Going Home

Going Home is a short play about loss and the meaning of home. When a man turns up at a woman’s home, she assumes he’s up to no good. After convincing her otherwise, she allows him inside and he explains that her home used to belong to his father. Distraught over his recent death, he soon reveals the real reason he’s there. A great two-person scene for teens or adults to perform!

Corrina Bryant is a freelance writer living in London.  She has written for radio, magazines, local and national press and media websites.  Corrina has written plays for the Director’s Cut Theatre Company showcase at the Southwark Playhorama use in London, as well as written for professional actors performing at fringe theatres in the city.  She is currently writing a novel for teenagers/young adults and is delighted to be writing for Drama Notebook.  She wishes all the students and teachers every success in their work and would love to hear from them.

Excerpt from the play:

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Woman – hard as nails; lives alone; impatient and doesn’t suffer fools gladly.
Man – soft-spoken, polite.

Woman is sitting at a table working/reading and drinking a whiskey. Knock at the door. She ignores it. Rings again. She tuts irritated and ignores it again. It rings again and she gets up to answer it. A young man stands at the door.

WOMAN
Yes?

MAN
Hello, sorry to bother you, but…

WOMAN
What do you want?

MAN
It’s a bit complicated – can I come in?

WOMAN
No.

MAN
Oh, it’s just, I was hoping I could come in because my…

WOMAN
Spit it out, or get on your way

MAN
Look, this would be a lot easier if I could come in? I won’t take up too much of your time.

WOMAN
How do I know you’re not an axe murderer?

MAN
Because I haven’t got an axe?

WOMAN
A hitman?

MAN
Are you expecting one, or are you just exceptionally cautious?

WOMAN
Ok, you can come in, but don’t try any funny business – I’ve got a meat hammer.

MAN
Right – thank you.

They sit at the table and the woman pours him a drink and puts it down in front of him.

WOMAN
Drink.

MAN
Thank you, but I don’t…

WOMAN
Drink!

MAN
(Downs drink in one). I’m Tom. (Offers his hand, which woman ignores) I hope you don’t mind me turning up like this? (Silence) I’m hoping you can help me. (Silence). I got your address from my father.

WOMAN
Who’s yer father?

MAN
You don’t know him either.

WOMAN
So why does he have my address?

MAN
Because he used to live here.

WOMAN
Well, he doesn’t anymore.

MAN
No, no obviously, but – look he doesn’t know I’m here.

WOMAN
Why are you?

MAN
Because this was his home – his childhood home. I think he might even have been made here!

WOMAN
I don’t need to know that.

MAN
No, no sorry, I’m just painting the picture.

WOMAN
I’d rather you didn’t paint that particular picture.

MAN
Right. (Silence). Could I possibly look around?

WOMAN
No.

MAN
Okay, I understand. (Silence). Can I look outside?