Author - Paul McCann
Plot - The Miners Strike 1984
Setting ' The parlour of a small house is furnished quite quaint with the bare necessities. A small sofa, two armchairs, a rug,
There is an old radiogram but no television set.
Above the fireplace an antique mirror hangs on the wall.
Cast of Characters ' Nine
Alice Davis ' The Mother
Bob Davis - The Husband
Pitch Davis - The Son
Huw Spicer 'The Union Delegate
Gareth Davis - The Uncle
The Doctor
Mr French- The School Teacher
Act One
Before The Strike
The scene begins with Mr and Mrs Davis sitting together in their front parlour.
Bob hides behind a newspaper. The conversation is minimal. Alice confronts Bob by knitting furiously and tutting now and then.
Alice-"Bob will you for Gods sake say something.
Bob-"About what?
Alice-"You know, about our son Pitch.
Bob-"What about him?
Alice-"We've been through this time and time again.
Bob-"I don't know what you're talking about.
Alice-"Bob for once in your life put down the paper and listen to me.
Bob lowers the newspaper and puts in on his knee.
Bob-"Right then now that you have my full attention what is the problem?
Alice '"Why does everything have yo be a problem for you?
Bob puts on this look of dread and throws back his head.
Bob-" Get on it with. I am not going to take any more of your tongue strap.
Alice-"In a short time our boy Pitch will be leaving school and entering the work force.
Bob-" So what?
Alice '" Well I think it would be a good idea for you to have a talk to him about what kind of career he is thinking about. "
Bob-" I've already got his career planned for him. You know that.
Alice-"Good. It's all settled then.
Bob-"That's right. Pitch will be following in the footsteps of his Dad and his forefathers before him. He will be going down the deep mine with a pick and shovel in his hands. "
Alice '" Bob he has a mind of his own.
Bob- He will be digging for coal, just like all the other men in Durham.
Alice '"Over my dead body he will?
Bob-"I suppose you think he is too good for that sort of work?
Alice-"He has brains to burn.
Bob-"So then what you're saying is his skills with facts and figures might not transfer over into shovelling coal and dirt?
Alice-"He deserves a better chance ".
Bob-"There is nothing wrong with getting a little bit of dirt on your hands.
Alice-" That's all the men in this place ever think and you know what, its a miserable existence and you all know it, but are too frightened to admit it.
Bob-"There will be no more discussion about it. The matter is closed! ."
The conversation is getting much more heated.
Alice '(Screaming) "You can't close the door to his future!
Bob- (Screaming back) "I'm his Father! I know what is best!"
Alice- "Don't you raise your voice at me!
Bob-"How dare you take that tone with me. Hold your tongue.
Alice '"No I won't. I've held my tongue too many times before."
Bob-"You can't talk to me in my house with that attitude."
Alice-"It is not your house. This house belongs to all the family and I will talk to you in any shape or form that I think is suitable.
Bob Bitch of a woman you are.
Alice-"I beg your pardon Bob Davis. What did you call me.?
Bob-" I said you're a bitch. A bitch of a woman you are."
Alice '"May God forgive you for talking to me in that foul miners language.
Bob-"Oh yes. I see. So we're all just a bunch of dirty good for nothing miners and that's really the reason you don't want Pitch to go down the deep mine. In case he should become like the rest of us here in Durham.
Alice '"What do you mean?
Bob-"To you we're a filthy lot of men with no brains and no manners,"
Alice '" I didn't say that.
Bob -You implied it though.'
Alice-"I did not. I said I think Pitch could make something of his life outside of the mine. He has over achieved with his exams and his teacher said he could make a good school teacher one day if he got the chance.
Bob-" Pitch is big and ugly enough to handle a shovel like his old man and I'll make sure that he does.
Alice-" In other words Bob you would deprive our son of his chance to become a school teacher. "
Bob- (Even louder) "That's the way it is Alice. It's the only choice for him .
Alice- "You have no right Bob . How dare you mess with his future !
Bob-"His future is in the deep mine with me ."
Alice '(Sobbing and still very upset) "So that's you final word then ?
Bob-"Yes ."
(Suddenly Bob stands up . He looks troubled . His chest lowers and he thumps and clutches his chest . He struggles to breath . Coughing and spluttering he falls to the floor . Alice screams and rushes to try and help)
Alice-" (Screaming Aloud ) Ahh ! Help !
Pitch enters on stage
Pitch '"What's going on Mum ?"
Alice '"I don't know son . Your Father's just collapsed ."
( Pitch leans over and listens for a breath or heart beat . He tries in vain to administer the kiss of life and CPR eventually he gives up )
Pitch- (Pitch holds his Mums hand and compassionately as possible says)
" I'm really sorry Mum but I think Dad has gone .
Alice-" Bob . Oh please no . I'm sorry ." (Alice faints and lands beside Bob )
Pitch stands there in shock not knowing what to do .
Enter -Uncle Gareth .
Pitch-"Uncle Gareth . God I don't know what's happened .I've just come in and found Dad lying on the floor . He's wasn't breathing and had no pulse. Mums just collapsed and I'm afraid to check her breathing ."
Gareth '"Ok son . Listen I'm on your side . Have a moment and take a deep breath . Go sit down on the sofa . I'll see to things here . "
Pitch-"What's going on ?
Gareth '" Come on son . Just sit yourself over there ."
Pitch sits of the sofa . Gareth checks the vital statistics of both people o the floor . After a moment Alice wakes up and Gareth he helps her slowly to her feet .
Alice '" Gareth . It all happened so fast . We were just talking when all of a sudden Bob he seemed to have some pains in his chest and then he fell to the floor .
Gareth '" Pitch go and get your Mum a glass of water ."
While Pitch gets off the sofa and goes for the water Gareth helps Alice over to the sofas and they both sit down . Pitch returns with thr glass of water and Alice takes a drink .
Alice '"Gareth he's gone and left me . What am I going to do ?
Gareth-" It's going to be all right Alice ."
Alice '"How will I ever manage to pay the rent and buy groceries ?
Gareth ' "You have a big son there . Pitch will help out ."
Pitch'"Thanks Uncle Gareth ."
Alice-"What on Earth are you talking about Gareth ?
Gareth-"There's a job for young Pitch in the deep mine . Bob had all that taken care off . Didn't you know Alice ?
Her tone of voice changes and Alice gets frustrated and angry .
Alice '" That bloody man . He always gets his own way . Even in his death ."
Gareth-"For heaven sake calm down Alice ."
Pitch-"Mum it will be ok . I'm here ."
AliceOh no . Not you Pitch ."
Gareth '"Have faith Alice
Alice-" You have a nerve to talk about Faith . Where did you put yours . As far as I remember it all disappeared when you found the bottle ."
Pitch-"Mum . Please don't ber like that ."
Gareth stands up and walks over to where Bob is lying . He kneels down and blesses himself then he joins his hands .
Gareth '" Forgive me Lord for the times I've let you down . I'll not take another drink I promise . Please take Bob into your heavenly home where he will be at peace . Bob was a good man who cared for his family .
Alice gets to her feet and joins in the prayer .
Alice-" Lord forgive me for being so hard on Bob and help me to carry on without him . Give me the strength to do what must be done and to know what's best for Pitch ."
All-"Amen
Pitch-"That was a beautiful prayer Uncle Gareth ."
Alice '"Pitch will you go down to the undertakers and let them know what has happened . Tell them I'm going to do the laying out here in the home . "
Pitch walks off and Alice hugs Gareth .
