'BEING FRANK' - Drama · Web view33/33 32/32 Tuesday 7 April 2015 FDAMH - 173 Victoria Road,...

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‘BEING FRANK’ Written by The Pink 2:2 Media Group Supported by Katie White Adapted from a play collaborated with FDAMH & Campbell Fraser Tuesday 7 April 2015

Transcript of 'BEING FRANK' - Drama · Web view33/33 32/32 Tuesday 7 April 2015 FDAMH - 173 Victoria Road,...

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‘BEING FRANK’

Written by

The Pink 2:2 Media Group

Supported by Katie White

Adapted from a play collaborated withFDAMH & Campbell Fraser

Tuesday 7 April 2015

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CAST & CREW

Frank - GordonOff Stage Frank - Recording

Dave (Friend) - BryanOff Stage Dave - Recording

Amanda, ex-Girlfriend - Mandy

Frank’s Dad - Graeme

Frank’s Mum - Vera

CPN - Jackie

Dave’s Partner Millie - Jenny

Abusive Woman Stella - Maria

Ambulance Driver - Janet

FDAMH Scene; Janet, Big G/Graeme and Frank/Gordon

SCRIPT PROMPT / FEED PERSON

STAGE HANDS

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Scene List

1. Full cast - then Frank committing suicide.

2. Ambulance Scene

3. CPN 1st Visiting Frank at home

4. Friend’s Visit

5. CPN 2nd Visit and Parents

6. Pub Scene

7. FDAMH Drop in Scene

8. CPN Final Visit

9. Full cast head back on stage. When they have all read out their closing 30 seconds the play ends with Frank on seat turning (at the same time as the others) his back on audience. Back of T-shirt’s and chair make up the initials ‘Proud To Be Frank!’ (14 Letters -- 9 For cast and ’Frank’ on the back of Gordon’s chair)

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FIRST DRAFT

FADE IN:

OPENING SCENE INT. FRANK’S LIVINGROOM, EVENING

FULL CAST ON STAGE FOR 30 SECOND SLOTS (All wearing black)

There is a chair in the centre of the stage that we don’t see straight away because the cast are standing around it.

The cast say their piece starting with Gordon (he has a white t-shirt under his black one.) He goes to the chair with his back to the audience.

Vera is the second to say her part (either at the side or on the stage) she then leaves the stage and then one by one the cast say their piece and do the same, leaving Frank alone.

He is on a swivel chair so that he turns at the end after the last person has gone. He will be wearing a white t-shirt to make him instantly stand out.

FRANK'S INTERNAL MONOLOGUE

Frank is sitting with his eyes closed and we can hear his thoughts.

FRANKWhat’s the point of me, of this... wasted, shit existence? The only time I feel alive is when I have that recurrin' dream. The one where I’m fallin', and just before I hit the ground I’m buzzin' cause I hope I do make that impact and everythin' ends.

His eyes open and he leans forward with his elbows on his knees.

FRANK CONT’DBut it doesn’t, and I’m gutted every single time because I do wake up. I feel like my life’s on bloody auto pilot...Bed, dinner, beer repeat.

(pause)

Why the fuck am I wastin' my time, or anybody else’s?

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He picks up a framed picture from the table beside him.

FRANK CONT’DWhy does she bother with me? I know what she keeps sayin' but I know inside she must hate me!

AMANDA V.O. None of this was your fault; you made a couple of mistakes that’s all. You’re a brilliant photographer Frank, but loads of people went out of business, it’s just how it is.

FRANKMe brilliant, my arse. All I’m good for is screwin' up people’s lives.

He wipes his hands down his face and puts down the picture.

I wrecked that girls wedding day, her wedding day for Christ sake. Then the other shoot, what was I thinkin'?

(He shakes his head)

What a fuckin' waste of space I am.

(pause)

Two years, two years and I still haven’t paid back my parents for the court settlements.

He leans over and touches a knife sitting on the table at the side.

FRANK CONT’DAnd what do I do to help myself, to make Amanda still love me? I drink. In fact she doesn’t know it, but when she’s on night shift I get so drunk my bodily fluids must be 90% alcohol, and all with the sole purpose of desperately wantin' to throw up in my sleep and choke on my own vomit - cause I’m too much of a coward to just end it all.

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He starts crying.

