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STOMPING GROUND
Act 1
Scene one
Nightclub- it’s aesthetic alternate. There are flashing coloured lights and strobe effects. Several people scattered about the space. They socialise with drinks in their hands, laughing and talking. Four of them sit in a seating booth, the rest stand.
We hear-The Mars Volta- “Eriatarka” in the background.
A DRUNK MAN stammers into sight, back and forth, with a severe loss of wit. He drops a beer and glances erratically around. He spots the booth and makes his way over.
The four people sit at the booth. They are VERONICA, EVAN, MARK and SALLY. They chat boisterously.
EVAN- No I’m being totally serious, really. Cards are on the table. I hate this place…
MARK- What?
SALLY- Really?
EVAN- …Yeah.
VERONICA- Serious?
EVAN- You asked.
MARK- Are you kidding?
EVAN- Nope. There’s always one thought that’s always circling around my head, along with the booze in here. It’s, when are those dump fuck bouncers ever gona’ get round to chuckin’ me out on my arse and freeing me?
MARK- You’re in here every Friday with us drinking? Explain?
EVAN- Democracies a bitch. I come here to hang with you guys, if it has to be this place, well guess I made my piece with that.
SALLY- Why didn’t you ever say?
EVAN- I didn’t want to be that guy.
MARK- Well you’re pretty much being him now so--
The DRUNK MAN violently barfs into Sally’s lap. The table responds disgusted.
SALLY - Awwww!
EVAN- Shit…
VERCONICA - That’s fuckin’ disgusting!
MARK- Get off you twat!
EVAN rips the guy off Sally. Two BOUNCERS take him away.
MARK- What an Asshole!
EVAN- That’s also why I hate this place, fuckin’ inbreeds.
SALLY- I need to clean up. (Looks at it) Well, try… Shit, what a fuckin’ mess.
VERONICA- Come on, we’ll see what we can do.
SALLY- Cya in a bit, babe.
SALLY leans into kiss Mark. He turns his face to the side coldly and she kisses his cheek.
SALLY When’s Johno’ getting here?
MARK- About half an hour. Says he had to sort out some studio shit.
SALLY- Fair enough. (To Veronica) Come on V’.
SALLY and VERONICA walk off
MARK- Cya (Pause). What was that?
EVAN- What?
MARK- You hate this place?
EVAN- Just coming clean.
MARK- You could of said.
EVAN- It’s a minorities place to stay quiet. (Smiles) Besides after a while everything becomes habit, regardless of taste.
MARK- You really aren’t kidding. Jez’, you think you know people.
EVAN- Forget it…
MARK- Then why’d you spill specifically tonight?
EVAN- I quit my job today…
MARK- Really?
Evan- Yeah, cleared out my desk today. Everything’s gone.
MARK- Shit. Why didn’t you say?
EVAN- Was in the pipe line.
MARK- What happened?
EVAN- I just quit. Called my boss a self-centred capitalist cunt and walked straight on out.
MARK- Really? I gota’ buy ya’ a drink for that.
EVAN- I was wasting my time there... honesty’s becoming the order of the day.
MARK- Honesty ay’? well I’ll be honest. I think we need to stop wasting time and get on with our drinking, ay’?.
MARK wraps his arm around EVAN and leads him to the bar. They stop in front of it as a BAR TENDER turns to face them.
BAR TENDER- What you lukin’ for mate?
MARK- Two Sambucas’ please and a two double vodka and cokes, thanks.
EVAN- So how come you’re in such a good mood?
MARK- I got promoted.
EVAN- Congrates’ man.
MARK- But I don’t want it to shadow your shit.
EVAN- Shadow what? Two reasons to celebrate.
MARK- You are strange.
EVAN- I know.
THE BAR TENDER places the Sambuca shots down on the surface in front. They both pick up one.
MARK- Down the hatch.
MARK and EVAN down the shots and slam them back down, then pull disgusted faces.
MARK- So you feel good now?
EVAN- Oh yeah, top form (Pulls a face from alcohol). How come you got promoted?
MARK- Oh some looser in financial management hung himself.
EVAN- Coz of the job…
MARK- Personal issues…
They smirk.
EVAN- Just hope you know what you’re getting into, but I’m happy for you.
MARK- Just let me worry about the job and you worry about getting another, smart arse.
EVAN- Whatever.
MARK- Besides, tonight I just wana’ have fun. I mean real fun, messy fun. We ain’t had a wild one for some time.
EVAN- That’s coz’ we’re thirty. ‘Wild’ ain’t in our vocabulary no more.
MARK- Well I just said it so...
EVAN- You sound retarded.
MARK- Come on man.
EVAN- You had that great a’ day?
MARK- Yeah man. Tonight is about reminding ourselves that we can still have fun. I mean this age thing; it’s been hitting our entire group in one-way or another. We’re all been trying to act like these new grown versions of our selves, which is just a lie. Still the same old kids we once were.
EVAN- So it’s your mission to break us out of it?
MARK- It’s my mission to get you fucked so drink up.
The BAR TENDER places their double vodka and cokes on the surface.
MARK picks up his drink and downs it. Evan watches.
MARK- Another please.
EVAN- Christ…
The lights come down on MARK and EVAN.
