In Your Dreams
A Stage Play in One Act
Steven Ayckbourn
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Copyright © 2011 Steven Ayckbourn
Smashwords Edition
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The author is aware that plays are not written to be read but performed. So should you subsequently decide to conduct a read-through of the play, additional copies of the script for each of the play's characters can be downloaded. Please note that any performance, either professional or amateur, is strictly forbidden without the prior permission of the author and copyright owner. Visit the author's Web site for further information on obtaining performance rights. Thank you for respecting the author's work.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
Author's Web site: www.stevenayckbourn.com
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IN YOUR
DREAMS
A Stage Play in One Act
By Steven Ayckbourn
Characters
REGINALD
……………………… Hotel Guest
MARGOT ………………..………
His Wife
ELAINE / ELEANOR …………… Maid /
Princess
BRIAN / BLACK BRIAN ………. Porter / Knight
A room at the Royal Court Hotel
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"In Your Dreams" received its British premiere as part of "5 Story Hotel", a suite of five plays, performed at The Scarborough Library, Scarborough, North Yorkshire on 3rd July 2009. Directed by the author, the cast was as follows:
REGINALD - Neil Gardner
MARGOT - Leigh Swift
ELAINE / ELEANOR -
Sarah-Lousie Fuller
BRIAN / BLACK BRIAN - Chris Parrinder
Author
/ Director's Notes:
A double solidus // inserted within the
dialogue represents a pronounced pause and/or change in a character's
thought process. I have included them solely as sight reading aids.
I have opted to keep many of the original scene directions in the script to help the first time reader. Also the points at which the lighting changes to signify either a real time or fantasy state within the action.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
SCENE
Elaine is folding down the sheets of the bed. Margot is inspecting it. Reginald is next to Brian who is holding two cases - one large and the other small.
MARGOT
It’s rather small.
REGINALD
You think so?
MARGOT
It looked much roomier in the brochure.
(To Brian)
Are you sure this is the same room?
ELAINE
(Without
looking up) I doubt it - then they all
look the same, don’t they?
MARGOT
(To Elaine)
Do they?
BRIAN
I think you’ll find it’s been decorated, madam. The
darker tones give the illusion of less space.
MARGOT
I see. Then I suppose we’ll have to live with it.
REGINALD
It’s not so bad, dear.
Margot faintly embarrassed looks away and inspects the drawer of the dresser.
BRIAN
The dresser, madam.
MARGOT
(Swiping
her finger for dust) Yes.
BRIAN
The bathroom is just in there.
Margot crosses to the bathroom.
(Picking up the cases) I’ll leave your cases here.
MARGOT
Over here, if you wouldn’t mind. You can leave his. It’s
just mine’s rather heavy...
Brian heaves the case to the case rack.
and with Reginald’s hernia.
Margot directs Brian with the case.
ELAINE
You got a hernia, sir? they can be
painful. I know. My brother had one. Had to be operated on. (Taking
out a packet of sweets and offering him one)
Couldn’t do nothing for a month. When it became infected, we all
thought he might have to have it cut off - his leg.
MARGOT
(Picking up
on the tail end of the conversation) Well
hopefully that wont be necessary.
Reginald and Elaine jump up from the bed to attention. Margot indicates Reginald hold out his hand and she takes the sweet and gives it back to Elaine.
Perhaps you wouldn’t mind finishing what it is you’re doing.
ELAINE
I have, mum. (Going
to cross to bathroom) I’ll just fold
your towels, then I’ll be off.
Reginald sits down on the bed and studies the books on the shelf.
MARGOT
You can leave them. I’ll be using mine.
ELAINE
For one of them thingies? You tie round - to stop the
blood.
MARGOT
(To
Reginald) What on earth is she talking
about?
REGINALD
I think she’s means a tourniquet.
MARGOT
I really don’t care... If you wouldn’t mind.