FRANK CONT’DHer face in the ambulance when she saw my face covered with vomit and disappointment.

(pause) (He shakes his head)

But she doesn’t know that I’m not disappointed she’s seen me like that.

(He stares blankly into space)

My real disappointment and regret is that I have woken up at all.

(pause)

I bet she’s wishin' I hadn’t as well. I know it’s only a matter of time.

(pause)

She’s goin' to come to her senses and give up on me, she has too. But I know she can’t. She can’t 'cos she’s a good person

(pause)

So it’s up to me. I’m goin' to make the decision for her and do it properly this time. At least that’s somethin' I can finally get right.

Frank, swivels his chair at the end feigns slashing his wrists so the audience don’t see this but know he is doing it. Arms hanging limply at the side.

Two stage hands carrying a material screen -- dressed completely in black - walk on the very front of the stage with Frank’s Dad and girlfriend behind them. (Frank will have turned the chair back to face the front and the TWO blood stains will have been placed on the floor by the Dad)

The stage-hands exit with Frank hidden behind the screen.

END SCENE 1

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SCENE 2 -- FRANK'S LIVING ROOM --SUICIDE SCENE

There is a blue flashing light at the side of the room and we can vaguely make out the chat on radio off stage. (TECH)

‘Attempted suicide -- male age 34....’

FRANK’S DAD is standing with Frank’s girlfriend AMANDA

AMBULANCE DRIVERAre you coming in the ambulance Mr Johnston?

FRANKS DADYou go love and I’ll clear up this...this...

(he hesitates)

AMANDA -- FRANK’S GIRLFRIENDBlood -- it’s blood.

(pause)

Again(pause)

And no...

She takes a key from a key ring and hands it to Mr Johnston as she picks up her bag and jacket.

AMANDA -- FRANK’S GIRLFRIEND CONT’DNo more ambulances...I’m done.

FRANKS DADAmanda love please!

Amanda ignores him and walks out.

AMBULANCE DRIVERI’m sorry but if you’re coming in the ambulance we really have to go now.

END SCENE 2

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Two stage hands carrying a material screen -- dressed completely in black - walk on the very front of the stage as the Dad and the ambulance driver are exiting. Frank and the CPN (plus two chairs) are now on stage.

SCENE 3 -- FRANK'S LIVING ROOM -- MORNING CPN VISIT

Frank is dressed in a crumpled t-shirt with a bandage on each wrist, staring off into space and the CPN is waiting. She has an opened notepad and pen. After a pause she asks.

CPNSo how did you feel after your visit to the consultant?

FRANKStupid. No, more lonely. Or actually, both, stupid and lonely.

He picks at a piece of skin on his finger.

CPNWhy was that?

He directs his comments to a space over her shoulder.

FRANK -- SIGHING HEAVILYI felt stupid cause...well, cause I was scared walking back to the bus stop by myself, I was nearly crying, like a bloody wean! I’d never been there before and didn’t know my way about.

(PAUSE)Then on the bus..well, a just felt like shit...passing houses with lights on that I knew were probably filled with normal, happy folk.

CPNI told you last time Frank, ‘normality’ and the illusions of happiness are overrated and drummed up by advertising agencies to get us all to buy their products.

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He almost smiles.

CPN CONT’DAnd at least you made the visit to the hospital, and you’ve got over the shock of having a CPN. Not sure you were that keen before.

FRANK - LETHARGICALLYKeen? I didn’t have a bloody clue what a CPN was.

CPNAye we’re a strange lot us community nurses.

FRANKYou forgot the word psychiatric...

CPN, LAUGHINGOh trust me, I never forget that. Anyhow I think you’ve made some progress over the past couple of visits.

He shrugs.

CPNWell you’ve managed to get out a couple of times haven’t you?

FRANKAye but only down to the park, and even then I felt like an odd ball. Single man wandering about on his own, you know what they say...

She points at the wall to an imaginary sign.

CPNWhat, is there a sign up saying,'only people in pairs or more allowed in this park please?'

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FRANKYou know what I mean.

CPNWell, I’m waiting for the woman to get back to me from the rescue kennels. As soon as she does we can maybe think about you getting a dog?

Looking nervous again he just shrugs. Seeing this the woman tries to divert his attention.