Scene Two
Nightclub toilet
We hear Black Light Burns- ‘New Hunger’ in the background, muffled.
SALLY stands by the sink. VERONICA kneels next to her scrubbing at the dress with wet tissue .
SALLY- Is it gone?
VERONICA- I can’t tell…
SALLY- Fuck it!
VERONICA- Keep still.
SALLY- Sorry. Fucking drunks.
VERCONICA and SALLY both gradually laugh.
VERONICA- So who’s this John guy that’s coming?
SALLY- Johno’? He’s the reason we’re here, among other things. Got a gig on. Sings rock and stuff. Should be fun.
VERCONICA- I feel like such the friend of a friend.
SALLY- Can’ that. You’ll love it. That’s why a brought you along. And you’ll love him. He’s a right laugh.
VERONICA- Yeah?
SALLY- Yeah.
VERONICA- Need a laugh.
SALLY- You’re not gona’ start on about your ex again?
VERONICA- (Finishes cleaning) There, done (Stands up) and no, i’ll spare you.
SALLY- Good coz that ship has sailed it’s coarse. You’re on a new route, remember? Tonight’s the beginning of that.
VERONICA- Whatever…
SALLY- (looks down at dress). You think it’s clean?
VERONICA- Best I’m gona’ do.
SALLY- I’m serious.
VERONICA- So am I. I find it difficult to clean anything, washing machine included. Besides I didn’t come here to spend all night in a pisser.
SALLY- What did you come her for?
VERONICA- Cheap booze and meaningless sex
SALLY– Well I’m glad you’re back. (Looks down at dress) I think I can do better.
VERONICA- Do it.
SALLY wipes her dress with some hand tissues.
SALLY- Be one more sec’.
VERONICA- When’s he on?
SALLY- Who? Johno’?
VERONICA- Yeah.
SALLY- About in forty five mins’. It’s set up time. He should be here about now. But he’s so good. You should chat to him, just your type.
VERONICA- Hardly want to pin myself down again after managing to getting out of the last car wreck.
SALLY- I thought you said you wanted sex?
VERONICA- Yeah I do, but a manikin would suffice, something lifeless. I don’t want any strings, so I can run and not look back.
SALLY- Well, he’s a nice looking guy.
VERONICA- Then why don’t you ask him out?
SALLY- I got myself a Mark. That’s enough.
VERONICA- Too shay. (Looks at dress) That done yet?
SALLY- Think so.
VERONICA- Come on. The smell of piss is making want to puke. Should’ be booze.
SALLY- Sure. Thanks babe.
VERONICA- No prob’s but you’re on drink detail. I’ll have a double gin and tonic.
SALLY- Oh you’re such a bitch.
VERONICA- Everything has it’s price.
VERONICA and SALLY Exit.
Scene 3
Nightclub Sitting Booth- on the bar floor
WE hear Eagles of Death Metal- ‘I only want you’ in the background
MARK and EVAN continue to sit by themselves. MARK appears pissed.
MARK- Come on, have this. (Points to a drink)
EVAN- Nah, I’m good with this one (Points to his drink)
MARK- You’ve got a responsibility to catch up.
JOHN’O wanders onto the stage. He walks anxiously glancing around through the crowds of people.
EVAN- And who’d that leave to walk you home, all fucked and puking?
MARK- Sally…
EVAN- Yeah I’m sure she wants to do that.
MARK (spots JOHNO’) Hey! (Waves past EVAN) Hey it’s Johno’, HEY!
EVAN- HEY!
JOHNO’ spots them and wanders up smiling. They shake each other’s hands and JOHNO’ sits down.
JOHNO’- Alright boys.
MARK- Hey man. How you doing?
EVAN- Good to see you.
JOHNO’- I’m good. Fuckin’ studio shit, man. Had me recording fifteen takes of a song. Just weren’t likin’ it. And by the end we settled with exactly what we begin with. Nightmare. But that’s producers for ya’.
MARK- Media types.
JOHNO’ So what’s going on with you guys?
EVAN- Mark’s getting trashed.
MARK- Evan’s lost his job.
JOHNO’- Really?
EVAN- I quit actually.
JOHNO’- Why?
MARK- Evan’s turned into a communist.
JOHNO’- Really?
EVAN- Told my boss to shove it. Wanted to get clean of the place.
JOHNO’- Well good for you. When I was in sales I hated it. Sometimes you just need a way out, a start again button.
EVAN sits smugly in the corner.
MARK- You on in fifteen minutes?
JOHNO’- Yeah. What a venue, ya’? Glad you guys could make it.
MARK- Man, it’s no a chore. We love the place.
EVAN glances at MARK, smirking.
JOHNO’- So where’s Sally? She not here?
MARK- Nope, she’s here.
EVAN- Got thrown up on my some degenerate so she’s washing her dress with Veronica.
JOHNO’- What?
EVAN- It’s one of those stories and I can’t be arsed to tell it.
JOHNO’- Who’s Veronica?
EVAN- One of her friends.
MARK_ Quiet tasty. Your type…
JOHNO’- Yeah?
EVAN- Mark...
MARK- What? (EVAN makes a face). Just biggin’ her up to a friend. A friend who’s single.
EVAN- She’s nice.
