After the Event script

Script A Work In Progress Production

Performances: Price’s Square, Northfield high street Friday 19th July 8pm Saturday 20th July 1pm & 8pm

Supported by:

1

Background It is England 2012, post The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and nearing the much-anticipated 2012 Games. The party is well and truly over as seven young adults come to terms with their lives After The Event.

Set Price’s Square, Northfield High Street. Present time is 2077 but the scenes are focused on the 27th of July, 2012. The London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony took place at 9pm on 27 July 2012.

Cast List Fear Innocence Justice Loss Shame Denial Hope

2

Act 1, Scene 1 We hear original sound recordings of broadcasters presenting the build up to the Olympics launch at that exact time in 2012 (BBC coverage). The coverage becomes mashed up with echoes of Ghost Town by The Specials. It is confused, sometimes clear; sometimes muffled.

Cloaked chorus become visible from their positions (Betfred, Flat SL, Flat SR, Quick Spares, Max Photo, Pillar, Small Trees DSL) and ring their bells (8 chimes).

Jaden:

July 27th. 2012.

Amerah:

Global terrors at an all-time high; Insurgent attacks spike in Afghanistan, the west resting happily with fingers in their ears.

Chorus:

Nothing to do with us.

Carl:

7 more people die in Vietnam

Chorus:

Nothing to do with us.

Amerah:

Droughts

Carl:

Typhoons

Jaden:

Tsunamis - Intense storms make for a state of emergency but the War on nature rages on - forests still topple, homes still burn.

Chorus:

Nothing to do with us.

Amerah:

16 Hindu pilgrims die as their bus plunges off the road, 16 deaths. A heavy load.

Chorus:

Nothing to do with us.

Jaden:

The world’s in a state, but back home we’ve got our own problems - cash strapped,

Amerah:

Banks crashed.

Carl:

Credit rating stable but still a nation unable put food on the table.

Chorus:

553 Million Pause

Amerah:

Five. Hundred and Fifty Three. Million. Pounds. Sums so big we can’t imagine. Paid to G4S for Security while people give their time for free. Kate and William welcome the torch at a mansion worth five times that much – hold smiling poses for cameras and expect us to believe all our problems will be solved.

Radio Static

Carl:

Coming in live now from Marvin and Rochelle’s big day. Could you tell us a bit about what the atmosphere is like where you are?

3

Amerah:

Riots in the streets of Tottenham – fires blazing, shops looted, a nation of youth on the loose and –

Jaden:

And in other news Madonna’s latest concert ends in tragedy as fans boo her off stage after paying £200 each to see a concert lasting 45 minutes.

Amerah:

Unrest spreads across the country. Government load-up canon, send in their almost soldiers with their not-quite bullets against might’ve been hopefuls – strong show of brute force but no thought given to the source –

Chorus:

Are you listening!

Carl:

To us or are you happy resting behind smiles thick enough to drown out the needs of your people? We are –

Chorus:

Pounding!

Amerah:

Against court doors calling out for justice of three young men lost and a father’s call for peace not revenge. Civilian clean-up crews repair the worst of the damage; coalition starts its steady process of prosecution, but we’re more interested in resolution than blame.

Carl:

Start remembering our nation is made up of people, not borders. Communities huddle feel closer to one another than we have in years; 10,000 volunteers rallying behind five rings to prove our spirits aren’t broken. Neighbours embrace neighbours spread tablecloths across streets feast on good company as the Olympics reach TV screens euphoria tints the air.

Chorus:

Closer!

Jaden:

Coventry, once war-torn now forsworn to prove rubble makes for good building blocks. Youth takes stock of this city’s history reclaims the story of Lady Godiva’s bareback horse ride in a production fit to fill the whole region with pride.

Chorus:

Closer!

Amerah:

Northfield.

B31 Postcode wars, sound of sirens past the doors.

Kids dropped from pockets, discarded, disregarded, to be someone else’s problem.

Gang mentality builds on corners, swept away moved on, out of sight.

Jaden:

Closed shops where jobs should be, closed minds where ideas should breed.

Matters that ought to be discussed left to rust in the grayness of a ghost town where nothing much happens -

Chorus:

It’s dead!

Amerah:

Or cut off at least, from the rest of the world but not each other – community spirit grows in the promise of new buildings, new roads. Construction and regeneration built on the backbone of a place where either the bus drivers or police officers know your name. Northfield –

4

Carl:

Northfield Carnival staying strong with honorary President Betty Howard at the helm.

Local leaders who actually give a damn – Richard Burden bearing news of old Labour man Stan, one of only 68 names to defend the rights of art in parliament.

Jaden:

People still read papers here – Hayley comes ‘round every Friday, Birmingham post through the letter box, neighbours still knock to make sure we’re doing alright.

Carl:

There’s a legacy here. Stories find room to bloom in the ruins of old factories – gossip shared like snacks over brews thick as history at the Black Horse, everything from Jane Banford the 8-foot woman to the Dark Arts Gym Fight which killed a man.

Legends left by previous generations found in the names of landmarks – Isaac Tongue roundabout. The blacksmith who gave second-names to each member of the community. Unity present in shared heritage.

Amerah:

But you wouldn’t feel safe at night. Gangs shift from lurking corners to claiming high streets – settle differences in whooping brawls and blood under street lights, more carnage every time but it’s -

Jaden:

Never enough to stop us. During the day Northfield comes alive Everyone once knew the martial arts man Clive.

