Just Life

Just Life is a play about getting older. Tom and Kate are happily married with one daughter Kiki who has just left home for university. Tom is turning 50 tomorrow and is reflecting on his life. The play takes place in their bedroom, where Tom and Kate are in bed reminiscing about times which have defined their lives. They are just a regular couple leading regular lives, but Tom is feeling a sense of loss at his impending birthday, which has coincided with his daughter leaving home. A sweet play for teens and adults!

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

KATE  – late 40’s married to Tom
TOM – nearly 50, married to Kate
KIKI – 19. Kate and Tom’s daughter (voice only)

SETTING:
Kate and Tom’s Bedroom – Double bed. Bedside tables, lamps. Kate’s side has books on mindfulness, yoga, candles, kindle Tom’s side has phone charger, laptop, political biographies, indigestion tablets.

Scene 1

(TOM is at home speaking on his mobile phone to his daughter KIKI. She is not there, but her voice is heard).

KIKI
For God’s sake, Dad – I didn’t kill anyone!

TOM
That doesn’t mean it isn’t serious.

KIKI
Borrowing money from my dad is not on a par with murder.

TOM
Kiki. You have spent a ridiculous amount of money in a very short amount of time on absolutely nothing but bloody alcohol!

KIKI
Dad! It’s Fresher’s week and this is my only time to make a first impression!

TOM
So what, you bought a round for the entire university?

KIKI
No of course not! God you are such a hypocrite! How much do you spend on beer on your boys skiing weekend every year?

TOM
That is my money! That I have earned and it has absolutely nothing to do with you!

KIKI
Well, why did you tell me not to tell Mum how much you lost in the casino then?

TOM
Because, because I was just having fun for God’s sake!

KIKI
So when you throw your money away with your friends, it’s fun, but when I do it, I get blasted for it!

TOM
It’s not your money! You’re at university – a place for supposedly intelligent young adults. How are you going to survive three years if you can’t even survive the first bloody few weeks?

KIKI
I’m sorry I’m such a disappointment to you.

(Hangs up. Lights fade).

Scene 2

(KATE  is sitting up in bed with her eyes closed. TOM walks in wearing a dressing gown and holdingtwo cups of coffee. He puts Kate’s down next to her and then climbs into bed).

KATE 
What are you doing?

TOM
I’m tired.

KATE 
Noooo, get out. (she tries to push him out) – This is my time.

TOM
I won’t talk to you.

KATE
It’s not the same.

TOM
Do you really want me to get out of our marital bed?

KATE
Nooooo, it’s fine.

TOM
I am your husband. You’re meant to quite like me – like spending time with me.

KATE
You said you wouldn’t talk.

TOM
Okay.

KATE
I do like you.

TOM
Even though I’ve made our daughter never want to come home ever again?

KATE
I don’t think it’s quite as bad as that.

TOM
I shouldn’t of have had a go at her.

KATE
Well, maybe not in the way you did.

TOM
Thanks for your support!

KATE
I just think you could of handled it better.

TOM
She is just so infuriating! She doesn’t think about consequences.

KATE
She’s a student!