A Small Mind
A
SMALL
MIND
CHARACTERS SMITHY main character
JACK his father
MARIAN his mother
KATIE His sister
CARL His best friend
PAUL Katie’s boyfriend
TED Carl’s landlord
ACT 1 SCENE 1 p1
Smithy and Carl sitting under a Passover
SMITHY How’s tricks?
CARL Yeah ok. How about you bud?
SMITHY Sound lad.
CARL Tidy. You seen anyone? I thought I saw spud yesterday but no it wasn’t him.
SMITHY Oh aye. Aint seen him in years.
CARL Me neither. How’s the family? They alright now or what?
SMITHY Some, some not. Fuck them anyway. I’m not bothered what they think. I’m alive that’s the main thing.
CARL I agree. Still the bravest thing I have ever known. Don’t you ever have doubts?
SMITHY Doubts?
CARL Yeah, like you made a mistake. Or if maybe you should have kept some of it you know?
SMITHY Not really. Look you know me, I don’t need to explain anything to you. You’re my best mate. I understand your questions but don’t ask. There’s a reason I have done this. And it’s for my benefit. Not anyone else’s
CARL I know bud, I know.
SMITHY Listen to those cars man. No wander species are going extinct with all this extra noise around the earth
CARL Hhhmm. Strange world innit!
SMITHY It is aye.
CARL You wander if the animal kingdom can still live with us you know? Considering all the concrete and tarmac. Noise and air pollution. How many ants live under a house for example? Or those little things that look like made of steel
SMITHY Wood louse?
CARL Aye that’s it. Their little tanks them you know
SMITHY I suppose! I kept a beetle once. In a jar. Occasionally I would put food in it. Different things you know. Whack some soil in there
CARL I got a spider. I let him out sometimes. Catch a fly or two. I have him in a jam jar. Sometimes I wish I were him you know?
SMITHY Maybe we are. Who’s to say what this planet is. You still got those neighbours?
CARL Yeah. Arseholes! I hate living there but I have nowhere else so stay put.
SMITHY I know my bed sit is the same. Some right horrible fuckers. I rarely speak to any of them. How can ya?
CARL I know. Have you ever noticed how good looking people don’t do mad things? It’s always the ugly ones. People with big noses, turned eye, thick eyebrows, meaty ears
SMITHY Yeah they’re all ugly aren’t they! Peado’s and rapists. Sick fucks. String them all up
CARL Too right. Their passing on their genes. Some scientists out there developing a new soldier. Made out of these people. Kill for fun.
SMITHY I wouldn’t be surprised. I could never join the army me
CARL Spud did. Hated it too
SMITHY Miss old spud
CARL Yeeaahh. He was funny. Just us two now bro!
SMITHY Aye. And you do me head in!
CARL Ha. You do mine!
SMITHY We need some women man
CARL Tell me about it. Not dressed like this though.
SMITHY We need new clothes. Maybe we should go the town. See what we can nick
CARL Good idea.
SMITHY How’s that landlord doing anyway? Still ill like?
CARL He’s getting better. Didn’t turn up for his rent for a month. Haven’t heard out either. Got it in a draw. So will pay it when he asks. Hopefully he can’t be arsed.
SMITHY That would be nice. Spend that on a holiday lad
CARL Be good. Take some bird with me. Caribbean type. With big breast you know? Oh aye that’s what Carl needs.
SMITHY Russian would do me son. Blonde hair. I work with a Bulgarian. Stunning piece. Got an arse you can sculpt. A smile to stretch an horizon.
CARL Ask her out!
SMITHY Has a fella. Arsehole too. Big though, thick arms and that
CARL Balls to him. You aint ugly are ya? Otherwise you would be in jail!
SMITHY I’m good looking me chief!
CARL You got skin like tree bark mate!
SMITHY Bloody hell. You got a nose like a sun dial
CARL You have ears like bat wings mate!
SMITHY Ha! They could put advertising on the side of that head it’s that big
CARL Shall we go town then or what? Maybe I should ring me landlord up?
SMITHY Nah I’d leave him. You know what you should do. Spend the money or pretend you’ve spent it. If he hasn’t come round for it then that’s not your fault is it?
CARL I might ask the others if they have paid
SMITHY Could do. Keep the money. It’s his fault. He could easily have sent someone round you know what I mean?
CARL He’s old now too.
SMITHY Balls to him then. He’ll be dead soon the old prick
CARL Yeah I might do that. I’m certain he has no relatives too. So what’s the worst that can happen?
SMITHY Exactly. Come on lets get some new jeans lad. (He gets up off floor)
CARL Yeah. (Stands up)
END OF SCENE
ACT 1 SCENE 2
Katie and Paul sitting in living room
PAUL Where’s that prick this week?
KATIE Not sure. Bumming round most probably
PAUL Hope he gets his nut in
KATIE Don’t be horrible! We got no choice now anyway so no point moaning
PAUL Life could be great now. Move out of this estate. I hate it here
KATIE So do I. We will move one day. I promise
PAUL Won’t happen now babe. He’s let the family down big time
KATIE Well, it’s his decision. You need to stop thinking about it
PAUL (Stands up) I can’t stop thinking about it! All the time. When I close my eyes. When I get up in morning for work. I hate that job!
KATIE You’ve never said that before. I thought you enjoyed the money?
PAUL It’s shite. People are scum bags there. Managers are two faced
KATIE I’ve never heard you say that before. I am surprised
PAUL I’ve got to get out of there!
KATIE (Picks up newspaper to read) Well that’s something else now then?
PAUL HEY! Listen will ya! I hate working there!
KATIE Calm down will ya
PAUL That bloody brother of yours! What an arsehole!
KATIE It was only two million babe. He would’ve had most of that anyway!
PAUL He could’ve bought us a house! Somewhere decent. You can’t talk to people round here. They’re all brain dead!
KATIE Well he didn’t. You need to calm down love
PAUL I will when I kick his head in
KATIE Get a grip! He’s done nothing wrong. It’s only money anyway
PAUL TWO MILLION KATIE! TWO MILLION!
KATIE Yeah two million so what?
PAUL He gave it away and you can just sit there and be normal
KATIE (Puts paper down) Look I don’t know what he’s done that for. It’s his decision. You got to live with it
PAUL You don’t win the lottery every day. (Sits down) We could be out of here now. Two hundred grand that’s all we needed.
KATIE I’m not listening no more. I’m fed up with it. Please just watch the tele or something!
PAUL You’re just as mad! Look at your mum and dad, how are they going to live like they are. He’s ill, your mum’s not brilliant. He could have got us out of this shit hole.
KATIE We’re alive aren’t we?
PAUL What’s the point in life if everything is just a dream?
KATIE Your happiness is in a dream!
PAUL Yeah and so what. Your brother could have given us that dream. Look at the plaster board babe. Splitting! Look at the drain outside with the stench!
KATIE I hate it too love. But we got no choice now have we?
PAUL We got to save
KATIE Yes we have but you don’t. Up until this happened you said spend it while you’ve got it
PAUL Well I didn’t realise that one day we could have it
KATIE Nah you have always been the same. Now you want to save. This money thing has gone to your head!
PAUL It hasn’t. I’m just a bit miffed that’s all
KATIE You need to forget about it. How are we going to save anyway? And save for what?
PAUL I’m going out. You need to ask him if this is a joke or not? How can you just give two million away to charity? I don’t get it. (Pulls coat from arm of chair) We need to get out of here Katie.
KATIE We will one day. Just be patient!
PAUL See ya later (Leaves front room)
END OF SCENE
ACT 1 SCENE 3
Smithy enters living room where his mum and dad are
watching television.
JACK Alright son
SMITHY Hello!
MARIAN Oh alright love?
SMITHY Aye. (Sits down)
JACK What you been up to?
SMITHY Not a lot. Chilling mainly. Been to town
MARIAN Are they new jeans love? Tidy them
SMITHY (Looks at his jeans) Yeah they are!
MARIAN Where you get them from?
SMITHY A place in town. Cheap you know
JACK Well you could be at Harrods now boy!
SMITHY Yeah well I aint so no point bringing it up
JACK Or Gucci! Or Ralph Lauren! I’m not really clued up on what’s dear but you know don’t ya!
MARIAN I’m sure he does Jack. Now please be quiet.
SMITHY So what you been up to?
JACK Dreaming I was on a cruise. Sailing out to the Med. Tan and that. Being served by some Latino bird.
SMITHY Oh aye. Sounds great. Maybe you should go back to sleep then
MARIAN Enough! Jack put the kettle on will ya?
JACK (Tuts) Ok (Gets up leaves for kitchen)
SMITHY Does he have to keep coming out with shit?
MARIAN I think so, unfortunately
SMITHY Do you hate me mother?
MARIAN Bloody hell no! Why ask that? I will never hate you! It’s only money love
SMITHY Good. I feel so lonely at the minute. Had a guy from the press at my door other day. From one of the tabloids. Questions questions questions!
Did my head in.
MARIAN They will love. What you have done is incredibly brave. You could have lived a better life but you turned it down
SMITHY Could have? Who’s to say I aint living a good life now?
MARIAN I’m not. What I mean is you could have more options
SMITHY Well I don’t but I am happy. Money would have ruined us. Look at us without it. Everything would have been false ma!
MARIAN I know love.
SMITHY That Paul is doing my head in too. Treats me like I’m some scumbag. He’s doing my head in big time.
MARIAN Ignore him. He’s just irrational and ignorant.
SMITHY If he carries on I’ll clack him
MARIAN And where will that get you? Katie loves you she doesn’t mind what you have done. It’s just him
SMITHY Charity is needed more than me ma. Kids live on the streets, dogs are abused, children too. Look at the old people on this estate who have nothing. Absolutely nothing. Except the skin they live in
MARIAN You’ve done a great thing. I’m really proud of you
SMITHY What about him? (Points to kitchen)
MARIAN He’ll come round love.
SMITHY I hope so. It’s just money ma. I never do the lottery. I only did it because Carl egged me on. I enjoy my job, have a hobby, and enjoy my social life. Everything is balanced why should I change it?
MARIAN You could have had your own home though. That would have been something.
SMITHY I know I wish I had bought something now. But the bed-sit is ok you know? It gives me a sense of who I am and how lucky I am
MARIAN Lucky?
SMITHY Yeah like I have a family, friends a job. They don’t. There are people there that don’t speak. Don’t even look at ya. How many problems have they got?
MARIAN I suppose. But it’s still an opportunity lost
SMITHY Your so wrong. I’m on a course in work. I can get a promotion next year. How rewarding will that be if I get it?
MARIAN Be great love
JACK (Enters room with two cups of tea) There you go, one for mother the other for Samaritan
SMITHY (Sighs) Cheers
MARIAN Thanks love
SMITHY I’ll earn more money to get a better place then, my own money
JACK You! Money! I thought that didn’t exist? (Walks out of room)
MARIAN That will be great too love. But you had the chance not too work
SMITHY Deep down you’re the same as them aren’t ya? I knew it.
MARIAN I’m just saying love
JACK Saying what now? (Jack enters the room)
MARIAN He’s going for a promotion
JACK Good lad. Work is what you want to do aint it! Hard life work leads to arthritis, rheumatism, anxiety, depression, and sleepless nights. Yeah it’s good work.
SMITHY It is good! I get a value from it, like I should be achieving something with my life you know?
JACK Yeah plus all what I said. That’s why it’s so good. Being your own boss is the only job that’s worth it.
SMITHY That’s load of stress. Easy if the company has work.
JACK Your mother and me have been thinking, why don’t you move back in here. Live with us for a while. Until you get yourself sorted
SMITHY Get myself sorted?
JACK Yeah
SMITHY I don’t understand. I am sorted. My life is moving in a decent direction
JACK Think about it. You aint got much money, you’ve given away two million pounds, and you don’t eat properly. We don’t think you’re of a balanced mind at the minute son
SMITHY What?!
JACK Are you ok Smithy or what? Your behaviour isn’t great
SMITHY Bloody hell! I’m fine. How can you….how! What! I just don’t get it. Mum please explain?
MARIAN He has a point love. You’re not behaving very well are you? I mean not normally anyway
SMITHY You’re crazy! How can you just make such a comment? This is insane!
JACK Are you insane? I mean c’mon son! Look what you’ve done here
SMITHY You lot are mad! MAD! (Smithy gets up from chair) Totally mad. I’m sound. Just cos you aint got money, my money you can treat me with such ignorance. If I gave you three hundred grand now I would be the best son in the world. Bloody hell what’s going on in society to think like this?
MARIAN Son, Smithy love we’re just concerned as to why you want to stay in a bed-sit. I worry every night
SMITHY Oh aye. You never visit though. You don’t ring me up. You’re just not bothered. You know what bollocks to this! (Smithy leaves the room)
JACK SON!
MARIAN SMITHY!
JACK He’s losing it you know. I’m telling ya
MARIAN Maybe, maybe
END OF SCENE
ACT 1 SCENE 4
Carl is lying in bed. When a knock comes at the door
CARL Coming!
TED Hello!
CARL Who is it? (Carl opens the door)
TED Alright?
CARL Oh it’s you. Please er come in
TED Cheers son
CARL So you better then?
TED Yeah am now. Really bad though. Thought I was going to die
CARL Have a seat. Fancy a drink?
TED No I’m sound. On medication so got to be careful (Sits down)
CARL Oh right
TED I’ve come for the rent money
CARL Oh right
TED I hope you’ve saved it! Sorry I’ve not been. But was in bed for two weeks.
CARL Er…right. I did have it.
TED Well you got it now? What you mean you did?
CARL You aint been have ya. So I had it on Monday but today is Thursday
TED Soooo what does that mean? You’ve spent it?
