Upper Cut 9781783196715, 9781783191727

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UPPER CUT

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Juliet Gilkes Romero UPPER CUT

OBERON BOOKS LONDON WWW.OBERONBOOKS.COM

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First published in 2015 by Oberon Books Ltd 521 Caledonian Road, London N7 9RH Tel: +44 (0) 20 7607 3637 / Fax: +44 (0) 20 7607 3629 e-mail: [email protected] www.oberonbooks.com Copyright © Juliet Gilkes Romero, 2015 Juliet Gilkes Romero is hereby identified as author of this play in accordance with section 77 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. The author has asserted her moral rights. All rights whatsoever in this play are strictly reserved and application for performance etc. should be made before commencement of rehearsal to The Agency, 24 Pottery Lane, Holland Park, London W11 4LZ. No performance may be given unless a licence has been obtained, and no alterations may be made in the title or the text of the play without the author’s prior written consent. You may not copy, store, distribute, transmit, reproduce or otherwise make available this publication (or any part of it) in any form, or binding or by any means (print, electronic, digital, optical, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the publisher. Any person who does any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be

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liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages. A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. PB ISBN: 978-1-78319-172-7 EPUB ISBN: 978-1-78319-671-5 Cover image by Rebecca Pitt Printed, bound and converted by CPI Group (UK) Ltd, Croydon, CR0 4YY. Visit www.oberonbooks.com to read more about all our books and to buy them. You will also find features, author interviews and news of any author events, and you can sign up for e-newsletters so that you’re always first to hear about our new releases.

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For Mum, Dad, Gary and Oscar, always

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Acknowledgements I would like to thank everyone who has supported and believed in this project, including Old Vic New Voices, Tara Arts, The Kevin Spacey Foundation, London Hub Stratford Theatre Royal, Jerwood Space and Talawa Studios. Also Southwark Playhouse, Oberon Books and Simon Woolley of Operation Black Vote. Major gratitude to all the actors who assisted in workshops and readings and especially to Akemnji Ndifornyen, Andrew Scarborough and Emma Dennis Edwards who have brought this play to such life. Enduring thanks to the creative cew behind Upper Cut, especially Lotte Wakeham and Emma Dennis Edwards who invited me to take this journey across our political landscape with so much faith and commitment. It’s been a long road and well worth travelling, without you this would not have been possible. Neil Grutchfield for his rigorous dramaturgy, constant energy and unwavering support. I am in your debt. And special thanks to producer Annabel Williamson for embracing this play and moving heaven and earth to make this all happen.

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Contents Acknowledgements Characters Scene One: November 2012 Scene Two: August 2011 Scene Three: January 2006 Scene Four: May 1994 Scene Five: June 1987 Scene Six: March 1987 Scene Seven: February 1987 Scene Eight: January 1987 Scene Nine: December 1986 Scene Ten: September 1986

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Characters KAREN MICHAEL BARRY

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Upper Cut was first performed at Southwark Playhouse in The Little, London on 14 January 2015 with the following cast: KAREN

Emma Dennis-Edwards

MICHAEL

Akemnji Ndifornyen

BARRY

Andrew Scarborough

Creative Team Director

Lotte Wakeham

Set and Costume Designer Rachel Stone Lighting Designer

Derek Anderson

Sound Designer

Andy Graham

Assistant Director

Emily Burns

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Production Manager

Ben Hosford

Deputy Stage Manager

Anna Sheard

Assistant Stage Manager

Rike Berg

Producer

W14 Productions

The production was supported by Stage One Bursary for New Producers and Jerwood Space.

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SCENE ONE November 2012 Music: ‘What A Difference A Day Makes’ by Dinah Washington. Darkness. A flat in South East London. The fluorescent glow of a TV screen slowly spreads its light partially illuminating KAREN’s living room. The space is bare. Possessions have been packed away in boxes for removal. KAREN sits on the floor knees tucked under chin, occasionally sipping from a glass of red wine. MICHAEL enters the living room, wearing just trousers. He zips up his fly, looks at KAREN and smiles. MICHAEL: KAREN:

Me or Dinah Washington?

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Queen of the Blues.

Did you know she was married seven times?

I know she died at thirty-nine – Alcohol and

pills. MICHAEL: KAREN:

Is that so?

People like their blues singers miserable.

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MICHAEL:

Didn’t stop her becoming an international

sensation. That’s the trouble. White folks hear the blues come out but they don’t know how it got there. KAREN:

wraps his arms around passionately. She breaks off. MICHAEL

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Are you sure this is OK?

I just wanted to make you feel good.

You came out of guilt.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

He kisses her,

You wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

KAREN.

I came to say good bye.

Bye then.

Awkward pause. MICHAEL fetches his vest from the floor. He puts it on. KAREN

turns back to the TV.

MICHAEL:

I don’t know how can you bear to sit and stare

at that. KAREN:

I don’t know how you can look the other way.

MICHAEL:

It’ll be like a high speed train crash.

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KAREN:

I thought he was your hero?

The brother’s toast. He won’t win. He’s wasted too much time on consensus politics. Stand in the middle of the road you get run down by traffic from left and right. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

Sounds just like you.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

You have a short memory.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

And I haven’t?

Hardly the same league.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

And you have a selective one.

At least Obama’s made history.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

I don’t sit on the fence.

I’ve no regrets.

Aren’t you the lucky one.

Pause. MICHAEL:

I’ve missed you.

A beat. (Pointing.) There’s a toaster in that box. A slow cooker. Know anyone who could use them? KAREN:

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MICHAEL: MICHAEL

hunts for and finds his shirt.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

I’ll ask around.

What are you going to do with the flat?

Rent it to my cousin.

Just try to play nice over there. And don’t burn any bridges. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

You’re a fine one to talk.

MICHAEL:

I’m serious. You’ll be a long way from home.

I’m going to follow mum’s advice. ‘If a month comes and I can pay the rent or the car loan but not both, I’ll pay the car loan because I can live in my car but can’t drive the house’. KAREN:

MICHAEL

smiles.

MICHAEL:

Smart woman.

I’ll be fine. (A beat.) The glass ceiling’s not so low across the pond. KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

So you’re running away.

Who’s running away?

MICHAEL:

We need women like you.

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KAREN:

Stop it.

We need to mobilise black votes if we want to win in 2015. Join my campaign team. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

Your team?

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Hang around. I mean it.

I’ve been hanging around the Labour Party since

1987. MICHAEL: KAREN:

Of course not!

MICHAEL: KAREN:

So now you just throw in the towel?

Then why are you leaving?

Why do you care?

A moment. KAREN:

If I stayed would that make you happy?

You know I can’t leave Vanessa. The press’ll have a field day. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

That’s not what I asked you.

Awkward pause. MICHAEL looks at his watch. MICHAEL:

I’ve got to collect my youngest from Judo

class.

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KAREN:

Stop fretting. I’ll soon be long gone.

gets up and sits atop a removal box where she pours herself more wine. KAREN

KAREN:

Another glass?

MICHAEL

waves the wine away.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

I remember when you never touched the stuff.

Mum always said it would be the death of me.

Slight pause. MICHAEL: KAREN:

You must miss her.

At least I have a daughter.

MICHAEL:

(Surprised.) You do?

Her name’s Miriam. She’s beautiful. (A beat.) I sponsor her through Plan International. KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN: KAREN

But she’s not a real daughter.

(Mild affront.) She is to me.

pulls a picture from a box and shows him.

We write to each other. I’ve visited her village twice now. She lives in Ethiopia. KAREN:

MICHAEL:

You always wanted kids of your own. We – 27

KAREN:

Don’t.

A beat. What the hell do you hope to achieve in the United States? MICHAEL:

KAREN:

Everything. We’re powerless here.

MICHAEL:

That’s defeatist.

Just look at the States. There’s economic initiatives for Afro-Americans. Obama’s pushing colleges to reduce fees so poor black students can afford to go. There’s even an Afro-American business charter providing seven billion dollars to create new jobs. If we hadn’t been fighting amongst ourselves we could have done the same. Instead of 27 Black and Asian MPs, we’d have double that figure by now. Political parties would have been forced into allocating us winnable seats. That’s power. KAREN:

A moment. KAREN:

Why are you looking at me like that?

MICHAEL: KAREN:

I beg your pardon?

MICHAEL: KAREN:

You don’t want to go.

You don’t want to leave London.

Excuse me?

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MICHAEL: KAREN:

This what?

MICHAEL: KAREN:

This melodrama.

This regret. It’s all bluff.

You’ve not understood a bloody word I’ve said!

MICHAEL: MICHAEL

I know you. You’re not ready.

pulls KAREN into his arms.

Look me in the eye and tell me you really ‘want’ to leave. MICHAEL:

KAREN

wriggles free.

KAREN:

(Defensive.) I’m not afraid to start over.

MICHAEL: MICHAEL

Have you seen my jacket?

hunts for the rest of his clothes.