CPNHow are you doing with the Breaking Bad box set your friend lent you?

FRANKAye all right. It’s good to switch off. The only trouble is that sometimes I watch them all the night.

CPNDo yourself a favour and try not to turn day into night, not an easy cycle to break once you’re in it.

FRANKYeah, I’ll try.

She starts lifting her stuff from the floor. He doesn’t get up and watches as she goes to let herself out.

CPNYou’re making good progress Frank, keep up the good work.

He doesn’t reply but just nods. She pauses once outside the door and turns with a smile.

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CPNBy the way...I’m delighted you’re not sitting in your underwear today, thanks for that, Frank.

He laughs but looks embarrassed.

END SCENE THREE

Two stage hands carrying a material screen -- dressed completely in black - walk on the very front of the stage. When they move off Frank is back in the chair asleep with a long sleeved top on and another seat on the stage.

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SCENE 4 -- FRANK'S LIVING ROOM (FRIEND’S VISIT) -- DAY

We see Frank’s friend Dave at the side of the stage as if outside.

DOOR BELL RINGS

Frank leans his head back and sighs, then we hear his thoughts.

FRANK (INTERNALLY)Thank God the door’s locked. I’ll just sit still and they won’t know I’m here.

Dave shuffles from foot to foot. We hear his thoughts.

DAVE (INTERNALLY)Great, he’s no in...(pause)...am here now.

He turns away and then drops his shoulders and grudgingly turns back and tries the door handle. The door opens.

DAVE & FRANK (INTERNALLY)Fuck!

ENTER DAVE

DAVE Aright Frank. How's you?

DAVE INTERNALLY Why did I try the bloody handle? Look at him he looks like shit.

FRANKYou know... hellish days, and no as good as that days...

FRANK INTERNALLYWhy didn’t I lock that door after the CPN?

Awkward laughter.

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FRANK CONT’DYerself?

DAVE I support Rangers, my life’s always shit!

They both laugh properly this time. Dave sits opposite Frank

DAVE Look mate, sorry ave no been round in ages.

DAVE INTERNALLYI haven’t had a fucking clue what I’d say to you.

AWKWARD PAUSE

FRANKAch it’s fine.

FRANK INTERNALLYI didn’t want you here anyway thinking I was a waste of space.

DAVEIt's just, well, after yer text sayin' ye didnae want to see anybody for a while ...well...

FRANKAye, I ken. No worries pal.

Dave checks his phone after it beeps a text.

DAVEI met your Dad at the co-op. He was saying you’re a lot better now.

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FRANKWell I’m no trying to top myself every five minutes, so that must be something, eh?

DAVE INTERNALLYWhat do you say to that?

FRANK INTERNALLYGreat way to ensure your pals visit you more often, mention suicide. My CPN will be so proud.

Dave shuffles awkwardly and tries to change the subject.

DAVESo how’s Amanda?

FRANKSingle last time I looked.

DAVE INTERNALLYThat’s it Davey boy! Make your suicidal pal feel worse by mentioning his ex-girlfriend, way to go.

FRANK CONT’DI was her Rangers apparently and she decided she was fed up supporting a shit team.

Dave raises his hands in the air.

DAVEDunfermline Accy look like they’re being relegated. Maybe we could join them together, now that you’re single and Rangers are all but fucked financially?

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FRANKAm not that depressed.

They both start laughing heartily.

FRANK CONT’DIf I’m being honest am actually feeling a wee bit better than I’ve been in a while. They seem to have got my meds sorted out and it’s definitely making a difference.

DAVEThank Christ for that. Am no sure how much more of Alan’s pish I can take by myself down The Swan.

They both groan.

FRANKSame old shit?

DAVEJust a different day.

Dave’s phone pings the noise of a text again, he stands up.

DAVESorry mate I have to pick up the missus, but if you want to come out for a pint or just hang about and have a blether gees a shout.

They both look at each other and Frank raises his eyebrows. Dave shakes his head.

FRANKReally?

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DAVEYep, I just did that...I asked a suicidal man if he wants to 'hang about'.

They both laugh and Frank stands up and sees Dave to the door after they hug briefly and thump each other on the back.

DAVEYe know where I am.

FRANKAye.