As you train to defend so that you can depend on skills needed to reach the end of the high street.

Fast food, fast cash.

Chorus:

Sell your gold here!

Carl:

Credit now, pick up the tab later. More noise than a town twice its size.

Even the rob dogs making their way, Breaking the rules, doing it their way.

More kids than it can hope to hide; spilling from the sides of roads with rubbed-out names, secret routes and hide-aways – roadworks, sirens, bibbing horns and collisions –

Chorus:

Crash!

Amerah:

Young blood driving change from the ground-up, bounce ideas off the walls – if it sticks, build a shop there. New enterprises fill the stocks again, people crowd the streets again trying to catch a whiff of the air that’s caused the place to start again.

Jaden:

So this is Northfield 2012. Enough space to build a life in and enough noise to drown your strife in. More problems that you can count but for many people still home. And the stories of seven, written in the stones.

(Enter seven main characters (Fear from the Flat balcony SL) . They skate in with heavy stylised movements that are choreographed and stand in view of audience).

Amerah:

Seven. Seven peas in a pod. They were everything and nothing. After the event nothing. Nothing as it seems.

Jaden & Amerah: Seven Peas in a pod. They were everything and nothing. After the event nothing.

Carl, Jaden & Amerah: They were everything and nothing.

5

(Chorus moves back slightly to allow the cast to take centre stage. Chorus observes intros from a distance) Shame:

I’m Shame and I’m gonna take you on a little journey for about an hour or so. We’re going back, WAY back, to 2012 in fact and the night we all remember. Where were you this time on the 27th July 2012? I know where I was. The highs and lows of modern life. For locals this is your life. This is my life. If you’re not from the ends, you gotta see it to believe it. I could tell you things you would never believe. Only way you could understand it is if you see our normal life yourself. My advice? Slumb it for two weeks on a 142. That’s what we get as a youngen.

Fear:

I’m Fear and you’re gonna see the highs and lows of my life, quite literally.

Innocence:

I’m Innocence and that’s my fella over there although we’re not actually speaking at the mo. We got stuff to sort though so we will work it out you know.

Justice:

I’m Justice and I’m the man with the plan, for you, me and everyone. Are you in?

You better be.

Hope:

I’m Hope and life is looking up right now. Got rid of the fella and shed my old self.

Starting a new life, with a story to tell.

Loss:

I’m Loss and a new stage of my loss has just begun. The race is on and here is hurdle one. I’m just not up to it.

Denial:

I’m Denial and I’m your fixer for tonight. Whatever you want, I’ve got it right. Or I’ll know a man who does. All is cheap and easy peasy, so no need to be shy, especially YOU cheeky (points to a member of the audience).

Shame:

These are not our real names you know, but for the purpose of our story are so.

They are a light shining on how we felt and with the light declining on how we dealt.

Dealt with it all, the highs and lows. So this is Northfield 2012.

Fear:

We have had the Jubilee and are waiting for the Games to come on the telly.

Justice:

Waiting for the queen to jump out the ‘coptor, for the octopus, signs for the swinging sixties and girl power.

Shame:

Danny Boy, oh Danny Boy, our Danny Boyle you did us proud, in one night 27 million became the willing crowd.

Innocence:

That watched your mastermind and waited for the main man Bolt, the anticipation, the trepidation, would Great Britain exhault?

Hope:

Our Torch bearers, our volunteers, our post boxes painted gold. The security fears, the memory for years of the event that sold. Sold a dream, a reality, a moment, a fantasy.

Loss:

An event to go down in history.

Shame:

Me and my little friends, living our little lives, facing our little struggles. Today is like any other day, nothing special, nothing to see here. No job, no money, no chance of 6

any money sometime soon. It’s ok though, I got me some plans and I got me a girl and we’re in the family way. So hey. Welcome! Are you ready? Here we go?

(All but Shame Exit to take place in next positions. As they leave the Ghost Town by the Specials booms out. Shame moves to stand centre stage, chorus manoeuvre to centre stage right).

Scene 2: We meet Fear, he comes to us again from the flat balcony SL and is going to jump off, to him no-one has noticed him standing on the roof.

Fear:

I’ll do it you know!

Carl:

So here we have Fear, in debt and on the edge. Literally wavering on the edge of a balcony. Our Shame saves him, not for the first time.

Chorus:

The irony.

Carl:

A once well-respected Sales Person at Cash Generator-

Amerah:

Instant dismissal.

Jaden:

Total disaster. Turning to drink and gambling and now can’t stop. Been strong for too long and seeping in comes the rot. And fear.

Amerah:

(To Shame) Do you remember what you said to him?

Shame:

There will be another day, the sun will rise again and you have got your mates. All for one and one for all right…

Fear:

Oh, you notice me now do you? Now I’m stood so many feet from the ground where any slip, I can fall off and die! If I jumped, I’d die. You’re in shock? ‘Oh no! There’s Fear stood on a roof!’ Well yes. Yes I am, and there’s only one way down for me!

Shame:

Fear? What are you doing you pillock?!

Fear:

(To Shame) Oh, am I inconveniencing you? I do apologize for my carelessness. Do you see me now? Can you see my eyes? Can you see the end of the road?

Shame:

Of course I can see you! Bit hard not to.

Fear:

But can you really see me? Or is it ‘Look it’s Fear, kthnxbye!’

Shame:

I can see you’re in a state mate.

Fear:

I’ve been in a state for 6 months mate. Evidently you didn’t notice.