CARL Yes
TED Why?
CARL I thought you weren’t coming
TED You thought I wasn’t coming? I mean how stupid are you? Everyone else has paid!
CARL Well I’m sorry but I thought you weren’t coming Ted. You never rang or bugger all.
TED You will have to pay double this month
CARL Double! I can’t. Half this month half the next
TED That won’t go down very well
CARL With whom?
TED The people that own this building
CARL I thought you did?
TED No. (Stands up) I don’t. I hope you can run son.
CARL Bollocks. I aint bothered. It’s your fault. You should have come round.
TED You should have brought it to my house
CARL Don’t know where you live
TED Two of the others did downstairs. They paid
CARL Well I aint got it. So you will have to wait.
TED Cant you give us something this week?
CARL Skint mate.
TED Stupid boy!
CARL Bollocks to you old prick!
TED You what!
CARL YOU HEARD! (Carl lunges at Ted and pushes him against the wall)
TED AAAAHHH GET OFF ME!
CARL C’mon you old prick!
Carl pushes Ted to the floor. Then punches him in the face. Ted rolls to the side where Carl then checks his pockets for money.
TED Get off you thug!
CARL Got it. See you old man.
Carl runs out the door and down the stairs.
END OF SCENE
ACT 2 SCENE 1
Smithy goes to his sister’s house. Where Katie and Paul are having a take away
SMITHY Hello! (Smithy opens the door and walks into the hall)
KATIE In here!
SMITHY Ok (Smithy walks into the living room)
KATIE Alright?
SMITHY Aye sound. Smells nice
KATIE Yeah just tried the new Chinese over there. Quite cheap too
PAUL Has to be though don’t it
SMITHY (Sits down) So what you been up to?
KATIE Nothing except work work work. It’s doing my head in at the minute. We have a new manager and they’re always after praise straight away. Trying to please everyone.
SMITHY Yeah I know.
KATIE So I’m going through the process of being extra nice until he does something then all the girls can have a good moan then. Be back to normal!
SMITHY Ha. Like that in ours
PAUL Smells funny in here you smell it love?
KATIE (Takes a deep breath) No dear
PAUL Must be me then
SMITHY You seen mum?
KATIE Yesterday. Going on about nothing as usual.
SMITHY Went before. Doing my head in. They reckon I’ve lost it, like I’ve had some sort of breakdown
KATIE WHY?
SMITHY You know why! It’s getting ridiculous you know?
KATIE Ignore them. It’s dad innit. He talks more crap than anyone.
SMITHY Well I have had enough
PAUL Breakdown? And you disagree?
SMITHY Well yeah!
PAUL Hhhmm
SMITHY What’s that meant to mean?
PAUL You can’t be right can ya!
SMITHY Hey hold on. What’s you’re problem now?
KATIE Oh c’mon please. I just want to eat my food
SMITHY Tell him then
PAUL Put kettles on will ya!
SMITHY Who? Me?
PAUL Yeah you!
SMITHY Bollocks
PAUL You like giving don’t ya so make us a cuppa arse!
KATIE I’ll make it in a minute
SMITHY Get that fat prick to make it Kate
PAUL You what Nut ball!
SMITHY Shut it you
PAUL Or what?
KATIE Smithy! Put kettle on. Paul shut up! NOW!
SMITHY I’ll go now (Gets up and goes to kitchen)
KATIE Just leave him will ya! I don’t need this as well as your moaning.
PAUL Hey I’m all right. It’s him innit. How can you say your mum isn’t right? Eh!
KATIE She isn’t. The bottom line is he wasn’t ready for the money. He couldn’t handle it so gave it away. That’s life, we all do things. Just leave him alone
PAUL Ok. Nut ball!
SMITHY How many sugars? (Smithy pops head through doorway)
KATIE None
PAUL One
SMITHY Sound.
PAUL Nut ball (Speaks under his breath)
SMITHY You what?
KATIE Thanks
SMITHY Oh right
PAUL Hurry up arse!
SMITHY Get a grip monkey head
KATIE Just get the tea will ya please
SMITHY Aye (Leaves room)
PAUL Why is he here? I don’t want him here
KATIE Just leave him will ya. He’s had enough criticism lately. I don’t think he needs you picking fault too.
SMITHY Spot on. There you go! (He passes tea to Katie and Paul)
KATIE So what you been up to? New jeans?
SMITHY Yeah! New jeans. Not a lot saw Carl yesterday. He’s mad as usual
PAUL Saw him other day. Looking like a gypsy!
SMITHY EH! Leave him will ya. He’s had it hard this past year. He knows what’s right just cos he wears crap clothes don’t mean nothing.
PAUL Just saying. You’re touchy
SMITHY I’ll shove that fork in your eye if you carry on
KATIE Hold on Smithy! Calm down
SMITHY I will if he shuts up
PAUL Why don’t you shut up?
SMITHY YOU YA PRICK!
PAUL BOLLOCKS! (Throws chip at Smithy)
SMITHY Come on outside you fat prick!
KATIE GET A GRIP NOW! BOTH OF YOU
PAUL C’mon then arse! (Stands up and squares up to Smithy)
SMITHY You what! (Stands up)
Katie stands up to.
PAUL OUTSIDE NOW!
SMITHY Lest do it then
Paul and Smithy go outside where they have an altercation. Katie runs outside to try and stop them
PAUL C’MON! (Punches Smithy in the face)
Smithy falls to the floor. Katie grabs Paul.
KATIE LEAVE HIM WILL YA!
PAUL He’s ruined our live that prick
KATIE No he hasn’t
SMITHY Let him go sis. This is not over (Smithy gets up off floor)
PAUL Oh aye!
SMITHY PRICK!
Smithy grabs Paul and runs him into the fence. Katie stands
with her hands on her mouth.
KATIE STOP IT PLEASE! STOP!
PAUL YA PRICK!
SMITHY GET OFF ME!
PAUL (Paul shoves Smithy away. Now they stand toe to toe) You’ve ruined our loves you know that!
SMITHY Have I hell. You’ve ruined her life with your bollocks all the time
PAUL You’ve always been a loser. A complete loser.
SMITHY And you aint?
PAUL Where’s your lover, Carl? We all know you two are together
SMITHY Sick fuck
PAUL Hit me then nob head
SMITHY You hit me lets see if you’re quick enough.
PAUL Your parents are right you know. You are losing it
SMITHY For weeks you’ve antagonised me. Money money money that’s all you think about. Now I’m going to have to finish ya
PAUL C’mon!
KATIE Not again please Smithy!
SMITHY (Smithy swings at Paul and catches him on the jaw. Paul falls to the floor) C’MON! YA PRICK!
KATIE GET OFF HIM!
Smithy kicks Paul twice in the ribs. Then stands over him.
SMITHY You’ve had this coming for a while. This is a very good day for me
KATIE OH MY GOD! What you doing Smithy?
SMITHY Bollocks to him. And you if you choose him before me. All you lot want is money. That’s it. Sick the lot of ya
KATIE Just go please
Paul stays lying on the floor as Katie bends down towards him.
Smithy walks away.
END OF SCENE
ACT 2 SCENE 2
Smithy sitting on his own at home. Exhausted from the fight
with Paul.
SMITHY They’re nuts the lot of them. What are they on about like? I’m normal. They’re nuts, nuts. (Smithy talks to himself) What are my parents going on about? I’m losing it! They’re losing it know what I mean? I need to ring Carl up. See what he thinks. Go for a pint, find a slut or something. I’m not bothering with them again. They’re crazy. How can I be losing it? Just cos I’ve given money away! How mad is this! (wipes eyebrows) I aint bothered anyway. I can live without the lot of them. Don’t need them lot. What they done for me anyway? Apart from giving me crap. They don’t come round here. Don’t blame em in a way but still I am their son. What else have they got now? Me mum and dad. Just wilting away watching crap tele. That’s all they do. (Rubs blood off nose) I aint losing it. That fat prick Paul who does he think he is like? I’ve ruined their lives! Crazy! CRAZY! Hahaha! What people! Maybe I am losing it! Bloody hell I’m talking to me self. I could well be. Nah what they no? I know what I’m doing. I’ll text Carl see what he’s up to. Get some cans. Have a smash up. Go town with a black eye. Awesome. Bollocks to them lot. Katie needs to get a real man. Should have battered him more. Kicked that fat off him. Fat prick. I aint losing it. I should never of done the lottery. Shite anyway. People think my life would be better with money. How they know? (Smithy stands up and checks mirror) Good looking me. Top notch. Stand out round here I do. Where’s Carl? (Takes phone out of pocket and sends a text to Carl)
He’ll be up for it. Get a beer and that.
Smithy goes to bathroom and has a wash.
END OF SCENE
ACT 2 SCENE 3
Smithy and Katie meet up in the local park and start walking along the path
KATIE You calm now or what?
SMITHY Yeah I’m good
KATIE Can’t believe you did that
SMITHY Hey come on he’s been at me for weeks. Since I got rid of the money. He’s mad
KATIE It’s affected him really bad. I do admit that. Not sure why. It’s not like he won it is it?
SMITHY Exactly. Two million, there’s not a lot you can do with that mate. I would have bought a house and a car, had some holidays. The bills on the house would have been enormous so wouldn’t of bought a big house.
KAITE I think he saw it as a way out of the estate. He hates working in his job too. So he now says
SMITHY Oh what! Sympathy sympathy! That’s all it is
KATIE So why give the money away? I don’t get it either though I’m not bothered I don’t have it like him and dad. Dad has turned too. Crazy
SMITHY I don’t need the money. Why do I need two million?
KATIE You could have started a business
SMITHY And lose money?
KATIE How you know?
SMITHY Most do. He needs to get a grip that Paul. I wouldn’t have made much money. What business is there? Café’s don’t make out, IT is done. Mobile phones are done. There aint nothing out there. All I would have done is kept paying the bills. Losing my money
KATIE Couldn’t we have gone on holiday or something?
SMITHY Like the old days with mum and dad?
KATIE Yeah! Colwyn bay and that!
SMITHY Crazy golf it all day!
KATIE Yeah right! I hated that game. I couldn’t even hold the putter thing
SMITHY You were always too small. It was taller than you!
KATIE Exactly. I miss those days though we were so innocent and that. Everything was fresh and new. Smells and noises that we hadn’t experienced before. Being a child is just amazing
SMITHY Better than now unless you have kids and find those mannerisms again. I loved school and that.
KATIE You always beat dad at things didn’t you? I suppose that’s why your so determined now. You don’t sense defeat
SMITHY Stubbornness is the scientific word mate!
KATIE Yeah I suppose!
SMITHY How is he then, that fool?
KATIE He’s ok. Shocked though. Don’t worry about it. I think he had it coming to be fair. You can’t be like that all the time. Hopefully now he will get back to being Paul instead of this pissed off person
SMITHY How much did he think he was going to get anyway?
KATIE` I actually don’t know! A million by the way he goes on about it!
SMITHY Ha! Madness
KATIE Have you seen mum and dad?
SMITHY No I haven’t since other day. He keeps making comments. And mum has hurt me. She reckons I’ve lost the plot
KATIE You mentioned that the other night. What they going on about?
SMITHY Its cos I live in a bed-sit. And have now given my winnings away. They think I’m losing it. Like having a mental breakdown or something. How obsessed are people for money? If I hadn’t of won they would never be saying that you know what I mean?
KATIE Yeah I have seen another side to things to be fair. Mum was asking me the other morning about it. You know, the money? I’m like mam I aint bothered. He’s done what he thinks is best so leave it
SMITHY I thought she was ok with it but obviously not. It is unreal. I am really annoyed with my so-called family.
KATIE I don’t think they mean it badly. I look at Paul and he’s lost it for me. It definitely has affected him. I don’t like living where we live but that’s what it is. At least were together.
SMITHY Exactly. Why are they so bitter about it?
KATIE I don’t know
SMITHY Aint seen Carl for a few days. Been to his house and that but nothing. Really strange.
KATIE Have you rang him?
SMITHY Yeah loads of times but no signal
KATIE What’s he working this week?
SMITHY Mornings I think. A bit weird like. Its as if he’s vanished
KATIE Strange. You should try his landlord?
SMITHY Good idea. Will try later. So how’s work and that?
KATIE Good. Hopefully get some extra hours soon. Need the coin to be honest. And he’s threatening to quit. Seeing as he hates the place so much.
SMITHY I thought he liked it there?
KATIE So did I!
SMITHY So what’s changed?
KATIE Do I need to say?
SMITHY Don’t be daft! Bloody hell all I would have done is bought you a house and a holiday. That’s it. You know what, leave him. That’s what I would do
KATIE I cant do that. He’s a good man.
SMITHY Why did he attack me then?
KATIE That was your moment to kick off
SMITHY Was it bollocks. He wanted that fight to take his frustration out on me. We don’t get on at best of times and you know that
KATIE Well it’s happened now so not a lot we can do
SMITHY No there aint but don’t blame me for that fight. He’ll take it out on you next
KATIE Don’t be daft
SMITHY You never know!
KATIE C’mon lets go home. You’re talking daft now
SMITHY I’ll walk back with ya then go and find Carl
END OF SCENE
ACT 2 SCENE 3
Smithy goes to his mum’s house. He has just found out Carl is dead
SMITHY MUM! MUM! Where are you? (Sobs)
MARIAN Hello love!
SMITHY Mum mum! (Sobs)
MARIAN SON! What’s wrong?
SMITHY It’s Carl! He’s dead. They found him this morning
MARIAN Oh my God! Please come in and sit down. Oh my God that’s crazy! (They both sit on the sofa)
SMITHY They found hi near the river. Not sure how or why. Someone said it was drugs.