What’s the point of being a black politician if you do nothing for your own people? KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Getting elected is a victory for our people.

It’s not enough.

MICHAEL:

What’s happened to you?

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The Stephen Lawrence inquiry. The 2000 Race Relations Act owe more to Doreen and Neville Lawrence than to any of us. KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

And we did nothing?

Black politicians have no influence.

You got your review. You got justice for the families of those murdered kids in Silverton. (A beat.) Think of the lives you changed there. MICHAEL:

So? Half of all black youngsters are still unemployed. KAREN:

And the Party’s fighting to improve equality. There’s a bigger picture here. We introduced the minimum wage when our critics predicted it would lead to mass unemployment. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

Could you live on a minimum wage?

We liberated six hundred thousand children from poverty. MICHAEL:

And how many of them can read and write? Nine thousand black kids leaving primary school can’t. KAREN:

For Christ’s sake. The Party even introduced the Equality and Human Rights Commission. MICHAEL:

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And just look at the continuing abuses of Stop and Search. You know who the victims of that policy are. You were once one yourself! KAREN:

MICHAEL

stabs a finger at KAREN.

Seventy per cent of my constituents are white, Karen. I have to be a politician, who ‘happens’ to black. Not a black man who ‘happens’ to be a politician. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

Come again?

MICHAEL:

You heard me.

Are you a black man or a man who just happens to be black? KAREN:

MICHAEL:

Facetious now?

Imagine the Prime Minister telling Paxman ‘I just happen to be white’. KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

You think this is funny?

What a dilemma.

We don’t get to make all the rules Karen, because we’re in a minority! MICHAEL:

Silence. KAREN:

What’s happened to you?

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KAREN

reaches out to hold MICHAEL’s hand.

Minorities have no choice but to get organised. That’s what drove the civil rights movement. KAREN:

MICHAEL

pulls his hand away.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

The world was different then.

No. We’re the ones who’ve changed.

rifles through one of the boxes and pulls free a document. KAREN

This is who we were. (Waves document in MICHAEL’s face.) ‘Black Sections’ – An organisation launched to fight for the selection of Black and Asian parliamentary candidates into winnable seats – established to help shape policies affecting minorities with no political voice. But none of that exists now. It’s as if we were never here. Our history erased because of self-interest, opportunism and infighting. And now that failure is echoed through a new generation of MPs, all ignoring the very colour of their own skins. And there’s no black lobby to guide them. No black parliamentary caucus to join. You’re cut off on your own. KAREN:

You don’t know what it’s like in Westminster. The gossip and back-stabbing. The media constantly trying to up-end you. You’ve never been elected. You know nothing! MICHAEL:

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A silent stand-off. KAREN:

I need a reference.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

For a new position.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

What position?

Foreign Affairs consultancy. Capitol Hill.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

A reference?

(Surprised.) You?

(Annoyed.) Yes me. I thought you were going to teach or

MICHAEL:

something? KAREN:

What makes you think I want to teach?

MICHAEL:

So you are going back into politics?

The reference is for a Congressman. I’ll be advising on socio-economic policy in Haiti. They’re impressed by my international development portfolio. But once I get my feet wet I’ll move into the US domestic agenda. (A beat.) I’ll need the reference before flying out. KAREN:

MICHAEL,

having thrown on his jacket is now fully dressed and looking every inch the slick politician he is. He fastens his Rolex watch.

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MICHAEL: KAREN:

Isn’t there someone else more – suitable?

What do you mean? You think I’m the best person to write you a

MICHAEL:

reference? You’re the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. It will be quite the endorsement. KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Didn’t bother you in bed just now.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

It’s been a while since we worked together.

Seriously?

Why not?

MICHAEL:

After what you did to me. Live on TV.

So what was all that about (Mimicking.) ‘join my campaign team?’ KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Yes. And you survived.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

You publicly questioned my record.

You tried to bury my fucking career –

You abandoned the Silverton Twelve!

MICHAEL:

I did not!

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And what about my career? You messed that up good and proper! KAREN:

MICHAEL:

You destroyed that all by yourself!

Silence. MICHAEL:

Fuck’s sake. I’m sorry.

A moment. MICHAEL: KAREN:

No.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Look. I didn’t come here to fight.

I’ve got to go.

OK.

MICHAEL

fetches and pulls on his coat.

MICHAEL:

Well good luck.

tries to embrace He heads for the door. MICHAEL

KAREN:

KAREN.

An awkward moment.

You forgot something.

MICHAEL

looks back.

MICHAEL:

What?

retrieves a large brown envelope from one of the boxes and waves it at MICHAEL. KAREN

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KAREN:

You asked me to read it. Don’t you remember?

Recognition slowly fills MICHAEL’s face. MICHAEL: KAREN:

That was years ago. I was young.

And reckless.

MICHAEL:

No. Naive.

That too. (Flicks through pages.) The things you said about the Leadership back then. I wonder what your political allies would make of it? KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Excuse me?

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Is that the only one?

Are you accusing me of something?

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Is that the only copy?

Well is it?

What do you think I am?

I suppose you’ll send it to the press? (Hostile.) Pay back for Harrington-East? MICHAEL:

KAREN:

(Angry.) No one’s seen it. Not even Barry.

MICHAEL:

Can I have it then?

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tries to snatch the document. grasp and stands well away. MICHAEL

MICHAEL:

KAREN

dodges his

Do you want me to beg?

(Amused.) How is Barry anyway? I never imagined the two of you would become so tight. Fist in glove. (A beat.) I thought of asking him for the reference but he hasn’t returned my calls. KAREN:

MICHAEL:

He died.

Stunned silence. MICHAEL: KAREN

You didn’t know?

slowly sits to absorb the news.

MICHAEL:

Massive heart attack.

Pause. KAREN:

(Quietly.) I loved him once.

MICHAEL:

(Thrown.) Barry?

Pause. MICHAEL:

(Jealous.) I thought you loved me?

KAREN finally gets up. She moves across the room and locks MICHAEL’s document in the drawer of a sideboard.

She then pours herself another glass of wine.

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You can mail that reference direct to Congressman Allen. I’ll give you his details. Just copy me in. After that I’ll send you what belongs to you. (A beat.) When I get the job. KAREN:

.

sits back on the floor to watch the rest of the US election coverage. MICHAEL looks on unsure of what to do next. KAREN

Those pundits are so screwed. Can’t wait to see their red faces when Romney concedes defeat. Now, would you like another glass of red? Or something much stronger? KAREN:

SCENE TWO August 2011 Music: ‘Help The People’ by Reuben Howell. Darkness. A television studio. BARRY and MICHAEL wait in the adjacent green room with mini TV. The coffee table is full with courtesy newspapers, tea cups and plates of biscuits. BARRY paces the small room. BARRY:

(At MICHAEL.) Again. With more conviction.

(Rehearsing.) ‘The real conflict here is between right and wrong. Between people who’ve been working hard and who’ve seen their homes and livelihoods destroyed by a group of criminals for whose actions there can be no justification. There’s been too little much too late MICHAEL:

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from this so called government. The Prime Minister needs to get a grip. Give the public reassurance. Get more police on the streets’. BARRY

stops to pour orange juice.

That’s great. The message is clear. The government has misjudged the riots. BARRY:

They’re completely unprepared. Just don’t mention race. He gives MICHAEL a glass. MICHAEL:

But it’s what the media wants to hear.

Not from you. (Indicates the TV.) Leave that rhetoric to the rent-a-mouths like George Collymore. BARRY:

BARRY turns up from GEORGE.

the TV volume to hear the latest outburst

‘ – for certain was that something very serious was about to unleash itself. The police once again are clearly at fault. The black youth have been criminalised as before – ’ GEORGE ON TV:

MICHAEL:

(At TV.) This isn’t the 80s George you idiot!

‘The black community has been criminalised by the very racists who are supposed to protect us – ’ GEORGE:

BARRY

turns volume back down.

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BARRY:

Some people prefer to live in the past.

Yesterday George called me a Judas. Said I’d abandoned the community. MICHAEL:

BARRY:

And who takes him seriously?

MICHAEL: BARRY:

Fuck him.

MICHAEL: BARRY:

He’s making it personal.

He’s dangerous.

Only if you stand between him and a television

camera. MICHAEL:

The Party should never have deselected

George. BARRY:

He was a militant.

And black. (A beat.) Now he spends his life fighting against me. MICHAEL:

I don’t want to see you on the ropes over this. You were elected by the people. (Indicating the TV.) And who is George anyway? Can he make a difference the way you do? BARRY:

Doesn’t help that the media’s only focusing on black youth. Where’s the editorial objectivity? MICHAEL:

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No such thing. But tonight that’s not your fight. Sure they’ll probe and push you to rant on about race. Just don’t get defensive. Don’t give them the impression you’re motivated by anger. BARRY:

MICHAEL: BARRY:

At least not any more.