Alice Gareth I'm sorry . Please forgive me .I don't know what to say.
Gareth '" There's nothing to be sorry . I'll let them know at the mine what has happened and come back later to help organize the wake ."
Alice '"Thank you Gareth .
Gareth -Thank you Alice ."
Alice -"For what ?
Gareth-"For giving me back the faith I had lost ."
Alice-"It was always there Gareth ."
Gareth slowly walks off stage . Enter the doctor
Doctor '"Hello Mrs Davis "
Alice "Well hello Doctor ."
Doctor '"I just bumped into Pitch and he told me what has just happened ,its all right Mrs Davis .I'm going to give you a little shot to help you relax ok ?
The Doctor rolls up her sleeves and as he gives her the injection the house lights go down . In the darkness the set stage props are rearranged .A change of clothes as well are waiting in the wings for some of the cast . The lights come back on again . An off stage microphone is used by a narrator who smoothly tells the audience what has occurred '"
Narrator-" The story now continues five years later after Bobs passing . Normality has returned to the Davis household . Things are going along well and Pitch has a job in the deep mine .
Alice walks on stage and takes a seat beside the radio and turns it on but there is no sound . Alice fiddles with the knobs with no joy . In the end she gives it up and returns to her knitting .
Alice-"I'll have to get Pitch to fix the talk box again .
Enter Pitch
Pitch -"I'm home Mum ."
Alice '" Oh Pitch Can you fix that talk box thing for me again ?
Pitch ."Sure . What's for dinner ?
Alice -"Go and wash you face and hands . Look at the state of you .
Pitch '"I had a shower at the gym after work ."
Alice "You're still filthy . Look at your hands . What do they use for soap at the gym , lumps of coal ? "
Pitch-" No Mum. I washed them well ?
Alice '"Have you a comb in your pocket ? Look at you the state of your hair . Anyone would think you came home on a motor bike without a helmet ?
Pitch 'What motor bike ?
Alice '"Oh it doesn't matter . Bring me the small basin and a bar of soap and my hair brush "
Pitch walks away but before as he leaves the set he stops and looks at himself in the mirror over the fireplace .
Pitch-"What's wrong with my hair ? It's looks ok Mum ?
Alice '" Don't argue with me . I'm your Mother and Pitch do me a favour and fix the talk box for me will you ?
Pitch goes over and plugs in the radio and turns it on and immediately the is a transmission coming through . Pitch tunes into a station he thinks his Mum might enjoy .
Pitch-: 'All fixed Mum ."
Alice-"Isn't it wonderful love how all those people can talk to us here in our own house.
Pitch '"Its radio waves Mum ".
Alice- Oh. Are they dangerous son ?
Pitch-" No Mum. Its called technology ."
Alice- "Do you know what . Once I used to think that these little people lived inside the talk box ."
Pitch-"It's called radio Mum . "
Alice-"Radio . That's a strange word .
Pitch-" It receives radio waves that are transmitted through the air ."
Alice-"Well why can't I see them ."
Pitch-" You're not supposed to . Its like electricity . They're just out there hanging in the air . What's for dinner .I could eat a horse and it wouldn't touch the sides going down ."
Alice- 'You'll get nothing until I've washed your dirty face and hands . Now go and get that soap and water ."
Pitch walks off stage . There is a knock at the door . Thew voice of Pitch is heard off stage .
Pitch '" Mum it's my old school teacher. Mr French . He wants to know if you're home . Are you ?
Alice-" Let him in Pitch ." Mr French enters with a bunch of flowers in his hand Well this is an unexpected surprise . Is there something I can do for you Mr French ?
Mr French :- "I hope you like flowers Alice . "
He hands over the flowers to Alice . She takes them and smells them .
Alice-" Mr French how lovely . Take you coat off and sit down .
He hangs his coat up and tries to gets comfortable .
Mr French '"You look well Alice ."
She her hand through her hair .
Alice-" Really . I never noticed . You're looking well yourself ."
Mr French fidgets a little . He is lost for something tot say .
Alice-" I'm just putting dinner out shortly . Would you care to join us ?
Mr French -"That would be lovely . You know I'm not one top refuse food on a plate . Thank you Alice ."
Enter Pitch with the basin of soap and water . Alice proceeds to wash Pitchs face and hands . She combs his hair as she talks to Mr French .
Alice-"A clean face and hands costs nothing . How can anybody ever see your beautiful face under all that grime and dirt . "
Pitch-" Stop it Mum . I'm old enough to wash myself now ."
Alice '" I'm not having that kind of talk . If you want to meet a nice lady one day my son , then you're going to have to keep up a good appearance.
Pitch '" Mum I know how to tie up my laces , remember ?"
Pitch laughs and so does Mr French . Alice looks at him and says .
Alice '"So Mr French , you think its funny .?
Mr French-" Oh no not at all ."
Alice '"Well what 's the laughing about ?
Mr French-" Well Alice it takes me back to when my own Mother said the very same things to me . I suppose I never appreciated it then .
Alice-"So did you keep yourself neat and tidy then as you were told ?
Mr French-" I sure did ?
Alice-"That's good . Excuse me while I go and get the dinner . Pitch keep Mr French company for a few moments ."
Alice puts on am apron and makes her exit with the basin in her hands .
Pitch sits down and waits for Mr French to do the same and then waits for him to say the first word .
Mr French-" Well hello son . Hows it been with you ?
Pitch-"Ok , I'm doing some boxing at the gym "
Mr French '" Do you enjoy it ?
Pitch-"I'm undefeated in twenty seven fights .The coach wants me to turn professional . They think I've got a future in the ring ?
Mr French-"That's great Pitch . I'm sure you're Mum is proud of you ."
Pitch-"She doesn't know . So not a word eh . "
Mr French-"You mean she has no idea you're boxing ?
Pitch-"She would have heart failure if she found out about my ring side lifestyle . As a matter of fact I don't know what to do about it . It's like big decision time for me ?
Mr French-"Listen . Call me Mick . I've always felt we could talk sort of man to man with one another ."
Pitch-" Sure thing Mick "
Mr French- After all we are men are we not . In the prime of our lives , eh ?"
Pitch notices Mr French sticking his chest out and lifting his shoulders back . He detects a sense of pride and vanity with this stance and decides to play it for all its worth .
Pitch- Oh sure enough Mick . I must say how well you're looking these days . Have you a regular fitness plan ?
Mr French-"Early to bed and all that ."
Pitch-"You're hair is thick and as shiny as ever ?
Mr French -"You think so ."
He stands up and looks at himself in the mirror on the wall .
Pitch- "I do . What about the job . Are you still running that school ?
Mr French-"Well I am but this is my last year . I'm going to retire at the end of the final term ."
Pitch-"Well that will be there loss Mick.
Mr French-"Do you think so?
Pitch '"Oh I do and I must say Mick you really have kept your age well. "
Mr French-"Do you think so Pitch ?
Pitch-"I do .
Mr French-"I suppose being a bachelor and not having the pressure's of fatherhood and running a family has contributed to that ."
Pitch-"Maybe that's what it is Mick that has you a wrinkle free face ."
Mr French-"No doubt ."
Pitch-"That smile is as warm and friendly as ever . "
Mr French-" Thank you Pitch ."
Pitch-"Are those still your own teeth ?
Mr French-"I'm proud to say that they are ."
Pitch-"As a matter of fact I think you look younger every time I see you ."
Mr French-"Do you really think so ."
Pitch '"I'm sure of it ."
Mr French has a good close look at himself in the mirror .