MARIAN You’re joking? Not Carl. There’s something not right there love
SMITHY That’s what I said. I was with him a few days ago. He was sound. Giving it as usual.
MARIAN Hold on love, I’ll get your dad to put kettle on
SMITHY I can’t drink ma. I just want to have some time.
MARIAN Ok love
JACK (He walks in from garden) What’s wrong?
MARIAN They have found Carl
JACK Found?
MARIAN Yeah he’s dead
JACK CHRIST! Why?
MARIAN Not sure. It could be suspicious.
SMITHY It has to be
JACK I thought he was a quiet lad?
SMITHY He is!
MARIAN Drugs apparently
JACK Bloody hell. I’m really sorry Smithy.
SMITHY (Sits back on sofa) I just don’t get it. He was great the other day. Now this.
JACK I don’t get it. Really bad news such a young boy too.
SMITHY My age! There has to be something else in this.
MARIAN Was he in trouble or what? Owe money?
SMITHY Not that I know of. I know he hadn’t paid his rent for a month but that was because the landlord hadn’t been round. He had it in a draw.
MARIAN Unreal. Just unreal. Why do this? I don’t think he would commit suicide would he?
SMITHY NO! No way! He never said stuff that could make you think like that. I think he’s been done over.
JACK Bloody hell! (Takes gardening gloves off) Why though? I only saw his dad the other week, he was in good spirits know what I mean?
SMITHY Exactly. No way would he do this. There is something else to it. But then again what else? I see him quite often and he don’t say anything to me.
MARIAN Is it drugs?
SMITHY He didn’t take them like that. You know he did but it was never too much only social like
JACK You don’t know what he got up to though do ya?
SMITHY Maybe not. Maybe he was into stuff. I mean I don’t know too be sure. It’s just all crazy.
MARIAN You hear things don’t ya. But you never expect it to happen to you or affect your life. This is one of those moments I suppose.
SMITHY It is. I wander if Katie knows?
JACK When did you find out like?
SMITHY An hour ago. I just went home in disbelief. Some kids had said there was a body by the river. I saw police and stuff. But didn’t think much of it, then someone on the street said it was Carl. I couldn’t believe it. So ran down there and saw it was. His sister was their and his mother. They were inconsolable.
MARIAN They will take it hard that’s for sure.
JACK Cant get over something like this. This is why people are losing faith in God. How can he explain this? There is no way of explaining. It doesn’t matter what he’s been up to, he didn’t deserve this.
SMITHY I hate God! He doesn’t exist. How can he? When there so much hate in the world. How can you believe in him when you are in the middle of Africa and not knowing if there’s water tomorrow? What sort of life is that? But then you could be a millionaire in America and do what you want? Including bad shit. And expect tog o to heaven? Nah its all bollocks.
JACK True.
MARIAN There’s a lot of answers that need explaining. You ok love? (Speaks to Smithy)
SMITHY Yeah I think so. Just a bit shook up you know
MARIAN That’s explainable. You can stay here tonight. Around people that love you
SMITHY I might do. I need to tell Katie.
JACK Is she working this morning?
SMITHY Aye, she could be. I’m sure she will know.
MARIAN She always liked Carl. I mean I did too. He could be a right bugger on his day
SMITHY Oh aye. A right bugger
JACK We’re talking about in past tenths. It doesn’t sound right
SMITHY No it don’t.
MARIAN I’ll put kettle on love. You have some time here.
Jack will put the television on
SMITHY Ok. Thanks.
END OF SCENE
ACT 2 SCENE 4
Smithy and Katie walking back from the funeral. They spot his landlord, Ted.
SMITHY There’s Ted over there
KATIE Where?
SMITHY C’mon lets ask him if he knows anything?
KATIE What will he know?
SMITHY TED!
(Ted turns round)
SMITHY Alright! It’s Smithy Carl’s friend
TED Hi
SMITHY It’s all a bit strange this aint it?
TED (Takes deep breath) Very strange
SMITHY Did you see him before hand? I don’t get it like
TED Saw him a couple of weeks ago
SMITHY He said you’ve been ill?
TED Aye, but ok now. (Ted starts to walk)
SMITHY Did he pay you his rent? He said he hadn’t seen you for a month (Smithy and Katie follow him)
TED Er….He paid something. I can’t remember now. A bit shook up by all this to be fair
SMITHY Oh right. I know he had the full months pay in a draw. Has his family been round to see his flat? Sort stuff out?
TED A full months? (Ted eyes Smithy) Didn’t know that. Yeah. Well I think so.
SMITHY He had the money there if he didn’t pay you. He was asking about you and that.
TED Oh well he never rang me or nothing. Still nothing we can do now son. He was a nice lad. Shame really
SMITHY It’s all strange though. How can he take an overdose like that? He didn’t do heavy stuff
TED I don’t know? Maybe something just snapped
SMITHY Very strange
TED It is. Look I got to go I’m really sorry. He was your friend and a good lad
SMITHY Yeah he was. Cheers
TED See ya.
KATIE Hhhmm I get the feeling he knows something
SMITHY You think?
KATIE Oh aye. See the way he looked at you when you mentioned the full rent
SMITHY I suppose. The old prick. You can’t count on anyone these days.
KATIE No you cant. (They change direction and walk away)
SMITHY His mum is devastated. It’s all-strange though. Really strange
KATIE Family hit hard. I wander if it would have happened if he had paid his rent?
SMITHY Makes you think. The police still haven’t given the full verdict. Apparently they’re waiting on some result. No way did he do hard drugs, no way
KATIE I don’t believe either
END OF SCENE
ACT 3 SCENE 1
Katie sat at home. Paul comes in from work.
KATIE Alright love?
PAUL NO!
KATIE What’s up?
PAUL Been laid off
KATIE WHAT?
PAUL Been laid off (Sits down)
KATIE Oh my God! Why? (Leans forward in chair)
PAUL Apparently I aint needed now. So there you go
KATIE They cant just do that!
PAUL They can. They can do whatever they want
KATIE That’s shocking.
PAUL I know. No work tomorrow
KATIE Bloody hell. How we going to pay for stuff? The rent! Gas!
PAUL Well if your brother didn’t get rid of his money then we would be all right
KATIE I just don’t understand why you can just get laid off. You need to find another job and quick.
PAUL Where?
KATIE Anywhere! It’s possible
PAUL Is it? I don’t think so. I lost my job. How can I get a new one?
KATIE Well search. We got Internet.
PAUL I’ll look tomorrow. I need an hour to myself
KATIE How bad is this all going first Carl, now this
PAUL No, first your brother then Carl now this
KATIE Don’t bring that up again. Bloody hell!
PAUL It’s true!
KATIE It’s not. And you know it’s not. It’s not, not, not!
PAUL Get a grip!
KATIE I’m sick of all this. You need to realise we live on this estate. And we’re here to stay for as long a we are alive
PAUL IT’S SHIT HERE!
KATIE And what you want me to do?
PAUL Work more. Get us a house; say your ill or something
KATIE Bollocks! You do that? You might fit the bill with the way you’re going
PAUL I aint losing it. Your brother has. Look at what he did to me last week
KATIE Oh aye yeah that was his fault wasn’t it!
PAUL Well it was, he’s a crazed man.
KATIE NO! YOU ARE! THAT WAS YOUR FAULT!
PAUL I’m not listening to this. I’m off (STANDS UP)
KATIE Where you going?
PAUL OUT! (Starts walking out)
KATIE Get a job then!
PAUL You get a job with proper hours (Leaves room)
KATIE You need to see someone you know that!
PAUL (Comes back in room) How can you say that?
KATIE Listen to ya! You’re obsessed with my brother’s money. Obsessed. He gave it away Paul. He didn’t want it
PAUL If he had that money now we could be out of here and I wouldn’t be out of work. I could have borrowed some and started my own business.
KATIE Doing what?
PAUL Deliveries. Easy work. I could do that all day.
KATIE Then what? How would you have paid him back?
PAUL Over time. He would have been ok. I only needed ten grand. Buy a van, advertise, easy
KATIE So why haven’t you done this before?
PAUL Save with the money I’m on? Can’t do it
KATIE Well let’s start saving. Make it our goal with our own money
PAUL It’s too late now. I’ll be out of work for months.
KATIE You wont. You just got to look. You never know what’s round the corner love
PAUL It’s over now. My dreams have gone. I’m at that age where dreams fade away and I become ill from despair. (Sits on floor)
KATIE (Gets up and goes to Paul) Oh c’mon love. We can achieve it. You and me!
PAUL Can’t see it now.
KATIE Please Paul. I love you so much
PAUL (Starts crying) It’s over, my life is over
END OF SCENE
ACT 3 SCENE 2
Smithy goes to his parents. Jack and Marian are sitting watching television.
SMITHY Hello! (Enters front room)
MARIAN Alright love?
JACK Smithy! How ya doing?
SMITHY Good considering. (Sits down)
MARIAN You ate? There’s some dinner left over from before.
SMITHY ER…I go on. I’m sure there’s some room
MARIAN I’ll put it in microwave for ya
SMITHY Thanks mum!
JACK How you getting on then?
SMITHY I’m alright. Work is doing me head in.
JACK Glad I retired to be honest. Couldn’t be doing with the politics of it all!
SMITHY I know what you mean.
JACK You should look for something else you know.
SMITHY Yeah I should. Not much going though.
JACK I’ll have a word with Alfie down the yard if you like. They’re always after people on the yard
SMITHY If it stays permanent. I might take it.
JACK I thought you were after a promotion?
SMITHY I was but I’m sick of being indoors. I need some fresh air. I feel like I cant breath some days. It’s stifling in there.
JACK I know what you mean. I couldn’t do it that’s for sure.
SMITHY We’ll have to see anyway.
JACK You hear any more about Carl?
SMITHY I saw his mother last week. But she was quiet. Which is understandable. I don’t think it will get solved to be honest. How can you say an injection is by someone else?
JACK Have you heard the rumours?
SMITHY I have heard something
JACK The lads were saying last night down the pub that it could be the ones who own his bed sit, the house I mean
SMITHY The thingy brothers? Er what they called?
JACK Thompson’s
SMITHY Yeah that’s them. Three brothers innit? I didn’t know they owned that place, I thought Ted had it?
JACK No. The Thompson’s own it. Crazy people them. I remember them when they were kids. Always fighting and that. But this is something else. Really bad if they’re involved. Rumour has it Carl hadn’t paid his rent and did Ted over.
SMITHY WHAT? (Sits forward in chair)
JACK Apparently. So they went after him and did him. So they reckon. I don’t know. Sounds really extreme for some rent money know what I mean?
SMITHY I can’t believe that. Bloody hell I would have paid it for him anyway. Money all the time with this place. What’s the matter with people?
JACK I don’t know son. Where you live they don’t own it do they?
SMITHY I’m not too sure now. You never see them do ya? Always silent and that. Keep it quiet I suppose.
JACK Best way if you’re a dealer.
MARIAN Here you go love! (Passes him his dinner)
SMITHY Awesome! Thanks mum.
MARIAN How you anyway? Missing Carl I bet
SMITHY Of course. Always will.
MARIAN It’s such a shame isn’t it?
SMITHY Very. (Starts to eat)
MARIAN You got to keep going though son. He was and is a nice boy.
JACK Just telling him about the rumours
MARIAN Don’t listen to him Smithy. They’re just rumours Jack. Someone gets an idea in his head and that’s it. I don’t believe he was murdered. Not for rent money anyway. Sounds really extreme.
JACK You don’t know though do ya? It’s plausible. What if they are short of money or something. Trouble with drugs is someone always owes someone else.
SMITHY True
MARIAN But rent money? C’mon that’s mad
JACK He may have owed them loads you don’t know do ya. And he hit Ted apparently. So that wouldn’t go down well would it?
MARIAN He is an old man. A bit strange that
SMITHY I never saw anything wrong with him last week when I saw him at funeral. He looked ok to me. Though he was standoffish.
MARIAN Carl was a bit daft but he wouldn’t get too involved in things.
JACK It’s only what people say. Things have some truth. I don’t believe there is someone out there that makes these things up. Everything has a beginning. There’s people who live in a dream and people who live for dreams.
SMITHY That’s insightful for you. Been reading have ya!
JACK Just saying son.
SMITHY Well his family need answers. Rumours don’t help bugger all. I just wish he had come to me for money if this is the case.
MARIAN He could have been in thousands of debt you don’t know do ya?
SMITHY I would have helped him out.
MARIAN With thousands? Didn’t you give that away!
SMITHY (Sighs) I could have helped ma. Just leave it now anyway. I’m sick of talking.
JACK Shall we put footie on or what?
MARIAN Aye go on!
END OF SCENE
ACT 3 SCENE 3
Katie sitting in hospital. Smithy and Marian are there. Paul is in hospital after an overdose
SMITHY I just don’t get it?
MARIAN Why now Kate? What’s brought him to this?
KATIE I don’t know mum. No point asking me questions is there?
SMITHY Is it cos he’s lost his job or what?
KATIE Most probably. I told him to look for more. There are jobs out there.
MARIAN Jack could have got him something at the yard
SMITHY Yeah he’s asking for me
MARIAN You? I thought you were after a promotion?
SMITHY It’s boring there mum. Doing my head in
KATIE I just can’t believe it (Wipes tears from face)
MARIAN Such a good lad too. Another one. What’s going on in the world?
SMITHY I’m at a loss with it all. IT doesn’t make sense any of it
MARIAN He’ll pull through love
KATIE I hope so. I love him so much. He has his faults but don’t we all
MARIAN True love. He’s a good man
SMITHY I have had issues with him but this is just too much. He doesn’t have to do this does he?