MICHAEL: BARRY:

(Scowling.) Me?

What’s that supposed to mean?

You forget?

MICHAEL:

I’ll admit I was once bull-headed.

Is that all? Party rebellion? (Taunting.) Black Sections? BARRY:

MICHAEL: BARRY:

It was hardly a rebellion.

It was civil bloody war.

MICHAEL:

Alright. But I’m not that man anymore.

So let the public see you for who you’ve become. Your own success story. The hope you bring. These kids need a role model. BARRY:

BARRY

consults his notes again.

You’ll be asked who’s to blame? Blame the government. That always works. They spend too much money locking people up and fuck all on the root cause. BARRY:

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MICHAEL:

They won’t be able to build enough prisons for

this lot. Three hundred arrests and counting. So (Rehearsing.) ‘how can we prevent such scenes from happening again?’ BARRY:

(Rehearsing.) ‘These youth have got to be more aspirational and stop seeing themselves as the victims sat in the corner. Powerless. Festering’. MICHAEL:

MICHAEL

stops frustrated.

But seriously Barry The Party needs a proper discussion about crime and punishment. MICHAEL:

BARRY:

And we’re having it.

MICHAEL:

I mean a proper one.

Look it’s not the Arab spring. It’s kids gone nuts on their Blackberries. BARRY:

I’m just saying, we look out of touch. Some of these kids are out there stealing food for Christ’s sake. MICHAEL:

You concentrate on the victims for now. Anything else would be political suicide. BARRY:

My first year at Uni a bunch of us got the night bus to Trafalgar Square and I painted ‘whites only’ in the parking bays outside the South African embassy. MICHAEL:

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BARRY:

And did they catch you?

MICHAEL: BARRY:

Then you knew where to draw the line.

MICHAEL: BARRY

No.

Or I just got lucky.

studies MICHAEL.

Were you out looting shops and mugging grannies? (A beat.) Were you? BARRY:

BARRY’s

mobile rings.

Jane? Yes. I’m here with Michael. We’re fine. Are you? (At MICHAEL.) Jane sends her love. (Back to JANE.) Of course. That would be great. We’ll fix a date. (A beat.) What? (Irritated.) Stop worrying. I’ve taken those pills – this morning. OK. You too. And don’t open the door – put the chain on, there’s still rioting going on – Love you too. BARRY:

BARRY

terminates the call.

BARRY:

She wants you, Vanessa and the kids over for

lunch. MICHAEL: BARRY:

I think it’s our turn.

Who’s counting?

MICHAEL:

How is she?

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Unhappy. She thinks the forces of Satan are ranged against us. Especially since the election defeat. Jane says politics has sucked me dry like a prune. But The Party is my life. She refuses to understand. The twins are no better. BARRY:

MICHAEL:

How are they?

Chloe finishes her PhD this year. Emma’s a lawyer now. BARRY:

MICHAEL: BARRY:

Good God.

Where does time go?

I remember seeing those girls shrieking and tearing around the furniture at your annual Christmas drinks. MICHAEL:

All they do is nag me to leave politics. Might as well cut out my heart. BARRY:

takes a bottle of pills from his breast pocket and pops two. BARRY

You are The Party, Barry. Everyone knows it. Even your girls. We would never have won ’97 without you. You’re the best strategist we’ve ever had. MICHAEL:

BARRY:

We’re not in power now.

MICHAEL:

And we’re going to fix that.

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By the way between you and me I had a little internal poll done. BARRY:

MICHAEL:

Oh?

You’re looking good for Deputy Leader. I hope you’re ready. BARRY:

MICHAEL: BARRY:

I’ve always been ready.

Just don’t fuck this up.

MICHAEL:

No pressure then.

goes to the tea trolley. He takes a thick slice of cake and bites deeply. MICHAEL watches him, disapprovingly. BARRY

BARRY:

What?

MICHAEL: BARRY:

You’re not my wife.

MICHAEL: BARRY:

Nothing.

(Shrugs.) It’s ‘your’ heart.

(Defensive.) I ate salad and fruit for lunch.

MICHAEL

fixes BARRY with a look.

Annoyed, BARRY drops the cake back onto the tea tray. His phone rings again.

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Yes? (A beat.) Says who? What? (A beat.) When was this agreed!? BARRY:

BARRY

leaps out of his chair and begins to pace again.

MICHAEL:

What’s the matter?

(To the phone.) You didn’t think to tell me this before! (A beat.) It’s a bit too late for that. BARRY:

BARRY

terminates the call.

MICHAEL:

What is it?

We’ve got a problem. (A beat.) Karen Jackson. She’s on the panel. She’s in the bloody building. BARRY:

MICHAEL:

Fuck.

looks around expecting KAREN to walk in any minute. BARRY drops into his seat. He loosens his tie. MICHAEL

MICHAEL: BARRY:

(Recovering.) Look. It’s fine. I can handle her.

Like the last time?

MICHAEL:

That was an ambush.

And you think this isn’t? She tore you apart at that Select Committee. Live on TV. It made headlines for days! BARRY:

Awkward pause.

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MICHAEL:

How comes she’s on the bloody show?

Must be her work for that young offenders

BARRY:

charity. MICHAEL: BARRY

God. (A beat.) How do I play this?

regroups.

She’ll come at you with how The Party’s out of touch. That it has no real mandate to speak on the lives of the disaffected. That no lessons have been learnt since Silverton. BARRY:

MICHAEL:

It’s not the same as Silverton! That was a real

race riot. But that’s what she’ll say. (Snapping his fingers.) What else? BARRY:

(Regrouping.) She’ll turn this into an ideological fight. She’ll try to show that we’re not listening. MICHAEL:

BARRY:

No. She’ll make it personal. And she’ll use

‘race’. MICHAEL: BARRY:

So I’ll fight fire with fire.

Don’t be an idiot.

47

Our cities are in flames. The people will look to one of us to speak on behalf of those minorities who they blame for this chaos. I need to talk about race. MICHAEL:

BARRY

stabs a finger at the TV. That’s not what this is about! You said it

BARRY:

yourself. MICHAEL:

But the public believes it is. And Karen knows

that. Fuck’s sake! You start banging on about race and it’s over. Forget about Deputy Leader. Is that what you want? BARRY:

MICHAEL: BARRY:

Then do as I say.

MICHAEL: BARRY:

Of course not.

You don’t always know best.

(Explodes.) Now you wait a minute –

Because you don’t have a dog in this fight! (A beat.) There’s a difference between us. MICHAEL:

BARRY:

For fuck’s sakes!

You can pretend that you don’t see it. But it’s here and it’s real. And I refuse to let Karen or others like her discredit me as the enemy within. MICHAEL:

48

Long pause. BARRY:

(Sulks.) Your funeral.

MICHAEL: BARRY:

My resurrection.

Jesus Christ now?

No. An MP. And it’s left to the likes of me to try and put this (Stabs a finger at the TV.) bloody mess right. MICHAEL:

BARRY:

This is not your fault.

MICHAEL: BARRY:

So why do I feel responsible?

Listen –

It feels like race relations have gone backwards twenty-five years! MICHAEL:

BARRY:

Michael –

MICHAEL: BARRY:

What difference have I made?

(Worried.) Do you need to lie down?

I need to see my sons grow up, surrounded by the same opportunities afforded to their white friends. And I need them to see what their father has achieved for this country. MICHAEL:

BARRY:

(Impatient.) OK –

49

So no more prevarication. It stops tonight. We have to be honest so the nation can heal. Which means we can’t strip this debate, this moment, of race, the way we’ve stripped mention of race from the guts of the Party because the leadership thinks it’s too difficult or embarrassing. MICHAEL:

Alright. (A beat.) You’ve made your point. (A beat.) You just focus on how you’re going to deal with Karen. She’ll martyr herself just to bury you. BARRY:

BARRY/MICHAEL:

(Both.) I know her.

No you don’t! (A beat.) Karen and I were

MICHAEL:

close. MICHAEL

sits back down.

MICHAEL: BARRY

Actually. I think she’s – (A beat.) unwell.

sits.

No. Angry. And she’s never forgiven you for not supporting her bid as the Harrington East candidate. BARRY:

The Party would never have agreed her re-selection. Not even you. MICHAEL:

Awkward pause. BARRY looks at his watch. I think it’s time. (A beat.) Look. Just try and avoid all out conflict and whatever happens do not drop your guard. BARRY:

50

Exasperated MICHAEL drops his head in his hands. BARRY:

Michael? Are you listening?

MICHAEL

stands.

(Annoyed.) No. Barry. I’m done with listening. I’m going to deal with this my way! MICHAEL:

SCENE THREE January 2006 Music: ‘Misty’ By Sarah Vaughan. Brighton pier. Dusk gathers. Sounds of entertainment drift faintly from the amusement arcade, occasionally punctuated by the cry of seagulls. During this scene the sun will set. KAREN is leaning against the pier rail, staring out BARRY arrives. He stops and watches KAREN. She

to sea. senses his gaze and turns to face him. They look at each other not sure what to do next. Finally… BARRY:

Seems our spot has changed.