JOHNO’- Cool, I’ll keep an eye open. Well I got to get ready. I’ll leave you boys to get on with the drinking.
MARK- (Holds drink up) Oh, we’re on top of that.
JOHNO’- (laughs) I’ll cya after. Enjoy the show.
JOHNO’ walks off.
EVAN- Sure.
MARK- Rock and role man! (Pulls a rock insignia with his hand)
JOHNO’ continues to laugh as he walks off. He pulls the same sign back.
EVAN- That was unconscionable.
MARK- Come on man. Have a good time.
EVAN- Tryin’. God I’m tryin’.
MARK- You need more drink in ya’.
EVAN- Fine okay, if I down this double will you please leave me alone?
MARK- Yes.
EVAN- Fine (He downs the drink with a raspy discomfort on his face following)
MARK- (Hugs EVAN) You’re a star.
EVAN- I’m a fucking idiot. (Struggles and coughs) I swallowed an ice cube.
MARK- Down the hatch. You wana’ get the next round?
EVAN- I’ll be down on the floor in a minute.
MARK- And won’t that be fun?
EVAN- I’m goin’ for a piss.
MARK- I’ll hold the fort. Remember the drinks.
EVAN- Sure (wander off to the toilets).
Scene 4
Nightclub- bar
We hear Kelli Ali- ‘Home, honey I’m high’ in the background
SALLY and VERONICA stand at the bar waiting for some drinks. It is busy.
SALLY- You bored yet?
VERONICA- I’m ready to stab the bartender.
SALLY- Need help?
VERONICA- Nah…Got a better idea. Display em’.
SALLY- Yeah?
VERONICA- Yeah. (Pushes boobs up and organizes them) We’ll get served in no time.
SALLY- That’s easy for you to say (Pushes boobs up self consciously)
VERONICA- It is when you got D’s. How are your B’s fairin’ up?
SALLY- Oh you real bitch…
VERONICA- (Flutters eyelashes) Just checkin’.
The BAR TENDER, ED, wanders towards VERONICA.
ED- Hey Veronica, how ya’ doin’?
VERONICA- Oh hey Ed. Didn’t know ya’ worked here.
ED- Sure. Can’t complain. Earnin’ cash in this sea of fun for a couple of weeks. Who’s your friend?
VERONICA- Sally.
SALLY- Hi.
ED- Hey. (to VERONICA) So what you girls up to?
VERONICA- Seeing a friend play.
ED- Oh Johno’, yeah he’s good. Really good.
VERONICA- So I hear.
ED- Yeah…
VERONICA- Yeah?
ED- Yeah…
An awkward pause…
VERONICA- Anyway I’d like a Double gin and tonic with a red wine. Okay?
ED- Coming right up (Walks away)
VERONICA stands apprehensively and breaths a sigh of relief.
SALLY- You okay?
VERONICA- Yep.
ED wanders back up to them with the drinks.
ED- That’s seven fifty. But for you just call it a fiver.
VEROMNICA- That’s generous of you.
ED- Yeah well we should meet up again, you know?
VERONICA- Yeah I know. I still got your number. I’ll give you a call.
ED- Great, catch you later.
VERONICA- Later.
SALLY and VERONICA walk off
VERONICA- So didn’t need that.
SALLY- Who was he?
VERONICA- A guy I fucked before the last tragedy.
SALLY- Awkward.
VERONICA- Not until you hear the rest. I fucked his brother.
SALLY- What?
VERONICA- Yeah, he was hot.
SALLY- Why’s he still into you?
VERONICA- These (Points at her boobs)
SALLY- Well lets go to the other side of the bar for the rest of night, um?
JOHN’O mingles through the crowd in the background. He glances around and spots SALLY.
VERONICA- Definitely take you up on that.
SALLY- Reap what you fuck… and you used to fuck a lot.
VERONICA- You know—
JOHN’O taps SALLY on the shoulder. She turns around and immediately recognizes JOHN’O.
SALLY- Hey!!!!!!
JOHN’O- Hey Sal…
SALLY- Good to see you! When you’ get here?
JOHN’O- Just now.
SALLY- You’ exited about tonight?
JOHN’O- Playing the old stomping ground? Shit man.... Shitting bricks…
SALLY- Aw, I’m sure you’ll do fine.
JOHN’O- Who’s this?
SALLY- This is Veronica. (Moves her forward)
VERONICA grins and nods her head, then drinks.
JOHN’O- A pleasure (He bows jokingly). Just saw Mark and Evan. Seem fine. Very pissed.
SALLY- Really?
JOHN’O- Very much so.
VERONICA- Guess we’re all aimin’ to get there tonight. Toilet time. Speak to you guys in a sec’. (Walks off. Exit)
JOHN’O Wait for a few second to speak.
JOHNO’- She’s tasty.
SALLY- And single.
JOHN’O- Really?
SALLY- Newly. Keep charming Mr front man and you might just end up woo her, along with the crowd.
JOHN’O- How long ago?
SALLY- Recent.
JOHN’O- So she’s on the rebound?
SALLY- She’s on Gin and Tonics and wants casual sex.
JOHN’O- You sure?
SALLY- Her ex was a piece of shit. Beat her up and stuff. I told you this before remember?
JOHN’O- Oh? The ‘two year’ thing?