KATIE Definitely not.
MARIAN Any idea why though love? I mean has he been acting strange or what?
KATIE He’s been sound. Just gutted about his job and that.
SMITHY He was fired up with me though wasn’t he?
KATIE Yeah he was
SMITHY Why so much? He must have said something?
KATIE Oh he was going on (Takes deep breath) about having his own business. Borrowing some money off you.
SMITHY Borrowing?
KATIE He hoped when you won that money you would borrow him some. He wanted his own delivery service I think. Though he has never mentioned it before.
SMITHY Why didn’t he ask?
KATIE Well you aint got no money have ya? He needed a few grand
SMITHY (Sighs) I could have helped
MARIAN How? C’mon Smithy you’re as skint as we are. It’s just one of them things isn’t it?
KATIE No mum. He’s been obsessed with it since Smithy won. Going on all the time. Now he hates where we live, hated his job, obviously hates life!
SMITHY Don’t be daft. I can’t believe money would cause this?
KATIE It has Smithy. Honestly it’s changed him. He kept going on about leaving our estate. Smithy will get us a new home somewhere.
MARIAN Why live on the estate then?
SMITHY Exactly!
KATIE Where else we got to go? It’s council. We’re lucky to have this house. It’s horrible there but we carry on. At least we’re alive, or so I thought
MARIAN Where’s his family anyway?
KATIE His mum has left. She was here earlier. He doesn’t see his dad does he? No brothers or sisters. His family are quite spread out.
MARIAN I’ve never met his mum
SMITHY No nor me.
KATIE I’ve only seen her once. She’s ok. Doesn’t understand why he would do this. But that’s what I’m asking you know?
SMITHY I haven’t got over Carl and now I’m to blame for this
KATIE Don’t say that. This is his doing. I don’t resent you for what you’ve done. Your choice mate.
MARIAN Money again. How many people are controlled by it?
SMITHY They say Carl is dead cos of it.
MARIAN Someone said in the shop last night the police think its suspicious. But no witnesses or finger prints. Just nothing to go on.
KATIE So I hear too.
SMITHY How did you find him then?
KATIE He was on the floor in the bathroom. Just foaming at the mouth. Then he started to shake and that. The images will never leave me.
MARIAN He’s very lucky very lucky
KATIE If I hadn’t of finished early I wouldn’t have got him
SMITHY You finished early?
KATIE Yeah. I had no work to do so they let me go. It’s just mad, really mad.
SMITHY That’s unreal
MARIAN You’re meant to be here for him then. That’s what I think.
SMITHY You could say that. Still it’s all a bit extreme. He can’t of done it because of me, no way!
KATIE I tell you. It’s part of the reason Smithy. Honestly every night before bed he would bring it up. Saying we could be out of this house now. Stuff like that.
MARIAN Jack and me have lived on the estate for years. We enjoy it. We know loads of people.
KATIE Yeah but life is different now mum
SMITHY True.
MARIAN How?
SMITHY Well people see things on the T.V and dream about having it. How many people go through the Internet and try and find things that they would buy if they won the lottery? People are brainwashed with money. We get told life is better if you earn loads of money. Get a career they say! But there are not enough jobs for people. How many fifty grand teacher jobs are there? Then how people are going to train for it? Ten times the amount! There’s not enough space for everyone. Most people should be happy with middle of the range careers.
KATIE Like us you mean?
SMITHY Yeah like us. The most I’ll earn is thirty grand a year. But that could take five years to get too. Then it’s about the chance of getting a space. Waiting for someone to leave or retire. Big businesses pay off loads of people to retire. They have to to keep the staff coming through. Otherwise no one moves in any direction. It’s the only way anyone can get to that level of director or manager, the only way
KATIE I like my job. It’s only part time but I like it know what I mean?
MARIAN Good for you love.
SMITHY Great if you love your job. That’s what life is all about. Loving what you do and only doing what you want to do. Don’t listen to nobody. Carl is dead. Paul is hanging there. Why? Why!
MARIAN I don’t know love.
KATIE It’s why I aint religious. How can I be?
SMITHY Exactly
MARIAN God has answers. You two need to follow God.
SMITHY No mum. He doesn’t show us anything except pain and suffering
KATIE Always does. Just them two
MARIAN So when you smile and laugh that doesn’t mean out? When a child is born? When you fall in love? The start of spring?
KATIE It’s all bollocks mum
MARIAN You need to get a grip
SMITHY She’s right mum. How can you say there is a meaning to live when we all struggle to find a meaning?
MARIAN We all have a different meaning. All of us
SMITHY So why so much religion then? Why all the different ones?
MARIAN I have just answered that for you!
KATIE I don’t believe on God.
MARIAN You lack faith
SMITHY NO! She doesn’t understand why these things have to happen. And why the world is the way it is
MARIAN The world has always been like this, suffering. It’s only now with all the communication that we see it. Maybe that’s why there is Internet and
MARIAN television. So we can finally address what’s wrong with the world because we see it so often. God gave someone the idea to create technology. To open our eyes. Maybe one-day people will stop prejudice and racism and sexism and hate.
SMITHY I don’t believe. How can you?
MARIAN Sexism is now better than five hundred years ago is it not? Why is this? Because people have realised it through the media, unions, pressure groups. People have got together to fight for what’s right. One day the world may live in harmony.
SMITHY No chance mum! No chance!
KATIE That definitely won’t happen.
MARIAN So you’re saying it hasn’t improved? Women allowed to vote, have a voice, earn equal pay
SMITHY It has improved but it doesn’t make life sound any better.
MARIAN There aint as much racism now. The slave trade has been abolished
SMITHY There’s still major issues mum
MARIAN Yeah but it’s just the dregs of the barrel now. We aint meant to get rid of it all. There has to be some to remind us of what has been.
KATIE So God has done this has he?
MARIAN He starts things off by giving people the gift to create.
KATIE You live in cuckoo land mother
SMITHY Yeah you do. You should get a grip more. Read the papers.
MARIAN I’m telling ya!
KATIE Can we change subjects please? My boyfriend is in hospital you know!
MARIAN Sorry love. Sorry.
SMITHY Yeah sorry Kate (Puts arm around his sister)
KATIE C’mon Paul! Come through
SMITHY He will love. You just got to will him to come through
MARIAN I’ll ring Jack. Tell him what’s going on
SMITHY Aye ok mum. Can you see if canteen is still open please?
MARIAN Will do. You want out Katie?
KATIE I’m ok thanks mum.
MARIAN Won’t be long
Marian leaves room. Katie and Smithy hug
END OF SCENE
ACT 3 SCENE 4
Katie has visited her parents. They sit in living room.
MARIAN Is he home?
KATIE Yeah, this morning.
MARIAN Oh good. Glad he’s ok. Is he talking?
KATIE Quiet. I’ve given him some breathing space with his mother.
MARIAN So what the doctors say then?
KATIE They’ve assessed him. Spoken to him and that. He admitted it was just a moment of madness. He couldn’t see the future properly and that.
MARIAN He took it to extremes love.
KATIE I know. But he’s ok now. Back home. We’ve got some help with the rent from the council. I rang them up and they said they would give us a couple of weeks reprieve.
MARIAN That’s good of them. I didn’t think they had hearts them lot.
JACK You can say that again.
KATIE I know I wasn’t expecting much. But there you go.
MARIAN Dies your brother know?
KATIE Yeah he’s popping round later. After work
MARIAN Great. It hurt him you know?
KATIE I know it did. It’s just a moment mum. Nothing we can do about it now. Paul sees what he’s done. I would rather let him get on with it now. Get back to normal.
MARIAN Yeah good. I’m glad he’s not suicidal. Things happen and the next minute they’re in hospital and that. They never come out the same
KATIE No I know. Was worried about that but he seems ok. A bit shaken like
MARIAN Oh that’s ok then. Hopefully anyway. I thought we lost him then
KATIE And me.
JACK So how will things go now then? Will he go back to work or what?
KATIE Hopefully. He talked about it before. He doesn’t seem down or nothing so I don’t know why he took himself to do what he did.
MARIAN All very strange love. Like Carl really.
Front door closes. Smithy walks through hall and into living room
SMITHY Hello!
MARIAN Alright love?
KATIE Hi!
JACK Alright son?
MARIAN Just finished work love?
SMITHY Aye. Well an hour ago.
KATIE How ya doing?
SMITHY Good. Glad Paul is out and that.
KATIE Yeah he’s back to normal now I hope.
SMITHY Greta. I hope he does.
JACK So how’s work son? Still want out like or what?
SMITHY Er…I have handed in my notice!
JACK WHAT!
KATIE Not another!
MARIAN Smithy?
SMITHY This is going to be hard to explain. I don’t know how I can but will try
KATIE Here we go! Like things cant get any stranger!
MARIAN What is it love?
JACK You got another job?
SMITHY No. Nothing like that
JACK So why quit arse!
SMITHY Let me tell you. When I won that money my whole life changed. Changed to something I wasn’t prepared for. I was worried. Scared even.
JACK You’re emigrating!
SMITHY No! C’mon!
MARIAN Jack!
SMITHY So I wanted to get rid of it straight away. It was like a disease I didn’t want. What was I going to do with it? So many questions.
MARIAN You gave it to a good cause love
SMITHY I did yes. And I felt better for it. But things aren’t that simple
JACK Here we go! You’re involved in that Carl thing aren’t you?
SMITHY Don’t be daft!
MARIAN Bloody hell dad!
SMITHY Listen. That and what happened to Paul has opened my eyes quite a lot.
MARIAN To what?
SMITHY To life. To what is going on with the world!
KATIE Meaning? You’re sounding very confused
SMITHY I can’t explain it with people pushing in!
MARIAN Ok then quiet please
SMITHY (Walks to window. Takes a deep breathe) That money I won. And gave away. Well I never!
MARIAN Never?
KATIE WHAT!
SMITHY I never gave it all away
KATIE (Comes forward in chair) What you on?
JACK EH!
MARIAN WHAT!
SMITHY I mean, I gave some of it away but not all. About half.
MARIAN HALF!!
JACK You taking the piss!
KATIE SMITHY!
SMITHY I gave some to charity but made them say it was all of it.
KATIE I’m confused even more now
MARIAN He’s on drugs I knew it!
JACK Smithy son. You’re talking crazy stuff
SMITHY No look! (He passes his bank statement round his family)
JACK Oh my God! What you been playing at?
MARIAN This is unreal!
KATIE Paul will top himself this time! What you doing to us Smithy?
MARIAN You got two million quid in there!
SMITHY I know. I won three point eight million.
JACK What does this mean Marian? Is he taking the piss?
SMITHY No I’m not. I just wanted to know what I wanted to do with it first. Before people started talking shit to me!
KATIE I…I…I.. CAN’T BELIEVE IT!
MARIAN This is unreal love. Just unreal (Stands up) You tortured Paul. Could have saved Carl! Why?
SMITHY I never knew all this would happen?
JACK Well I have never known such madness!
KATIE Smithy! We all had hoped you could save us from this shit hole and you didn’t. Why? You had the money in your account all the time.
SMITHY Most of it.
MARIAN How much did you pay charity then?
SMITHY About half a million. The rest I have put in a bond.
MARIAN Why do this? I don’t get it?
SMITHY I just wanted some time. You lot would have put ideas in my head and I would have lost it. I don’t need to be told what to do.
KATIE We wouldn’t though. Bloody hell you live alone you can do what you want
SMITHY Then you would have wanted some of it. Giving me the sob stories
KATIE Bollocks!
SMITHY I’ve been looking for a row of houses. Somewhere for all of us.
MARIAN That’s out the question now. Save your money son.
JACK Hold on! Maybe he needed some time with it to get used to it?
KATIE So why have the local paper round and make him look a hero?
JACK Pressure Kate. Pressure!
MARIAN Even after Carl you still didn’t think about us lot?
SMITHY After Carl? He did what he did. No money would have saved him ma!
MARIAN It would have!
SMITHY Don’t bring him into it! He is in the wrong!
MARIAN You don’t know!
SMITHY Well he must have been. Look we should be celebrating here
KATIE Celebrating! (Stands up) No way. I nearly lost the love of my life because of you
SMITHY Bollocks! He did it cos he’s fed up with being him!
KATIE Shove your money Smithy! I aint celebrating nothing
SMITHY So if I said here’s half a mill you wouldn’t take it?
KATIE NO! You have lied to us. Watched people fall apart knowing that you had three million in the bank.
SMITHY Get a grip! Money wouldn’t have stopped what’s happened.
KATIE It would stop Paul!
MARIAN She’s right there. Why keep it from us in this way? I don’t get it
SMITHY I didn’t want the exposure. People saying I’m a millionaire and stuff
JACK But people down the pub talked about you as being mad! I had to sit there through questions by people who didn’t know ya. I looked a right fool
SMITHY MONEY! Bloody hell! What is wrong with people? My life was perfect until this cheque come along.
MARIAN Living in that flat thing?
SMITHY Yeah that flat thing!
JACK I said he was losing it!
SMITHY You lot have lost it. I tell you what I’ll leave you some money but I’m off. I aint living round here with you lot anymore.
KATIE Go then. I don’t want any money. But maybe you could give some to my boyfriend with an explanation.
SMITHY You’re pathetic you know that!
MARIAN This is very hard to take in. Really is. I think we all need to sit down, have a cuppa and talk about things.