ELAINE
Sorry, mum. (Crossing
to exit)
MARGOT
And do stop calling me ‘mum’. I’m not your mother.
ELAINE
Me mam’s dead, mum.
MARGOT
(Sotto) Oh
lord. You’ve made sure the glasses are clean - in the bathroom?
Usually they’re filthy.
ELAINE
Yes, mam.
MARGOT
I’ll call you if I need anything.
ELAINE
Not me, mum - I’ve got a date. But Brian will be here.
MARGOT
Brian? The maid?
ELAINE
Maid.
(Looking at Brian and sniggering)
BRIAN
(Stepping
forward proudly) No, madam. That’s me
- Brian Black. (Glaring at Elaine)
You can go now, Elaine.
ELAINE
Thank you, miss... (Looking
him up and down) Brian. (Exiting
laughing)
MARGOT
What an impertinent creature. No respect whatsoever.
BRIAN
Sorry about that, madam.
MARGOT
Amputation. Stemming blood loss. How do you think that
makes my husband feel?
BRIAN
Elaine can allow her imagination to run away with her.
MARGOT
Her tongue certainly. Then so does my husband. Not his
tongue - his imagination.
BRIAN
I’ll have a quiet word with her...
MARGOT
Quiet! If she was working for me...
REGINALD
It does have sea views?
Margot, Brian and Reginald stare toward the balcony with the closed curtains.
BRIAN
Yes, sir. Though not at night.
REGINALD
No.
Margot crosses to her case.
BRIAN
Though some guests find the lights very
pleasant. Perhaps if you would like to step outside... (Crossing
to open the curtains)
MARGOT
Certainly not. And if you’re thinking about packing us
off to some fancy restaurant - which pays you a handsome
commission...
REGINALD
Margot, dear - he was only commenting on the lights.
MARGOT
(Surveying
the interior lighting) Oh yes... Trying
to save energy like everyone else, I expect.
REGINALD
(To
Brian) Thank you, all the same.
BRIAN
You’re welcome, sir. You only have to open the curtains
and step on to the balcony.
MARGOT
I’d rather you wouldn’t keep putting ideas into his
head. // What time’s breakfast, I forgot to ask?
BRIAN
Whenever the fancy takes you, madam. Between the hours of
seven and nine thirty.
MARGOT
I was rather hoping for a lie in.
BRIAN
Lunch is served at one, madam.
MARGOT
If my other case should appear, you will send it straight
up?
BRIAN
Of course, madam.
MARGOT
How he could have lost it. I had a
feeling about him when we got on the bus. I should have asked to see
his badge (Inspecting Brian's badge).
Luckily the essential items are in here. You do have a hairdryer?
BRIAN
Me, madam?
MARGOT
The hotel.
BRIAN
Several, madam. Though I ought to inform you the trouser
press had to withdrawn for safety reasons.
MARGOT
We wont be needing that.
REGINALD
(Checking
his trousers) No. (To
Brian) But thank you for letting us
know.
BRIAN
My pleasure, sir.
(Crossing with a flourish) Then I’ll
wish you both a very pleasant stay at the Royal Court Hotel.
MARGOT
Thank you.
BRIAN
Brian, madam. Just ask for Brian Black.
MARGOT
Yes. Well - Reginald. Maybe you could
take care of Mr Black. (Gesturing a tip)
REGINALD
Right... Of course.
MARGOT
While I unpack what I can. (Removing
some items from the case and exiting into the bathroom)
REGINALD
Let me see. (Checking
his wallet) Oh dear - I’m afraid I
don’t appear to have anything small - smaller. I’ll have to catch
you later - if that’s alright. You will be here later?
BRIAN
All night, sir.
REGINALD
Then we’ll probably bump into one other.
BRIAN
Possibly, sir.
MARGOT
(Off)
Oh heavens! (Entering and addressing
Reginald) Can you believe it. She’s
forgotten to leave any soap. You do provide soap? The hotel?