KAREN:

Looks much the same to me.

BARRY:

We had good times here.

KAREN:

We certainly did.

51

You loved to come and watch the sunset. Then we’d stop off for a bottle of wine at The Goat. BARRY:

KAREN:

Malbec.

There was a fireplace and we’d toast our faces in front of it. BARRY:

You made me ride on that bloody ghost train every time we came. KAREN:

BARRY:

It was fun.

Round and round with the same ghouls and rubber corpses jumping about with their tongues hanging out. KAREN:

BARRY:

You were scared witless.

I was not! You gripped my hand so tight I lost blood supply. KAREN:

BARRY:

You used to love the double fried chips.

KAREN:

You’d ruin them with lashings of gravy.

BARRY:

Can’t have chips without gravy.

Both smile. And then it all came crashing down in that stupendous blaze. KAREN:

52

Pause. BARRY:

When was that fire?

Three years ago. 2003. I saw it on the news and thought of you. KAREN:

grips the hand rail and gives it a good rattle, testing its strength. KAREN

BARRY:

Don’t do that.

KAREN:

Just testing.

BARRY:

You might fall.

KAREN:

Only if you push me.

BARRY:

Why would I want to do that?

KAREN:

You tried it once to scare me.

BARRY:

I don’t remember that.

KAREN:

You thought it was funny.

BARRY:

What are you talking about?

KAREN:

You knew I was afraid of deep water. You knew

– suddenly forces KAREN against the railings. Frightened she catches hold of his coat for balance. BARRY

53

kisses KAREN. She gives in. The moment is long and passionate. Just as suddenly, KAREN disentangles herself and pushes BARRY away. BARRY

KAREN:

Have you lost your mind?

BARRY:

What are you so scared of?

KAREN:

(Defensive.) Not you. That’s for sure.

BARRY

leans close to KAREN again. She retreats a step.

KAREN:

People are looking!

BARRY:

You’re shaking.

KAREN:

(Self-conscious.) I’m not shaking.

A moment. BARRY:

Are you OK?

KAREN:

Are you?

I’ve got a lot on my plate right now. But nothing I can’t handle. BARRY:

KAREN:

Don’t you think it’s time you did something

else? BARRY:

Eh?

KAREN:

Find a new career.

54

BARRY:

You’ve lost me.

KAREN:

Go help the Democrats get re-elected.

BARRY:

Me? America’s a bloody basket case.

Pause. There’s rumours a black Senator’s got serious Presidential ambitions. KAREN:

BARRY:

(Scoffs.) He’s way too young.

KAREN:

Blair was 43.

That was a cake walk after the Tories. The States is another matter. Besides his candidacy would polarise everyone and keep the Republicans in power. There’s too much – segregation and fuck-nuttery – BARRY:

KAREN:

Which could work to his advantage.

BARRY:

How exactly?

Angry old white men are dying out. Come the next election they’ll be quite the ethnic minority. (Taunting.) I’m sure you know how that feels. KAREN:

KAREN

waits for BARRY’s counter-attack but gets none.

(Surprised.) What’s the matter with you? (A beat.) Once upon a time you would have roared fire to KAREN:

55

prove me wrong. (Demonstrates.) Smoke billowing out of your ears. BARRY: KAREN

I never roared at you.

shoots BARRY a dirty look.

BARRY:

Well maybe once – Twice.

KAREN:

You’ve lost your –

BARRY:

(Defensive.) I haven’t lost anything.

KAREN:

What’s wrong with you?

BARRY:

There’s nothing wrong with me!

KAREN:

So what was that just then?

BARRY:

What?

KAREN:

(Exasperated.) That! Against the railings?

BARRY:

Don’t act like you didn’t like it.

KAREN:

Don’t flatter yourself.

BARRY:

You’re such a crap liar. You always were.

A moment. KAREN:

What do you want Barry?

A beat. 56

KAREN:

Why are we here?

Pause. BARRY:

We need to…talk.

KAREN:

Talk? What kind of talk?

BARRY:

I think you know.

KAREN:

A talk about what?

A beat. BARRY:

We need to talk about Michael.

KAREN:

Michael?

BARRY:

Yes. Michael Powers.

I didn’t come all the way to Brighton to talk about Michael. (A beat.) You are really screwed up! KAREN:

BARRY:

That’s a beauty.

KAREN:

Don’t back-chat me! He got what he deserved.

BARRY:

So you ambushed him and then some?

I was doing my job. And according to the press, I did a bloody good one! KAREN:

BARRY:

Yes. I was there Karen.

57

A beat. KAREN:

You were?

I wanted to see you again. Even if it was just a Home Affairs Select Committee. The only problem now is that your little stunt has created a shit storm and I have to clean it up. BARRY:

KAREN:

He was busy playing the token black politician.

BARRY:

He’s a Home Office minister. He has to defend –

The indefensible? (A beat.) If he’d bothered to read my report he would have been better prepared, but he dismissed it because it was me. KAREN:

BARRY:

So you came out guns blazing.

KAREN:

He wanted a fight. I gave him one.

BARRY:

Attacking his record on Stop and Search?

He said if he was ever re-elected, he would get rid of it! KAREN:

Karen. It was a committee on Anti-Social Behaviour. Not Stop and Search. BARRY:

The police are using these powers to stop more black people than whites. How is that not illegal? Michael saw a KAREN:

58

bill through Parliament that actually extends police powers to stop and search. BARRY:

You made it personal

KAREN:

What happened to social justice?

It was a run of the mill Committee hearing. Not a platform for you to air your personal grievances. BARRY:

He’s a hypocrite. Stop and Search wasn’t good enough for him but it’s good enough for the rest of us. KAREN:

You brought his children into it. You told the world his eldest son was stopped and searched. You went too far. BARRY:

KAREN:

Not far enough.

BARRY:

You manipulated Michael. (A beat.) And he took

the bait. KAREN:

You really need another job.

BARRY:

You nearly cost him a Cabinet post.

KAREN:

Walk away Barry because this will kill you.

BARRY:

So stop the public fighting. (A beat.) For me at

least. KAREN:

(Cold.) You look tired. I think you need a

holiday.

59

BARRY

looks towards the Pier.

BARRY:

Let’s take a ride.

KAREN:

I told you I hated that ghost train.

He grabs KAREN’s hand and tries to coax her to the ride. BARRY:

It’s probably more of a thrill now.

KAREN:

Barry –

BARRY:

You can hang onto my neck for dear life.

KAREN:

Let go of my arm.

A beat. KAREN:

People are looking!

BARRY:

Fuck ’em.

KAREN:

Let go.

BARRY:

For fuck’s sakes. Let’s have some fun!

KAREN:

It’s a bit late for fun.

BARRY

pulls her toward him.

Let’s find some place to stay then. That quaint little guest house facing the marina – BARRY:

KAREN:

Barry – 60

BARRY:

It’ll be like old times.

KAREN:

No it won’t.

A beat. BARRY:

Come on.

KAREN:

No.

BARRY:

What’s your problem?

KAREN:

You are my problem.

BARRY:

What?

KAREN:

You’re yanking my chain.

BARRY:

And you’re a bloody big tease.

KAREN:

Me? (A beat.) I shouldn’t even be here.

BARRY:

(Sarcastic.) Got somewhere else to be?

KAREN:

Go back to your wife.

KAREN

pushes BARRY away.

BARRY:

Is that it then?

A beat. BARRY:

Well is it?

61

KAREN:

Whatever we had – it’s long dead.

(Bitter.) If anything’s dead it’s because you’re the one who killed it. And this fighting with Michael. This rage. It’s because all you ever wanted was him. BARRY:

KAREN:

Have you quite finished?

But you can’t have him. Ever. (A beat.) You think I never saw it? BARRY:

KAREN

slaps BARRY.

KAREN:

Goodbye Barry.

SCENE FOUR May 1994 Music: ‘It’s A Man’s World’ cover version by Cher. A crowded bar. In a discreet corner, BARRY and MICHAEL are enjoying a good pub lunch and wine. They lean into each other as MICHAEL examines a document. MICHAEL: BARRY:

I’m just not sure.

What’s not to be sure about?

MICHAEL:

We want fairness. Not favours.

At least she’s coherent. Committed. Certainly understood key policy. BARRY:

62

MICHAEL: BARRY:

Nothing the Party can’t handle.

MICHAEL: BARRY:

You’ve said that before.

The media will love her. And that’s what counts.

MICHAEL: BARRY

A bit far to the right don’t you think?

Yeah. With legs like that.

stops eating.

What’s the matter? I thought you enjoyed selection boards? BARRY:

I just wasn’t impressed today. Some of the women were obviously unprepared. Inexperienced. Untested in battle. MICHAEL:

And if we don’t do this (Tapping the document.) constituencies will only choose men. In terms of women, Britain comes below China and Laos. I’ll see hell freeze over before I let the Chinese shame us on female representation. BARRY:

MICHAEL:

The tabloids call it social engineering.