END SCENE 4

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SCENE 5 -- FRANK'S LIVING ROOM -- MORNING CPN & PARENTS

Frank’s is wearing the t-shirt from before but this time it’s not crumpled. The CPN is waiting for him to sign a form, which he hands to her.

CPNGreat, I’ll hand those in to the dog shelter this afternoon.

FRANKAre you sure they’ll want me to have a dog?

She puts the form inside her bag.

CPNBeing an animal lover and a responsible owner is all they care about. They’re not there to judge your mental health Frank.

FRANKAye, it’s just as well?

CPN LAUGHINGYeah, cause we both know that’s my job!

At the side of the stage we see a couple arrive and the woman reaches for the handle. The man stills her hand.

DADRing the doorbell Maggie, the boy might be in the toilet.

MUMAnd he could answer the door how then?

She rings the bell.

Frank opens the door and ushers them in. The CPN smiles at them but the mother doesn’t return the smile.

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CPNNice to see you Mr & Mrs Johnston.

MUMI didn’t think you were still coming, not now that Frank’s better.

Frank shakes his head, clearly pissed off.

CPNThese are really just support visits Mrs Johnston.

MUMWell Frank’s not fed up now so he’ll not be needing ‘support visits!’ He has his family for that.

FRANKMum!

CPNWith all due respect Mrs Johnston, Frank’s an adult and capable of deciding if and when he wants these visits to cease.

The Mum goes to speak again but the Dad takes her by the shoulders and turns her towards the living room.

DAD Enough Maggie.

Frank goes outside the door with the CPN.

We can see inside the room that the MUM is still bristling but mellowing slightly as she walks into the living room still moaning, unhappy at having external involvement in her family as she sees it. She removes her coat, (shrugging her shoulder away from her husband as he tries to help) then she takes the TV magazine from her bag and sits down.

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The Dad takes her coat and as he takes off his own coat she starts to talk again,

MUMI can manage without help. My boy doesn’t need anyone else interfering. I'm his Mammy.

Simultaneously FRANK and the CPN are continuing the scene...

FRANK Sorry about my Mum, she thinks if I’m not bleeding or have something visible then there’s nothing wrong with me.

CPNI meet your Mum daily Frank, she just comes in different shapes and guises.

She puts her bag over her arm and shrugs.

CPN CONT’DFolk don’t always understand mental illness. But just remember, that doesn’t make them bad people.

FRANK True...

CPNSee you next week Frank after your next FDAMH drop in.

FRANK Will do.

CPNGood luck explaining FDAMH to your Mum.

FRANK Aye, maybe not the day?

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Dad comes out to hang up the coats. He reaches into his back pocket, brings out a twenty-pound note and hands it to Frank.

DADHere's £20 for you. Get yourself a drink or something...and don't tell your Mum.

FRANKThanks Dad. Don't worry, it's just between us.

Frank and Dad smile at each other, sharing their little secret between them. They walk back into the living room together. The mum is sitting down in the chair flicking through the TV magazine, which she hands to Frank whilst looking at her husband. Making it clear that nothing gets past her...

MUMThat's right, you're really clever aren't you. Just give him mair money, tae go drinking wi'.

Her husband looks sheepishly at his feet.

END SCENE 5

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SCENE 6 -- PUB -- NIGHT

MILLIE is sitting at a table taking a drink from a glass as Frank and Dave walk in from the other side. They have an almost empty pint glass each but Frank’s is Cola not beer like Dave’s.

The men are laughing and Dave takes a pretend swipe at Frank.

DAVEEnough of that tripe, I let you win cause I felt sorry for you!

FRANK What, let the depressed boy win at snooker so that he feels better about himself and has to buy the next round?

DAVEWell let’s face it, it’s not like you’ve been out spending much money during your blue period -- Vincent Van Gough! (Pronounced like cough)

Frank reaches into his pocket and pulls out a twenty-pound note, which he offers to Dave.

FRANK I think you’ll find it’s pronounced Vincent Van Go! And for your cheek you can GO to the bar!

Dave laughs and takes the money from him. He leans down and kisses Millie on the cheek and pats his shirt pocket, which has cigarettes in it.

DAVEI might just nip out for a quick puff while I’m up.

FRANK They’re going to kill you one day mate.

Dave raises his eyebrows at Frank. They both start laughing.

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DAVEReally?