Mr French-"I think you're right Pitch . I'm the one who hasn't really taken any notice . I'm not so over the hill then ?
Pitch "Far from it Mick and as a matter of fact I'd even have to say that you're sitting pretty right at the very top of the hill ."
Admiring himself walking back and forward like a peacock . He stops every now and then , checking his stance in front of the mirror .He pulls a face and smiles , checks his profiles , sucks in his stomach and straightens his attire .
Mr French-" Clean living Pitch . That's what really pays dividends ."
Pitch-"Is that right ?
Mr French 'Oh yes . You see I have looked after myself you know ."
Pitch-"Oh I'd say you must have ."
Mr French-"Take it from me Pitch . It shows in your later years ."
Pitch-"It has done with you all right ."
Mr French-"I want you to be completely honest with me now Pitch . So do I still have it ?
Pitch-"Have what ?
Mr French-"Women's appeal , you know. a firm trim body . Be honest ."
Enter Alice with three plates on a tray
Alice- Dinner is served . Beef , spuds and greens ."
Pitch-"Mum might be able to answer that question for you Mick ."
Mr French '" (Coughing ) It ok . Don't worry . Great dinner . Mmm"
They all sit down to eat
Alice:-"What is that question ?
Mr French:- "I was just saying Alice the way to a mans heart is through his stomach . Isn't that what they say ?
Alice:- Have you a good appetite Mr French ? .
Mr French:-I enjoy eating . Please call me Mick, Alice"
Alice- Tell me Mick . What's the reason for your visit ?
Mr French:-"Well apart from sampling your cooking Alice ."
Pitch coughs as he tries to hold back his laughter and has to excuse himself from the room .
Pitch;- "Sorry there's something stuck in my throat ."
Alice;-It must be the seasoning son ."
Mr French:-Alice , I've always loved¦.
He never got to finish what he was saying as Pitch returns into the room
Pitch:- " I'm sorry to run and leave Mum , but I just remembered there's a miners meeting tonight in the local and I've got to be there ."
Alice:- "Not another meeting son . That's three already this week ?
Pitch:- Things are not looking good for the miners at the moment .
Alice :-"Are these meetings open to the general public ?
Pitch:-" Its only for the miners I'm sorry to say Mum ."
Alice :-"Comb your hair ."
Pitch:-"I did .
Alice :- "Wash your face .
Pitch :- Its clean . Don't be waiting up Mum . Bye Mr French ."
Mr French:- Goodnight Pitch . "
Exit Pitch
Alice:-"Now Mick . You were just going to tell me the purpose of your visit ."
Mr French:-" So I was .( He pauses for a deep breath and clears his throat )
It has to do with Pitch and yourself ."
Alice :- Is there some problem Mick ?
Mr French:-"No problem Alice . Just give me a few moments if you would ."
He stands up and walks around a little .
Alice :-"I'll put the kettle on for some tea ."
Mr French:-"I have something to say and I don't want to waste words over a cup of tea Alice ."
Alice:- Please carry on Mick ."
Mr French:-" As you know Alice I am a bachelor with a good background . My finances are secure and this moment in my life I would like you to consider my proposal of marriage to you Alice ."
Alice :-" Did you say marriage ?
Mr French:-"I am a very patient man Alice so take your time . There is no
rush to answer me straight away . Just consider the options Alice ."
Alice :-Well Mick . I don't know what to say to you ."
Mr French:-"Yes would do ."
Alice :-"I'm flattered .
Mr French:-"I'm shaking ."
Alice :-"I'm not sure ."
Mr French:- I am ."
Alice :-"I'm thinking maybe ."
Mr French:-"Don't think Alice ."
Alice :-"Do me a favour Mick ."
Mr French:-" Sure what do you want . I'd do anything Alice ."
Alice :-"Answer me this . If I said no , how would you feel towards me ?
Mr French:-"I am a forgiving man Alice ."
Alice :- "Then please forgive me Mick . I must say no "
Mr French :-"Can I ask why ?
Alice :-"My husband has only been gone a short while and I need time ."
Mr French :- "its been years since Bob died Alice and life goes on ."
Alice :-"I know ."
Mr French :-"You have to think about yourself Alice ."
Alice :-"I grant you that all right but I need time just to find my feet and see who I am . I can't pretend to love another person . It has to be right .
Mr French:-'Let me make it right for you Alice .
Alice :-"I need to be alone for a while ."
Mr French:- I've been alone all my life Alice and for a long time I have not let my feelings for you show ."
Alice :-" Can you understand Mick . I have not let Bob go ."
Mr French :- "Alice . This Saturday night is my farewell dinner . I'm retirning at the end of this term with the department . I'd be honoured of you would accompany me Alice . Surely you can do that for me .
Alice :-"To the dinner . I'd love to Mick . The only thing is I've nothing to wear . I haven't been out for years and I have no idea what women are wearing these days ."
He puts his hand in his pocket and pulls put his wallet . He proceeds to hand Alice some money
Mr French:-"Use this to buy yourself something ."
Alice takes the money in her hand and he passes over some more notes hand
Alice :- "That's very generous Mick .
Mr French:- "Buy Pitch some new shoes ." he passes on some more notes.
Alice :-"Actually Mick he's got plenty of work boots and that's all he needs ."
Mr French:-"He needs social footwear Alice . Trust me ."
Alice :-Since when did you become his minder Mr French ?"
Mr French :-"Aw come on Alice, don't get asll serious on me . I'm only trying to help . I have always been very fond of Pitch ."
Alice :-"Well ok . I am sorry .
Mr French:-"I only meant well ."
Alice :-"Sure . I'll see you Saturday evening then .
Mr French:-" No kidding Alice . Great ."
Alice :-"Fine . About what time ."
Mr French:-"Say about seven ."
Alice :-"I'll see you then . Alice shows him to the door . As he puts his coat back on .
Mr French :-" Bye ."
He kisses her cheek and exits . Alice closes the door and feels her cheek then sits down near the radio . She finds her knitting and fidgets for a while .She seems flustered . She gets up and almost floats around the room . She looks in the mirror and adjusts her hair here and there . She is brought back to earth by a loud knock and the voice of Mr Spicer the union delegate shouting at the door .
Mr Spicer :-" Hello . Pitch are you there . Is anyone home ?."
She opens the door .Enter Mr Spicer .
Alice :-"Mr Spicer . Is there something wrong ?"
Mr Spicer:-"Hello Mrs Davis . How are you . Is Pitch in there ?
Alice :-"How could he be . He is at the local for the miners meeting. Shouldn't you be there as well Mr Spicer ?
Mr Spicer :-He's where ?
Alice :-" Its where you said . At the local pub . "
Mr Spicer :-"(Clearing his throat) Oh yeah that's right . I think I did say something like that ."
Alice :-" It seems to me there have been a lot of meetings there lately ."
Mr Spicer sits himself down and proceeds to lit up a pipe .
Alice :-"I would say make yourself at home Mr Spicer but I see you already have . Did you forget about the miners meeting tonight then ?
Mr Spicer :- "Well the thing is Mr Davis , I have had a lot on my mind ."
Alice :-" Like what kind of things ?
He gets up from the seat and makes his way to the front door .
Mr Spicer :-"I won't keep you then Mrs Davis ."
Alice :-"Is there a problem at the pit head ?
Mr Spicer :-"I'd be obliged not to say anything at this stage Mrs Davis ."
Alice :-"So I'd say there must be something going to happen . Am I right ?