BRIAN
I’ll have some sent straight up, madam.
Margot exits back into the bathroom shaking her head and muttering to herself.
REGINALD
I must apologise.
BRIAN
I understand completely, sir. They can
be challenging.
REGINALD
Yes… (Confidentially)
Brian?
BRIAN
Brian Black - that’s correct, sir.
REGINALD
Perhaps you wouldn’t mind sending up some hot milk? I
do like a mug before bed.
BRIAN
Yes, sir. It may only be warm milk.
REGINALD
Whatever you can muster.
Brian exits. Margot starts singing to herself. Reginald picks up his case and puts it on the bed and begins to remove a few choice items. He is distracted by the book on the shelf. He picks it up starts to read it.
MARGOT
(Off)
Plastic!
Reginald puts the book down. Margot enters carrying two plastic cups.
What is the world coming to? They’re plastic.
REGINALD
At least they’re clean.
MARGOT
Unless they’ve been recycled. (Holding
them up and inspecting them) Which I’m
sure they are. // Not too much, I hope. The tip?
REGINALD
I thought a fiver.
MARGOT
You gave him five pounds?
REGINALD
No - I only had a ten. I said I’d settle later.
MARGOT
I might have some. (Reaching
for her handbag)
MARGOT
Certainly nothing in excess of three.
What’s he done? Informed us the trouser press isn’t working. He
can’t even control the maid. (Giving
him some coins) Why he was trying to
get you on the balcony - god only knows.
REGINALD
He did carry our cases.
MARGOT
What’s left of them. You could have done that. If you
hadn’t gone and over exerted yourself with the spade.
REGINALD
Hoe.
MARGOT
Hoe, spade, fork.
REGINALD
If you wouldn’t mind, Margot, I’d prefer you didn’t
go telling everyone.
MARGOT
It’s a hernia, Reginald - not the
plague. // But isn’t this exciting? I know - it’s disappointingly
small - and hardly what you call 'royal'. But we’re here. For the
briefest of moments I felt I was twenty two all over.(Performs
a pirouette)
Reginald looks at her incredulously.
(Holding up a bag) Just you wait until I slip into this. But first put on these. (Removing a pair of new pyjamas from her case and tossing them to him)
REGINALD
(Holding
them up) Pyjamas?
MARGOT
You weren’t expecting to wear your regular old things?
REGINALD
They’re not that old.
MARGOT
But these are spanking new. To think I almost packed them
in the other case.
REGINALD
(Stretching
the waist band) But they’re...
They’re not broken in.
MARGOT
You can break them in later. Reggie, darling - it’s our
special occasion. I felt we both deserved something a little more...
Appropriate. You can always take them off.
REGINALD
Then why bother putting them on?
MARGOT
Because... I want to see you in them.
The salesman said I wouldn’t be
disappointed. Reggie - don’t spoil it. we’re here to celebrate.
REGINALD
(Stomping
off to the bathroom muttering) Celebrate
what? (Exiting)
MARGOT
And don’t take too...
Reginald slams the door.
long. (Adjusting her hair in the mirror) Heaven knows what I’m going to do with this.
SFX: Phone.
(Answering) Yes... Yes... Of course I remember you... Soap ... What? Shampoo?... No. I brought my own... You forgot. Then if you can bring some up... Oh... And a hair dryer... Hello? (Hanging up) Where do they get them? (Crossing to the bathroom door) Reginald... Reginald...
The bathroom door opens. Reginald enters wearing pyjamas which are definitely meant for a younger man.
REGINALD
I really think...
MARGOT
Do stand still.
Reginald freezes.
(Looking him over) Not bad. No question they’d look better on him.
REGINALD
Brian?
MARGOT
Brian. The young lad who sold them.
They’ll have to do. Right - I’m going to prepare myself. Why
don’t you... I don’t know... Just don’t go opening the
curtains... Or go wandering onto the balcony. I’ll try not to be
too long. (Exiting into the bathroom)
Reginald is feeling uncomfortable in his new pyjamas. He puts on his dressing gown.