FRANK I know, the man who’s finally stopped trying to kill himself is pulling you up for smoking.

The three of them laugh as Dave walks away whistling.

MILLIEAye you’re a good lad, smoking and bad whistling aside.

Dave keeps walking but gives them the fingers. When he’s out of shot Frank speaks.

FRANK You’ve got a good one there Millie. He’s been brilliant during this, visiting or texting me. Most of my mates have just disappeared. Not that I blame them.

MILLIEI think he’s had a bit of practice on that front.

FRANK How d’you mean?

MILLIEI was in the same place as you a couple of years back Frank. Maybe not as bad, but not in the best place mentally.

He reaches across and takes her hand.

FRANK I’m sorry I never realised, Dave never said.

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She pats his hands before he releases it and reaches for his drink.

MILLIEThat’s because I threatened him with death.

(laughs then pauses)

But in all honesty I was also embarrassed, and, I didn’t want people knowing I wasn’t coping.

FRANK I know that feeling.

MILLIE CONT’DI just couldn't see any of the light at the end of the tunnel everyone keeps telling me about.

To me that was either a train on full beam or my bank manager with a torch looking for me.

There’ll still be the occasional days when I feel like shit and don't want to do anything.

FRANK Aye there's still are a few for me but thankfully no as many.

MILLIEBut with support, the anger and despair eventually goes.

Even ‘normal’ people have their ups and downs. Whatever the feck ‘normal’ is, you've just got to go with the flow. Don't beat yourself up about things.

(pause)

Or let anyone else drag you down. All that bullshit from people who don't really understand -- 'just pull yourself together,’ or ‘cheer up.’

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FRANK Have you met my Mum? I think she invented those phrases.

MILLIEShe can’t have that was my brother! He’s the source of all things positive quote wise, but the most miserable git himself -- he just doesn’t realise.

FRANKNext time my Mum’s round we can invite your brother?

MILLIELet’s not inflict ourselves with that.

They are both laughing as she looks over her shoulder to see if Dave is coming back.

MILLIEIf I could give you one piece of advice, I’d say give it time and as a lovely doctor said to me one day, ‘be kind to yourself.’

Frank looks emotional and Millie reaches across and pats his hand this time. ENTER Stella WALKING PAST - PAUSES

STELLA Awe look who we have here. Hiya Frank nice seeing you out and about.

FRANK, RELUCTANTLYStella..

STELLA A big jumper in this warm weather? Don’t you look cosy. NOT.

Frank looks uncomfortable and pulls at the sleeves.

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STELLA CONT’DRemind me..what date is it today?

FRANK, CAUTIOUSLYIt’s the 18th...

STELLASo no a bank holiday or anything?

FRANK, RELUCTANTLYNot that I know of, why?

STELLAI was just wondering if the psychiatric ward was closed the day.

(pause)

This your bird? Hard to believe you managed to get another one after last time.

MILLIEFor your information I'm not his or anybody else’s bird, d’you see feathers sticking out my arse?

STELLA, IGNORING MILLIEI hear Amanda left and you started playing with Stanley blades.

Heard you were in a right state.

So what's this? Long sleeved Care in the Community?

Millie angrily jumps up off her chair to confront Stella.

MILLIEWhy don’t you shut up with that verbal diarrhoea. Go on. Piss off back to your kennel, you nasty bitch?

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Stella moves off, throws Millie a dirty look. Frank and Millie high five each other. Millie sits back down as Dave comes back in with a tray of drinks.

DAVEWhat did I miss? You two are looking happy with yourselves.

MILLIESomething a nasty mongrel was yapping at us, but don’t worry, we’ve throttled the wee shit aye Frank?

They both laugh as the stage hands come across the front of the stage again signalling the end of the scene.

END SCENE 6

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SCENE 7 -- FDAMH MEDIA GROUP -- DAY

Frank is sitting round a table with a group of people. These include Big G and Janet. They are all laughing.

FRANK I was the same. When I started coming here and my CPN asked me what I thought of the group I said, ‘they’re all fucking nuts! I’m the only stable one there.’

BIG GOi! Cheeky git!

JANETAnd what did she say.

He points to his wrists.

FRANK She looked at these and said, ‘what happened there then, did you cut yourself shaving Mr Stability.

He picks up his coffee and takes a drink.