VERONICA- Yeah. Anyway she’s happy to be free.
JOHN’O- So it’s a happy ending?
SALLY- Exactly. She’s not damaged or crazy. A little exocentric, also cynical but above all she’s a nice girl so don’t go fuckin’ with her.
JOHN’O- Chill Sal, it’s me.
SALLY- You ain’t been in ten square feet of a relationship for at least two years, so I bought the two of you together. Two good people make good partners. Don’t screw it up.
JOHN’O-I’ll step up.
SALLY- Good, you wana’ get a seat.
JOHN’O- Sure.
JOHN’O and SALLY wander off, exit
Act 2
Scene 5
Nightclub sitting booth- on the balcony level
We hear Ian Brown- ‘Set My Baby Free’ in the background
JOHN’O and SALLY sit at a booth table.
JOHN’O- So what’s she into?
SALLY- Why?
JOHN’O- Conversation piece?
SALLY- Try alternate music, like rock and trip hop. Also films, less commercial, kinda’ more avant garde stuff.
JOHN’O- Got ya’. So what you been up to today?
SALLY- This, that. Same old shit really.
JOHN’O- Not’ happy?
SALLY- Mark got in a hissy fit today.
JOHN’O- Thought that was left to you, (Smiles) being the lady of the house…
SALLY- Nah… dick. Always seems to happen when we chat about the new house.
JOHN’O- Oh yeah, you guys are moving in together. It all sorted?
SALLY- It would be, but he’s impossible. Just can’t stop fussing about when we should put the payment down and how, this or that amount. I keep saying, Christ, lets just do it. We’re behind anyway and need to get moving.
JOHN’O- Didn’t you tell me you were doing that last week?
SALLY- That’s what I’m saying. He’s stalling.
JOHN’O- Well I’m sure he’s just got shit on his mind. You know what he’s like, busy guy. But I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about.
SALLY- Maybe… I hate to ask but he hasn’t said anything to you?
JOHN’O- No, not a word. Didn’t even know it was an issue till now (VERONICA wanders up and sits down). I’ll have a word with him for ya’. See what he says.
SALLY- Would you?
VERONICA- What you guys chatting about?
SALLY- Mark
VERONICA- Go figure.
SALLY- Anyway I best check on that degenerate.
JOHN’O- (Points) I think I saw him walk over there.
SALLY- Thanks. Gota’ see if he’s not resting his lips on some other bitches mouth. See you guys in a sec’.
SALLY wanders off.
JOHN’O- Cya
VERONICA- Bye.
JOHN’O- How was the bathroom?
VERONICA- Good thanks.
JOHN’O- The men’s is a mess. Absolute tip, wish I was a woman.
VERONICA- Yeah…? (Pause) You always this communicative?
JOHN’O- Well, I do it a little better on stage.
VERONICA- Yeah?
JOHN’O- I hope so.
VERONICA (laughs) That’s fair enough. So when are you on?
JOHN’O (Looks at watch) About fifteen mins. Just need to make sure the band’s ready and shit. That’s it really.
VERONICA- So what you’ gona’ be playing for us?
JOHN’O- Well I’m kind of going out on a limb and playing some of my own material. Feels like it needs to be more personal in this place. Kind of Grungy stuff with a hint of Alternative about it. Imagine The Distance crossed between Havoc.
VERONICA- That sounds cool.
JOHN’O- Yeah Sally said you liked your trip hop and rock.
VERONICA- Chill out docile beats and energetic pulsing metal. The extremes. That’s me.
JOHN’O- Well you’ll enjoy this then.
VERONICA- It must be rough bearin’ yourself? You know, in the music? I see so many performers pouring out their hearts as they sing. I could never.
JOHN’O- You kind of get used to it. You just spill on that stage. You have to if you want an emotionally driven performance, to take a bite out of each persons soul and make em’ feel it. You gota’ do it. You see, the audience and yourself have a mutual emotional relationship to go through; you can’t have one without the other. It’s just generally more enjoyable; you get out a lot of anxiety and frustration out, all that bottled up shit. It’s good, a kind of theory.
VERONICA- Sure.
JOHN’O- I love it. What do you do?
VERONICA- I’m in marketing.
JOHN’O- Cool, got no idea…
VERONICA- It’s real mundane compared to this but--
JOHN’O- --You’ll be racking in the big bucks when I’m down and out on the street?
VERONICA- Ha. Hardly. It’s okay pay, but what you do is far more gratifying, expressing yourself. It’s just adds up to more than what I do.
JOHN’O- Don’t be silly. You’ enjoy it?
VERONICA- I’m not sure anymore.
JOHN’O- Well then what would you want to do?
VERONICA- I’m not sure. (Laughs) I sound like a right cunt.
JOHN’O- No, no…
VERONICA- Think I’ll never know the answer till I’m dead. Just a goon’ trying to find something to do.
JOHN’O- We’re all doing that. There’s always something. That’s why we shuffle on. Got to keep reaching for shit or you’ll end up lying down dead.
VERONICA- Go figure.
JOHN’O leans in to kiss VERONICA. She moves away.
VERONICA- What are you doing?
JOHN’O- I just…
VERONICA-…No
JOHN’O- I’m sorry I just thought--
VERONICA- --You were wrong.