Shame:

How can I notice? You’re barely around anymore!

Fear:

Ever wondered why that is?

Shame:

Well, not really, no. You’ve done it before. Dumped, rejected, didn’t get your grades, cat died, lost your job at Cash Convertors when you blabbed about the banking 7

processes and got mugged with a stash of cash, banned from the amusements place where we meet.

Fear:

You didn’t even ask.

Shame:

I assumed you wanted space. I thought…

Fear:

Yeah, yeah, yeah. You assumed. You thought, yadda yadda.

Shame:

Well what is it then?

Fear:

I’m in debt man.

Shame:

Your games?

Fear:

Gone

Shame:

Ebay?

Fear:

Done

Shame:

Gold?

Fear:

Sold. And my Dad’s. And my Grandad’s.

Shame:

What about your Grandpop’s pigeons, surely they’re worth something.

Fear:

I let them go, couldn’t afford to feed them. He loved those pigeons, he said they were just as peaceful as doves if not more.

Shame:

How much are we talking? We can get Denial to do a whip round, get some doe for you. Sorted in no time.

Fear:

Few hundred quid won’t settle it.

Shame:

How much then?

Fear:

Few grand.

Shame:

How few?

Fear:

25

Shame:

What! How?

Fear:

Credit cards, drinking, gambling; hence the ban from Amusements. I just can’t do it anymore.

Shame:

Mate it’s going to be ok.

Fear:

How do you work that one out?

Shame:

Look get yourself down from there and get yourself off to the CAB, they’ll put a hold on things for you. Then come out tonight and we’ll work out a plan. OK. 8

Fear:

I want to kill myself.

Shame:

I know you do but believe me there will be another day, the sun will rise again and you have got your mates. All for one and one for all right?

Fear:

(Reluctantly )Right.

Shame:

See you later, right?

Fear:

Right.

Pause

Shame:

Well!

Fear:

Well what?

Shame:

Get down you pillock!

Fear: Oh yeah.

(As Fear addresses audience Shame sits down ‘neutral’ in his spot on the main stage.

Some chorus members slowly join him, watching Fear).

Fear:

I hate heights. Like REALLY hate them. But it’s the only way anyone will notice me.

How do you think I feel when I climb up and stand on the edge? When I look down and see you live your seemingly carefree lives. Are they? I look down and see a crowd of pigeons fighting their way through life, grasping for that broken up piece of bread. I see some getting greedy, getting more than one piece. And as if that wasn’t enough, one pigeon steals off another pigeon and makes them go hungry. And that hungry pigeon, is me. It’s me who has the bread stolen. It’s me who doesn’t get what I need. It’s me who’s ignored. I want to be the pigeon who gets the bread. Even just one bite. Surely it’s fair? Why does everything happen to me? My girlfriend dumps me for another bloke, my beloved cat snuffs it. I muck up at work once, get sacked and I’m on my own again. Yeah, I’ve got Shame and that, but they’re so wrapped up in their own lives, that they don’t notice when I go off on one, when I’ve not been around as much, when I’ve been hiding away. That’s when I’m not down the casino drowning my sorrows in vodka, wasting the only money I get, trying to get more, just to survive. Then running up cards for food. Then it turned to using them to gamble more. And drink more. But I’m tired. Tired of surviving, tired of carrying on, just to fail.

Again and again. Might as well change my name to ‘Failure.’ ‘How ye doing Failure?’

‘How’s ye mam Failure?’ ‘Failed some more King of Failures?’ I just wanna run into the biggest crowd ever and scream. That’s why I go up there. I want to be heard.

You know who I blame? Denial. He nicks me girl; not that I’m interested in her anyway but that’s beside the point. And I’m pretty sure he was the one who set me up to get mugged with the cash from the shop on the way to the bank. He knew I went every lunchtime on a Thursday. He’s into all that kinda thing. Should be locked up. He disgusts me. Makes me skin crawl. I’ll show him. I’ll get him back. He’s had it coming. The King of Failures is going to succeed at one thing. I’m gonna bring him down. But for now the CAB and then off to The Black Horse.

(MUSIC. Enter Innocence from coming through the crowd SL shouting for his attention) Innocence:

Shame! SHAME! SHAAAAAME!!!

9

Carl:

Here comes Innocence.

Amerah:

In crisis because she wants to keep her baby but feeling the pressure to make a different choice.

Jaden:

Is filled with joy and happiness nevertheless, but a nervousness.

Carl:

(To Shame) What next? You loved her back then?

Shame:

My younger me loves her still. First love is a bitter pill.

(Chorus moves back allowing Innocence to join Shame Centre Stage. Shame stands up) ‘Ello little lady!

Innocence:

I really need to talk to you.

Shame:

Speak now or forever hold your breath.

Innocence:

I’m sorry.

Shame:

I’m sorry too.

Innocence:

We need to discuss what’s next.

Shame:

I know. What about your parents though?

Innocence:

I don’t care what they say anymore.

Shame:

Don’t be messing me around.

Innocence:

Me mess you around?!

Shame:

Woman, say what you gotta say!

Innocence:

We’re havin’ the baby. We need to talk about what next.

Shame:

We’re havin’ the kid? You know I’m made up about it but we gotta be together and I want to be there for you. Why the change of heart?

Innocence:

(To Shame ) You are everything to me. First love. Boy man. (To audience) I was stuck in a black hole. It was dark inside. Nothing there. Just an empty space. A void.