SMITHY I think the reaction says it all for me. I was right all along to keep it from you. I should have just left
JACK Don’t be stupid son
KATIE I’m going home to Paul. Feel free if you want to help him. But this
SMALL
MIND
CHARACTERS SMITHY main character
JACK his father
MARIAN his mother
KATIE His sister
CARL His best friend
PAUL Katie’s boyfriend
TED Carl’s landlord
ACT 1 SCENE 1 p1
Smithy and Carl sitting under a Passover
SMITHY How’s tricks?
CARL Yeah ok. How about you bud?
SMITHY Sound lad.
CARL Tidy. You seen anyone? I thought I saw spud yesterday but no it wasn’t him.
SMITHY Oh aye. Aint seen him in years.
CARL Me neither. How’s the family? They alright now or what?
SMITHY Some, some not. Fuck them anyway. I’m not bothered what they think. I’m alive that’s the main thing.
CARL I agree. Still the bravest thing I have ever known. Don’t you ever have doubts?
SMITHY Doubts?
CARL Yeah, like you made a mistake. Or if maybe you should have kept some of it you know?
SMITHY Not really. Look you know me, I don’t need to explain anything to you. You’re my best mate. I understand your questions but don’t ask. There’s a reason I have done this. And it’s for my benefit. Not anyone else’s
CARL I know bud, I know.
SMITHY Listen to those cars man. No wander species are going extinct with all this extra noise around the earth
CARL Hhhmm. Strange world innit!
SMITHY It is aye.
CARL You wander if the animal kingdom can still live with us you know? Considering all the concrete and tarmac. Noise and air pollution. How many ants live under a house for example? Or those little things that look like made of steel
SMITHY Wood louse?
CARL Aye that’s it. Their little tanks them you know
SMITHY I suppose! I kept a beetle once. In a jar. Occasionally I would put food in it. Different things you know. Whack some soil in there
CARL I got a spider. I let him out sometimes. Catch a fly or two. I have him in a jam jar. Sometimes I wish I were him you know?
SMITHY Maybe we are. Who’s to say what this planet is. You still got those neighbours?
CARL Yeah. Arseholes! I hate living there but I have nowhere else so stay put.
SMITHY I know my bed sit is the same. Some right horrible fuckers. I rarely speak to any of them. How can ya?
CARL I know. Have you ever noticed how good looking people don’t do mad things? It’s always the ugly ones. People with big noses, turned eye, thick eyebrows, meaty ears
SMITHY Yeah they’re all ugly aren’t they! Peado’s and rapists. Sick fucks. String them all up
CARL Too right. Their passing on their genes. Some scientists out there developing a new soldier. Made out of these people. Kill for fun.
SMITHY I wouldn’t be surprised. I could never join the army me
CARL Spud did. Hated it too
SMITHY Miss old spud
CARL Yeeaahh. He was funny. Just us two now bro!
SMITHY Aye. And you do me head in!
CARL Ha. You do mine!
SMITHY We need some women man
CARL Tell me about it. Not dressed like this though.
SMITHY We need new clothes. Maybe we should go the town. See what we can nick
CARL Good idea.
SMITHY How’s that landlord doing anyway? Still ill like?
CARL He’s getting better. Didn’t turn up for his rent for a month. Haven’t heard out either. Got it in a draw. So will pay it when he asks. Hopefully he can’t be arsed.
SMITHY That would be nice. Spend that on a holiday lad
CARL Be good. Take some bird with me. Caribbean type. With big breast you know? Oh aye that’s what Carl needs.
SMITHY Russian would do me son. Blonde hair. I work with a Bulgarian. Stunning piece. Got an arse you can sculpt. A smile to stretch an horizon.
CARL Ask her out!
SMITHY Has a fella. Arsehole too. Big though, thick arms and that
CARL Balls to him. You aint ugly are ya? Otherwise you would be in jail!
SMITHY I’m good looking me chief!
CARL You got skin like tree bark mate!
SMITHY Bloody hell. You got a nose like a sun dial
CARL You have ears like bat wings mate!
SMITHY Ha! They could put advertising on the side of that head it’s that big
CARL Shall we go town then or what? Maybe I should ring me landlord up?
SMITHY Nah I’d leave him. You know what you should do. Spend the money or pretend you’ve spent it. If he hasn’t come round for it then that’s not your fault is it?
CARL I might ask the others if they have paid
SMITHY Could do. Keep the money. It’s his fault. He could easily have sent someone round you know what I mean?
CARL He’s old now too.
SMITHY Balls to him then. He’ll be dead soon the old prick
CARL Yeah I might do that. I’m certain he has no relatives too. So what’s the worst that can happen?
SMITHY Exactly. Come on lets get some new jeans lad. (He gets up off floor)
CARL Yeah. (Stands up)
END OF SCENE
ACT 1 SCENE 2
Katie and Paul sitting in living room
PAUL Where’s that prick this week?
KATIE Not sure. Bumming round most probably
PAUL Hope he gets his nut in
KATIE Don’t be horrible! We got no choice now anyway so no point moaning
PAUL Life could be great now. Move out of this estate. I hate it here
KATIE So do I. We will move one day. I promise
PAUL Won’t happen now babe. He’s let the family down big time
KATIE Well, it’s his decision. You need to stop thinking about it
PAUL (Stands up) I can’t stop thinking about it! All the time. When I close my eyes. When I get up in morning for work. I hate that job!
KATIE You’ve never said that before. I thought you enjoyed the money?
PAUL It’s shite. People are scum bags there. Managers are two faced
KATIE I’ve never heard you say that before. I am surprised
PAUL I’ve got to get out of there!
KATIE (Picks up newspaper to read) Well that’s something else now then?
PAUL HEY! Listen will ya! I hate working there!
KATIE Calm down will ya
PAUL That bloody brother of yours! What an arsehole!
KATIE It was only two million babe. He would’ve had most of that anyway!
PAUL He could’ve bought us a house! Somewhere decent. You can’t talk to people round here. They’re all brain dead!
KATIE Well he didn’t. You need to calm down love
PAUL I will when I kick his head in
KATIE Get a grip! He’s done nothing wrong. It’s only money anyway
PAUL TWO MILLION KATIE! TWO MILLION!
KATIE Yeah two million so what?
PAUL He gave it away and you can just sit there and be normal
KATIE (Puts paper down) Look I don’t know what he’s done that for. It’s his decision. You got to live with it
PAUL You don’t win the lottery every day. (Sits down) We could be out of here now. Two hundred grand that’s all we needed.
KATIE I’m not listening no more. I’m fed up with it. Please just watch the tele or something!
PAUL You’re just as mad! Look at your mum and dad, how are they going to live like they are. He’s ill, your mum’s not brilliant. He could have got us out of this shit hole.
KATIE We’re alive aren’t we?
PAUL What’s the point in life if everything is just a dream?
KATIE Your happiness is in a dream!
PAUL Yeah and so what. Your brother could have given us that dream. Look at the plaster board babe. Splitting! Look at the drain outside with the stench!
KATIE I hate it too love. But we got no choice now have we?
PAUL We got to save
KATIE Yes we have but you don’t. Up until this happened you said spend it while you’ve got it
PAUL Well I didn’t realise that one day we could have it
KATIE Nah you have always been the same. Now you want to save. This money thing has gone to your head!
PAUL It hasn’t. I’m just a bit miffed that’s all
KATIE You need to forget about it. How are we going to save anyway? And save for what?
PAUL I’m going out. You need to ask him if this is a joke or not? How can you just give two million away to charity? I don’t get it. (Pulls coat from arm of chair) We need to get out of here Katie.
KATIE We will one day. Just be patient!
PAUL See ya later (Leaves front room)
END OF SCENE
ACT 1 SCENE 3
Smithy enters living room where his mum and dad are
watching television.
JACK Alright son
SMITHY Hello!
MARIAN Oh alright love?
SMITHY Aye. (Sits down)
JACK What you been up to?
SMITHY Not a lot. Chilling mainly. Been to town
MARIAN Are they new jeans love? Tidy them
SMITHY (Looks at his jeans) Yeah they are!
MARIAN Where you get them from?
SMITHY A place in town. Cheap you know
JACK Well you could be at Harrods now boy!
SMITHY Yeah well I aint so no point bringing it up
JACK Or Gucci! Or Ralph Lauren! I’m not really clued up on what’s dear but you know don’t ya!
MARIAN I’m sure he does Jack. Now please be quiet.
SMITHY So what you been up to?
JACK Dreaming I was on a cruise. Sailing out to the Med. Tan and that. Being served by some Latino bird.
SMITHY Oh aye. Sounds great. Maybe you should go back to sleep then
MARIAN Enough! Jack put the kettle on will ya?
JACK (Tuts) Ok (Gets up leaves for kitchen)
SMITHY Does he have to keep coming out with shit?
MARIAN I think so, unfortunately
SMITHY Do you hate me mother?
MARIAN Bloody hell no! Why ask that? I will never hate you! It’s only money love
SMITHY Good. I feel so lonely at the minute. Had a guy from the press at my door other day. From one of the tabloids. Questions questions questions!
Did my head in.
MARIAN They will love. What you have done is incredibly brave. You could have lived a better life but you turned it down
SMITHY Could have? Who’s to say I aint living a good life now?
MARIAN I’m not. What I mean is you could have more options
SMITHY Well I don’t but I am happy. Money would have ruined us. Look at us without it. Everything would have been false ma!
MARIAN I know love.
SMITHY That Paul is doing my head in too. Treats me like I’m some scumbag. He’s doing my head in big time.
MARIAN Ignore him. He’s just irrational and ignorant.
SMITHY If he carries on I’ll clack him
MARIAN And where will that get you? Katie loves you she doesn’t mind what you have done. It’s just him
SMITHY Charity is needed more than me ma. Kids live on the streets, dogs are abused, children too. Look at the old people on this estate who have nothing. Absolutely nothing. Except the skin they live in
MARIAN You’ve done a great thing. I’m really proud of you
SMITHY What about him? (Points to kitchen)
MARIAN He’ll come round love.
SMITHY I hope so. It’s just money ma. I never do the lottery. I only did it because Carl egged me on. I enjoy my job, have a hobby, and enjoy my social life. Everything is balanced why should I change it?
MARIAN You could have had your own home though. That would have been something.
SMITHY I know I wish I had bought something now. But the bed-sit is ok you know? It gives me a sense of who I am and how lucky I am
MARIAN Lucky?
SMITHY Yeah like I have a family, friends a job. They don’t. There are people there that don’t speak. Don’t even look at ya. How many problems have they got?
MARIAN I suppose. But it’s still an opportunity lost
SMITHY Your so wrong. I’m on a course in work. I can get a promotion next year. How rewarding will that be if I get it?
MARIAN Be great love
JACK (Enters room with two cups of tea) There you go, one for mother the other for Samaritan
SMITHY (Sighs) Cheers
MARIAN Thanks love
SMITHY I’ll earn more money to get a better place then, my own money
JACK You! Money! I thought that didn’t exist? (Walks out of room)
MARIAN That will be great too love. But you had the chance not too work
SMITHY Deep down you’re the same as them aren’t ya? I knew it.
MARIAN I’m just saying love
JACK Saying what now? (Jack enters the room)
MARIAN He’s going for a promotion
JACK Good lad. Work is what you want to do aint it! Hard life work leads to arthritis, rheumatism, anxiety, depression, and sleepless nights. Yeah it’s good work.
SMITHY It is good! I get a value from it, like I should be achieving something with my life you know?
JACK Yeah plus all what I said. That’s why it’s so good. Being your own boss is the only job that’s worth it.
SMITHY That’s load of stress. Easy if the company has work.
JACK Your mother and me have been thinking, why don’t you move back in here. Live with us for a while. Until you get yourself sorted
SMITHY Get myself sorted?
JACK Yeah
SMITHY I don’t understand. I am sorted. My life is moving in a decent direction
JACK Think about it. You aint got much money, you’ve given away two million pounds, and you don’t eat properly. We don’t think you’re of a balanced mind at the minute son
SMITHY What?!
JACK Are you ok Smithy or what? Your behaviour isn’t great
SMITHY Bloody hell! I’m fine. How can you….how! What! I just don’t get it. Mum please explain?
MARIAN He has a point love. You’re not behaving very well are you? I mean not normally anyway
SMITHY You’re crazy! How can you just make such a comment? This is insane!
JACK Are you insane? I mean c’mon son! Look what you’ve done here
SMITHY You lot are mad! MAD! (Smithy gets up from chair) Totally mad. I’m sound. Just cos you aint got money, my money you can treat me with such ignorance. If I gave you three hundred grand now I would be the best son in the world. Bloody hell what’s going on in society to think like this?
MARIAN Son, Smithy love we’re just concerned as to why you want to stay in a bed-sit. I worry every night
SMITHY Oh aye. You never visit though. You don’t ring me up. You’re just not bothered. You know what bollocks to this! (Smithy leaves the room)
JACK SON!
MARIAN SMITHY!
JACK He’s losing it you know. I’m telling ya
MARIAN Maybe, maybe
END OF SCENE
ACT 1 SCENE 4
Carl is lying in bed. When a knock comes at the door
CARL Coming!
TED Hello!
CARL Who is it? (Carl opens the door)
TED Alright?
CARL Oh it’s you. Please er come in
TED Cheers son
CARL So you better then?
TED Yeah am now. Really bad though. Thought I was going to die
CARL Have a seat. Fancy a drink?
TED No I’m sound. On medication so got to be careful (Sits down)
CARL Oh right
TED I’ve come for the rent money
CARL Oh right
TED I hope you’ve saved it! Sorry I’ve not been. But was in bed for two weeks.
CARL Er…right. I did have it.
TED Well you got it now? What you mean you did?
CARL You aint been have ya. So I had it on Monday but today is Thursday
TED Soooo what does that mean? You’ve spent it?
