- 104 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
eBook - ePub
Beginning
About this book
"A wry, funny and touching meditation on loneliness, that private shame of the singleton in the era of the dating app and of fraudulent boasting on social media ⌠written with a real depth of insight, humour, compassion and a keen sense of the ridiculous..." The Independent It's the early hours of the morning in the aftermath of Laura's housewarming party. Danny, 42, divorced and living with his mother, is the last remaining guest. The flat is in a mess and so are they. One more drink? This sharp and astute two-hander takes an intimate look in real-time at the first fragile moments of risking your heart and taking a chance. Both comedic and tender, it asks questions about mutual loneliness and human connections. Beginning premiered at the National Theatre, London in October 2017. This new Modern Classics edition features an introduction by Sarah Grochala.
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Yes, you can access Beginning by David Eldridge in PDF and/or ePUB format, as well as other popular books in Literature & Drama. We have over one million books available in our catalogue for you to explore.
Information
Beginning was first produced in the Dorfman Theatre at the National Theatre, London, on 12th October 2017. The production transferred to the Ambassadors Theatre in Londonâs West End on 15 January 2018
| Laura | Justine Mitchell |
| Danny | Sam Troughton |
| Director | Polly Findlay |
| Designer | Fly Davis |
| Lighting Designer | Jack Knowles |
| Sound Designer | Paul Arditti |
| Movement | Naomi Said |
âWho knows what true loneliness is â not the conventional word, but the naked terror? To the lonely themselves it wears a mask. The most miserable outcast hugs some memory or some illusion.â
Joseph Conrad, Under Western Eyes (1911)
Martha If you wasnât here with me tonight Iâd go to the pictures.
Otto Whatâs on?
Martha âBen Hurâ. Itâs an oldie, must be ten years since I saw it, but itâs a film you never forget. You ever seen it?
Otto No.
Franz Xaver Kroetz, Through the Leaves (1976) trans. Anthony Vivis (2003)
The play takes place in a real room, and in real time â but stage directions are indicative, not prescriptive.
With thanks to Dominic Cooke and Robert Holman.
Late autumn, 2015.
The large living room of a flat in Crouch End, London. It encompasses a lounge area and kitchen.
Itâs a bit of a mess. Thereâs been some sort of party. Itâs late, the early hours.
Standing is Laura, 38. This is her place. Sheâs drinking wine. Looking at her, drinking a bottle of Peroni, is Danny, 42.
They look at each other for a long time, for as long as you think you can get away with.
They both jump as a door bangs downstairs.
He begins to wander a bit in the room, drinking. He evidently came to the party after work as heâs in a shirt and trousers and smart shoes. Though his jacket and tie were dispensed some time ago.
He has a big ketchup stain on his shirt and is a bit nervous.
Silence.
Laura sits down. Danny doesnât know what to do so he lights up a cigarette.
Laura You didnât fancy it then?
Silence.
Danny Fancy what?
Laura Getting in the taxi?
Danny No.
Silence.
Laura Whyâs that then?
Danny Donât know.
Laura Donât know?
Danny Keith told me to stay and finish my drink.
Laura Keith told you?
Danny Well he said âstay and finish your drinkâ.
Laura Right.
Danny That all right?
Laura Yes.
Laura smiles and puts down her wine.
Danny Nice place.
Laura Thanks.
Danny To be honest I said Iâd get it.
Laura Get what?
Danny The taxi.
Laura What?
Silence.
Danny Well, you know . . .
Laura What?
Danny I thought he was stopping the night.
Laura Right.
Laura laughs.
Danny You see the trouble with me . . .
Laura What?
Danny Iâve got no radar.
Laura No radar?
Danny No.
Silence.
Well itâs not that Iâve not got one at all.
Laura Right?
Danny It just doesnât pick up a lot.
Silence.
Laura Danny, what the fuck?
Silence.
Danny You know, âyour radarâ.
Laura I donât know, Danny.
Danny Your âman radarâ . . . And my . . . âwoman radarâ.
Silence.
Laura Oh . . .
Silence.
Danny I curse it sometimes.
Sile...
Table of contents
- Cover
- Halftitle
- Title
- Copyright
- Introduction
- Dedication
- Beginning