Mr Spicer :-" This is confidential . I'm only telling you because your Bob played a big part fighting for miners rights .I had a phone call this morning from some big shot in the coal board . There is not a strong market for coal out there world ."
Alice :-" .Are we going to suffer ?
Mr Spicer :-" I'm going to have to tell the men at the coal face what's going on . The news is not good . The thing is the demand for coal is reducing more and more each week . By the end of the month there could be job cuts ."
Alice :-" They can't do that . Can they ?
Mr Spicer :-" Lets say . At this stage we are in conflict . It could get serious ."
Alice :-"I see . You better get to the meeting then. "
Mr Spicer :-"Ok . I'll go and join them there .
Alice :-"I'm sure they will be wondering where you are .
Mr Spicer :-"Goodnight Mrs Davis ."
Exit Mr Spicer . Alice closes the door and goes over to the radio and turns it on then she sits down and puts her feet up on a footrest. Just as she gets comfortable another knock comes to the door .Its Gareth who shouts out.
Gareth :-"Hello . Alice . It's me Gareth . "
Alice:-"Come in the doors open ."
Enter Gareth on Stage .
Gareth:-"(Burps and wheezes and sways a bit ) Aliccce.. Its not what you think .
Alice :-"Gareth its you and you're drunk ."
Gareth:-"(Burps) Now don't talk to me like that Alice ."
Alice :-"What on earth are you doing ? Have you any idea what time it is ?
Gareth :-"Nighttimes and your neighbours are already talking Alice .(Ha Ha)
Alice :-"Have you no respect . Look at the state your in ."
Gareth:-"(Hic Ups) Can't a man even have a little drink without being hauled over the coals . (He laughs)
Alice :-You're not staying here tonight ."
Gareth:-"You are my sister in law after all ."
Alice :-"People will be saying I'm a loose woman ."
Gareth:-"So . Let them talk . You and I know its only gossip .
Alice :-"You're not stopping here . Come back tomorrow when you've sobered up and we'll have another talk ."
Gareth:-"That's all I get around here .Nag Nag and slabber .
Alice "Go on off you go . "
She opens the door
Gareth :-"(Burps) You know what Alice . I have nothing to say to you ."
Alice "That's good . So get on your way .'
Gareth :-"That's your problem see Alice ."
Alice :-"What problem ?
Gareth:-"Just be ..Just be.. Just because I've called into say hello for once doesn't mean I (Burp) want to stay the night ."
Alice "All right them come in and sit down and I'll fix you a cup of tea ."
Gareth :-"(Hiccup and a cough ) A cup of what ?
Alice :-"Tea .Its what us sober people do at night ."
Gareth:-"I don't want tea . As a matter of.. (Burp) I'm telling you , as a matter .. what am I trying to tell you . ?
Alice :-"For goodness sake sit down before you fall to the floor ."
He nearly makes it to the armchair but falls getting there . He can't get to his feet and Alice stands looking down at him .
Gareth:-"That's typical like .(Hiccup) The only time I need your help and you stand there (burp) even more typical (Hiccup) is like I can't think what I was going to tell you . Its depravity and I'm not joking ."
Alice :-Stop talking and just sit up straight .
Gareth:-"Can't do that ."
Alice :-"Come on . Try and sit up ."
After a few attempts he manages to make it to the armchair .
Gareth :-"I'm not drink tea if that's what you want me to do .
Alice :- I don't want this visit to extend into a weeks holiday ."
Gareth:-"I've better things to be doing than sitting here . (Hiccup) Drinking tea and eating homemade biscuits ".
Alice :-"I've better things to be doing than entertaining the likes of you ."
Gareth:-" That's nice . I am (Hiccup) you're only bro.. your brot ... brother in law . (Burp) I'm hurt that you should say such a thing (Burp)
Alice :-"Here have you ever once ever called in to say a decent friendly hello . Its have you a loaf or some spare change or a loan or a how are you Alice .
Gareth:-"I'm not staying here to (burp) be .ah in. insu.. insulted . I'm defenceless in my situation . I know when I'm not welcome so that's it I'm going ."
Alice :-"Sit down and shut up ."
Gareth:-"No.
Alice :-"It's no wonder my hearts broke ."
Gareth :-"Its hard on us men . We never get anything but nagging ."
Alice:-" For once you've got to admit you're not in control of this argument . So just sit there and give my head peace ."
Gareth:-It's a hard life without a wife Alice ."
Alice :-" Get one then .
Gareth:-" I've lost the urge ."
Alice :-"You never had an urge . Remember . It left when you threw it into the bottom of a bottle . "
Gareth :-" I nearly had it back once ."
Alice :-"I've heard it all before Gareth ."
Gareth:-How's Pitch ?
Alice :-" He's not been himself . He's been spending too much time doing things in town . He swings in from time to time like a lodger ."
Gareth:-'He's growing up Alice ."
Alice:-"I worry about him Gareth .
Gareth:-" (Burp) Is he still workinh down in the deep mine ?
Alice:-"Afraid so ."
Gareth:-"I'd like to help him but I'm not (hic) up to it at the moment . My business is quiet and my time is spent chasing debts . I've five days fully occ..occup.. occupied with (hiccup) Hassles ."
Alice:-" Tell me then where do your profits go?
Gareth:-".Over my head Alice ."
Alice :-"What ."
Gareth:-"On my overheads .
Alice :-"You've got to get a life . Change your tune . It's the same old story over and over again ."
Gareth:-" I've always listened to you Alice , you know that ."
Alice :-"I'm fed up with all your excuses ."
Enter Pitch on set . Slams the doors and Gareth jumps in fright . Pitch walks back and forth across the room for a few moments and then breaks the silence
Pitch:-" Well there's trouble brewing ."
Alice :-"What's wrong son ?
Pitch:-"There's trouble in the mine ."
Alice :-"Trouble ?"
Pitch:-"I'm afraid so .
Gareth:-"There's (hiccup) always trouble in the mine .
Alice :Shut up will you . "
Alice :What is going on Pitch ?
Pitch:-"Listen here's the bird .. what's going on is going to all over town tomorrow . It looks as if all of us miners have a strike looming . There's a long road ahead .
Alice :-"What ?
Pitch :- "Goodnight Mother .
End of Act One -
Rearrange the set for act two
Act Two
The Strike
Cast of Characters ' Six
Alice Davis ' The Mother
Pitch Davis - The Son
Huw Spicer 'The Union Delegate
Gareth Davis - The Uncle
The Waiter
Mr French- The School Teacher
Setting ' An untidy parlour room . There are some papers and books lying around . The mirror above the fireplace is missing . There are laundry baskets with clothes needed ironed .. A few candles sit on the mantle piece beside religious pictures . Boots are scatter on the floor blankets and shirts are draped over chairs . On hall table near the door is a small bird cage with a canary perched inside . The fireplace looks empty and cold .
An outside microphone projects some opening narration that introduces the current situation .
Narrator :- As it was expected the miners went on strike . There have been many new developments . As hungry miners fight daily battles with truck drivers and scab labour the union leaders try to bring some end to the conflict between British Coal Representatives and the miners . The media have played a major role in keeping the activities well spiced up during the negotiations . Other issues have become real issues . Landlords want their rent and publicans want their customers back , but the miners pockets are empty . Still the strike continues . Its been twelve months since the strike began and all over England it seemed a huge dark cloud has come and hung itself amidst the cities and towns of the working class .
The Davis home has kept things going as best as they could through it all.
Times are hard but the miners and their families are sticking together and getting help and support from all over the country .