CARL Yes
TED Why?
CARL I thought you weren’t coming
TED You thought I wasn’t coming? I mean how stupid are you? Everyone else has paid!
CARL Well I’m sorry but I thought you weren’t coming Ted. You never rang or bugger all.
TED You will have to pay double this month
CARL Double! I can’t. Half this month half the next
TED That won’t go down very well
CARL With whom?
TED The people that own this building
CARL I thought you did?
TED No. (Stands up) I don’t. I hope you can run son.
CARL Bollocks. I aint bothered. It’s your fault. You should have come round.
TED You should have brought it to my house
CARL Don’t know where you live
TED Two of the others did downstairs. They paid
CARL Well I aint got it. So you will have to wait.
TED Cant you give us something this week?
CARL Skint mate.
TED Stupid boy!
CARL Bollocks to you old prick!
TED You what!
CARL YOU HEARD! (Carl lunges at Ted and pushes him against the wall)
TED AAAAHHH GET OFF ME!
CARL C’mon you old prick!
Carl pushes Ted to the floor. Then punches him in the face. Ted rolls to the side where Carl then checks his pockets for money.
TED Get off you thug!
CARL Got it. See you old man.
Carl runs out the door and down the stairs.
END OF SCENE
ACT 2 SCENE 1
Smithy goes to his sister’s house. Where Katie and Paul are having a take away
SMITHY Hello! (Smithy opens the door and walks into the hall)
KATIE In here!
SMITHY Ok (Smithy walks into the living room)
KATIE Alright?
SMITHY Aye sound. Smells nice
KATIE Yeah just tried the new Chinese over there. Quite cheap too
PAUL Has to be though don’t it
SMITHY (Sits down) So what you been up to?
KATIE Nothing except work work work. It’s doing my head in at the minute. We have a new manager and they’re always after praise straight away. Trying to please everyone.
SMITHY Yeah I know.
KATIE So I’m going through the process of being extra nice until he does something then all the girls can have a good moan then. Be back to normal!
SMITHY Ha. Like that in ours
PAUL Smells funny in here you smell it love?
KATIE (Takes a deep breath) No dear
PAUL Must be me then
SMITHY You seen mum?
KATIE Yesterday. Going on about nothing as usual.
SMITHY Went before. Doing my head in. They reckon I’ve lost it, like I’ve had some sort of breakdown
KATIE WHY?
SMITHY You know why! It’s getting ridiculous you know?
KATIE Ignore them. It’s dad innit. He talks more crap than anyone.
SMITHY Well I have had enough
PAUL Breakdown? And you disagree?
SMITHY Well yeah!
PAUL Hhhmm
SMITHY What’s that meant to mean?
PAUL You can’t be right can ya!
SMITHY Hey hold on. What’s you’re problem now?
KATIE Oh c’mon please. I just want to eat my food
SMITHY Tell him then
PAUL Put kettles on will ya!
SMITHY Who? Me?
PAUL Yeah you!
SMITHY Bollocks
PAUL You like giving don’t ya so make us a cuppa arse!
KATIE I’ll make it in a minute
SMITHY Get that fat prick to make it Kate
PAUL You what Nut ball!
SMITHY Shut it you
PAUL Or what?
KATIE Smithy! Put kettle on. Paul shut up! NOW!
SMITHY I’ll go now (Gets up and goes to kitchen)
KATIE Just leave him will ya! I don’t need this as well as your moaning.
PAUL Hey I’m all right. It’s him innit. How can you say your mum isn’t right? Eh!
KATIE She isn’t. The bottom line is he wasn’t ready for the money. He couldn’t handle it so gave it away. That’s life, we all do things. Just leave him alone
PAUL Ok. Nut ball!
SMITHY How many sugars? (Smithy pops head through doorway)
KATIE None
PAUL One
SMITHY Sound.
PAUL Nut ball (Speaks under his breath)
SMITHY You what?
KATIE Thanks
SMITHY Oh right
PAUL Hurry up arse!
SMITHY Get a grip monkey head
KATIE Just get the tea will ya please
SMITHY Aye (Leaves room)
PAUL Why is he here? I don’t want him here
KATIE Just leave him will ya. He’s had enough criticism lately. I don’t think he needs you picking fault too.
SMITHY Spot on. There you go! (He passes tea to Katie and Paul)
KATIE So what you been up to? New jeans?
SMITHY Yeah! New jeans. Not a lot saw Carl yesterday. He’s mad as usual
PAUL Saw him other day. Looking like a gypsy!
SMITHY EH! Leave him will ya. He’s had it hard this past year. He knows what’s right just cos he wears crap clothes don’t mean nothing.
PAUL Just saying. You’re touchy
SMITHY I’ll shove that fork in your eye if you carry on
KATIE Hold on Smithy! Calm down
SMITHY I will if he shuts up
PAUL Why don’t you shut up?
SMITHY YOU YA PRICK!
PAUL BOLLOCKS! (Throws chip at Smithy)
SMITHY Come on outside you fat prick!
KATIE GET A GRIP NOW! BOTH OF YOU
PAUL C’mon then arse! (Stands up and squares up to Smithy)
SMITHY You what! (Stands up)
Katie stands up to.
PAUL OUTSIDE NOW!
SMITHY Lest do it then
Paul and Smithy go outside where they have an altercation. Katie runs outside to try and stop them
PAUL C’MON! (Punches Smithy in the face)
Smithy falls to the floor. Katie grabs Paul.
KATIE LEAVE HIM WILL YA!
PAUL He’s ruined our live that prick
KATIE No he hasn’t
SMITHY Let him go sis. This is not over (Smithy gets up off floor)
PAUL Oh aye!
SMITHY PRICK!
Smithy grabs Paul and runs him into the fence. Katie stands
with her hands on her mouth.
KATIE STOP IT PLEASE! STOP!
PAUL YA PRICK!
SMITHY GET OFF ME!
PAUL (Paul shoves Smithy away. Now they stand toe to toe) You’ve ruined our loves you know that!
SMITHY Have I hell. You’ve ruined her life with your bollocks all the time
PAUL You’ve always been a loser. A complete loser.
SMITHY And you aint?
PAUL Where’s your lover, Carl? We all know you two are together
SMITHY Sick fuck
PAUL Hit me then nob head
SMITHY You hit me lets see if you’re quick enough.
PAUL Your parents are right you know. You are losing it
SMITHY For weeks you’ve antagonised me. Money money money that’s all you think about. Now I’m going to have to finish ya
PAUL C’mon!
KATIE Not again please Smithy!
SMITHY (Smithy swings at Paul and catches him on the jaw. Paul falls to the floor) C’MON! YA PRICK!
KATIE GET OFF HIM!
Smithy kicks Paul twice in the ribs. Then stands over him.
SMITHY You’ve had this coming for a while. This is a very good day for me
KATIE OH MY GOD! What you doing Smithy?
SMITHY Bollocks to him. And you if you choose him before me. All you lot want is money. That’s it. Sick the lot of ya
KATIE Just go please
Paul stays lying on the floor as Katie bends down towards him.
Smithy walks away.
END OF SCENE
ACT 2 SCENE 2
Smithy sitting on his own at home. Exhausted from the fight
with Paul.
SMITHY They’re nuts the lot of them. What are they on about like? I’m normal. They’re nuts, nuts. (Smithy talks to himself) What are my parents going on about? I’m losing it! They’re losing it know what I mean? I need to ring Carl up. See what he thinks. Go for a pint, find a slut or something. I’m not bothering with them again. They’re crazy. How can I be losing it? Just cos I’ve given money away! How mad is this! (wipes eyebrows) I aint bothered anyway. I can live without the lot of them. Don’t need them lot. What they done for me anyway? Apart from giving me crap. They don’t come round here. Don’t blame em in a way but still I am their son. What else have they got now? Me mum and dad. Just wilting away watching crap tele. That’s all they do. (Rubs blood off nose) I aint losing it. That fat prick Paul who does he think he is like? I’ve ruined their lives! Crazy! CRAZY! Hahaha! What people! Maybe I am losing it! Bloody hell I’m talking to me self. I could well be. Nah what they no? I know what I’m doing. I’ll text Carl see what he’s up to. Get some cans. Have a smash up. Go town with a black eye. Awesome. Bollocks to them lot. Katie needs to get a real man. Should have battered him more. Kicked that fat off him. Fat prick. I aint losing it. I should never of done the lottery. Shite anyway. People think my life would be better with money. How they know? (Smithy stands up and checks mirror) Good looking me. Top notch. Stand out round here I do. Where’s Carl? (Takes phone out of pocket and sends a text to Carl)
He’ll be up for it. Get a beer and that.
Smithy goes to bathroom and has a wash.
END OF SCENE
ACT 2 SCENE 3
Smithy and Katie meet up in the local park and start walking along the path
KATIE You calm now or what?
SMITHY Yeah I’m good
KATIE Can’t believe you did that
SMITHY Hey come on he’s been at me for weeks. Since I got rid of the money. He’s mad
KATIE It’s affected him really bad. I do admit that. Not sure why. It’s not like he won it is it?
SMITHY Exactly. Two million, there’s not a lot you can do with that mate. I would have bought a house and a car, had some holidays. The bills on the house would have been enormous so wouldn’t of bought a big house.
KAITE I think he saw it as a way out of the estate. He hates working in his job too. So he now says
SMITHY Oh what! Sympathy sympathy! That’s all it is
KATIE So why give the money away? I don’t get it either though I’m not bothered I don’t have it like him and dad. Dad has turned too. Crazy
SMITHY I don’t need the money. Why do I need two million?
KATIE You could have started a business
SMITHY And lose money?
KATIE How you know?
SMITHY Most do. He needs to get a grip that Paul. I wouldn’t have made much money. What business is there? Café’s don’t make out, IT is done. Mobile phones are done. There aint nothing out there. All I would have done is kept paying the bills. Losing my money
KATIE Couldn’t we have gone on holiday or something?
SMITHY Like the old days with mum and dad?
KATIE Yeah! Colwyn bay and that!
SMITHY Crazy golf it all day!
KATIE Yeah right! I hated that game. I couldn’t even hold the putter thing
SMITHY You were always too small. It was taller than you!
KATIE Exactly. I miss those days though we were so innocent and that. Everything was fresh and new. Smells and noises that we hadn’t experienced before. Being a child is just amazing
SMITHY Better than now unless you have kids and find those mannerisms again. I loved school and that.
KATIE You always beat dad at things didn’t you? I suppose that’s why your so determined now. You don’t sense defeat
SMITHY Stubbornness is the scientific word mate!
KATIE Yeah I suppose!
SMITHY How is he then, that fool?
KATIE He’s ok. Shocked though. Don’t worry about it. I think he had it coming to be fair. You can’t be like that all the time. Hopefully now he will get back to being Paul instead of this pissed off person
SMITHY How much did he think he was going to get anyway?
KATIE` I actually don’t know! A million by the way he goes on about it!
SMITHY Ha! Madness
KATIE Have you seen mum and dad?
SMITHY No I haven’t since other day. He keeps making comments. And mum has hurt me. She reckons I’ve lost the plot
KATIE You mentioned that the other night. What they going on about?
SMITHY Its cos I live in a bed-sit. And have now given my winnings away. They think I’m losing it. Like having a mental breakdown or something. How obsessed are people for money? If I hadn’t of won they would never be saying that you know what I mean?
KATIE Yeah I have seen another side to things to be fair. Mum was asking me the other morning about it. You know, the money? I’m like mam I aint bothered. He’s done what he thinks is best so leave it
SMITHY I thought she was ok with it but obviously not. It is unreal. I am really annoyed with my so-called family.
KATIE I don’t think they mean it badly. I look at Paul and he’s lost it for me. It definitely has affected him. I don’t like living where we live but that’s what it is. At least were together.
SMITHY Exactly. Why are they so bitter about it?
KATIE I don’t know
SMITHY Aint seen Carl for a few days. Been to his house and that but nothing. Really strange.
KATIE Have you rang him?
SMITHY Yeah loads of times but no signal
KATIE What’s he working this week?
SMITHY Mornings I think. A bit weird like. Its as if he’s vanished
KATIE Strange. You should try his landlord?
SMITHY Good idea. Will try later. So how’s work and that?
KATIE Good. Hopefully get some extra hours soon. Need the coin to be honest. And he’s threatening to quit. Seeing as he hates the place so much.
SMITHY I thought he liked it there?
KATIE So did I!
SMITHY So what’s changed?
KATIE Do I need to say?
SMITHY Don’t be daft! Bloody hell all I would have done is bought you a house and a holiday. That’s it. You know what, leave him. That’s what I would do
KATIE I cant do that. He’s a good man.
SMITHY Why did he attack me then?
KATIE That was your moment to kick off
SMITHY Was it bollocks. He wanted that fight to take his frustration out on me. We don’t get on at best of times and you know that
KATIE Well it’s happened now so not a lot we can do
SMITHY No there aint but don’t blame me for that fight. He’ll take it out on you next
KATIE Don’t be daft
SMITHY You never know!
KATIE C’mon lets go home. You’re talking daft now
SMITHY I’ll walk back with ya then go and find Carl
END OF SCENE
ACT 2 SCENE 3
Smithy goes to his mum’s house. He has just found out Carl is dead
SMITHY MUM! MUM! Where are you? (Sobs)
MARIAN Hello love!
SMITHY Mum mum! (Sobs)
MARIAN SON! What’s wrong?
SMITHY It’s Carl! He’s dead. They found him this morning
MARIAN Oh my God! Please come in and sit down. Oh my God that’s crazy! (They both sit on the sofa)
SMITHY They found hi near the river. Not sure how or why. Someone said it was drugs.