FRANK CONT’DIn all seriousness mind you I did also tell her about Jenny and the stuff she’d told me about how this place helped after she’d been going to her doctors for years and they just kept telling her to take her tablets.

BIG GBeen there, got the empty bottles.

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FRANK Jenny said she didn’t want to cause a fuss because there were people out there far worse off than her so she lived her life feeling frightened and anxious. I told her we could be triplets!

BIG G WRYLYDon’t you mean twins?

FRANKNope definitely triplets -- her, me and the voice in my head. At least it made her laugh.

JANET LAUGHINGBefore I came here I didn’t realise I’d stopped laughing. Then I heard myself laughing one day and just started crying, probably for all the laughter I’d missed.

FRANKBut you laugh loads Janet and make everybody else laugh.

JANETDon’t tell my family, they think I’m a door faced git!

Janet gets up from the table and picks up an envelope. The others start putting on jackets etc.

JANETSorry, I have to head, I’m meeting my CPN.

She waves the envelope at Frank.

JANET CONT’DThanks again for these, my Gran will be dead chuffed. You did a great job at her party in the nursing home.

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Frank looks embarrassed but pleased.

FRANKYeah, no bother, (pause) I actually quite enjoyed holding a camera again.

He then grins properly when Big G says.

BIG GIf I could take pictures like you man, I’d never have a camera out of my hand!

The stage hands come back on heralding the end of the scene.

END SCENE SEVEN

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SCENE 8 -- FRANK'S LIVING ROOM -- MORNING CPN NEXT VISIT

The CPN is sitting down and Frank is moving about, animated and chatting.

FRANKAnd then Big G says, ‘If I could take pictures like you man, I’d never have a camera out of my hand.’

CPNThat’s fantastic!

FRANKAnd the thing is, I never came home and analysed it for hours like I used to. I actually went to bed smiling. Felt like I’d won the lottery.

He plonks himself down on the chair opposite her.

CPN See, volunteering can be fun after all.

FRANKAh, know, ah know. I was having a bad day when you suggested it. Bad couple of days that week come to think of it.

The CPN is putting her notepad and pen into her bag.

CPN LAUGHINGBut you can see the change Frank. It’s like the dancers on Strictly. They start off with all bad days and then slowly start to find their feet.

FRANKHave you seen my dance moves?

CPN LAUGHINGBad?

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FRANKIt’ll no be a ten from my CPN I can tell you!

They both laugh.

CPNMaybe not but there’s a Ronan Keating song that says, ‘I hope you’ll dance.’ And you are dancing, not sitting on the side-lines watching life pass you by.

FRANKAye I suppose I am.

(PAUSE)I only had two bad days last week and I’ve never told you this before but... I used to want to scream at you to leave, and then feel scared and abandoned when you left.

But I don’t feel like that now.

CPN LAUGHINGWhat do you feel like now?

FRANKNow, I suppose I just feel. If you know what I mean? I’m not walking about like my mind’s completely numb and had a jag from the dentist.

CPN LAUGHINGMe on a Monday morning you mean?

FRANKAnd the rest.

CPN LAUGHINGCheek!

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FRANKI think FDAMH has really helped as well.

CPN LAUGHINGIs that the FDAMH you never wanted to join and thought the drop in would be a waste of time FDAMH?

FRANKAll right I was wrong. It’s probably been the best thing that’s happened to me in years. Just knowing other people are going through the same helps and I’m really having a laugh at the media group.

The CPN starts to gather up her stuff.

CPN Yeah about that...

FRANKAye?

CPN Julie from the group called, she wants me to run something past you.

FRANKRight...

CPN The group are doing a play for medical professionals. They’re performing it as a mental health training tool, and she wants to offer you the lead role?

FRANKShut up! No way, I’ll never be confident enough to stand up and do that...

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END SCENE EIGHT

SCENE 9 -- FINAL SCENE -- FULL CAST ON STAGE

When they have all read out their closing 30 seconds the play ends with Frank’s piece - then on his seat turning (at the same time as the others) his back on audience. Back of T-shirt’s and chair make up the initials

‘Proud To Be Frank!’

(14 Letters -- 9 for cast and ’Frank’ on the back of Frank’s chair)

Frank then turns at the end with the full cast as the audience are clapping and takes a photo of the audience.

THE END

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