And then you. Like it was meant to be. Fate. And so this must be fate too (to her tummy). They used to help me. They used to be there for me like what families are meant to do. That is, until you decide you know what’s best for you. And they disagree. Then they turn. My sister was young. “Too young” they said. And apparently I am too young too. But I am not. I am more mature than my sister will ever be. She’s older by age, but I am older by choice. “You’ll never cope” they said.

“What she got to live for now?” Me nan said. “Who wants a kid,” that’s what my man boy said. But he supports me really. (To Shame) You have no choice. I am having our baby and I have a voice. And you will be part of it. You. The sparkle of light in the dark void. The light at the end of the tunnel. We will cope, we will survive and our 10

baby will grow up with both parents. They can’t treat me like a child forever. I am seventeen and I know what I am doing!

Shame:

I mean, I’m in. So, what next?

Innocence:

We celebrate!

(They kiss)

Shame:

Sorted. Tonight. All of us. And it’s about time we told everyone. I am going to be a father.

Innocence:

And I am going to be a mother.

Shame:

And everything will be alright.

Innocence:

Yeah.

Shame: folks.

And I am going to start having to come to yours again to do a decent job on your

Innocence:

Yep, together.

Shame:

I don’t have to marry you do I?

Innocence:

(Punches him in the arm) Not yet no. But maybe one day! (They kiss again hug meaningfully) The dark void gets smaller and the speck of light gets bigger and brighter. My boy man is coming round to the idea of being a father. A dad. We will be great parents. We both love the baby already. I can’t wait to see it grow up and become a child. The first step, first tooth, first word. We’ll both be there to see them all. All of the firsts. And the seconds. However big or small. The void is almost gone and the space is becoming filled with baby things. We are keeping it. We have got the first few things – a cot from Hope’s sister, a musical mobile, Speckle’s first teddy.

He, my man, will love getting involved in decorating and deciding on precious moments. We don’t have a nursery yet. We don’t actually have anywhere to live.

(Pause). He is a proper dad inside. I know he has it in him. I know I do too. (Pause).

He will love showing our baby all his model mini’s and they will make model minis together and maybe Speckle will learn to drive in Shame’s actual mini. I can see it now. Now that the void has gone.

(MUSIC: Smoochy Music plays as they hug again. Justice positions self on ramp by BetFred) Justice:

Will you two get out of the way! I’m trying to sort out the plan.

Carl:

(Moving forward) Introducing Justice. Justice is our resident conspiracy theorist, with a plan for the man.

Jaden: Amerah:

V for Vendetta versus the opening of the Olympics.

Joined the cadets at Overbury Estate and then onto the army. Just wants his family

Carl:

Friends

11

Jaden:

Community to be proud of him. (Pause.) Then his friend’s limbs were blown off. A court marshall, a fight in a pub a return to civvie street. Could’ve / should’ve been him.

(Exit Innocence. Shame moves CSL towards Justice) Shame:

Alright squire. Nothing to see here. What’s the latest?

Justice:

You know what the latest is. I am having it, tonight.

Shame:

Not coming out then? Got me a letter confirming I’m fit for the road. Getting the mini back on the road. Just got the MOT sorted and borrowed some money from me mam for the tax.

Justice:

Blimey, they’ve let you back on the road!

Shame:

I’m a good driver I am

Justice:

Yeah if you like rally driving and bringing up your breakfast before digesting it.

Anyway, tonight’s the night mate.

Shame:

You’re serious aren’t you?

Justice:

Well I’m not having a laugh if that’s what you mean.

Shame:

Can’t believe you are going ahead with it.

Justice:

Can’t believe you aren’t.

Shame:

I ain’t political like you, this ain’t my scene.

Justice:

You have got to stand up and be counted my son. This country is ours. It ain’t the property of bankers and politicians. My soldiers ain’t taking it anymore. I’ve got friends who have lost limbs for this country and what for? The rich get richer and the poorer are gonna get taxed on their spare bedrooms. Tonight’s the night. We are ready.

Shame:

Yeah but is Northfield Highstreet ready? Take it easy mate. You mean well but some of your soldiers mean to break into Argos and nick a toaster.

Justice:

Don’t diss my people and their intentions. This is V for Vendetta. This is real.

Shame:

This is like last time and you will end up going down. Again.

Justice:

The CCTVs can capture what they want, we have got a story to tell and we will be heard.

Shame:

You will be the one blamed for it.

Justice:

Then so be it. The messages have gone out, the time and place it set. Too late now.

It’s practically after the event.

Shame:

Fair play mate but let’s try and hook up later right, we have got problems with Fear.

12

Justice:

Has he been on the roof again?

Shame:

Yep.

Justice

Pillock.

(Justice leaves Shame and moves down from the ramp and walks up and down the line of the audience. Comes to a stop standing on the main stage) Are you with me? Seriously, you gotta be with me. We gotta be one. Against them.

The government. What good are they doing us? They are leaving us to fight amongst ourselves. Fight till the death. Only the strongest survive. 1 in 10 was bad but now it’s 1 in 5. Is it your fault? Well it aint mine. We must stand. They try to set us up as the target, the bullseye, and aim at us with their arrows. We cannot lie down and let them walk all over us. They lie to us. They have a cure for all this and they are just keeping it from us and what for? In case we get too strong and overthrow them.

Double-dip recession? Who got us here? They did. And they can get us out of it, but they won’t. Or they will, but will their way work? They are waiting for us to crumble.