Margot can be heard humming.
Reginald removes a book from his case and opens it at a bookmark.
REGINALD
(Reading
aloud) Night was closing in...
LFX: FADE TO BETWEEN ROOM AND FANTASY STATE
Our hero had fought his way to within reach of the castle. (Standing as if reading to the audience) As he stepped into a clearing, there it stood. Its mighty towers silhouetted against the reddening sky. He then spied the abandoned hunting lodge where he’d arranged to meet the beautiful princess Eleanor and escort her to safety. The radiant princess Eleanor who was at this very moment fleeing her cruel uncle - usurper to her father’s throne and should he have his will - her future husband. Our hero knew the perils that lay before him, just as he realised the price of failure would be grave. But our hero was no stranger to sacrificing himself for that nobler cause - especially when it appeared in such an exquisite female form.
The bathroom door opens.
LFX: ROOM STATE
Margot sticks her head out. She has a towel around her.
MARGOT
Was that her?
REGINALD
(Shaken
out of his musing) Yes... I’m here.
MARGOT
Well was it? The maid?
REGINALD
Maid? No... I don’t think so.
MARGOT
I heard talking.
Reginald holds up the book.
Oh... Well - let me know as soon as she gets here. (Exiting)
LFX: FADE TO FANTASY STATE
REGINALD
(Sotto)
... Exquisite female form. Our hero knew the greatest pleasure he
could bestow upon the princess would be to ensure her virginity
remained intact. Only then would she be free to marry the man chosen
for her. A virtuous and gallant knight of the realm. He even fancied
his own chances - envisaging the day he and the... Untainted Eleanor
would be wed - amidst great pomp and splendour. With much cheering,
clapping...
SFX: Tapping on the door.
... and knocking... (Confused) Knocking?
SFX: Tapping on the door becomes persistent.
Reginald crosses to answer the door. Princess Eleanor bursts in carrying the lost case. She is wearing a combination of maid and princess garments.
ELEANOR
Cousin... You made it. Thank god. I was
beginning to fear the worst. (Crossing
toward him)
Reginald backs away.
Is something wrong? My appearance? I had to dress this way - to slip past the guards.
REGINALD
Guards?
ELEANOR
They are everywhere. Even now, he is
ordering all roads from the kingdom to be blocked and every traveller
to be stopped and searched. If it had been any one but you, cousin, I
would have resigned myself... (Breaking
down) To a fate I cannot even
contemplate. The thought of finding you here made the journey
possible. But speak cousin - your silence unnerves me. Tell me - what
is your plan?
REGINALD
My plan? well...
ELEANOR
No - you are right. I should not know. Just say the
command and I will obey. Though answer me one thing. Will we be
travelling under the cover of night, or with the first rays of
morning?
REGINALD
(Looking
toward curtains) It is getting rather
late.
ELEANOR
Then prithee, let us stay until the
morrow. We are both weary. We shall take comfort in each other.
(Crossing to embrace him)
Reginald steps back again.
Forgive me, noble cousin. You can see - I am not myself. // Have you supped?
REGINALD
Supped... Eaten?
ELEANOR
I have a few morsels we can share.
(Taking out a brown paper bag and
offering him a sweet) Though alas,
nothing to drink.
REGINALD
(Taking a
sweet) I’m expecting some warm milk.
ELEANOR
The cow?
REGINALD
Cow.
ELEANOR
Out there. (Pointing
in the direction of the bathroom) In
the field.
REGINALD
Yes... Probably.
ELEANOR
So resourceful, cousin. (Crossing
to her case) Would you mind? It’s
heavy and I’m weary.
REGINALD
Of course... (Picking
up the case, wincing in pain and putting it down)
ELEANOR
You are wounded?
REGINALD
No.