Fuck ’em. Those who object just look like back woods hillbillies. BARRY:

Westminster’s not normal. It’s confrontational. Aggressive. Even Thatcher fell foul of it. Destroyed by her own attack dogs. MICHAEL:

63

Look. No one really wants All Women Shortlists. But no one wants politics to continue as it is. Believe me, John is doing the right thing here. And he knows we can’t afford yet another election defeat. (A beat.) He’s cunning and he listens. That’s his real power. He listens to what others have to say. It’s a rare individual who can unite Left and Right in the Party. (A beat.) And I think he’ll promote you to the Shadow cabinet. BARRY:

MICHAEL: BARRY:

I’ll drink to that and our fetching right-winger.

Finally. You won’t regret it.

They both raise their glasses then drink. By the way. (A beat.) Guess who’s back for selection? BARRY:

MICHAEL: BARRY:

Karen Jackson.

MICHAEL

stops eating.

MICHAEL: BARRY:

Come again?

You heard.

MICHAEL: BARRY:

Knock me out.

But she was expelled.

She’s resurfaced.

64

MICHAEL: BARRY:

She vanished.

She’s re-joined the Party.

MICHAEL:

She’ll never get selected.

There’s nothing to stop her or anyone else applying. BARRY:

MICHAEL: BARRY:

So we politely ignore it.

Actually –

He knocks back a glass of red wine. BARRY:

I invited her here for a chat.

MICHAEL:

Shut up.

Don’t you want to know her plans? Her allies? (A beat.) She’s after Harrington East. BARRY:

MICHAEL: BARRY:

That’s why I think we should talk. Clear the air.

MICHAEL: BARRY:

That’s my panel!

What for!

It’s the polite thing to do.

MICHAEL

chokes on his food.

Since when are YOU polite? (Suspicious.) What’s up with you? MICHAEL:

65

BARRY:

Nothing’s up with me.

MICHAEL: BARRY:

This is guilt.

I don’t believe in guilt.

MICHAEL:

What was it with you and Karen anyway?

What’s wrong with talking? Besides she needs to understand the new rules of engagement. BARRY:

MICHAEL:

She’ll come expecting an apology.

arrives unnoticed. She’s dressed to kill in a sharp designer suit and heels. KAREN

The press will have a field day when they find this out. And John won’t like it. It’s nothing but a publicity stunt. MICHAEL:

KAREN

waits to be noticed. Awkward pause.

BARRY:

Karen. There you are.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Talk of the Devil.

Yes. That’s me.

Awkward pause. BARRY:

You’re looking well.

KAREN:

So are you.

66

stands and kisses moment. BARRY

MICHAEL

KAREN’s

cheek. It’s an awkward

stands.

MICHAEL:

(Uncomfortable.) How are you?

A beat. It’s good to see you. (A beat.) Sit. I’ll go grab us a bottle of wine. BARRY:

BARRY

departs. Awkward pause.

MICHAEL: KAREN: KAREN

It’s been too long. What? Six years?

Seven.

finally sits. MICHAEL follows.

MICHAEL:

So how’s life? No one’s seen you. Where’ve

you been? KAREN:

Purgatory.

You never answered your phone or the door. Thought you’d left the country. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

But now I’m back. I hope you don’t mind.

MICHAEL:

(Forced.) Of course not. It’s great.

67

picks up a document lying on the table. She leafs through it. KAREN

I see you’ve been busy in my absence. (A beat.) All Women shortlists? KAREN:

MICHAEL:

The Party’s trying. Not without a struggle

though. MICHAEL

takes back the document.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

I guess you’re following the debate.

Who isn’t?

I’ve done a lot of the legwork on this. Behind the scenes. MICHAEL:

Shame about George then. A bit of legwork could have saved him. KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Jesus Christ couldn’t save George.

I heard he asked for your help.

(Lowers voice.) I was fighting for re-election. There was no time to bail him out. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

He was your friend. (A beat.) We were friends

too. returns with wine and fresh glasses, unaware of the short spat. BARRY

68

BARRY:

Good to see you two comrades together again.

Icy pause. BARRY sits next to KAREN. And so much to discuss. (A beat.) Times are changing. The Party has changed. New leader. New direction. It’s a whole new politics now. BARRY:

KAREN:

Is it?

Sometimes in life we have to change before we are forced to. BARRY:

BARRY

pours the wine.

BARRY:

Get this down you.

KAREN:

No thanks. I don’t drink.

The men look surprised. KAREN:

But I don’t mind if you do.

MICHAEL:

(Shrugs.) To the future (A beat.) And to you

Karen. BARRY:

(At KAREN.) To you.

and MICHAEL raise their glasses then drink. An awkward moment. BARRY

KAREN:

So is there something you want to say to me?

69

The Committee’s received your application for re-selection. BARRY:

KAREN:

It’s a free country.

BARRY:

Michael’s on the panel for Harrington East.

KAREN

looks at MICHAEL.

KAREN:

(Suspicious.) Is this an ‘informal’ interview?

MICHAEL:

Of course not.

KAREN:

Because that would be against the rules.

BARRY:

We’re just having a drink.

KAREN:

You. Not me.

Actually we’ve been inundated with candidates. (Carefully.) So The Party will have to be honest. About your abilities. MICHAEL:

BARRY:

Which are considerable.

MICHAEL: BARRY

And your history.

shoots MICHAEL a dirty look.

BARRY:

As with every applicant.

KAREN:

(Annoyed.) What is this?

70

(Carefully.) Look. John Smith is a great leader. Great values. I think you’d really like him. A no nonsense Scot. And his vision for a social justice will see him defeat Major and elected next Prime Minister. BARRY:

KAREN:

That’s the plan?

Support John’s policies AND the Party fully, and I think your career could be, you know (A beat.) refurbished. BARRY:

KAREN:

Refurbished?

Not everyone receives such privilege a second time around. (Warning.) This hinges on loyalty. BARRY:

MICHAEL:

And sacrifice. For the Party’s sake.

I gave everything to the Party and it threw me under the bus. And all because I wanted Labour to endorse shortlists for black candidates. Reporters were camped outside my front door for days. Forcing microphones through the letter box, asking ‘Was the sacrifice worth it?’ But, yet the very minute I’m dead and buried, you all go and fetch the bunting, bring out the brass bands and launch shortlists for women! KAREN:

Pause. MICHAEL: KAREN:

I’m sensing a touch of hostility here.

I was expelled!

71

MICHAEL:

Look. This current initiative’s about gender.

Not race. (Warning.) So now you’re trying to judge me ahead of my selection panel? KAREN:

I’m just saying we need to move forwards not backwards. MICHAEL:

That’s easy for you to say. I didn’t sleep. I barely ate or even spoke to my own mother. I was treated like some loony left sideshow act. I couldn’t even help myself let alone those poor families in Silverton who needed me the most. Their dead children needed justice but the media – the Party – you almost killed me. KAREN:

(Placating.) I hear you, that’s why we’re offering you an olive branch. BARRY:

MICHAEL:

A lifeline.

A chance to be part of a re-born party which needs women like you – resilient – BARRY:

MICHAEL:

Trustworthy –

(Cuts across MICHAEL.) We know it’s not easy for women in politics. BARRY:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Several have crashed and burned.

Men too.

72

I think you deserve a fresh start. I’m pretty sure John would be supportive. BARRY:

KAREN:

John Smith?

BARRY:

I think he’d be pleased.

Slight pause. KAREN: BARRY

I’d like that in writing.

and MICHAEL look at each other.

BARRY:

You’d like what now?

KAREN:

What you’ve just told me and a meeting with

John. MICHAEL:

One step at a time –

BARRY:

Let’s not run before we can walk.

KAREN:

Are you serious or not?

A beat. Because I won’t be burnt at the stake again. It’s hard to rise from ashes. KAREN:

(Offers.) Paddy Ashdown did. John Gummer. Edwina Currie – BARRY:

KAREN:

(Annoyed.) Edwina? Seriously?

73

BARRY:

Maybe not Edwina.

You’ve made promises before Barry. (At MICHAEL.) And you! Remember the Black Socialist Society that replaced our own Black Sections? KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

You encouraged me to join it.

MICHAEL: BARRY:

What about it?

Did I?

Can we not get distracted –

(Cuts across.) Then the whole thing collapsed within a year. KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

I didn’t know what would happen.

Of course you did.

MICHAEL:

I can’t predict the future.

I should have listened to George Collymore. He knew what was coming. KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Including his own deselection?

All because he gave away half his pay to prove a

point. BARRY:

He was expelled because he was militant.