And they are trying to control our minds. All the money they spend on mind control technologies! Millions! Special microwaves transmitting messages that can only be heard in a person’s head! Send private messages TO YOUR HEAD! Get me?! They are controlling us like worker ants in a lab! We have to stop them before it is too late!

Marx said we should all work together to live together. He explained about the fat cats and it’s true. There really are five men ruling the world. We need to get the power back. We MUST stand against them. If I learned anything in prison, it’s this!

Marx, my boy, he was right! And this is why we must protest. Right now. Tonight. In Northfield. We need to stand against them. Who’s with me? Come on WHO IS WITH ME?!

(Justice exits SR. MUSIC. Enter HOPE SR. Bumps into Justice as he exits in a huff. She tuts at him and rolls her eyes. She has headphones on, singing to self, manual book in hand.

Obliviously bumps into an object, doesn’t phase, sits on the bench SR. Chorus moves towards Hope) Carl:

Meet Hope, just come from her interview with the fuzz.

Always thinking about the future, hopeful, loving the buzz.

Jaden:

Trouble with her family, a breakup and a stint in the queue at the job centre shocked her world. Shocked serious about her life plan.

Amerah:

Strong, victorious, hopeful to the end. And in the end the last women standing.

Carl:

(To Shame) She was the one right?

(Shame is on bench SL, he starts to move CSR) Shame:

She was always the one. Knocked over, get back up, knocked over again, get back up, never give up. Had enough life for all of us.

(He begins to sneak up on Hope. Makes her jump) Hey! Hope:

(Startled) Oh, it’s you. Don’t scare me like that man, not good for the heart.

13

Shame:

Neither’s bacon. Hope glares. Ahh come on man, you’re not seriously still going on about this? There’s better things to be doing with your time then trotting about reading police manuals and dreaming of arresting people.

Hope:

Did I stop you becoming…that?

Shame:

Better being like this than becoming part of the roz.

Hope:

Will you just stop? You’re all doing it with the lame puns and boring jokes. I want to do this, so can you just have some respect and let me do it?

Shame:

It’s because I respect you that I’m doing it.

Hope:

No, it’s to make yourself feel better. Would you rather criminals roaming streets ‘cos there’s no coppers to lock them up?

Shame:

The bad ones yeah. The good ones are alright.

Hope:

Crime is crime douche bag.

Shame:

Can’t you do something like…be a judge…or solicitor, lawyer something, anything other than PC Pig.

Hope:

Look, I want to do this. I always have, and I have my chance now. I find out later if I make the training course or not, and if I get in, I’ll be proper chuffed. So just be happy for me, yeah?

Shame:

Fine. Are you still coming out tonight?

Hope:

Why wouldn’t I be? It’s going to be the event of the century.

Shame:

So I’ll pick you Denial and Loss up tonight.

(Hope nods. Shame makes to move towards Kezza) Look, I’m going Kezza. Back in a tick. Want me to pick you up a bacon roll?

Hope:

Argh! I’m gonna hit you!

Shame:

You could get arrested for that!

Hope:

And you could get arrested for speeding. Two can play at that game.

Shame:

Touche.

(Exit Shame towards Kezza Coffee) Hope:

(Moving towards centre stage) Why can’t my friends be more supportive of what I want to do? I want to make something of my life. I don’t want to be another number on the dole list, another NEET, the one in the one in five. I don’t want to be at home watching Jeremy Kyle and listening to what he and others like him have to say about the youth of today. The hours spent by this very wall. It’s time to leave this wall, leave this stage in my life. Start a new journey. I want to be a policewoman. I’ve 14

always wanted to be a policewoman. To help other people, to make a better society, for people to feel safe. I know I could be good. This is the chance for me to achieve my dream, and my friends can help me to make it happen. They can be the crowd that gathers behind me as I am thrown through the air like a javelin and reaching further each time. Achieving more and more with each throw. I am the boss of my own life. I know that I can achieve more and that I will do so. My friends will come round to the fact that I will be a policewoman and they will cheer me on from within the crowds. Like my family do, well they do now I’m back on track. I don’t need no man in my life when I have more important things to think about. My job will be my satisfaction. Achieving that next goal and reaching a distance further than I dreamed possible. I know if I get this job my life will improve for the better. So I’m going to carry on, try my hardest and achieve my dream. Please, (looking up to the sky) it’s my turn now. (Phone rings). Hello? Yes (excitedly) Hope speaking. (She walks off towards SR and punches the air in response to the news she receives).

Scene 3 MUSIC Enter Denial DSL. He rides a bike. Wheels up the ramp onto main stage. Chorus CSR. Carl:

Here he comes, cycling down the street, gets the funniest looks from literally everyone he meets…

Amerah:

Our Denial. A likely lad, a pusher, a loveable rogue. Carefree?

Jaden:

Always on his way to and from an interview for a job he never gets. To go straight or not to go straight? That’s always been the question – ever since nearly getting signed for his favourite football side, doesn’t talk about it much - Now, just being part of the crew and wild nights out. (Denial checks his watch and surveys the scene.

Tips his cap to an audience member he knows. Nods at another audience member. Gestures towards someone else. All his clients).

Shame:

(Entering from Kezza and speaking to chorus) He could have been a contender.

(To Denial) Yo cos, what are you doing hangin around all slim shady like? (Chorus Exit SL)

Denial:

You know how it is cuz when you are busy fixing problems for people.

Shame:

I once knew how it is but not anymore mate. Dems are bygone days. (Shame joins Denial on stage as Denial’s phone starts ringing).