Enter Pitch on set . He goes over and sits down near the empty fireplace . Putting his feet up he takes a book from the floor and starts to read it . Enter Alice on stage , She joins Pitch and grabs her knitting from a basket and begins to click away with the needles . Softly she sings away to herself .
Pitch-: "Is there any chance you could change the tune . You've been humming the same number for two weeks now . I starting to sing it in my sleep Mother ."
Alice-:"Jesus wept . How do you expect me to change my tune . How can I keep from singing ."
Pitch-"It's not the singing , it's just the song ."
Alice '" How long do you think they're going to keep up with the strike ? The whole country is talking and we're on our knees . When are you going back to work son ?
Pitch-"I don't know when Mother ."
Alice-"Can't you find another job ?
PitchNo ."
Alice -"Can't you get off your backside for just once and go and have a look for work somewhere ?
Pitch-" You don't understand the ethics of it all Mother ."
Alice-"So you're blaming ethics for being out of a job . Ethics to you is just another word for lying around reading books and newspapers . You;'ve read the same pages over and over again for the past twelve months ."
Pitch-"I need time to let it all sink in ."
Alice '" Sink in you say . I'll give you something to sink in . We have no food left after tomorrow . The rent is overdue . We have no heating because there is no coal since you all decided to go on strike ."
Pitch-" Jesus wept Mother . I can't get another job . Can't you see ."
Alice '"Oh I see everything all right . I see how you're being chewed up and spat out by people who are only in it for what they can get out of it ."
Pitch-"It's us against them Mother . As long as we stand together we will win .
So long as the strike is on we're in boots and all . If I got another job I'd be worse than a scab on all the lads . We have to see this through .
Alice '"We're down in the pits Pitch and there seems no way out ."
Pitch:-"I know its hard , but we must suffer on ."
Alice-"Jesus Wept .Haven't we suffered enough ?
Pitch-" There is a price we all have to pay . Its cost many miners job already ."
Alice-All right then tell me will it all be worth it in the end ?
Pitch-" The rights of man are always worth fighting for ."
Alice '" As far as I can remember there has always been a fight in this place for one thing or another ."
Pitch-" Then you must understand . If I was to get into the ring for a title fight . How would the crowd react if I threw the towel in or if I took a dive ?
Alice '"Pitch you know my feelings about boxing . So lets talk about something else ..
Pitch-" What's for dinner tonight then ?
Alice '"Spuds and greens ."
Pitch- "Sounds delicious ."(Sarcastically)
Alice '"Oh shut up ." (She laughs )
Pitch-" We're had spuds and greens for the past six months ."
Alice '"You'll eat them and enjoy them .
Pitch-"We'll both end up like vegetables after all this is over .
Alice-"Thank God we have a dinner set in front of us tonight . There are many going without !
Pitch-"Well tell me where they are and I'll give them mine ."(He laughs)
Alice '" That's not very funny . Now scald the tea pot will you ."
Pitch-"Is there anything we could have with a cup of tea like a pastry or some chocolate . I'm not a greedy man but all I'm thinking of is cake ."
Alice '"Put them thoughts out of your mine and on your way into the kitchen put the talk box on for me will you ?
Pitch '"I'd love to Mother but we had to sell the radiogram . Don't you remember we got rid of it a few weeks ago ?
Alice '"That's right . So we did ."
Pitch-"Good morning Mother ."
Alice "It's evening .
Pitch-:Good morning anyway ."
Alice '"Aw shut up .
Pitch-"You loved that talk box . Didn't you ."
Alice '"It gave me some comfort all right ."
Pitch-"Tell me Mother . What would you say to a talk box with pictures on it ?
Alice '"Are you trying to tell me that I can see the people talking to me ?
Pitch-"I sure am and in living colour too ."
Alice '"I'd say you were having me on . As a matter of face I might even say that would be a miracle .
Pitch-Well then, welcome to the miracle of television ."
Alice -"Tele what .
Pitch-'It's called television or TV for short and I know where I can get my hands on one ."
Alice "How much do these TV's cost .
Pitch-"About one hundred pounds.
Alice '"It certainly would be a miracle then son ."
Pitch '"Miracles do happen ."
Alice '" The miracle we all need is for the strike to end ."
Pitch '"Sure that's a fact . Maybe there's still a miracle or two on the way ."
There's a knock upon the front door and Pitch goes to answer it .
Alice '"Who is it son ."
Pitch-"It's Mr Spicer the union delegate from Durham deep .
Alice '"Ask him in . Maybe it's the good news we're all hoping for ."
Enter Pitch and Mr Spicer .
Mr Spicer '"Hello Mrs Davis how are things ?
Alice '" Well things depend on what you're here for ."
Mr Spicer '"Well I'm sorry to say there's no break in the strike action yet ?
Alice '"Well them things are as always depressing and morbid . Pitch was just about to make some tea . Have you time for a cup ?"
Mr Spicer '" I'd love a one Mr Davis ."
Alice '"Tell you what Pitch why don't you stay here with Mr Spicer and I'll make the tea . You'll probably need to catch up with all the latest news .
Pitch '"That's fine ."
Alice '" That's milk and sugar Mr Spicer ?
Mr Spicer -"That's right Mrs Davis ."
Alice '"Then excuse me . I have to go into town as we have none in the house . I won't be too long ."
Mr Spicer '"Ok . See you Mrs Davis . Off you go and enjoy the walk . It's nice and fresh outside .
Alice '"I might be a more than a little while . Is that all right ?
Mr Spicer '"No problem . I have a bit of business to discuss with Pitch so take your time . There's no hurry ."
Alice '"Right then I see . Maybe I'll call into the church and say a prayer that this strike will end soon ."
Mr Spicer '"Now that is a great idea .
Alice grabs her coat and hat and makes an exit .
Pitch-"I'm sure you haven't said any prayers then ."
Mr Spicer '"Well you know why I'm here Pitch ."
Pitch-"What's the job ?
Mr Spicer '" One only . I need his hands and face smashed up . Make it lokk convincing . Like the other jobs you fixed for us . Ok "
Pitch '"Who is he ?
Mr Spicer '"Have you forgot the no name policy with this job . He's a man who likes to drive trucks through the picket lines . That's all you need to know and another things see of you can do something a bout his kneecaps .OK "
He hands Pitch an envelope .
Pitch '"Is it all there ."
Mr Spicer '" I don't want him driving trucks for a while ok . The address and the money are inside the envelope ."
Pitch-"Sure thing . I'll make sure he's off the road until the strike is over ."
Mr Spicer '"I don't like him ."
Pitch '" I feel the same . He's a bloody scab ."
Mr Spicer '"That's right . A bloody scab !
Pitch-" He'll get a face lift ' I'll make him understand ."
Mr Spicer '"Nothing permanent though Pitch ok ? "
Pitch '"He doesn't know how lucky he is . After I've finished with him he'll never want to sit in another truck ever again ."
Mr Spicer-" I don't want any comebacks . Right ?
Pitch-"Have I slipped up yet ?
Mr Spicer '"Not yet and don't think of starting now ."
Pitch-"Don't worry Mr Spicer ."
Mr Spicer '" You're a good man Pitch . Tell you what . The next job you do for me there will be a n extra hundred . Call it a bully boy bonus " (They both burst out laughing )
Pitch '" The miracle of television ?
Mr Spicer-"What ?
Pitch '" Aw . TV you know . "
Mr Spicer '"No . I've no interest in it .
Pitch-"Have you another job coming up ?