74

Nonsense. George wanted to show wage solidarity with the people he represented and they loved him for it. They’re sick to the back teeth of MPs misusing their expenses and earning big salaries with nothing to show for it. George is a man of principle. KAREN:

MICHAEL:

And now he’s unemployed and doing bugger

all! You’re wrong. (A beat.) He’s going to run on his own ticket. KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

As an Independent Labour candidate.

MICHAEL: BARRY:

George?

Madness.

He’s looking for revenge.

MICHAEL:

Independents never win.

Voters love an underdog. Perhaps I could run as an Independent too. George certainly thinks I should. KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

(Scoffs.) You wouldn’t dare.

George feels betrayed. And he’s not the only

one. KAREN

pushes a napkin towards BARRY.

75

So, if you don’t mind, I want that promise of a meeting with John in writing. Please. KAREN:

defiantly folds her arms. BARRY considers the veiled threat. He finally reaches for the napkin. KAREN

MICHAEL:

(At

BARRY.)

You might want to take a minute

here – ignores MICHAEL. He finds a pen and scribbles on the napkin. BARRY

takes and reads the napkin. She quietly folds it and slips the item into her purse. KAREN

BARRY:

Satisfactory?

KAREN:

Depends on the results of my selection board.

A shrill buzzing emits from BARRY’s briefcase. BARRY:

Bloody machine. What now?

He fishes for the device, produces a large pager. BARRY:

Excuse me.

He wanders off. Awkward pause. MICHAEL: KAREN:

MICHAEL

and

KAREN

stare after him.

So, did you see Mandela’s inauguration?

Of course. The whole world was watching.

76

MICHAEL: KAREN:

I just hope he survives his first term.

Why?

There’s too much expectation. He won’t be able to deliver to the poor and hungry masses. MICHAEL:

Mandela knows it was the collective strength of black South Africans who got him elected. Politicians here could learn a lot from that. KAREN:

MICHAEL’s MICHAEL:

pager goes off.

Excuse me.

Saved by the bell, he retrieves it from his briefcase. Reads and stands in shock. BARRY rushes up to him. BARRY:

(At MICHAEL.) Are you getting this – ?

MICHAEL: KAREN:

What’s wrong?

MICHAEL: KAREN: BARRY

It’s not possible.

It can’t be –

What is it?

drops into the nearest chair.

BARRY:

Christ –

KAREN:

Hello? Earth to Barry –

77

BARRY:

FUCK!

MICHAEL: MICHAEL

(At BARRY.) Let’s go.

tries to help BARRY into his coat.

KAREN:

What’s the matter!

BARRY:

He’s dead.

KAREN:

Who’s dead?

MICHAEL: KAREN:

John.

(Incredulous.) Smith?

MICHAEL:

(Voice breaking.) His heart.

MICHAEL grabs hold of BARRY and forces him pub. KAREN watches as they depart. She

out of the sits there stunned. She stares at the wine. Finally, hand shaking, she reaches for the bottle and pours herself a rather large glass. KAREN: KAREN

Fuck.

tears up the napkin.

SCENE FIVE June 1987 Music: ‘Fight For Your Right’ by The Beastie Boys.

78

A bare House of Commons Office. On the wall hangs a stately picture of Roy Jenkins. On an oak table rests a stack of books beside a rather large radio cassette player, pumping out The Beastie Boys. MICHAEL, dressed casually, is in the centre of the room holding a box of yet more books. He is somehow singing along as he gyrates in a circle, in search of somewhere to set his stuff. A knock at the door. MICHAEL doesn’t hear it. Another, louder knock, then the door is gently pushed open to reveal KAREN. She’s looking sharp and attractive in a navy trouser suit. She watches MICHAEL dance. He suddenly sees her. MICHAEL:

(Startled.) God!

(Amused.) No, just mortal me. (A beat.) Don’t stop. I was enjoying the view. KAREN:

MICHAEL

puts down the box

MICHAEL:

I’ve still got some moves.

He waves her in. MICHAEL: KAREN

Come on then.

enters. MICHAEL hugs her.

Looking around a little wide-eyed, portrait. KAREN:

Is that Roy Jenkins?

79

KAREN

clocks a

MICHAEL:

This was his office.

Awestruck, KAREN explores the room. KAREN:

How the mighty are fallen.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Creating the SDP took courage.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

He only has himself to blame.

Insanity more like.

He followed his convictions.

And then he ruined it by joining forces with the Liberals! I don’t like Coalitions. Nor do the voters. MICHAEL:

So you dance on his grave by playing The Beastie Boys? KAREN:

At least they’re out there proving that race is no barrier to ambition. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

By ripping off black music?

MICHAEL:

So white people shouldn’t perform black

music? MICHAEL

fetches a chair for KAREN.

I just thought you were more Grand Master Flash or Run DMC. KAREN:

80

Music should spread and generate new followers regardless of race. Isn’t that what we black politicians are trying to do? MICHAEL:

KAREN:

(Wry smile.) You’re going to fit in just fine here.

MICHAEL:

Do you really think so?

I think you should turn off that racket before someone calls the police. KAREN:

MICHAEL: MICHAEL

turns off the cassette player.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Yes Miss.

So. You managed to get past Vanessa.

Your secretary?

He motions for KAREN to sit. MICHAEL:

Sorry. She’s a bit fierce.

And rather pretty. But not so smart. She thought I was Dianne Abbott. KAREN:

KAREN

finally sits.

(Disbelieving.) She didn’t? You look nothing like Diane. MICHAEL:

Don’t you know. We all look alike. Not that it matters. Because you, George and Diane are amongst the KAREN:

81

first ever black MPs elected in British history. Congratulations. MICHAEL:

Thank you.

You’ve upended the status quo. Even Enoch Powell lost his seat. KAREN:

MICHAEL:

He must be in shock.

Negros on the loose in the House of Commons. George must be elated. Where’s he been put? KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

He’s sharing.

Oh dear.

He’ll be fine. His roommate’s a great guy and a proper Socialist. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

That’s a relief. Who is it?

MICHAEL: KAREN: KAREN

Tony Blair. I’ll let you know how they get on.

You do that. fishes in her bag and presents

gift. MICHAEL: KAREN:

What’s this?

Don’t get too excited.

82

MICHAEL

with a

opens it and looks at

MICHAEL

KAREN

somewhat

surprised. MICHAEL:

A Bible?

A shield against temptation and whatever else the devil may throw in your path. KAREN:

MICHAEL: MICHAEL

Now you’re scaring me.

leafs through the pages.

MICHAEL:

(Smiles.) I never had you down as the religious

type? (Quoting.) ‘I can do all things through him who strengthens me’. Philippians Chapter 4: Verse 13. Mum’s favourite. It’s about believing in something and letting that belief be real enough to change your life. KAREN:

MICHAEL

kisses KAREN’s cheek.

MICHAEL:

Thank you. I’ll treasure it.

He sets the Bible on the table. KAREN:

And this is to make sure you are not all work and

no play. fishes in her bag once more and produces a bottle of wine. KAREN

83

Liquor with the Holy Word. You are a woman of contradiction. MICHAEL:

KAREN: KAREN

I don’t like to be predictable.

produces two wine glasses.

MICHAEL: KAREN: KAREN

Don’t be a bore.

opens the bottle and pours.

KAREN: KAREN

It’s not even lunch time.

It’s a special occasion.

gives MICHAEL a glass and raises hers.

To a lustrous career in Parliament and may God bring good health to the enemies of your enemies. KAREN:

MICHAEL:

I’ll drink to that.

They drink. A moment. KAREN:

So now you’re on the inside, what’s the juice?

MICHAEL

sits on the oak desk.

(Conspiratorial.) Well apparently the tabloids have got Archer off the record admitting he slept with a prostitute. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

Shut the front door!

84

MICHAEL: KAREN:

But he’s suing any way.

Surely he’ll lose.

MICHAEL

sucks his teeth.

MICHAEL:

(Patois.) That man has friends in very high

places. The sleaze. The hypocrisy. How the hell did they win? At least you’re here. KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Next time there’ll be even more of us.

Amen to that.

They clink glasses and drink some more. MICHAEL

pulls up a chair close to

KAREN.

He looks

serious. MICHAEL: KAREN:

So anyway? How are ‘you’? (A beat.) Really?

Fine.

Pause. MICHAEL:

That’s good.

Pause. MICHAEL: KAREN:

Sure?

Yes. 85

Pause. MICHAEL: KAREN:

(Forced cheer.) I said I’m fine.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Because when my sister had her’s –

You would tell me if it was mine?

We agreed –

MICHAEL:

I just need to know.

I’ve kept busy. Delivered a petition to Number 10. We’re demanding a review of the Silverton case. KAREN:

MICHAEL:

Karen –

But they’ve ignored it. I’m being stone-walled. (A beat.) I promised to help the victims. KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

You’re doing a great job.

I need an MP to lobby for me (A beat.) Will

you? MICHAEL: KAREN:

Yes. Leave it with me.