Denial:

(Answers phone. Gestures to Shame to hold on for a moment) Yes hello, yes, sorry what, I have been accepted on the scheme.... £2.20? (‘punter’ enters and Denial hands over a small package in exchange for £20) £2.20 an hour you say?

All about confidence building. Placement is on a Tuesday? The problem is I have got counselling on Tuesdays, you know, about my problems. Yes ok, I’ll see if I can rearrange things but my stress levels are pretty bad right now. I can’t face seeing anyone because I’m so stressed (waves at someone he knows). Yes, yes, I’ll call you back Linda. Is it Linda isn’t it? Oh thanks Linda, you’re my favourite you know that don’t you. Ah yes I will say hi to her, she always asks about you. Yes Linda, thanks for being so understanding.

Shame:

You need to stop swinging the led and get into a bit of college boy. You’re a whizz with computers, you could have a nice house, a car and a dog before you know it.

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Denial:

That’s not for me cuz. I have got responsibilities to the crew and you know that education is at the bottom of the list for them. Besides, life is sweet and so are the honeys. What else matters?

Shame:

Friends and for that matter one’s who don’t nick other friend’s girlfriends.

Denial:

Oh, you heard about that? Fears a pillock anyway. It was only a little kiss. I don’t care man, she’s not all that it. I did him a favour innit.

Shame:

Still coming out cruising tonight, I’m driving.

Denial:

Finally back on wheels. Yeah man, I have some cash that is burning a whole in my pocket so let’s do it. Pick us up later.

Shame:

Laters.

(Exit Shame SL) Denial:

Does she really think I am gonna take on an apprenticeship for £2.20? Not in a million years! I race around the track earning more than that! I earn ten times that just by seeing a mate. And that’s on mates rates! I don’t even get outta bed for less than a tenner! She does try mind, I know I’m her fave. She’s not mine though, not by a long shot. I’m hard core me. I’ll stick with the job I got for free. No messin there. No taxes either. (Pause). I could’ve been a footballer. (Pause). I could’ve been a contender. (Pause). I could’ve been whatever I wanted. I was accepted you know.

Signed. And then things changed. So I changed too. And I officially joined the crew.

I’m bottom of the pack, that’s a fact, the elders make sure of that. But I’m proving my worth and anyways what’s the alternative? You can offer me the development opportunity of a lifetime but I got all the soft skills and confidence I need. The best things in life are free but I ain’t having you make a volunteer out of me. I’m more interested in philanthropy. I’m entrepreneurial me. Anyways, I’m goin out tonight, cruising the track with me mates alright. Should be good. Get more cash for me goodies. All good in the hood. (To a little lady) See you there and feel free to bring a friend. I’ll make sure it’s a good one. We’ll crank it up like there’s no tomorrow.

Yeah?

(Exit Denial SR. MUSIC. Enter Chorus SL. The push a hospital bed which they position to the left of the stage and prepare it as though nurses tending to a patient. Enter Loss SL) Carl:

Loss, sweet loss.

Amerah:

Sweet loss.

Jaden:

Just picked up her results from her finals and can’t find the strength.

Amerah:

No strength

Carl:

No strength for anything since her mother’s passing. Suffering in a deep slumber, awaiting a spring awakening.

Jaden:

Loved by everyone, but lost to all.

Chorus:

Except for you huh Shame?

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(Enter Shame SR. He sits on bed) Shame:

I convinced her to come out, the start of the awakening, the beginning of a new life.

Time to join the rest of the world. (Calling to her from the bed) Are you comin’ out tonight? (Chorus moves back)

Loss:

(sitting down on stage) No. I’m not up to it.

Shame:

We are goin’ to celebrate your results.

Loss:

No. I’m not up to it.

Shame:

Have you opened them?

Loss:

No. I’m not up to it.

Shame:

Just do it!

Loss:

No.

Shame:

Why not?

Loss:

I’m not up to it.

Shame:

You’ve gotta get a grip. You ent been up to it for ages now. Just come out. Just one night is all I’m askin’ for.

Loss:

I dunno. I’m not up to it.

Shame:

Come on. (moves towards her and sits with her on stage) You gotta come out some time. It’ll be best to come out now when we’re all together.

Loss:

S’pose.

Shame:

So have you picked up your results yet?

Loss:

Yeah but ent opened them. I can’t.

Shame:

Open them!

Loss:

No. I can’t bring myself to it.

Shame:

Open them tonight then.

Loss:

I dunno. I don’t feel up to it.

Shame:

We can help you get through this. Trust us. We are your mates. So are you gonna come out or what?

Loss:

(Moving towards the bed) Life is made up of hurdles and this was no different. It was just going to be another hurdle that I would get over- someway, somehow. I recognised the pattern. Like everything in life. I would have to build myself up with determination and courage and then just run at it with all my might, putting all that I 17

have into the event so that I could successfully jump high enough to get over it.

(Looks at bed) She said, “I’ve got cancer.” I couldn’t believe it. I could cope with most other issues, but the big ‘c’. I don’t think I was built for jumping over hurdles.