JOHN’O- Well… I--
VERONICA- Did Sally put you up to this?
JOHN’O- No. You’re a nice girl and I got the wrong end of the stick.
VERONICA- Well back the fuck off!
JOHN’O- I am. Jesus what’s your problem? I didn’t mean to offend you…
VERONICA- Whatever…
JOHN’O- (slightly confused) Listen… I came on to you. You didn’t reciprocate. It should be me that’s upset. I look like the fuckin’ idiot. The case is, no fucking harm done.
VERONICA- It can be.
JOHN’O- What? (Beat…) Ah, fuck this. (He looks away… Awkward pause).
VERONICA- Can you just...
JOHN’O- (walking off) I’m fucking gone.
VERONICA sits sipping her drink alone. She stares at the cup.
Scene 6
Nightclub seating booth- On the ground floor
We hear Ladyhawke-‘ love don’t live here anymore’ in the background.
MARK continues to sit on his own, drinking. He appears very drink. SALLY wanders over.
SALLY- Alright handsome. You wana’ have some fun?
MARK- Sure.
SALLY- Got a Mrs?
MARK- Nope.
SALLY- You’re a good liar.
MARK- That’s what she says.
SALLY- Where’s Evan?
MARK- Toilet.
SALLY- So how many you had?
MARK- Six
SALLY- What?
MARK- Doubles.
SALLY- Jesus Mark, you promised.
MARK- You came out with me, and this is a bar.
SALLY- The estate agent wants us to meet him at nine tomorrow. But that won’t play out. No, you’ll drink some more and about one a.m you’ll be throwing up in the toilets. I’ll have to take you home. You won’t get up till two pm and we’ll miss the appointment. We’ll still be without a house and still be stuck in our own dead end apartments. The exact thing I was afraid of.
MARK- Quit worrying, Christ. We got plenty of time. This is a celebration!.
SALLY- This is a mistake.
MARK- It’s not, because we’ll be in there on time.
SALLY- You said that three weeks ago.
MARK- I’m saying it now.
SALLY- Like your breath, those words stink.
MARK- I’m not lying,
SALLY- You’re drunk, which means you think you’re telling the truth but in the morning it’s a different story. Fuck Mark, I asked you to do this one thing. Just one. And it’s not even about your promotion or how much money you earn because we can afford it. The first step is for you to turn up.
MARK- I earned this. I want to have fun.
SALLY- You can do it without drinking for once.
MARK- What’s that suppose to mean?
SALLY- …
MARK- What?
SALLY- You’ve been drinking a hell of a lot lately.
MARK- That’s fuckin’ ridiculous. Before this week I hadn’t drink in three months. I get promoted, have a night out with my mates and I’m the one with the problem.
SALLY- It’s now been two days on the trot drinking after your promotion, two heavy nights and now it’s three. Of coarse I’m not accusing you of being an alcoholic. But for you to have fun it’s always a requirement.
MARK- I’m not listening.
SALLY- When you got the promotion you went out with your work mates. Fair enough. But you came home at six, woke up the street jumping on cars, with sick all over your seven hundred pound suit.
MARK- Boys will be boys.
SALLY- The next night I woke up at four to a noise. I checked the bathroom and you’re sprawled out on the floor choking on your own sick.
MARK- I don’t remember that.
SALLY- You wouldn’t. And yeah, you’ll be fine the majority of the time but there’s always that switch in you and it’s dangerous. That loose cable. That’s why it’s time you grew up.
MARK- What?
SALLY- You’re nearly thirty.
MARK- My age doesn’t dictate my behaviour. I do what’s fun. You know that.
SALLY- Well I need you to step up.
MARK- I’m not doing that.
SALLY- I can’t wait forever, Mark. It’s your choice…
SALLY wanders away.
MARK sits thinking by himself.
Scene 7
Nightclub seating booth- On the ground floor
We hear Tool- ‘The Pot’ in the background
MARK sits by himself. He appears to be drinking.
EVAN wanders onto the floor and up to MARK.
MARK- What took you so long?
EVAN- Didn’t know there was a timer on me being back. I bumped into Dave at the toilet.
MARK- Oh yeah how is he?
EVAN- Hammered, like you.
MARK- Well so’s the rest of the room. Majority action.
EVAN- I saw Sally wandering around. She looked like she came from here. You see her?
MARK- Yeah we had words.
EVAN- Bad words?
MARK- How’d you figure that?
EVAN- Your face has sunk seven shades severer since i was last here. Also ‘we had words’ always implies trouble.
MARK- You’re perceptive.
EVAN- I ain’t no fool.
MARK- She came over and had a go at me for drinking. Apparently I’m an alcoholic, or not but I get stupid when I’m on it. She’s totally being pissy. You see, we’ve got a meeting tomorrow with the precious estate agent and she thinks I won’t get up for it. She’s just got a hard on for this estate agent and doesn’t want to miss him.
EVAN- Regardless, she’s right.
MARK- What?
EVAN- If I had known you had that house thing I wouldn’t have let you drink.
MARK- Man, don’t be a bitch.
EVAN- I’m serious. That girl loves you and you’ve been jerking her around for three weeks now. I know what you’re like on booze.
MARK- Well what am I like?