Mr Spicer '" Yeah . At the end of the week .
Pitch-"I'll take all you have at the moment Mr Spicer ."
Pitch pulls a pair of black leather gloves and slips them on to his hands .
He makes a tight fist and sits down .
Mr Spicer pulls a seat next to him and they sit looking at the floor .
Mr Spicer '"Why did you quit boxing . You were King of the ring around here Pitch . We all thought you could go all the way .
Pitch-" Awh I got fed up with it ? Three punches and that was it . All over you know . It was beginning to bore the stuffing out of me ."
Mr Spicer '"Kid Davis . Wasn't it ?
Pitch-"Yeah . That was my name . That's right . The next title holder .
The next world champ . Always the next something .
Mr Spicer '"These days there's not many local lads like you left Pitch ."
Pitch-" These days my hands are doing better things .
Mr Spicer-"You miss your Dad still don't you ?
Pitch '"I've learned to put it all under my belt ."
Mr Spicer '"Did your Mum ever find out about Kid Davis ."
Pitch-" Are you kidding ?
Mr Spicer-"What about all the newspaper articles and photos.? "
Pitch '"You know Mum can't read and she would never know me with my gloves and shorts on .
Mr Spicer '"I've kept all those cuttings . The write ups about the title fight . The pictures and the ring reports .
Pitch-" Do me a favour and keep them safe will you ?
Mr Spicer '"Fair play to you Pitch . I know you left the ring because you feared your Mum might find out about your boxing career ."
Pitch-" You know what . Sometimes I get so upset with those loud mouths down at the pub that I'd like to rearrange their faces for them . The only thing is they know who I am . They know my fists are registered and I can't lay a finger on any of them ."
Mr Spicer '"If you ever went for them Pitch , I wouldn't want to try and stop you . I suppose you know it must get you down when they blab on .
Pitch '"If I made a swing at any of them . I'd be in court answering charges and them Mum would find out about Kid Davis . That would kill her you know and I don't want that ."
Mr Spicer '" How does it feel when I get you these odd jobs Pitch ?"
Pitch stands up makes a fist and shapes up . He throws a few combinations .
Together , left jab, right cross followed by another left jab and a right uppercut
Pitch-" See these hands . That's why I have to be very careful . I'm serious .
I mean like deadly serious .
Enter Alice on stage carrying a bag of groceries . She can't see Pitch over the bag of groceries and Pitch quickly pulls off the gloves and sits down .
Alice '" Trust me to miss the bus - I had to run all the way up the hill .
I never saw who the driver was . But I know he must have saw me .
Alice puts the bags down and takes off her coat .
Pitch-"Sit down Mum you look exhausted . Let me make the tea.
Mr Spicer '"I'm really sorry Mrs Davis but I'll have to pass on the tea . Ijust remembered I have a miners meeting to attend .
Alice -"Are you sure now ?
Mr Spicer-Thanks anyway maybe another time .I hoe I haven't caused you any trouble ."
Alice '"No trouble Mr Spicer I had to go to the supermarket anyway ".
Pitch-"I'll show you out then ."
Mr Spicer and Pitch make their way to the door .
Alice "See you next time and I hope it will be soon with some good news ."
Mr Spicer '"Thanks Mrs Davis and keep your prayers going . That's the kind of thing we need . All the best . I'll see you at the meeting them Pitch .Ok ? "
Pitch-"What . Ooh ah right ok then . See you there at the meeting . Is it at the same time and place as the last one .
Mr Spicer-"The very same place Pitch . Bye all "
Exit Mr Spicer .
Alice '" Good . He's gone the time waster ."
Pitch '"I'm going to have a bath ."
Alice '"It will have to be in cold water again .
Pitch-"That's ok . I'm getting use to it now .'
Alice '"Right . I'll have some dinner ready by the time you get out .
Pitch-"I'll have to go out after dinner to the meeting ?
Alice '"Where is it at then ?
Pitch '"Its down at the Nags Head again ."
Alice '"Can't they find a quieter place for a miners meeting than in there ?
Pitch '" Its all there is .
Alice '" There just seems to be an awful lot of meeting lately ."
Pitch-"I haven't noticed ."
Alice '"I just wish there would be some outcome or some conclusion .
Pitch-"Its all right Mother . I feel the same way too ."
Alice '"Its just the conflict with the miners is not any where near being resolved . The strike action has not helped us at all .
Pitch-" It is getting better every day ."
Alice '" Jesus Wept ! Getting better. "
Pitch '" That's right Mother ."
Alice starts to sing You'll never walk alone .
Alice '" When you walk through a storm hold your head up high and don't be afraid of the dark ¦."
Suddenly all the lights on stage all turned off .
Pitch '"Don't panic Mother . It's probably another power cut ."
Alice '" Can you find a candle son ?
Pitch '"Its ok . I've got a candle ."
There's a flicker of candlelight on stage . Pitch places the candle on the mantle piece . The stage lights slowly come back on .
Alice-"For a moment I thought we were in trouble ."
Pitch-"Well its all right now see . It's better to light a candle that to curse the darkness they say ."
Alice '" Who said that ."
Pitch-"I think it must have been the electric company ." (They both snigger )
Alice '"Go and have that bath now . Ok ?"
Pitch-"I've changed my mind . I had a wash while you were out so I'll just put the groceries away for you and head on to the meeting . Keep my dinner on a plate and I'll have it when I come home later on ."
Alice '"Comb your hair before you go out ."
Pitch-"I'm going to a miners meeting at the Nags Head Mother ."
Alice '"Its matters not ."
Pitch-' What's the point ?
Alice- " The point is, no son of mine is going out this door with untidy hair ."
Pitch '" Ok "
Pitch wets his fingers and runs his hand through his hair .
Alice '"Pull your trousers up ."
Pitch-"Bye Mum ."
Pitch straightens his trousers and lifts the bag of groceries then makes an exit. Alice takes a seat and looks up at the ceiling .
Alice '"Bob . He's all grown up now . Our little boy Pitch.. Pitch . What's ever going to become our big son Pitch ?
She takes up her knitting and begins to weave her needles as she talks aloud to some unseen presence there .
Four thousand miners out on strike . Hard times indeed . It's a angry crowd they are too . People get that way when hunger takes a hold . The pains of poverty . Jesus Wept for the suffering of it all , betrayed by those who keep
them digging , punished by those who keep us poor .Dark days indeed over Durham . Many heads are hanging low and many smiles have ran away .
You're right son we have to fight for what is right . Go on Pitch take a stand and make your way through the struggle until you stand at the top of the pile .
A man who has overcome his hardships . Look at me Bob I'm smiling back at you . I'm proud of you and our boy Pitch . I'm waiting to see the sun shine again through the dark clouds that have covered our town .
Alice stops talking as a knock raps the front door . She runs her hands through her hair and gets up to answer the door .
Enter Mr French on stage .
Mr French '" Its nice to see you again Alice . How have you been ?
Alice '"For goodness sake Mick it's been a while since I saw you last .
Mr French -"It must have been at my retirement dinner ."
Alice '"That seems so long ago . How have you been ?"
Mr French-" Ok I guess . I've been thinking about you and thought I'd give you a surprise visit , I hope you don't mind ?
Alice '"Not at all . Its good to have some company . Come and sit down .
Mr French -I have a proposal to put to you Alice ."
Alice '"Is it something to do with the miners strike ?
Mr French '"No ."
Alice-" Ok then . Is there a problem ?
Mr French-" Well the problem is I am in love with you ."