ELEANOR
Where - in your side?
REGINALD
It’s just an ongoing medical condition.
ELEANOR
Still it should be treated. What if
it’s serious? Please - allow me, cousin. After all you have done
for me. (Opening her case and rummaging
around) I have a special emollient.
(Taking out a bar of soap which she
holds up) This will ease the pain. A
cloth... (Picking up the flannel on the
dresser) Have you lost much blood?
Reginald instinctively pulls his robe tighter as she approaches.
Cousin - be not ashamed. I am a princess, but don’t think I’m ignorant about matters beneath my station. You know I have several brothers. Now show me the spot.
REGINALD
(Rising
quickly) What was that?
ELEANOR
(Standing
up and leaving the soap on the floor)
Hooves?
REGINALD
Hooves... The cow?
ELEANOR
Let us pray it is her. Don’t you
think you should investigate? (Indicating
that he goes to check) I’ll pack - in
case we have to flee. (Putting the items
back in the case, shoving it by the bed and hiding behind the
curtain)
Reginald crosses toward the bathroom.
(Putting her head around the curtain) Do take care, cousin.
Suddenly the bathroom door opens.
LFX: FADE UP TO ROOM STATE
Margot pokes her head round the door. She has a towel wrapped around her hair and body. Reginald stands rigid.
MARGOT
What are doing? Make yourself useful - I’m looking for my
scarf. pass me my hand bag.
Reginald gets her bag and gives it to her.
(Noticing the soap) What’s that? It’s not the soap?
REGINALD
Oh... Yes... Probably. (Giving
the soap to her)
MARGOT
She obviously forgot the hair dryer. Oh
lord - what is this? (Smelling the soap)
Actually - it’s rather... Mmmmmm. (Exiting
and letting out a noise which sounds like a loud extended Moo)
LFX: FADE TO FANTASY STATE
ELEANOR
(Emerging)
The cow?
REGINALD
Yes - wanting her nose bag.
ELEANOR
Oh mercy - I thought we’d been discovered. But now I
fear it will only be a matter of time before he does.
REGINALD
He?
ELEANOR
Your sworn enemy, cousin. Not only yours - our enemy. When
I think what father did to raise him from an orphan - a mere servant
in the royal court. Elevating him to knight of the realm. His
gratitude... To boast the title of usurper’s henchman - blackguard
- traitor - bent on revenge.
REGINALD
Revenge?
ELEANOR
He has not forgotten the debt you owe him. But you were
right all along, cousin - you judged Black Brian for his true
colours.
REGINALD
Black Brian?
ELEANOR
Black Brian “The Bastard”. There is only one. Renown
for his cruelty. Who shows neither mercy to his foes - nor those he
once regarded as companions. Even I - the princess - have cause to
tremble. I dared to laugh and mock him to his face. No one does that
to Black Brian and expects clemency.
REGINALD
You believe this Black Brian chap is searching for us?
ELEANOR
A mercenary like him. With the bounty being offered for my
capture. He’ll be scouring every furlong of countryside as we
speak. But if anyone is his equal in combat, it is you, cousin. // Is
it true Black Brian only need stare at a man for his sword to slip
from his grasp?
REGINALD
well...
ELEANOR
But where is your sword?
REGINALD
Mine… I don’t appear to have one.
ELEANOR
Cousin… Wait! (Opening
her suitcase) I managed to grab these.
(Taking out a variety of potential
weapons including belts, a bath brush, hair tongs and a hairdryer)
I knew we would need every weapon at our disposal. (Pulling
out an extendable walking pole and holding it up)
My father’s sword. He did not even have time to pack it. But I know
he would wish you to use it - especially if you were to present him
the head of Black Brian. (Holding it out
for him) Take it.
REGINALD
Yes... (Taking
the walking pole) I’m very honoured.
(Performing a few bold thrusts to
impress her) Well balanced and
surprisingly light...