But I have been doing it all my life. I looked around me to see that everybody else seemed to have much smaller hurdles than mine. I tried to sneak into their lanes but I couldn’t get over the barrier. Even that was too tall for me to jump over. Everybody was well and gone now and it would have been much easier to have quit then rather than carry on. (Looking at space where her mother had lain). She died. Nobody could see my desperation. (To audience) Had nobody realised that I had not been able to carry on? Could nobody see that I was hurting so much?! I needed help but nobody could get to me to help me to get out. I was on my own. I felt so lonely and afraid. If only I could just… If only... I still hear her voice and I am influenced by her words. But most of all, I live with everlasting pain of her nothingness. The lack of my mother, and fear of death. (looking at bed) Shame:

Please Loss. For me. I’ve got some news for you. Something really exciting. We haven’t all been together for so long.

Loss:

(Turning to look at Shame. Long Pause. Looking back at bed and back towards Shame). Okay. I’ll come.

Shame:

That’s my gal (he moves towards her, they hug). I’ll pick you up.

Loss:

You always pick me up Shame.

Shame:

That’s what mates do.

Loss:

Yeah. When you’re up against the wall, go to the wall.

Shame:

Yeah, the wall that’s seen it all.

(Enter others from different directions) Chorus:

The wall that’s seen it all. Seen the rise and fall.

Loss:

The place to meet (standing on wall)

Innocence:

The place to tell secrets (standing on wall)

Fear:

The place to fall (standing on wall)

Shame:

(To Innocence) The place to have a fall out (standing on wall)

Hope:

The place to dream (standing on the wall)

Justice:

The place to organise (standing on the wall)

Denial:

The place to buy and sell (standing on the wall)

Chorus:

The place where, if in doubt, someone would be there.

(MUSIC)

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Fear:

Do you remember the last time I was on the roof? When Denial took my gal? That’s when it all changed. Before that we were all okay. Do you remember? Do you remember talking me down and getting me out again? Do you remember the friction it caused? Do you remember?

Justice:

Do you remember my parade? Remembrance Sunday parade from the Overbury Estate. You all turned up. All of us together. Thick as thieves back then, 7 peas in a pod. When we’re all together, all supporting each other, like an army- stronger together. Do you remember how polished my shoes were? Hope said she could polish her boots just as good. Nah, I trained hard polishing them boots. Not many times them boots are so clean. Do you remember?

Loss:

Yeah like mom’s funeral. Do you remember when my mom died? We all sat together at the funeral? You all stayed with me during the service and we danced together at the wake. Do you remember the dancing? When we all danced to her favourite song? You’ll Never Walk Alone. And Denial, you got your ball out and started doing tricks in the middle of us all. Do you remember?

Denial:

I remember. Do you remember the football match? The one that got me signed? Do you remember my hat-trick? Three goals I scored that match. All three! And we won three-one. You were all there cheering me on in the stands. Best day of my life.

Shame, do you remember when we were meer yout and we took your grandad’s watch. We were only looking at it, but then you dropped it down the drain?

Shame:

I remember cuz. You took the blame. We were like glue in them days.

Hope:

Do you remember when I first told you I was going to go into the force. When I sent in my application. And all the lame police jokes that you made sat around that table for Shame’s birthday drinks. You all do the same lame jokes every year when we celebrate Shame’s birthday. Do you remember?

Shame:

Birthday drinks. I remember them well. The last birthday bash was after my crash when I lost my license. We all had to do a real pub crawl, rather than a pub run! I preferred driving round all the pubs. Much quicker. Innocence do you remember how we met? You were Denial’s girl but from the first time I saw you I knew we were meant to be. And then we were to be three. Do you remember telling me?

Innocence:

Of course I do. Do you remember what you said Shame? “My baby, my mini-me”.

You always called him mini but our little one was always speckle to me. Do you remember when you got your first mini? We all came with you to pick it up and took it in turns to speed round the streets. Do you remember? We thought those days would never end.

Carl:

(from centre stage): Of course they remembered, seven peas in a pod.

Jaden:

Lives changing so fast. Never to be the same again.

Chorus:

One more night

Amerah:

One last chance to be together before inevitable change. (moving from centre stage to pillars)

Shame:

(getting down from the wall and miming slicking his hair) Tonight’s the night 19

Got my mates together and got my MOT Time to go out and celebrate and enjoy the last of life being free. (Takes out his car keys and moves towards centre stage to take his place in the drivers seat) Denial

(getting down from wall and miming checking the mirror and checking his packets for gear): All dressed up and ready for beer I can smell the sweet honeys from here Got on my favourite aftershave time for me to misbehave. (moves centre stage and gets into front passenger seat, greeting Shame)

Fear:

(miming drinking and shrugging off problems): I walk in there and say I’ve had enough They saw I was tired of acting tough Put things on hold before I went over the brink Celebrations tonight-bring on the drink. (moves towards lamp post DSL, by mini)

Hope:

(miming sharpening up her act and putting on a tie) The interview was a success I’m going to be training for my new career I’m going to be a policewoman and get the best out of life from here. (moves towards the back passenger seat CS and greets the lads)

Innocence:

(Smoothing down bump) The folks are with us it’s time to make a plan prepare for life ahead of us and secure a home for our little lamb. (Move towards SL and greets Fear by lampost by car).

Justice:

(getting V for Vendetta Mask out of pocket) I rallied up the masses time to make my way show them what we’re made of today is the day! Moving SL towards ramp by Bettfred.

Loss:

(Moving to bed and talks as though asking her mother for permission) I am ready to go out ready to face the action ready to turn my life around and create a better reaction (leaves her mother’s coat to reveal a beautiful sparkly dress and moves towards CS to get in other passenger seat).

Shame:

One last night out with all my friends can’t wait to speed round all the ends shame that all good things come to an end.