EVAN- Please, I’ve been on the piss with you since we were thirteen. You, and you alone, are always the one that involves the police in our night outs.
MARK- Fuck off.
EVAN- You know it. Throwing bricks at garages, houses, playing golf at cars, it’s all been in your twenty year MO. That’s what you do, what we end up doing, what we’ve done for years. Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.
MARK- We used to have fun.
EVAN- I’m not saying we didn’t.
MARK- Well I’m not an alcoholic.
EVAN- I’m not saying that and I don’t think she would be, but you are a fucking wild card with the drink.
MARK- So what?
EVAN- You do drink a lot.
MARK- Well, she knew me when she asked me to be with her.
EVAN- She probably wants a bit of stability. Christ we’re all reaching mid thirties.
MARK- Why’s everyone tonight so obsessed about our fucking age?
EVAN- Coz it’s somthin’ you need to bear in mind.
MARK- That’s bull.
EVAN- If Sally does, then you definitely do. And you know she does.
MARK- She’s fine.
EVAN-Not the impression I’m getting.
MARK- You doin’ a real good job of droppin’ my high.
EVAN- I’m just warning you, you’ll fuckin’ loose her.
MARK- You’re not gona’ talk about this with me.
EVAN- Fine. I guess I’ll just pass that one on to the next boyfriend she gets. Maybe he’ll listen to reason.
MARK- What are you trying to pull? You being a cunt on purpose?
EVAN-No, like you, it just happens.
MARK- Get out of my face.
EVAN- With pleasure, dickhead. (Walks off)
MARK is left drinking by himself.
Scene 8
Nightclub seating booth- On the balcony level
We hear Dredge- ‘Bug Eyes’ in the background
SALLY and VERONICA sit. SALLY appears flustered while VERONICA sits passive and still.
SALLY- What? What did you say to him?
VERONICA- Get off and leave me alone.
SALLY- Did he try something?
VERONCIA- He tried to kiss me.
SALLY- Yeah?
VERONCIA- Yeah…
SALLY- What’s wrong with that?
VERONCIA- Shut up. I know you orchestrated this coupling session.
SALLY- What’s wrong? He’s a nice guy.
VERONICA- So you said.
SALLY- I don’t see why you’re this mad?
VERONCIA- You’re not my match maker.
SALLY- Three years ago you wouldn’t have said this. You would have done it all by yourself.
VERONCIA- Time passes.
SALLY- It sure does.
VERONICA- Listen did I say I wanted to get with him? Did I even say I liked him?
SALLY- You don’t say anything anymore. You say nothing, period…
VERONICA- So?
SALLY- So you need a push.
VERONICA- Fuck the push, fuck men and fuck you. I don’t want your nose in my life. Keep it to your own busyness and why don’t you worry about your own man.
SALLY- What’s that suppose to mean?
VERONICA- You’ve been sour with him all night. Now coming back from him you’re even sourer than before.
SALLY- Leave him out of it.
VERONICA- Then leave me out of your shit and concentrate on that.
SALLY- Fine.
SALLY wanders off.
VERONICA sits on the table by herself.
We hear an ANOUNCER’S voice on the microphone.
ANOUNCER- Ladies and gentlemen please put your hands together for Blood Shot Eyes.
VERONCIA gets up and looks out at the centre of the stage. She watches with piecing eyes and intrigue.
We hear the footsteps of the band wanders onto the stage and a couple of musical notes played to check the instruments. We then hear JOHN’O’S voice on the microphone.
JOHN’O- This is us. We’re err… Blood Shot Eye and the first song is A Sad State of Affairs. Enjoy (Beat. Instruments play- a grungy, hard rock sound. JOHN’O sings- angry, raspy, grungy) No sense left. The apple of my eye, it’s falling. And gradually rotting as time blows past. Everything’s gone. Not much lasts now. There’s a hollow hole in the earth. A space for death to crouch. It’s there, prepared and ready. Never far from sight. No sense left. I feel it in the air. A red clenched fist and a bottle. We strum our lives apart. Not much lasts now…
VERONCIA watches with a firm and fixed gaze.
Act 3
Scene 9
Nightclub seating booth- on the balcony level.
VERONICA continues to stand watching.
We hear hard rock grunge being played and JOHN’O’S voice singing lyrics.
JOHN’O- This time the clock will not stop… (Pause- music dies; we hear the smash of several instruments) Thanks…
VERONICA continues to stand. She stares out…
Scene 10
Outside nightclub- parking lot
We hear the distant hum of Pusifer- ‘Momma said’ in the background
SALLY sits on the pavement. EVAN appears from the entrance and wanders up to her.
EVAN- How you doing sport?
SALLY- Hey. You know…
EVAN- You thinking about taking up smoking.
SALLY- Nope. Air’s good out here.
EVAN- Mark pissing you off that much?
SALLY- (shakes shoulders) He’s a kid.
EVAN- Didn’t you know?
(Pause)
SALLY-Sometimes I forget, then he reminds me and it’s a shock. The kind you feel when an ice pick hacks at your head.
EVAN- That’s Mark’s style. I’ve known him since we were small but we’re made of different material. No matter how long I say I’ve known him for, I’ll still get moments like this.
SALLY- Yeah… You want a seat?
EVAN- Sure. Hu’, the air is better out here.