MARIAN You’re joking? Not Carl. There’s something not right there love
SMITHY That’s what I said. I was with him a few days ago. He was sound. Giving it as usual.
MARIAN Hold on love, I’ll get your dad to put kettle on
SMITHY I can’t drink ma. I just want to have some time.
MARIAN Ok love
JACK (He walks in from garden) What’s wrong?
MARIAN They have found Carl
JACK Found?
MARIAN Yeah he’s dead
JACK CHRIST! Why?
MARIAN Not sure. It could be suspicious.
SMITHY It has to be
JACK I thought he was a quiet lad?
SMITHY He is!
MARIAN Drugs apparently
JACK Bloody hell. I’m really sorry Smithy.
SMITHY (Sits back on sofa) I just don’t get it. He was great the other day. Now this.
JACK I don’t get it. Really bad news such a young boy too.
SMITHY My age! There has to be something else in this.
MARIAN Was he in trouble or what? Owe money?
SMITHY Not that I know of. I know he hadn’t paid his rent for a month but that was because the landlord hadn’t been round. He had it in a draw.
MARIAN Unreal. Just unreal. Why do this? I don’t think he would commit suicide would he?
SMITHY NO! No way! He never said stuff that could make you think like that. I think he’s been done over.
JACK Bloody hell! (Takes gardening gloves off) Why though? I only saw his dad the other week, he was in good spirits know what I mean?
SMITHY Exactly. No way would he do this. There is something else to it. But then again what else? I see him quite often and he don’t say anything to me.
MARIAN Is it drugs?
SMITHY He didn’t take them like that. You know he did but it was never too much only social like
JACK You don’t know what he got up to though do ya?
SMITHY Maybe not. Maybe he was into stuff. I mean I don’t know too be sure. It’s just all crazy.
MARIAN You hear things don’t ya. But you never expect it to happen to you or affect your life. This is one of those moments I suppose.
SMITHY It is. I wander if Katie knows?
JACK When did you find out like?
SMITHY An hour ago. I just went home in disbelief. Some kids had said there was a body by the river. I saw police and stuff. But didn’t think much of it, then someone on the street said it was Carl. I couldn’t believe it. So ran down there and saw it was. His sister was their and his mother. They were inconsolable.
MARIAN They will take it hard that’s for sure.
JACK Cant get over something like this. This is why people are losing faith in God. How can he explain this? There is no way of explaining. It doesn’t matter what he’s been up to, he didn’t deserve this.
SMITHY I hate God! He doesn’t exist. How can he? When there so much hate in the world. How can you believe in him when you are in the middle of Africa and not knowing if there’s water tomorrow? What sort of life is that? But then you could be a millionaire in America and do what you want? Including bad shit. And expect tog o to heaven? Nah its all bollocks.
JACK True.
MARIAN There’s a lot of answers that need explaining. You ok love? (Speaks to Smithy)
SMITHY Yeah I think so. Just a bit shook up you know
MARIAN That’s explainable. You can stay here tonight. Around people that love you
SMITHY I might do. I need to tell Katie.
JACK Is she working this morning?
SMITHY Aye, she could be. I’m sure she will know.
MARIAN She always liked Carl. I mean I did too. He could be a right bugger on his day
SMITHY Oh aye. A right bugger
JACK We’re talking about in past tenths. It doesn’t sound right
SMITHY No it don’t.
MARIAN I’ll put kettle on love. You have some time here.
Jack will put the television on
SMITHY Ok. Thanks.
END OF SCENE
ACT 2 SCENE 4
Smithy and Katie walking back from the funeral. They spot his landlord, Ted.
SMITHY There’s Ted over there
KATIE Where?
SMITHY C’mon lets ask him if he knows anything?
KATIE What will he know?
SMITHY TED!
(Ted turns round)
SMITHY Alright! It’s Smithy Carl’s friend
TED Hi
SMITHY It’s all a bit strange this aint it?
TED (Takes deep breath) Very strange
SMITHY Did you see him before hand? I don’t get it like
TED Saw him a couple of weeks ago
SMITHY He said you’ve been ill?
TED Aye, but ok now. (Ted starts to walk)
SMITHY Did he pay you his rent? He said he hadn’t seen you for a month (Smithy and Katie follow him)
TED Er….He paid something. I can’t remember now. A bit shook up by all this to be fair
SMITHY Oh right. I know he had the full months pay in a draw. Has his family been round to see his flat? Sort stuff out?
TED A full months? (Ted eyes Smithy) Didn’t know that. Yeah. Well I think so.
SMITHY He had the money there if he didn’t pay you. He was asking about you and that.
TED Oh well he never rang me or nothing. Still nothing we can do now son. He was a nice lad. Shame really
SMITHY It’s all strange though. How can he take an overdose like that? He didn’t do heavy stuff
TED I don’t know? Maybe something just snapped
SMITHY Very strange
TED It is. Look I got to go I’m really sorry. He was your friend and a good lad
SMITHY Yeah he was. Cheers
TED See ya.
KATIE Hhhmm I get the feeling he knows something
SMITHY You think?
KATIE Oh aye. See the way he looked at you when you mentioned the full rent
SMITHY I suppose. The old prick. You can’t count on anyone these days.
KATIE No you cant. (They change direction and walk away)
SMITHY His mum is devastated. It’s all-strange though. Really strange
KATIE Family hit hard. I wander if it would have happened if he had paid his rent?
SMITHY Makes you think. The police still haven’t given the full verdict. Apparently they’re waiting on some result. No way did he do hard drugs, no way
KATIE I don’t believe either
END OF SCENE
ACT 3 SCENE 1
Katie sat at home. Paul comes in from work.
KATIE Alright love?
PAUL NO!
KATIE What’s up?
PAUL Been laid off
KATIE WHAT?
PAUL Been laid off (Sits down)
KATIE Oh my God! Why? (Leans forward in chair)
PAUL Apparently I aint needed now. So there you go
KATIE They cant just do that!
PAUL They can. They can do whatever they want
KATIE That’s shocking.
PAUL I know. No work tomorrow
KATIE Bloody hell. How we going to pay for stuff? The rent! Gas!
PAUL Well if your brother didn’t get rid of his money then we would be all right
KATIE I just don’t understand why you can just get laid off. You need to find another job and quick.
PAUL Where?
KATIE Anywhere! It’s possible
PAUL Is it? I don’t think so. I lost my job. How can I get a new one?
KATIE Well search. We got Internet.
PAUL I’ll look tomorrow. I need an hour to myself
KATIE How bad is this all going first Carl, now this
PAUL No, first your brother then Carl now this
KATIE Don’t bring that up again. Bloody hell!
PAUL It’s true!
KATIE It’s not. And you know it’s not. It’s not, not, not!
PAUL Get a grip!
KATIE I’m sick of all this. You need to realise we live on this estate. And we’re here to stay for as long a we are alive
PAUL IT’S SHIT HERE!
KATIE And what you want me to do?
PAUL Work more. Get us a house; say your ill or something
KATIE Bollocks! You do that? You might fit the bill with the way you’re going
PAUL I aint losing it. Your brother has. Look at what he did to me last week
KATIE Oh aye yeah that was his fault wasn’t it!
PAUL Well it was, he’s a crazed man.
KATIE NO! YOU ARE! THAT WAS YOUR FAULT!
PAUL I’m not listening to this. I’m off (STANDS UP)
KATIE Where you going?
PAUL OUT! (Starts walking out)
KATIE Get a job then!
PAUL You get a job with proper hours (Leaves room)
KATIE You need to see someone you know that!
PAUL (Comes back in room) How can you say that?
KATIE Listen to ya! You’re obsessed with my brother’s money. Obsessed. He gave it away Paul. He didn’t want it
PAUL If he had that money now we could be out of here and I wouldn’t be out of work. I could have borrowed some and started my own business.
KATIE Doing what?
PAUL Deliveries. Easy work. I could do that all day.
KATIE Then what? How would you have paid him back?
PAUL Over time. He would have been ok. I only needed ten grand. Buy a van, advertise, easy
KATIE So why haven’t you done this before?
PAUL Save with the money I’m on? Can’t do it
KATIE Well let’s start saving. Make it our goal with our own money
PAUL It’s too late now. I’ll be out of work for months.
KATIE You wont. You just got to look. You never know what’s round the corner love
PAUL It’s over now. My dreams have gone. I’m at that age where dreams fade away and I become ill from despair. (Sits on floor)
KATIE (Gets up and goes to Paul) Oh c’mon love. We can achieve it. You and me!
PAUL Can’t see it now.
KATIE Please Paul. I love you so much
PAUL (Starts crying) It’s over, my life is over
END OF SCENE
ACT 3 SCENE 2
Smithy goes to his parents. Jack and Marian are sitting watching television.
SMITHY Hello! (Enters front room)
MARIAN Alright love?
JACK Smithy! How ya doing?
SMITHY Good considering. (Sits down)
MARIAN You ate? There’s some dinner left over from before.
SMITHY ER…I go on. I’m sure there’s some room
MARIAN I’ll put it in microwave for ya
SMITHY Thanks mum!
JACK How you getting on then?
SMITHY I’m alright. Work is doing me head in.
JACK Glad I retired to be honest. Couldn’t be doing with the politics of it all!
SMITHY I know what you mean.
JACK You should look for something else you know.
SMITHY Yeah I should. Not much going though.
JACK I’ll have a word with Alfie down the yard if you like. They’re always after people on the yard
SMITHY If it stays permanent. I might take it.
JACK I thought you were after a promotion?
SMITHY I was but I’m sick of being indoors. I need some fresh air. I feel like I cant breath some days. It’s stifling in there.
JACK I know what you mean. I couldn’t do it that’s for sure.
SMITHY We’ll have to see anyway.
JACK You hear any more about Carl?
SMITHY I saw his mother last week. But she was quiet. Which is understandable. I don’t think it will get solved to be honest. How can you say an injection is by someone else?
JACK Have you heard the rumours?
SMITHY I have heard something
JACK The lads were saying last night down the pub that it could be the ones who own his bed sit, the house I mean
SMITHY The thingy brothers? Er what they called?
JACK Thompson’s
SMITHY Yeah that’s them. Three brothers innit? I didn’t know they owned that place, I thought Ted had it?
JACK No. The Thompson’s own it. Crazy people them. I remember them when they were kids. Always fighting and that. But this is something else. Really bad if they’re involved. Rumour has it Carl hadn’t paid his rent and did Ted over.
SMITHY WHAT? (Sits forward in chair)
JACK Apparently. So they went after him and did him. So they reckon. I don’t know. Sounds really extreme for some rent money know what I mean?
SMITHY I can’t believe that. Bloody hell I would have paid it for him anyway. Money all the time with this place. What’s the matter with people?
JACK I don’t know son. Where you live they don’t own it do they?
SMITHY I’m not too sure now. You never see them do ya? Always silent and that. Keep it quiet I suppose.
JACK Best way if you’re a dealer.
MARIAN Here you go love! (Passes him his dinner)
SMITHY Awesome! Thanks mum.
MARIAN How you anyway? Missing Carl I bet
SMITHY Of course. Always will.
MARIAN It’s such a shame isn’t it?
SMITHY Very. (Starts to eat)
MARIAN You got to keep going though son. He was and is a nice boy.
JACK Just telling him about the rumours
MARIAN Don’t listen to him Smithy. They’re just rumours Jack. Someone gets an idea in his head and that’s it. I don’t believe he was murdered. Not for rent money anyway. Sounds really extreme.
JACK You don’t know though do ya? It’s plausible. What if they are short of money or something. Trouble with drugs is someone always owes someone else.
SMITHY True
MARIAN But rent money? C’mon that’s mad
JACK He may have owed them loads you don’t know do ya. And he hit Ted apparently. So that wouldn’t go down well would it?
MARIAN He is an old man. A bit strange that
SMITHY I never saw anything wrong with him last week when I saw him at funeral. He looked ok to me. Though he was standoffish.
MARIAN Carl was a bit daft but he wouldn’t get too involved in things.
JACK It’s only what people say. Things have some truth. I don’t believe there is someone out there that makes these things up. Everything has a beginning. There’s people who live in a dream and people who live for dreams.
SMITHY That’s insightful for you. Been reading have ya!
JACK Just saying son.
SMITHY Well his family need answers. Rumours don’t help bugger all. I just wish he had come to me for money if this is the case.
MARIAN He could have been in thousands of debt you don’t know do ya?
SMITHY I would have helped him out.
MARIAN With thousands? Didn’t you give that away!
SMITHY (Sighs) I could have helped ma. Just leave it now anyway. I’m sick of talking.
JACK Shall we put footie on or what?
MARIAN Aye go on!
END OF SCENE
ACT 3 SCENE 3
Katie sitting in hospital. Smithy and Marian are there. Paul is in hospital after an overdose
SMITHY I just don’t get it?
MARIAN Why now Kate? What’s brought him to this?
KATIE I don’t know mum. No point asking me questions is there?
SMITHY Is it cos he’s lost his job or what?
KATIE Most probably. I told him to look for more. There are jobs out there.
MARIAN Jack could have got him something at the yard
SMITHY Yeah he’s asking for me
MARIAN You? I thought you were after a promotion?
SMITHY It’s boring there mum. Doing my head in
KATIE I just can’t believe it (Wipes tears from face)
MARIAN Such a good lad too. Another one. What’s going on in the world?
SMITHY I’m at a loss with it all. IT doesn’t make sense any of it
MARIAN He’ll pull through love
KATIE I hope so. I love him so much. He has his faults but don’t we all
MARIAN True love. He’s a good man
SMITHY I have had issues with him but this is just too much. He doesn’t have to do this does he?
