no. That’s not what I meant at all. Joey signals Angie to watch him.
    He plucks a tissue out of the box and, when
    Jon: Yeah exactly. I think it’s about cutting yourself a bit of
    Frances’s phone rings quietly. She answers another one pops up, he celebrates like mad. slack. You sound like a self-critical guy so I don’t think
    it. Phone still to his ear, he falls to his knees on the you’re gonna delude yourself.

    floor, hands in the air. The water splashes around


    him. Angie grins. Jon rolls his eyes.
    127
    The music and rain are so loud we can’t hear them talking anymore.
    They just go on talking, eating, hunched round the tiny table.
    Together.
    Maybe there’s a sudden blinding white light.
    Or maybe we just listen to the song in the darkness.

    The end.

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