SALLY- Told ya’
EVAN- So you’ thinking about going?
SALLY- Run it’s coarse, tonight, ain’t it?
EVAN- Yeah…
SALLY- You?
EVAN- Probably. Not much reason in staying anymore. Can do this in the comfort of an armchair back home.
SALLY- What? Watch a tragedy unfold?
EVAN- I was referring to drinking. But I can feel one on the horizon. I don’t need a TV in front of me to see it.
SALLY- Tonight’s setting itself up for that.
EVAN- Yeah, I was getting that feeling too.
Beat…
SALLY- To be honest, I think I might slip off…
EVAN- Think?
SALLY- Yeah, thinking about it anyway…
EVAN-If you do the others would be pissed.
SALLY- The others are already pissed.
EVAN- Do some more thinking.
SALLY- I guess (SALLY looks at him) You’ve got a stare.
EVAN- What?
SALLY- A stare in your eyes. Mark doesn’t have it.
EVAN- Yeah?
SALLY- Yeah.
SALLY and EVAN kiss.
SALLY- (Pulls away) I’m going back inside.
EVAN- Sure.
SALLY- This never happened.
EVAN Nodes. SALLY walks off. EVAN lies down and stretches out on the concrete floor.
EVAN- No. It never does.
Scene 11
Nightclub back entrance
We hear Gazpacho- ‘Upside down’ in the background
JOHNO’ desperately stands in the doorway and tries to get through. The BOUNCER forces him back.
JOHNO’ – Man, I just want to come back in.
BOUNCER- No stamp, no pass.
JOHNO’- I stepped outside for a smoke?
BOUNCER- No stamp, no pass.
JOHNO’- It’s was for like two seconds.
BOUNCER- No stamp, no pass.
JOHNO’- Do you even know who I am?
BOUNCER- Don’t care.
JOHNO’- You should. I was playing today, I was on stage.
BOUNCER- No stamp, no pass.
JOHNO’- Yeah you said that already. Look, I’m not lying so please just let me in.
BOUNCER- Get lost.
JOHNO”- Mate, in a minute I’m gona’…
VERONCIA enters and walks up to them.
VERONICA- Sorry what’s the problem here?
BOUNCER- Miss, please move on.
VERONICA- (In a put on act) Sure, okay. (points to JOHNO’) Hey, can I ask you something, are you the singer of the band that were just on?
JOHNO’- Yeah. Will you tell him.
BOUNCER- Please move on.
VEROPNICA- He’s right, it’s the truth.’
JOHNO’- Told ya’ fuckin’ asshole.
BOUNCER- He’s the singer?
VERONICA- Sure (turns around, gets a GUYS attention) Hey, mate, who is he?
GUY- Lead fuckin’ singer of Blood Shot Eye. They fuckin’ rock!!! Can I have your autograph? (Thrusts a pen and paper at JOHNO’)
JOHNO’ - Coarse (Writes on paper, then hands it back) Now can I enter.
BOUNCER- In you go.
JOHNO’ And fuck you… (Walks off)
VERONICA chases behind him catches up and makes him turn around.
VERONCIA- That was really good.
JOHNO’- Yeah?
VERONICA- Yeah. Really good.
JOHNO’- Thanks. Why are you here again?
VERONICA- You seemed in trouble with that Bouncer. Thought I’d stepped in to help.
JOHNO’- Well you can step out now, coz I didn’t need your help. I’m in, no problem.
VERONICA- From where I was standing you were two moves from being chucked out on your arse.
JOHNO’- That’s a point of view. Share it with yourself, not me.
VERONICA- View points… yeah. You know, when I’m at a gig like this I always like looking behind me, just around the room, always do--
JOHN’O- --That bored?
VERONICA- No. I just find it interesting to see what you performers are looking at, see what your experiencing, from your point of view. Places me just that little bit closer. But I didn’t need to do that today.
JOHNO’- You want something?
VERONCIA- Listen, I overacted before. I understand that now. I was harsh and I shouldn’t of acted that way. So I wanted to apologise and see if we can just call it quits?
JOHN’O- Well should of, would of, could of… Tell Sally I’m off home. Nice to meet you.
JOHNO’ walks away.
VERONICA- (Grabs JOHNO’) Hey wait, I just apologised.
JOHNO’- Yeah? And I just took it, then threw it on the floor and stepped on it. Now step aside.
JOHNO’ walks away, off stage.
Scene 12
Nightclub- seating booth
We hear Nick cave and the Bad Seeds- ‘I sat sadly by her side’ in the background.
MARK sits looking really pissed. VERONICA wanders up and sits down. A long beat…
MARK- What’s your name again?
VERONCIA- Veronica.
MARK- And how are you doing?
VERONICA makes a face.
MARK- That bad ha? As is the way. I’m five burps from heaving.
VERONICA- That good ay’?
MARK- Not good.
VERONCIA- Look’s like you’re having a whale of a time.
MARK- Looks can be deceiving.
VERONCIA- I want to be in your position.
MARK- What? Pissed?
VEERONICA- Yeah.
MARK- I’m sobering up.
VERONICA- Still a few steps away.
MARK- Well, why aren’t you?
VERONCIA- Events conspired against me.
