Angela

Mark Ravenhill

• Publisher: Methuen Drama
• Year: 2021
• Print ISBN: 9781350255593
• eBook ISBN: 9781350255616
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Literature
• Subtopic: British Drama
• Index: Literature

Mark Ravenhill's autobiographical radio play explores the way culture, high and low, impacted both his mother's and his family's lives. Starting an adult ballet class as the only male in the group sparks a memory of life through the eyes of Ravenhill, the playwright. As time intertwines through alternating perspectives we see his family at different stages of their life. From childhood dreams of being a dancer and performer through to the creativity that brings his parents together for the first time and into their old age, this is a deeply personal and resonate drama about the intersects of life and culture. Commissioned by Sound Stage, a new immersive audio theatre, designed by theatre-makers and leading technologists, giving audiences a unique and engrossing online theatre experience of new plays from the best in British theatre.

Thirty-Three

Day room in the secure unit. A TV with low sound level plays daytime TV. Several old ladies sitting about.

Nurse Three (entering)In you come, Rita. That’s it. This is the Downview day room. Say hello to Rita, ladies.

Several old ladies mutter hello.

Angela 84Hello. Pleased to meet you.

Nurse ThreeIs this chair free for Rita? Yes? Ivy normally takes this chair don’t you, my love?

Ivy (some distance)I’m watching the television.

Nurse ThreeThat’s alright, my love. You carry on watching the telly.

Nurse ThreeLooks like it’s free Rita. Better grab it while we can, my love. Shall I give you a hand, Rita?

IvyWhen’s my mummy coming?

Nurse ThreeWhat’s that Ivy, my love?

IvyWhen’s my mummy coming?

Nurse ThreeNot today, my love.

IvyWill Mummy come soon?

Nurse ThreeI’m not sure, my love.

IvyThank you, Auntie Jean.

Nurse Three (to Angela) Oh dear. Now she thinks I’m her Auntie Jean. I wonder who she thinks you are, Rita?

Angela 84 (internal)She keeps on saying Rita but I’m sure that’s not right.

Nurse ThreeThat’s it, Rita. Are you comfy there?

Angela 84It’s alright. (Internal.) If it’s not Rita what is it?

Nurse ThreeIs it nice being in here after all week in your room, Rita? Doctor Carter said because you’ve taken your tablets and you’re much calmer now I’m allowed to bring you into the day room.

Angela 84Have you got walnut cake?

Nurse ThreeOoooh, I wish we had, my love. I’d eat it all myself.

Angela 84You want to watch your figure. Big girl like you.

Nurse Three (laughs)My husband likes a roly poly and I like a spotted dick.

Angela 84I want walnut cake.

Nurse ThreeWe’ve got biscuits. Shall I get you biscuits, Rita?

Angela 84If you like.

Nurse ThreeI’ll be back in a minute, Rita.

Angela 84I’m not called Rita.

Nurse ThreeNo, my love? What are you called?

Angela 84I want to be Deanna.

Nurse ThreeIs that Irish?

Angela 84Only it’s not Deanna. It’s . . . why don’t I know?

Nurse Three (retreating)You have a think, my love, while I get the biscuits.

Angela 84 (internal)I was in the kitchen. Peeling potatoes.

MumWell, if you don’t want to be Rita what do you want to be?

Angela 84 (internal)What did I say?

Angela 15I want to be Peg o’ My Heart.

Angela 84 (internal)No! That’s not it. What?

Ivy (other side of the room)Mummy!

Angela 84 (internal) What’s she –? Old lady. She’s talking to me. What’s she saying?

IvyMummy!

Angela 84 (internal)She’s calling me Mummy. Am I her mummy?

Ivy (approaching)Why didn’t they tell me you were coming to see me, Mummy?

Angela 84Well. (Internal.) I’m not her mummy.

IvyI knew you’d come back, Mummy. I don’t want to watch the television any more. Can I sit beside you, Mummy?

Angela 84 (internal)She must be mad. She could get nasty. Better . . . (To Ivy.) If you like.

Ivy (approaches)Did you miss me, Mummy?

Angela 84Well, I suppose I must have done. (Internal.) Must be ninety. I’m younger than her. How can she think I’m her mummy?

IvyWhat was Australia like, Mummy?

Angela 84 (internal)Humour her. (To Ivy.) Australia? Well . . . it was hot. (Internal.) Mad old lady.

IvyI’m glad you came back. I want to go to the caravan. I want to go to Bognor and I want to have fish and chips and I want you to read me my story.

Angela 84Let’s see.

IvyPlease, Mummy.

Angela 84 (internal)I don’t know this room. I’m in a strange place. And this mad old lady has – oh! She’s putting her arms around me.

IvyI love you, Mummy.

Angela 84 (internal)I’ve got a girl only mine’s a li...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Contents
• Angela
• Characters
• One
• Two
• Three
• Four
• Five
• Six
• Seven
• Eight
• Nine
• Ten
• Eleven
• Twelve
• Thirteen
• Fourteen
• Fifteen
• Sixteen
• Seventeen
• Eighteen
• Nineteen
• Twenty
• Twenty-One
• Twenty-Two
• Twenty-Three
• Twenty-Four
• Twenty-Five
• Twenty-Six
• Twenty-Seven
• Twenty-Eight
• Twenty-Nine
• Thirty
• Thirty-One
• Thirty-Two
• Thirty-Three
• Thirty-Four
• Thirty-Five
• Thirty-Six
• Thirty-Seven
• eCopyright