Cast in car: Do you remember the night everything changed (Hope) Instead of staying in to watch the games (Denial) We chose to go out with the unsafe driver Shame (Innocence).

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(Chorus moving DS towards audience, Ghost Town Playing quietly at first in the background and getting louder interspersed with presenters talking about the Olympics) Carl:

Night falls, we see Fear stumbling drunk from behind a pillar and into the Square, he falls over and throws up, sitting up he hurls abuse at the audience.

Amerah:

We then see Innocence who waits patiently for Shame, excited about her baby and re-kindling their relationship knowing they want the same. All are ready for a big night out.

Jaden:

We see Justice and his army coming into the square with V for Vendetta Masks on.

They are ready. BBM comments spill out, thousands of them, comments about the government, comments about the police, comments about fighting and losing a battle and about being pawns in a game and not taking it anymore, comments about who cares anyway and why should you care when no-one else gives a shhhhh...

(Ghost Town Gets Louder and see the mime of the group cruising in the car and Justice’s protest getting in way. Car swerves. Very loud crash sound. Smoke begins to pour from the car. We hear the start of the official launch of the Olympics ceremony. We see on by one the others exit SL or SR – whichever is nearest / most logical and in order of their passing. We see Shame take his position on top of car by lamppost. As this happens the others make their way to take their positions on the wall.)

Chorus:

(Moving to left of lamppost by car) Meet Shame, car fanatic, friend to all and father to be. Plain speaking and gentle, always there for all to see/ Loyal and truthful to the end, would do anything for his friends. Involved in a car accident involving them all. Four of the seven friends would fall. Shame the sprinter, the boy racer, the thrill seeker. His only failing, the arrogance of youth and need for speed.

Shame:

A chain of events that turned our ordinary little lives inside out. Were we scared?

Those who were left were. Me? Hours into days into weeks into years. Living in the shadow of my dead cousin, friend, neighbour, girlfriend and baby. My little unformed me. My mark on the world. Gone. Not with a whisper but a bang. Not gone for me. I carry that little life with me. I carry them all with me. My wounds, my life, my fault.

Justice ended up back in the nick. He was the smartest of us all but perhaps he was too smart. Too smart for his own good. They say that don’t they? Perhaps it’s best not to think too much, not to question or wonder. Not to challenge. Just live your life the way it was intended. As long as you have what you need to get by right? He died in Winson Green you know. He died by his principles though. Respect. Our Hope made it, she became what we all despised at the time but the thing that saved my, Justice’s and her life when it came to it. She lived a grand old life. Not as long as mine mind but 83 is a good innings. Her mark? A life, a love, a good job with prospects, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, a part of something, a pillar of the community.

Denial:

What about you cuz?

Shame:

I was everyman. I was no-one. Boy-man, that was what she called me. Boy-man and father-to-be. No children for me, not my chosen path. Just Shadows. Back then, when we were kids playing at grown-ups I didn’t know what I wanted. I wanted everything and nothing. Contented and frustrated; happy to go with the flow, wanting to know what next. After the event, nothing. Life. I was still breathing. They weren’t but I was. I could still listen to music, I would learn to laugh again, eventually. I would 21

love again. Guilt ridden, shadow cast love. Wince. Shame. Blame. I was just a kid.

Too much, too young. I need to know it is alright. (Looks to the others) Loss:

That’s why we are here.

Shame:

Alright.

Hope:

Alright.

Shame:

Am I coming with you now?

Innocence:

When you are ready.

Shame:

How will I know I’m ready.

Justice:

It will just happen.

Shame:

Did I live a good life?

Fear:

The best.

Shame:

Was I a good friend?

All:

The best.

Shames slowly moves to join them on the wall. They greet him as old reunited friends. The chorus moves to centre stage.

Chorus:

Perhaps this wasn’t what you wanted to hear, The story you want us to tell.

Would you prefer a different ending?

All’s well that ends well.

Fear:

Perhaps Fear overcame his troubles and lived a happy life.

Innocence:

Perhaps Innocence had her baby and finally became a wife.

Justice:

Perhaps Justice became an MP, a representative for us all.

Hope:

Perhaps Hope was the one for whom tragedy would soon befall.

Denial:

What if Denial finally knuckled down and made a positive change.

Loss:

What if Loss still had her Mother and time was re-arranged.

Shame:

Maybe I could have never known the shadows, the guilt and shame.

Seven:

And we would all live happily, And all played the game.

Chorus:

What was 2012 about for us and our youth?

A Jubilee, an Olympic summer for the world to see, our talent, our heritage, our truth.

Our mass unemployment, a Britain at war, a generation coming out of the ashes of others spend, The NEETS, volunteers and apprentices all waiting for this period to end.

22

The happy, the healthy and the hopeful; the disenchanted, disenfranchised and downright depressed.

The cultivated, the congregated, happy to co-operate, the conditioned and all the rest.

Shame:

Us, seven peas in a pod connected for eternity

Fear:

Seven pigeons pecking for bread

Hope:

Seven wonders of the world

Loss:

Seven leaves on a tree

Denial:

Wondering to lead or be led.

Innocence:

A series of events, real stories, real lives, a call out to the world

Justice:

The youth, the ones who take the baton on when we reach the end of our turn.

Chorus:

The end for them, a beginning for us.

An awakening maybe somehow?

We’ll leave you with that thought for now.

So see you later, friends of us, Gotta go now, there’s our bus.

Music. Chorus exits SL. Cast exit SR. MUSIC

23