MARK- They always do. Here, have a beer. (Passes VERONICA a beer)
VERONICA_ Thanks. Drinks what I thought I wanted six hours ago. Now I definitely know I need it.
MARK- How many you had?
VERONICA- One or two.
MARK- You’ve been on the wrong table.
VERONCIA- Life’s cruel.
MARK- Sure is. A drink gives it a new clean sheen. Makes you not notice all the filth scattered in the corners.
VERONICA- I can still see the dirt though.
MARK- You got a kind of cold fidgeting feeling where tonight’s fun was supposed to be?
VERONICA- Fun left this place a couple of hours ago.
MARK- What about everyone else?
VERONCIA- Johno’ went home after his gig. I haven’t seen Sally and Evan for a bit.
MARK- Yeah Sally and Evan fucked off outside probably. That’s the way it goes at this time of night. Your friends are here, but they aren’t. Always the same.
VERONICA- How many you had anyway?
MARK- Too many, apparently.
VERONCIA- Ha. The drink won’t cloak that.
MARK- No. Not from your girlfriend anyway.
VERONICA- This isn’t what I expected, tonight that is.
MARK- Has a habit of doing that. You see, we’re in this club out to have fun but that’s not always the way it goes. We think as long as we’re with our friends nothing will matter but sometimes being with friends isn’t enough.
VERONICA- At least you’re with friends. I’m with one, singular and she’s being a bitch. That means I’m alone.
MARK- Now alone with a drunk…
VERONCIA- Yeah. But strangers can be just as bad. They’re just as capable to drag you back into life’s little intricacies, kicking and screaming.
MARK- I’ll take that as a hint and leave.
VERONICA- No forget it. I was speaking about others. (Beat…) What’s your name?
MARK- Mark.
VERONICA- You talk sense when your pissed.
MARK- I talk a lot more crap too. It’s ‘even-steven’s’.
VERONICA- Should we get going?
MARK- I think I’m going to barf.
VERONCIA- Right, that’s a yes.
MARK- I’ll be ten minutes max.
VERONICA- I’ll round up the others. Think you can make it outside in fifteen?
MARK- I told you I’d be ten!
VERONCIA quickly surveys the room, and then wanders off. MARK slowly stammers off stage.
Scene 13
Outside nightclub- parking lot
We hear Pagoda- ‘Lesson Learned’ in the far background.
EVAN continues to lay sprawled out on his back staring up at the sky. SALLY and VERONICA stand away from each other. There is a silence. Pause.
Suddenly MARK hurries out of the club entrance to join them. He struggles drunkenly.
MARK- I’m here.
SALLY- About time.
VERONICA- Let’s just go.
MARK- Alright. I’m here ain’t i?
EVAN puffs on the floor, then gets up and wander off.
SALLY- Hey, wait a sec Evan.
EVAN- (Turns around) I’m not waiting. You said we were going? We’re going.
VERONICA- He’s right, come on.
SALLY struggles to help Mark stand.
SALLY- I need to help Mark.
MARK- I’m fine.
SALLY- You’re not fine. You’re pissed, like i said you’d be.
VERONICA- Oh leave him alone.
SALLY- Piss off, this is none of your business.
EVAN- Move your arse Sally!
SALLY- I told you I’m helping Mark.
MARK- I don’t want your help!
Silence. Long pause. SALLY lets go of Mark and walks off. EVAN, SALLY, MARK and VERONICA move.
JOHNO’ (Off stage)- You guys wana’ shut up. Could hear you three streets away.
JOHNO’ walks on stage, and leans against a lamppost.
SALLY- What are you doing here? V’ said you had gone?
JOHNO’- Yeah, but then I wanted some chips which took me on little diversion. Basically to cut a long story short I ended up back here. So what you think of the show tonight?
MARK- Loud. Very loud. Too loud for me.
SALLY- Fantastic, had real energy.
EVAN-Mental man, real sick.
JOHNO”- V?
VERONICA- It was good. I already told you.
JOHNO’- Oh yeah. Well thanks guys. You fancy picking up a curry?
EVAN- I could do with one. You guys?
SALLY- Sure.
VERONICA- Yeah.
MARK- Starvin’ mate.
SALLY- You gona’ throw it up?
MARK- We’ll see.
SALLY- Dick.
MARK wanders forward but slips and falls over.
MARK- Bollacks. SALLY comes to his aid. I think i need some help.
SALLY- As usual.
SALLY helps him get up and holds him steady.
EVAN- (To SALLY) You okay with him?
SALLY- Fine, apart from the stink.
VERONICA- I’ll help ya’.
MARK- (To VERONICA) Thanks luv’ (To SALLY) Thanks.
SALLY- Hope you do. (To EVAN) We still on for next week, Evan?
EVAN- Games day? Yeah, course. Bring your controllers round and we’ll play a little three sixty. Make’s my day, kicking your arses. Think i’m into double figures now.
MARK- Anytime mate, anytime.
EVAN- Also, I’m gona’ make a suggestion, just throwing it out there, you know. I suggestion we never ever go back there. Who forwards that?
SALLY- I
JOHNO’- I
VERONICA- I
MARK- I
EVAN- Cool.
MARK, JOHNO’, EVAN, VERONIUCA and SALLY wander off stage.
END
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