Alice '"Since when ?
Mr French '" For as long as I can remember ."
Alice -" I am touched but really since I married Bob there has never been anyone else .
Mr French -"Alice I loved you even before you married Bob . That's the reason I never married . You were the only girl for me ."
Alice-Mick , in all the years I've known you I never once ever realised that you had any such feelings for me . "
Mr French '" It was only after Bob passed away that I decided I would let my emotions known to you .
Alice-" Bob was and is still my husband .
Mr French '" Bob is dead Alice . Don't let life or love pass you by . God would bless our union . It is ok to remarry when your partner dies . There is no such thing as adultery after the death of your partner . This love I have for you cannot be denied Alice ."
Alice '" Somehow in some peculiar way what you are saying makes sense to me and believe it or not I do have feelings for you too Mick ."
Mr French '"Life is long and we are young allow me to propose to you ."
Alice '" This heart of mine is attentive to your words .
He produces a small box from his pocket and opens it up to reveal this gold ring crowned with coloured jewels . He holds the ring before Alice and gets down on one knee .
Mr French-" Alice time after time I find myself climbing up these stairs reaching for you . I'm jumping over fences and running to the line.
Each time your love pulls me through. No one can steal the feelings that I have for you Alice , God knows it's true . So say you will come with me and together we will climb up these stairs, Two by two . Accept this ring of diamonds they are dusted with love .They shine like the stars above.
On the journey of a lifetime from diamonds to dust . You and I can share this love . Say you will be my wife and if you do I promise that I will take care of you until the stars no longer shine because you are forever mine .
My love is true .
Alice -"I am swept away like a feather on the wind and as I fall I land in your arms . Hold me near my dear heart . I want to climb those stairs with you . Yes Mick I will be your wife ."
She takes the ring from the box and slips it on her finger . Then he reaches out to her . She falls into his arms . They embrace .
Mr French-"Alice today you have made me the happiest man in all the world ."
Alice '"I never thought I could allow myself to love another person again . You have changed all that .
Enter Pitch and Mr Spicer on stage
Pitch-"Mum . Mick . "
Alice -Hello son .
Mr French '"Hello Pitch . Your Mother and I are going to be married ."
Pitch-"This is indeed a fine night and God is in heaven.
Mr Spicer -"All is well ."
Alice '"You're ok about everything Pitch ."
Pitch-"I am happy when you are happy ."
Alice '"Thank God Pitch . "
Pitch-"The thing is Mum I will have no worries about you spending you life alone and now I can go out and meet a girl myself .
Alice '" Mick . I have the best son in all the world ."
Mr French '" Then I have no worries Pitch about us as a family ."
Mr Spicer '" And I have no worries about a scab truck driver either .
Alice '"I don't get you . What are you trying to say Mr Spicer. "
Pitch-"Don't worry . It's a personal joke Mother .
There is a knock upon the door. Pitches opens it and enter Uncle Gareth
Alice-"Well Gareth . What is it "
Gareth '"Ah (Hic) Hello people (hic ) .How are you all . Mr Spice (Hic) Mr French and my ah , my dear, sister in law (hic) .
Mr Spicer- "Fine . What about yourself Gareth ?:
Gareth ' "(Burp) Are you serious ?
Mr Spicer-"Deadly.
Pitch-"Uncle Gareth . What's happening ?
Gareth-"Its party time . (hic) I'm flying . (Burp)
Alice '" Look at the state of you Gareth ?
Gareth-" I know , isn't it fan..(hic) fantastic .":
Pitch-"What is going on Uncle Gareth?
Gareth '"I'm trying to teel you . I (hic) need the bus fare ..
Alice '"There are no buses at this time ."
Gareth '"Listen to me (Hic) I'm trying to tell you . I need (Hic) the bus .. (burp) fare to,, ah .err.
Mr French-"What you need is to go home and sleep it off.
Gareth-"Ah..hang on a sec..(hic) second, , what gives you.. (Hic) who..asked you ahh to join ."
Alice _I did and you may as well know that Mick and I are soon going to be married . So you better get used to seeing him around ."
Gareth-"Well that's it then.. I'm off ."
Mr French-"Didn't you hear what Alice said . We are going to be married . Are we not going to receive your warm wishes ?
Gareth-"Well I hope .. at least there'll be a drink for me at the reception . That's all I can say. Yippee yiehee for yoo too. "
Alice gets her purse and opens it to take a few coins from it .She hands them over to Gareth .
Alice-"Here , make sure you get the bus home . Gareth , I wish you would do yourself a favour and find a good wife and settle down .
Gareth "(Hic) The party is just beginning , Oh yeah look out , there's going to be a storm in the town tonight ."
He pulls a can of beer form his pocket and pulls the ring . He puts the can to his lips and takes a huge swallow . (hic)
Alice '"The party is over Gareth . Haven't you heard there's a strike on ."
Gareth-"I know but I can still hold my drink . (hic)
Alice '"Not in my house Gareth . If you want to continue your party of one,
Take yourself down to an empty bench in the market place . I'm sure you'll find some suitable company there ."
Gareth-"Remember what I said , God bless all here . Its party time "
Alice opens the front door and shows Gareth out .
Mr Spicer '" Get a load of that . Could you just imagine what kind of a woman would hitch herself up to him for the rest of your life ."
Pitch-"What did you say ?
Mr Spicer '" Let me rephrase that .What I'd really like to take at this moment is before you two get married may I be the first to offer a horse and a carriage for the wedding service .
Mr French '"That's a very generous offer Mr Spicer .
Mr Spicer '"It's the least I could do . Its my way of saying thanks to Mrs Davis for all her kindness over the years . ?
Pitch-" I'd like to offer to buy the drinks for the reception and book the hall in advance if it is ok with you both .
Mr French-"I'm honoured Pitch ."
Alice-" How thoughtful Pitch . I'd be delighted .
Pitch-" It's a date then .
Pitch-"If we hurry we might catch Uncle Gareth . The party has just begun .
Alice '"Go on Mick , it will do you good .
Mr Spicer '"See you Alice ."
Pitch -"Bye Mum . "
Pitch , Mr French and Mr Spicer make an Exit .Alice sits down and lifts her knitting . She begins to talk aloud
Alice- " Well Bob . Its been so long since we were married and I got to know you well . I think Mick is a good man and I am happy to share what time I have left with him . I am wondering what you think of him .
A knock comes upon the front door . Alice opens it and in walks Pitch with a shoebox .
Pitch- " I was on my way down the road and found this little dickiebird . It must have hurt itself . I though the canary might like some company ."
Pitch opens the birdcage door and puts the bird inside with the canary .
Alice '" Pitch ?
Pitch '"Yes Mother.
Alice-"What do you think of Mick?
Pitch-" I like him mother .
Alice '"Right . I like him too .
Pitch '"I'm glad you've found somebody . Are you thinking of having any more kids ?
Alice '" (Laughs) Oh shut up . Go on . Off you go ."
Pitch-" Only if I get a kiss ."
Alice-" I think you should comb your hair before you go out ."
Pitch-"Good night Mum ."
Alice-"Good night son ."
Exit Pitch
Alice draws the curtains and bolts the door . The lights on stage dim for a moment and then they are switched completely off .As the lights come back on stage a new day had dawned . Alice is sitting down eating breakfast .
Enter Pitch and Gareth '
Pitch '"Good morning Mum . Look what I found huddled up on a bench in the market place late last night .
Alice '"My goodness Gareth ! You look like you've been hit by a runaway coal train ."