ELEANOR
Ssshhh!
REGINALD
The cow?
ELEANOR
No - it came from over there. (Pointing
to the curtain and retreating) What’s
behind the curtain?
REGINALD
A balcony, I believe.
ELEANOR
You have not looked?
REGINALD
Not yet.
Reginald and Eleanor inch forward us toward the curtain. Suddenly the curtain is swept aside.
LFX: FADE UP TO BETWEEN ROOM AND FANTASY STATE
Black Brian stands before them on the balcony brandishing sword and shield. He is dressed in the attire of a knight and porter combined.
BRIAN
Too late!
ELEANOR
Black Brian.
BRIAN
I expect you’re wondering how I tracked you down. The
bright lights of the evening sky guided me. Truly a sight to behold.
Now prepare to surrender the princess, or your life - or both.
Reginald’s walking pole falls from his hand.
ELEANOR
You can’t intimidate us - you traitor. We too are
prepared - aren’t we cousin? Cousin?
REGINALD
(Picking
up his pole) Yes.
BRIAN
We shall see how prepared you are, soon
enough. I am even willing to wager I shall not so much as crease my
trousers. (Flexing at the knees)
But first there is the minor issue of the monies still owed me. You
should know Black Brian never forgets a debt. Perhaps you wish to
settle it now. It could make a difference when deciding the manner of
your death. Though I doubt it. Well?
REGINALD
Out of interest - how much are we looking at?
BRIAN
500 Gold Bezants - as agreed. Black Brian doesn’t need to
charge interest.
REGINALD
500 Bezants?
BRIAN
Surely that is worth a quick death.
ELEANOR
Don’t pay it, cousin. He’s bluffing. Look how he fears
you. Once he is dead, I will see to it my father bestows all his
wealth and lands upon you.
BRIAN
But while I live you won’t see so much
as a jot. As you perceive, I am very much alive and have every
intention of enjoying my retirement. But I have something that might
interest you. In there. (Pointing toward
the bathroom) Tied up.
ELEANOR
Father? (Looking
away)
BRIAN
Your mother.
ELEANOR
Mother... But she’s dead.
BRIAN
Not yours. His.
REGINALD
Mine?
ELEANOR
It’s not a cow?
BRIAN
She’s a cow alright - I was forced to gag her with her
scarf.
ELEANOR
Cousin - can this be true?
REGINALD
(Despairingly)
She’s not my mother.
ELEANOR
(Comforting
him) It’s okay - cousin - I believe
you.
BRIAN
(Breaking up
this show of affection) Now hear my
final offer. The princess - the 500 in gold and the beast goes free.
No blood spilt. Well?
Reginald hesitates.
ELEANOR
It’s a trap. Can’t you see?
BRIAN
Then I must invite you to choose your
weapons. I see you have come well armed. (Picking
up the hairdryer and puzzling over it)
The latest in modern warfare. But first... (Picking
up the jug on the dresser and the two plastic cups)
We drink to the victor. For there can be only one. (Pouring
and handing a cup to him)
They are about to drink.
ELEANOR
(Snatching
the cup) No! It might be poisoned.
(Holding it to the light)
Look - it’s smeared.
BRIAN
Perhaps “the maid” would care to
drink first? (Offering his cup)
ELEANOR
Allow me, cousin. I am only twenty-two, but I am not
afraid to die. Without you I have no future.
BRIAN
Wise words for one so young.
ELEANOR
(Drinking
and reacting as if she’s been poisoned)
Yuk! it’s disgusting.
BRIAN
But not poisoned. (Quaffing
back his cup) Now take up thy sword -
prepare to face thy fate.
Eleanor takes cover behind the bed. Brian and Reginald square up to each other. Reginald with his walking pole trembling in his hand starts looking for a way out.
You are cramped for space? Then we shall fight in the hall. (Holding his sword to Reginald's throat) I shall be waiting. (Exiting)
Reginald, exhausted, lets go of his pole and flops on a chair.
