INT. THE SHAKESPEARE. 13.00

IT’S FULL WITH SHOPPERS, LUNCHTIME DRINKERS, CURIOUS TOURISTS, A FEW STUDENTS AND OLD MEN WITH NOWHERE TO GO EXCEPT THEIR USUAL PLACE AT THE USUAL TIME.

AT THE BAR, LEANING OVER IN PRIVATE CONVERSATION SO THAT ONLY THEY CAN HEAR EACH OTHER, ARE GERRY THINKWELL, A MIDDLE-AGED REGULAR WITH MUCH TO SAY ABOUT MANY THINGS AND WEARING A JACKET THAT BELONGS ON A YOUNGER MAN, WITH MS ELLEN CLAYGATE, WITH HER CHECKOUT SMILE FROM HER JOB AT TESCO EXPRESS.

GERRY PLACES HIS PINT ON THE BAR, MOVES IT WITH HIS FINGER INTO A TIDY PLACE, AND QUIETLY UTTERS THE CULMINATION OF A LIFETIME OF PONDERING ABOUT THIS AND THAT.

GERRY:     I know these things, Ellen. In the beginning was the word and once the word was spoken it was also heard and once

ELLEN:     (Interrupting above) but what I’m saying is

GERRY:    (Interrupting above) and once heard it was internalised and then heard as if outside and then

ELLEN:      (Interrupting above) like the voice of God?

GERRY:     I’ve not finished, pet.

ELLEN:     Sorry.

GERRY:    Then the voice in the disembodied was given its freedom and so

ELLEN:     (Interrupting above) who by?

GERRY:    I’ve not finished, pet.

ELLEN:    Sorry.

GERRY:   Once given freedom it was no longer heard

ELLEN:    Are you sure about that?

GERRY:   I am. Now do you want another drink?

ELLEN:    I hear the voice.

GERRY:    Not possible, Ellen. I know these things. Not possible

ELLEN:    But if it’s the voice of God

GERRY:   God is dead.

ELLEN:   They kept that quiet.

GERRY:   Now do you want another drink or not?

ELLEN:   I think I’d better; after that news.

GERRY TRIES TO CATCH THE BARMAN’S EYE.

ELLEN:    Gerry

GERRY:    What?

ELLEN:     If the voice is no longer heard why do I hear the voice?

GERRY:    You don’t. Not possible. If it was possible I’d know.

ELLEN:     But I do hear. When alone. Doesn’t happen often.

GERRY:    Take it from me, Ellen. It doesn’t happen at all.

ELLEN:     It’s like a movie going on but indistinct. The voice belongs to an American. He’s alright, I don’t worry about it.

GERRY:    I would, pet. I would worry.

ELLEN:     He says nice things, comforting things.

GERRY:     Does he say “would you like another drink, pet?”

ELLEN:     No

BARMAN:   What’s it to be, Gerry? Same again?

GERRY:     Same again. And a Jack Daniels on the rocks for Ellen’s imaginary friend.

ELLEN:     He doesn’t drink.

GERRY:     Really? I’ll have to drink it then

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