KATIE Definitely not.
MARIAN Any idea why though love? I mean has he been acting strange or what?
KATIE He’s been sound. Just gutted about his job and that.
SMITHY He was fired up with me though wasn’t he?
KATIE Yeah he was
SMITHY Why so much? He must have said something?
KATIE Oh he was going on (Takes deep breath) about having his own business. Borrowing some money off you.
SMITHY Borrowing?
KATIE He hoped when you won that money you would borrow him some. He wanted his own delivery service I think. Though he has never mentioned it before.
SMITHY Why didn’t he ask?
KATIE Well you aint got no money have ya? He needed a few grand
SMITHY (Sighs) I could have helped
MARIAN How? C’mon Smithy you’re as skint as we are. It’s just one of them things isn’t it?
KATIE No mum. He’s been obsessed with it since Smithy won. Going on all the time. Now he hates where we live, hated his job, obviously hates life!
SMITHY Don’t be daft. I can’t believe money would cause this?
KATIE It has Smithy. Honestly it’s changed him. He kept going on about leaving our estate. Smithy will get us a new home somewhere.
MARIAN Why live on the estate then?
SMITHY Exactly!
KATIE Where else we got to go? It’s council. We’re lucky to have this house. It’s horrible there but we carry on. At least we’re alive, or so I thought
MARIAN Where’s his family anyway?
KATIE His mum has left. She was here earlier. He doesn’t see his dad does he? No brothers or sisters. His family are quite spread out.
MARIAN I’ve never met his mum
SMITHY No nor me.
KATIE I’ve only seen her once. She’s ok. Doesn’t understand why he would do this. But that’s what I’m asking you know?
SMITHY I haven’t got over Carl and now I’m to blame for this
KATIE Don’t say that. This is his doing. I don’t resent you for what you’ve done. Your choice mate.
MARIAN Money again. How many people are controlled by it?
SMITHY They say Carl is dead cos of it.
MARIAN Someone said in the shop last night the police think its suspicious. But no witnesses or finger prints. Just nothing to go on.
KATIE So I hear too.
SMITHY How did you find him then?
KATIE He was on the floor in the bathroom. Just foaming at the mouth. Then he started to shake and that. The images will never leave me.
MARIAN He’s very lucky very lucky
KATIE If I hadn’t of finished early I wouldn’t have got him
SMITHY You finished early?
KATIE Yeah. I had no work to do so they let me go. It’s just mad, really mad.
SMITHY That’s unreal
MARIAN You’re meant to be here for him then. That’s what I think.
SMITHY You could say that. Still it’s all a bit extreme. He can’t of done it because of me, no way!
KATIE I tell you. It’s part of the reason Smithy. Honestly every night before bed he would bring it up. Saying we could be out of this house now. Stuff like that.
MARIAN Jack and me have lived on the estate for years. We enjoy it. We know loads of people.
KATIE Yeah but life is different now mum
SMITHY True.
MARIAN How?
SMITHY Well people see things on the T.V and dream about having it. How many people go through the Internet and try and find things that they would buy if they won the lottery? People are brainwashed with money. We get told life is better if you earn loads of money. Get a career they say! But there are not enough jobs for people. How many fifty grand teacher jobs are there? Then how people are going to train for it? Ten times the amount! There’s not enough space for everyone. Most people should be happy with middle of the range careers.
KATIE Like us you mean?
SMITHY Yeah like us. The most I’ll earn is thirty grand a year. But that could take five years to get too. Then it’s about the chance of getting a space. Waiting for someone to leave or retire. Big businesses pay off loads of people to retire. They have to to keep the staff coming through. Otherwise no one moves in any direction. It’s the only way anyone can get to that level of director or manager, the only way
KATIE I like my job. It’s only part time but I like it know what I mean?
MARIAN Good for you love.
SMITHY Great if you love your job. That’s what life is all about. Loving what you do and only doing what you want to do. Don’t listen to nobody. Carl is dead. Paul is hanging there. Why? Why!
MARIAN I don’t know love.
KATIE It’s why I aint religious. How can I be?
SMITHY Exactly
MARIAN God has answers. You two need to follow God.
SMITHY No mum. He doesn’t show us anything except pain and suffering
KATIE Always does. Just them two
MARIAN So when you smile and laugh that doesn’t mean out? When a child is born? When you fall in love? The start of spring?
KATIE It’s all bollocks mum
MARIAN You need to get a grip
SMITHY She’s right mum. How can you say there is a meaning to live when we all struggle to find a meaning?
MARIAN We all have a different meaning. All of us
SMITHY So why so much religion then? Why all the different ones?
MARIAN I have just answered that for you!
KATIE I don’t believe on God.
MARIAN You lack faith
SMITHY NO! She doesn’t understand why these things have to happen. And why the world is the way it is
MARIAN The world has always been like this, suffering. It’s only now with all the communication that we see it. Maybe that’s why there is Internet and
MARIAN television. So we can finally address what’s wrong with the world because we see it so often. God gave someone the idea to create technology. To open our eyes. Maybe one-day people will stop prejudice and racism and sexism and hate.
SMITHY I don’t believe. How can you?
MARIAN Sexism is now better than five hundred years ago is it not? Why is this? Because people have realised it through the media, unions, pressure groups. People have got together to fight for what’s right. One day the world may live in harmony.
SMITHY No chance mum! No chance!
KATIE That definitely won’t happen.
MARIAN So you’re saying it hasn’t improved? Women allowed to vote, have a voice, earn equal pay
SMITHY It has improved but it doesn’t make life sound any better.
MARIAN There aint as much racism now. The slave trade has been abolished
SMITHY There’s still major issues mum
MARIAN Yeah but it’s just the dregs of the barrel now. We aint meant to get rid of it all. There has to be some to remind us of what has been.
KATIE So God has done this has he?
MARIAN He starts things off by giving people the gift to create.
KATIE You live in cuckoo land mother
SMITHY Yeah you do. You should get a grip more. Read the papers.
MARIAN I’m telling ya!
KATIE Can we change subjects please? My boyfriend is in hospital you know!
MARIAN Sorry love. Sorry.
SMITHY Yeah sorry Kate (Puts arm around his sister)
KATIE C’mon Paul! Come through
SMITHY He will love. You just got to will him to come through
MARIAN I’ll ring Jack. Tell him what’s going on
SMITHY Aye ok mum. Can you see if canteen is still open please?
MARIAN Will do. You want out Katie?
KATIE I’m ok thanks mum.
MARIAN Won’t be long
Marian leaves room. Katie and Smithy hug
END OF SCENE
ACT 3 SCENE 4
Katie has visited her parents. They sit in living room.
MARIAN Is he home?
KATIE Yeah, this morning.
MARIAN Oh good. Glad he’s ok. Is he talking?
KATIE Quiet. I’ve given him some breathing space with his mother.
MARIAN So what the doctors say then?
KATIE They’ve assessed him. Spoken to him and that. He admitted it was just a moment of madness. He couldn’t see the future properly and that.
MARIAN He took it to extremes love.
KATIE I know. But he’s ok now. Back home. We’ve got some help with the rent from the council. I rang them up and they said they would give us a couple of weeks reprieve.
MARIAN That’s good of them. I didn’t think they had hearts them lot.
JACK You can say that again.
KATIE I know I wasn’t expecting much. But there you go.
MARIAN Dies your brother know?
KATIE Yeah he’s popping round later. After work
MARIAN Great. It hurt him you know?
KATIE I know it did. It’s just a moment mum. Nothing we can do about it now. Paul sees what he’s done. I would rather let him get on with it now. Get back to normal.
MARIAN Yeah good. I’m glad he’s not suicidal. Things happen and the next minute they’re in hospital and that. They never come out the same
KATIE No I know. Was worried about that but he seems ok. A bit shaken like
MARIAN Oh that’s ok then. Hopefully anyway. I thought we lost him then
KATIE And me.
JACK So how will things go now then? Will he go back to work or what?
KATIE Hopefully. He talked about it before. He doesn’t seem down or nothing so I don’t know why he took himself to do what he did.
MARIAN All very strange love. Like Carl really.
Front door closes. Smithy walks through hall and into living room
SMITHY Hello!
MARIAN Alright love?
KATIE Hi!
JACK Alright son?
MARIAN Just finished work love?
SMITHY Aye. Well an hour ago.
KATIE How ya doing?
SMITHY Good. Glad Paul is out and that.
KATIE Yeah he’s back to normal now I hope.
SMITHY Greta. I hope he does.
JACK So how’s work son? Still want out like or what?
SMITHY Er…I have handed in my notice!
JACK WHAT!
KATIE Not another!
MARIAN Smithy?
SMITHY This is going to be hard to explain. I don’t know how I can but will try
KATIE Here we go! Like things cant get any stranger!
MARIAN What is it love?
JACK You got another job?
SMITHY No. Nothing like that
JACK So why quit arse!
SMITHY Let me tell you. When I won that money my whole life changed. Changed to something I wasn’t prepared for. I was worried. Scared even.
JACK You’re emigrating!
SMITHY No! C’mon!
MARIAN Jack!
SMITHY So I wanted to get rid of it straight away. It was like a disease I didn’t want. What was I going to do with it? So many questions.
MARIAN You gave it to a good cause love
SMITHY I did yes. And I felt better for it. But things aren’t that simple
JACK Here we go! You’re involved in that Carl thing aren’t you?
SMITHY Don’t be daft!
MARIAN Bloody hell dad!
SMITHY Listen. That and what happened to Paul has opened my eyes quite a lot.
MARIAN To what?
SMITHY To life. To what is going on with the world!
KATIE Meaning? You’re sounding very confused
SMITHY I can’t explain it with people pushing in!
MARIAN Ok then quiet please
SMITHY (Walks to window. Takes a deep breathe) That money I won. And gave away. Well I never!
MARIAN Never?
KATIE WHAT!
SMITHY I never gave it all away
KATIE (Comes forward in chair) What you on?
JACK EH!
MARIAN WHAT!
SMITHY I mean, I gave some of it away but not all. About half.
MARIAN HALF!!
JACK You taking the piss!
KATIE SMITHY!
SMITHY I gave some to charity but made them say it was all of it.
KATIE I’m confused even more now
MARIAN He’s on drugs I knew it!
JACK Smithy son. You’re talking crazy stuff
SMITHY No look! (He passes his bank statement round his family)
JACK Oh my God! What you been playing at?
MARIAN This is unreal!
KATIE Paul will top himself this time! What you doing to us Smithy?
MARIAN You got two million quid in there!
SMITHY I know. I won three point eight million.
JACK What does this mean Marian? Is he taking the piss?
SMITHY No I’m not. I just wanted to know what I wanted to do with it first. Before people started talking shit to me!
KATIE I…I…I.. CAN’T BELIEVE IT!
MARIAN This is unreal love. Just unreal (Stands up) You tortured Paul. Could have saved Carl! Why?
SMITHY I never knew all this would happen?
JACK Well I have never known such madness!
KATIE Smithy! We all had hoped you could save us from this shit hole and you didn’t. Why? You had the money in your account all the time.
SMITHY Most of it.
MARIAN How much did you pay charity then?
SMITHY About half a million. The rest I have put in a bond.
MARIAN Why do this? I don’t get it?
SMITHY I just wanted some time. You lot would have put ideas in my head and I would have lost it. I don’t need to be told what to do.
KATIE We wouldn’t though. Bloody hell you live alone you can do what you want
SMITHY Then you would have wanted some of it. Giving me the sob stories
KATIE Bollocks!
SMITHY I’ve been looking for a row of houses. Somewhere for all of us.
MARIAN That’s out the question now. Save your money son.
JACK Hold on! Maybe he needed some time with it to get used to it?
KATIE So why have the local paper round and make him look a hero?
JACK Pressure Kate. Pressure!
MARIAN Even after Carl you still didn’t think about us lot?
SMITHY After Carl? He did what he did. No money would have saved him ma!
MARIAN It would have!
SMITHY Don’t bring him into it! He is in the wrong!
MARIAN You don’t know!
SMITHY Well he must have been. Look we should be celebrating here
KATIE Celebrating! (Stands up) No way. I nearly lost the love of my life because of you
SMITHY Bollocks! He did it cos he’s fed up with being him!
KATIE Shove your money Smithy! I aint celebrating nothing
SMITHY So if I said here’s half a mill you wouldn’t take it?
KATIE NO! You have lied to us. Watched people fall apart knowing that you had three million in the bank.
SMITHY Get a grip! Money wouldn’t have stopped what’s happened.
KATIE It would stop Paul!
MARIAN She’s right there. Why keep it from us in this way? I don’t get it
SMITHY I didn’t want the exposure. People saying I’m a millionaire and stuff
JACK But people down the pub talked about you as being mad! I had to sit there through questions by people who didn’t know ya. I looked a right fool
SMITHY MONEY! Bloody hell! What is wrong with people? My life was perfect until this cheque come along.
MARIAN Living in that flat thing?
SMITHY Yeah that flat thing!
JACK I said he was losing it!
SMITHY You lot have lost it. I tell you what I’ll leave you some money but I’m off. I aint living round here with you lot anymore.
KATIE Go then. I don’t want any money. But maybe you could give some to my boyfriend with an explanation.
SMITHY You’re pathetic you know that!
MARIAN This is very hard to take in. Really is. I think we all need to sit down, have a cuppa and talk about things.
SMITHY I think the reaction says it all for me. I was right all along to keep it from you. I should have just left
JACK Don’t be stupid son
KATIE I’m going home to Paul. Feel free if you want to help him. But this
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A Small Mind
A Play