We could petition for a public inquiry –

MICHAEL:

I’ll look into it.

stands and begins to unpack his books. drinks and pours herself more wine. MICHAEL

86

KAREN

MICHAEL: KAREN:

I promised to help them.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

The Ellwoods are lucky to have you.

And you are too hard on yourself.

The government will have to listen to you.

MICHAEL:

Me?

You’re in the House now. (A beat.) I don’t have that kind of influence. If I did, I’d hound the Home Secretary, that’s for sure. KAREN:

Look. No one’s forgetting Silverton, the Ellwoods or the rest of the families suffering there. MICHAEL:

KAREN

drains her third glass of wine. She pours some

more. MICHAEL:

(Concerned.) Hey. Slow down with that.

Imagine. PM’s Qs. You can force a response. And it’ll be great for us. The movement. KAREN:

MICHAEL:

Hey, it’s my first day. My feet aren’t under the

table yet. marches MICHAEL back to his chair and pushes it in front of the oak desk. KAREN

KAREN:

There you go.

87

Karen I just need time to think about this. I have my own constituents to worry about now. Asylum seekers. Stop and Search. Two deaths in custody – MICHAEL:

And twelve dead black students burnt alive in Silverton and still no arrests. This is an opportunity to force some action. I can help you with that. I have case studies. There’s the police cover-up. Don’t be intimidated. KAREN:

MICHAEL:

I’m not intimidated.

gets up and takes away wine. He sets it on the table. MICHAEL

KAREN:

KAREN’s

glass of red

Oi!

He then quietly takes her hands in his. MICHAEL: KAREN:

I think you need a holiday.

But I don’t want a holiday –

And not just from Silverton. You were expelled from the Party for Christ’s sake. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

So? I’m not worried.

MICHAEL:

That’s the problem. You should be.

‘A blatant case of prejudice’ according to my defence team. My appeal’s rock solid. KAREN:

88

She takes back the glass of wine. MICHAEL: KAREN:

And what about your health?

(Irritated.) What about it?

You know what I’m talking about. You don’t look so good. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

Thanks!

MICHAEL: MICHAEL

I’m serious.

takes KAREN’s wine glass, again.

Give it back! (A beat.) I’ll take a stupid holiday as soon as I’m reinstated. Then I’ll need to plan a very strong political comeback. Now let me enjoy my drink. KAREN:

ignores the request and moves the wine glass further out of reach. MICHAEL

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Put your career first for a change.

I beg your pardon?

You could work for any NGO in the world. You’re great at international development. I’d be happy to write a reference. MICHAEL:

I come here to celebrate your election win and you’ve got me on a jet plane direct to a co-operative in Kenya? KAREN:

89

I’m concerned Karen. You’ve almost finished that bottle. MICHAEL:

I’m not asking for your concern! All I’m asking is a bloody question during PM’s Qs! KAREN:

Pause. I can oil the wheels behind the scenes. But that’s all for now. MICHAEL:

KAREN

stands there confused.

It was you who introduced me to the families of those dead kids. KAREN:

MICHAEL:

I know.

You who asked me to fight on their behalf. I can’t do this on my own. KAREN:

MICHAEL:

No one expects you too.

Pause. KAREN:

My God. (A beat.) You’re walking away.

A beat. KAREN:

It’s those drinking sessions with your ‘new pal’

Barry. MICHAEL:

Now you’re being paranoid.

90

KAREN:

He’s made you drop us.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

The plan was we’d stick together.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

No one’s made me do anything.

That’s what Black Sections is for.

So why haven’t you been coming to meetings?

Do you know how many miles I’ve walked? How many babies I’ve kissed. It was a marginal seat Karen and I turned the tide to Labour. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

You were missed, that’s all.

Anyway, the Party wants to endorse a new Black Socialist Society. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

George has told me not to go anywhere near it.

MICHAEL:

Why?

He says it’s a Trojan horse designed by the Leadership to divide and kill off Black Sections KAREN:

Rubbish! It’ll help bring together more activists and councillors and there’s even a woman from the NEC on the board. Take my advice and throw your lot in with them. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

And what about you? Are you going to join?

91

MICHAEL: KAREN:

This isn’t about me.

Do you still believe in Black Sections?

MICHAEL:

Yes!

A beat. KAREN:

Oh my days! You really are walking away.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

You just don’t get it –

After all we’ve been through –

MICHAEL:

You honestly have no clue –

You would never have been elected without Black Sections! KAREN:

Hell Karen. It’s over for you! There’ll be no political comeback. No re-selection. You lost your fucking appeal. MICHAEL:

Silence. MICHAEL:

(Ashamed.) Oh God.

Pause. MICHAEL: KAREN

I was trying to protect you. I’m sorry.

sits crushed.

KAREN:

How did you know? 92

MICHAEL:

I hear things now.

A beat. MICHAEL:

Look. I hate to see you like this.

But there’s others who’ve done far worse than me. Whitby. And Crooks. That rate-capping rebellion. Self confessed Trotskyites. They’ve not been expelled. KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

I was goaded.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

An apology might have sufficed.

I had the guts to say what others couldn’t.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

None of them called the Party racist.

And caused a street riot.

It was a rally which you organised!

You can’t label the Party Leader racist and expect to survive the fall-out. MICHAEL:

You’ve said exactly the same as me. And where were you that night anyway? KAREN:

(Evasive.) I told you. I went to help an old college friend who was wrongfully detained on Stop and Search. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

You went AWOL leaving me to face a mob!

93

MICHAEL:

You need to back off!

I’m going to challenge this verdict. And I expect you to support me. KAREN:

MICHAEL:

I can’t undo what’s done.

(Explodes.) I’ve lost everything because of you! And for what? KAREN:

MICHAEL:

Stop shouting.

I thought we were fighting for something bigger. The future! KAREN:

MICHAEL:

We are.

Five minutes in the building and you’ve already sold out! KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN

You need to think about what you’ve done.

rises bristling with fury.

KAREN:

(Ice.) One day you will need me.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

You fucked up. You went rogue.

You’ll be begging on your hands and knees.

Not everyone’s cut out for a political career. You have other talents. MICHAEL:

94

KAREN:

(Explodes.) Judas!

SCENE SIX March 1987 Music: ‘I Heard It Through The Grapevine’ by Marvin Gaye. and MICHAEL in a secluded corner of the House of Commons ‘Strangers’ bar. The place is packed. Lively. BARRY

Every one’s raving about it. Of course Jane, my wife, bought the tickets and dragged me along to see it. Couldn’t exactly say no could I? (A beat.) What about you? BARRY:

Michael Douglas was playing the devil. A greedy corporate raider – MICHAEL:

BARRY:

Actually I meant, are you married?

(Confused.) I thought we were talking about Wall Street? MICHAEL:

BARRY:

That too. (A beat.) Relax.

MICHAEL:

Are we going to discuss my selection panel?

It’s a tight one. Last Labour majority just two thousand votes. BARRY:

MICHAEL:

You think I’ll lose my deposit.

95

Voter turnout’s a bitch. Eleven per cent. How you gonna raise that? BARRY:

By pressing the flesh with residents who would rather throw Punches. I’ve been hand-bagged and showered with ‘liquids’ hot and cold. MICHAEL:

Ah Baptism. Show them you’re a true believer. It’s a lonely path. BARRY:

(A beat.) So no one special? MICHAEL:

(Defensive.) No. (A beat.) Why?

Don’t leave it too long. The electorate are some what ill at ease with unattached MPs. Especially men. BARRY:

MICHAEL: BARRY:

Isn’t that kind of sexist?

Be advised. Find yourself a wife. And a loyal

one too. BARRY

drains his glass.

BARRY:

Another?

MICHAEL:

I’d rather not discuss my personal life.

Then get out of politics. (Calling Bartender.) Two more please. BARRY:

Cut to

96

Silverton. A noisy public gathering. KAREN, centre stage stands confident, before a microphone, a circle of journalists, camera men and supporters. Placards demanding ‘Equal Rights’ and ‘Justice For The Silverton Twelve’, ‘Vote For Karen Jackson’, ‘Vote for Michael Powers’ and ‘Black Sections Now’ abound. As KAREN speaks her voice reverberates through several loudspeakers. This is not a decision we’ve taken lightly. It’s not rash. Or orchestrated for a spot on the Nine O’Clock News. Being here requires our commitment. Because we cannot have equality if we are afraid. We cannot have justice when open wounds remain raw. When the lives of twelve black youngsters have been so brutally extinguished. And still after a year not one single arrest, as suspects slip through the fingers of indifferent police. KAREN:

Boos and catcalls at mention of police. I and my colleague Michael Powers sat with Mrs Elwood who lost two children. And we promised that we would fight for her and expose this injustice, because there is nothing more terrible than having to bury your own child. KAREN:

HECKLER:

It was murder!

ANOTHER:

We want action not words!