ELEANOR
(Emerging
from her hiding place) Fear not, brave
cousin. If god is on our side, which I know he is, you will prevail.
What chance has a pagan prince of darkness against a Christian knight
such as yourself? Gentle cousin, let us pray. (Picking
up his book) Recite some verses of
comfort from your holy book - as you used to - when you read aloud to
me - in more fortunate times. (Handing
him the book and sitting on the floor beside him)
Prithee - speak.
REGINALD
(Reading)
As he bowed before that one who must be obeyed, our hero beseeched
the almighty lord that he be granted the strength to overcome...
LFX: FADE TO FANTASY STATE
ELEANOR
Go on, cousin - I shall be waiting.
(Retreating and exiting during the
course of the speech)
REGINALD
(No
longer reading) ... All the while
knowing only a divine intervention of the greatest magnitude could
save him from the all consuming fate that was about to engulf him. He
had weapons - yes, but he was wounded and felt vulnerable. He still
rued the decision not to insist on wearing his own pyjamas - broken
in by his many previous encounters. Meanwhile his foe - busy in
preparation - was not only fully girdled, but would certainly be
sporting the latest in combat fatigues - designed to intimidate at
close quarters - yet malleable enough to allow an upper hand free
expression during the heat of a bodily encounter. (Sitting
on the bed) The night was still. A
sense of foreboding now overwhelmed him. All he could hear was the
pregnant silence which preceded such moments of great portent.
(Grabbing the bath brush in a final act
of defiance) No. I shall stand strong.
Resist. Overcome.
LFX: SHAFT OF LIGHT APPEARS THROUGH THE BATHROOM DOOR WHICH HAS OPENED PARTIALLY
Then suddenly there it was - a chink of light - as destiny’s door swung open. Followed by that harrowing moan.
MARGOT
(Off)
Reginald.
LFX: FADE UP TO BETWEEN ROOM AND FANTASY STATE
Reginald is jolted to his senses.
(Off) I hope you’re ready.
REGINALD
Ready? (Discarding
the bath brush)
MUSIC: Dance music - Turkish style.
Margot performs a few suggestive hand gestures through the bathroom door before entering in the guise of an Oriental princess with partial veil and the scarf wrapped around her hair she parades before Reginald.
Reginald stares at her with a mixture of astonishment and trepidation.
MUSIC: Stops abruptly
LFX: FADE UP TO ROOM STATE
No, you’re not dreaming. It really is your wife... (Sniffing the air) What’s that... Smell?
REGINALD
Smell.
MARGOT
Like... (Sniffing)
Sour milk. (Noticing the curtains are
open and closing them then seeing the hairdryer on the bed)
Oh, Reginald.
Reginald rises quickly.
You mean it’s been here all the time? (Picking up the hair dryer) Why didn’t you say? (Looking at her hair in the mirror) It will just have to wait. (Casting the hairdryer aside then lying on the bed in a seductive pose) Well, Reginald - shall we?
Reginald looks uncertain.
Switch off?
REGINALD
Oh... The lights. Yes. (Crossing
to the light switch) I really don’t
mind waiting.
MARGOT
Reginald. Lights!
Reginald hurriedly switches off the lights.
LFX: BLACKOUT.
###
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Author's Note
Please remember plays are not written to be read but performed. Even though this e-script is free, if you subsequently wish to put on a performance of this play, either professional or amateur, you will need the permission of the author and copyright owner. Information on performance rights can be found at the author's Web site. The author also welcomes any feedback you might have.
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About the Author
Closely involved with theatre all his life, Steven trained at Guildhall School of Music and Drama in Stage Management and Technical Theatre. He went on to spend several years working in theatre publicity, while continuing to write plays and occasionally directing. If you are interested in reading more of Steven's work, please visit these links:
Author's Web site: www.stevenayckbourn.com
Author at Smashwords.com