Gareth-"Actually it was a bottle of runaway whiskey.. I think .
Pitch '" He would still be there this morning if I hadn't brought him home ."
Gareth-"Thanks Pitch ."
Alice '" If you ask me Gareth I think you need to sort this problem out ."
Gareth-" It's nothing I can't handle Alice .
Alice '" Come on Gareth . You're not kidding me . "
Gareth-" Do you think I can't see the wagon coming ."
Alice '" You need to get on pretty soon ."
Gareth "You're a headache Alice ."
Alice-"Pitch put your Uncle on an egg for breakfast before I change my mind and throw him out on the street hungry ."
Gareth-" Just a cup of tea would be fine Alice .
Alice- "I'm going shopping for a dress and shoes . When I get back I'll expect to find you all out of the house .
Alice puts her hat and coat on and she makes her exit . Pitch hands a cup of tea to Gareth who quickly exits .
"Gareth '"Thanks Pitch . I owe you .
As Gareth makes his exit, in walks Mr Spicer .
Mr Spicer ' "Pitch . I've got a job for you ."
Pitch-" So I get the bully bonus then ?
Mr Spicer - " Dead right you do . Listen three truck drivers need to learn some new rules of the road . Let them know just how dangerous driving can be these days .
Pitch-" Do you want them permanently off the road ?
Mr Spicer '" Yeah . I need this one Pitch . Make an example of them . They've got to get the message that we are serious . No comebacks right !
Pitch-" This job will cost you Mr Spicer ."
He produces a large envelope and hands it over to Pitch who opens it up and hands it back to Mr Spicer .
Mr Spicer-"What's the problem ?
Pitch-"That's not enough for this job ."
Mr Spicer '" Leave it out Pitch ."
Pitch-"Ok forget it . Do it your self then.
Mr Spicer '"This strike is costing me a fortune Pitch ."
Pitch-"I'm not exactly living a life of luxery either .
Mr Spicer '"How much do you want ?
Pitch-" Double what is in the envelope.
Mr Spicer-" That's a thousand a man ."
Pitch-" Correct ."
Mr Spicer '"We had agreed on five hundred a man .
Pitch-"That's history . My fees have gone up from today ."
Mr Spicer '"Even plastic surgery doesn't coat that much ."
Pitch-"I don't work for the national health ."
Mr Spicer-"You're a little monster ."
Pitch-"Twelve months without a no pay packet has turned me into one ."
Enter Alice Back On Stage
Alice '" Its been so long since I looked at wedding dresses I've forgotten how dear they were . Everything is so expensive these days .
She sits down and sobs a little .
Mr Spicer '"Ok Pitch . I'll see to it that you get what you want ."
He hands back the envelope and Pitch puts it safely away in a drawer .
They shake hands and Mr Spicer makes an exit .
Alice-So what has you on the go so early Mr Spicer ?
Mr Spicer ' "Oh I heard about a days work and thought Pitch might be interested .
Alice '"What kind of work is it ?
Pitch-'Just planting a few trees for a large private estate in the valley ."
Alice '"I'll get you some lunch made .'
Pitch-Don't bother Mum . I'll get something when I out ."
Alice '"With what ?
Mr Spicer-I've paid something in advance .
Alice '"Well that's fine then ."
Mr Spicer '" You're a fine woman Mrs Davis . I must say ."
Alice '" Ha Ha . You're a man after something . What is it ?
Mr Spicer-" Oh . I'm just paying an honest woman her dues that's all ."
Alice-" For goodness sake . Off you go and give my head peace. "
Pitch-"Bye Mother ."
Alice-" Pitch comb your hair before you go .
Pitch '"I don't need to . I'm wearing my woollen hat ."
Mr Spicer heads for the door with Pitch close behind .
Alice sits down and puts her feet up . She can't sit at peace and seems restless . She opens a book and a newspaper .
Alice '"God . Mick is coming around this morning . Wedding plans and me .
What will he ever think of me ?"
She searches in her handbag for something . Taking out a small make up mirror and some lipstick and cream she proceeds to beautify her face . Suddenly there is a banging at the door Alice rushes to see what the problem is . She screams as she makes her way to the door .
Alice-" What kind of a person comes knocking like that upon anybody's door door at this time of the morning . I am going to give them a piece if my mind Oh .. ah.. hello . Please, come in Mick . I wasn't expecting you so soon .
Enter Mr French
Mr French-"Well are you ready Alice ."
Alice - "Ready . Is there something I don't know ?
Mr French '" My love come and give me your hand . We are going into town shopping together . We have so many things to see and do before the wedding ."
Alice and Mr French both exit .
A few moments pass and Pitch comes on stage carrying a TV set .
Pitch- "Hello." (No answer )
Pitch makes a place for the TV and sets it down in the corner .
Enter Alice on stage in a fur coat and wearing jewels and high heels .
Alice '"In God's name what's that ?
Pitch-" It's a talk box with pictures Mum . The miracle of television ."
Alice '" Ok quick Pitch . Let me see it ."
Pitch-" Right . Give me a few seconds . "
Pitch plugs it in and sound with a picture utters out from it . Alice sits an arms length away in wonder at this new and wonderful thing in her home .
Alice-Oh look Pitch . I can see him talking to me ?
Pitch-"It sure is something . Colour TV ?
Alice '"Look . Can you see. ?
Pitch-"Yes I can see ."
Alice '"Can he see me Pitch .Can he ?
She is now almost sitting directly in front of the set .
Pitch-" No . But I can see you better not get any closer otherwise you'll end up in there with them ."
Enter Gareth singing
Gareth-"My love is just like apple cider she's bitter to the core and if she ever makes me sick I keep coming back for more (Hic) My love is just a bamboo stick I often get the cane , it's not the strokes that burden me for she's worth all the pain .
Pitch-" Ha Ha . My Uncle he has gone to far with no place else to go ,
He's like a season in a day but him I'm glad to know ."
Alice '" Sorry Gareth . I have no spare change this morning ."
Gareth-" Don't tell me that . Tell me something positive ."
Alice '"Go and throw yourself in the lake Gareth ."
Pitch and Gareth start to laugh . Alice joins in as well . They all sit down in front of the TV .
Gareth-"Can I get one of these ?
Alice-" I'll give you three hours a week if you want but that's it ."
Gareth-" Thanks Alice . You're very kind you know ."
Pitch-" Without a doubt ."
Alice '" Stop talking I can't hear what he is saying ."
Gareth-" I'm going to get one of these ."
Alice '"What kind of programs are on this TV Pitch ."
Pitch-"Leave that with me , I'll fix you up with some program guides later ."
Alice '" All right . I need yo talk . Turn off the TV set and listen .
All house lights fade and when they come back Alice is dressed in her wedding gown . Mick is standing beside her with a small crowd in the parlour
Mr French- 'Well Mrs French . I must admit . You are a shining star today "
Alice '" Sometimes you know I do envy other people who have to look at me
(They all laugh)
Pitch-" Something old and something new . I don't want to take anything away from your day but I want to tell you all something . There is somebody who I
have just met and I must say she could become the next big thing in my life ."
Mr Spicer '"Could I please have everybody's attention ,There is something I wanted to say and left it for this wonderful occasion . As from today the miners strike action is over . An agreement has been made and work will resume next week .
Gareth-'Well everyone seems to be trying to steal thunder so I guess you all may as well know I am officially on the wagon and I am now living in sobriety .
End Of Play - Curtain Fall
Strike A Light
Author - Paul McCann