And action is why we’re gathered tonight. We want the nation to witness your grief. We want the KAREN:

97

nation to join you in condemning such acts of racist violence. We want – HECKLER:

Bull shit!

ANOTHER:

Where’s your kids at?

Unsettled, KAREN raises her hand for silence. KAREN:

We want all our children to be safe. We –

You come here wid TV camera and still nothin’ changes! HECKLER:

KAREN:

Please – just listen.

ANOTHER:

Where are you when we get strip searched and

detained? KAREN:

Just – I know it’s difficult –

AND ANOTHER: CHORUS:

Fuck off!

Yeah!

Boos and ugly catcalls. watch.

KAREN

looks anxiously at her

Cut to The House of Commons, Strangers Bar. smoking.

98

BARRY

is now

MICHAEL:

So, Criminal Justice tonight?

Not before time. Parliament needs a proper debate about the way we police our communities unless we want to see a repeat of the Brixton riots. Politics is about change. We must reflect the needs of the society we claim to represent. BARRY:

Slight pause. MICHAEL: BARRY:

What’s your agenda?

Agenda?

MICHAEL:

The drinks. The pep talk?

(Shrugs.) I like to meet the talent. I like to know who’s who. BARRY:

BARRY

eyes MICHAEL.

BARRY:

I need to know who can be trusted.

MICHAEL:

That makes two of us.

Both drain their glasses. You know they want to bring TV cameras into the House of Commons. BARRY:

MICHAEL:

Good idea. Let taxpayers see what they bleed

for.

99

(Scoffs.) Debate will end up the naff end of show business. MPs will be preening to make the Nine O’Clock News. BARRY:

MICHAEL:

I thought you said politics is all about change.

Didn’t say I had to like it. There’s a lot that needs to change. I’m just trying to keep up. BARRY:

They both smile. MICHAEL BARRY:

looks at his watch.

Got some place to be?

MICHAEL: BARRY:

A community event.

Now?

MICHAEL: MICHAEL

I’m late. Thanks for the pint.

drains his glass, about to leave.

Aren’t you curious to see how it all works? The wheels of democracy? BARRY:

MICHAEL:

I see a lot of old blokes drinking. Is it always

like this? With round-the-clock debate in the House, yes. MPs need to unwind. BARRY:

MICHAEL:

So that explains the liquid hobby.

100

It explains where deals are made. Soak it up. It’s a treat you’ll enjoy one day (A beat.) ‘if’ you pass your selection panel. Which is what I presume you want? BARRY:

Cut to at the public gathering. The atmosphere is heated, unpredictable, volatile. Scuffles and boos ring out, as KAREN again looks at her watch and then urgently holds out both hands for calm. KAREN

We cannot tear ourselves apart. (Slight pause.) We need to stand together. The Ellwood family has taught me this. (A beat.) Mrs Elwood’s only son Lee was a soldier. Lee fought in the Falklands. KAREN:

The crowd grows quiet. The first black recruit in his regiment. During battle, he lost his sight. And then when he returned home – he lost both sisters when the house where they had gathered to celebrate their exam results – came under attack. Petrol soaked rags pushed through the letter box and set alight, turning the front passageway, the only means of escape, into a deadly inferno. Twelve souls incinerated. KAREN:

Silence. I asked Lee how did he manage to survive the Falklands and then return to such unbearable, family loss? How does he keep going? (A beat.) He reached out for my hand and asked – ‘how much does your life weigh?’ (A

101

beat.) How much? ‘Imagine’ said Lee, ‘a backpack that can carry the weight of your loved ones and friends. Imagine the straps eating into the skin on your shoulders. Then add the weight of the people who inspire you. Your neighbours and teachers. The community that raised you. Feel the straps cutting into your flesh. (A beat.) That’s the weight of your life, he said (A beat.) All that you are. Could you, would you discard it?’ Pause. But this government will tell you ‘don’t carry all that weight. It will tell you to ‘set the backpack down. Empty it’. It will tell you, you only need to carry your own weight, to look after yourself, because the load will be lighter. KAREN

leans forward.

But we won’t do that because when society is unified that load you carry, is spread. KAREN:

Pause. You see the government can’t deal with the values that make public protest so strong. They can’t grasp solidarity, because you can’t peddle it. You can’t lend it with interest. You have to earn it with respect! (A beat.) Enough is enough! KAREN:

Cut to

102

House of Commons, Strangers Bar. Several pints later, BARRY and MICHAEL are loose tongued, animated and both smoking. But that’s how MPs have got so far out of touch! Politics is about the people. Not the establishment. MICHAEL:

That’s admirable, if you want to stay a glorified youth worker. BARRY:

MICHAEL:

Now you’re taking the piss.

There’s no real respect out there. But in here you get the chance to make a difference. BARRY:

I just want to represent the community and not compromise who I am. (A beat.) I really have to go. MICHAEL:

He drains his glass, ready to leave. Look. The Leadership’s not blind. It knows the Party’s got issues. It’s far too – BARRY:

BARRY

searches for the right word.

MICHAEL:

White?

Slight pause. It needs fresh, diverse blood. Or it will die. We need leaders of the future. From all walks of life. (A BARRY:

103

beat.) Ask yourself this. Do you always want to be the man in the street the police stop and search? MICHAEL

looks at BARRY with some suspicion.

MICHAEL:

What do you know about that?

More than you think. (Pause.) Don’t box yourself into piss poor expectation. Or cut yourself off from the oxygen of main stream debate by languishing in ‘special interests’ You could have a good career ahead of you. Think with your head and not with your heart. BARRY:

Cut to The Silverton rally. The crowd is cheering. And if the government and not just the government – if my own Party cannot comprehend the need to rebuild our communities then I say neither is fit to govern. KAREN:

Thunderous applause and cheering. In the distance the sudden sound of smashing glass and crowd chaos, looms closer. Because without you there is no Parliament. (Pointing into the crowd.) It’s you and families like the Ellwoods who command the outcome at the ballot box. It’s you who have the power. KAREN:

Police sirens mixed with street violence.

104

And as for the police. What have they done for you lately and your children’s safety? We have to hold them to account. Ensure they work for black, brown and white. KAREN:

Loud chanting mixed with the sound of erupting street violence. And the only way to get justice is through black representation. We want you to be in the House of Commons. We want you to lead the charge for racial equality. But my Party refuses to deal with Black Sections and takes your votes for granted. No wonder you’re ignored by Westminster. And if Neil Kinnock and his racist Party won’t help, then let’s do it for ourselves. You can and will be heard. Stand up for your rights and demand justice for the Silverton Twelve! KAREN:

The sound of street violence, police sirens, breaking glass and flames, rises to a crescendo. Cut to The sound of a pint glass smashing to the floor, followed by cheers of the gathered drinkers. Loud chatter. BARRY and MICHAEL turn to see the source of the commotion, then drink and shout above the din to be heard. People are angry with police harassment. Bled dry by cuts and unemployment. MICHAEL:

BARRY:

And we’re going to fix that. (A beat.) Relax.

105

MICHAEL: BARRY:

You keep saying that.

It’s about the path of least resistance.

MICHAEL:

And what path would that be?

There are too many members trying to break ranks while expecting Party support. Making impossible militant demands. In Liverpool we’ve had councillors refusing to set budgets for the financial year until Thatcher’s rate cap is removed. It’s no good shouting ‘better to break the law than break the poor’? Where has it got them? Expulsion and they’re still under the boot of Thatcher’s rule. BARRY:

MICHAEL:

So you think I’m one of them?

Are you? (A beat.) Look. Politics is always about compromise. BARRY:

Thatcher doesn’t compromise. The woman locks on to her values like an exorcet missile to it’s target. Boom! Survival of the richest and the obliteration of the rest of us. She doesn’t bend or change direction. MICHAEL:

BARRY:

And what happens to things that won’t bend?

Are you accusing me of something? Is that why I’m here? MICHAEL:

BARRY:

What could I possibly accuse you of?

106

MICHAEL: BARRY:

(Shrugs.) The Party’s socialist.

MICHAEL: BARRY:

Being a Socialist?

Not since we ditched the Red Flag.

Do you want us to win the next election or not?

I just think we’ve compromised enough. Constituents believe in me because I stick to my guns, no matter what some may throw in my face. MICHAEL:

You’re not special. And all politicians stand on the precipice of public opinion. BARRY:

MICHAEL

looks at his watch again.

Junior minister by thirty. A couple of Select Committees under your belt. Cabinet minister by thirty-five. That’s where real change lies. BARRY:

MICHAEL

stops.

MICHAEL: BARRY:

Cabinet minister?

You never considered it?

MICHAEL:

Well I –

Why limit yourself? (A beat.) As I keep saying it’s just a matter of loyalty. Staying out of trouble. BARRY:

MICHAEL:

You mean my head far below the parapet.

107

BARRY

shrugs.

BARRY:

Why get it shot off?

MICHAEL

looks around the bar, glowing in the warmth of

alcohol. I’m not making any promises. But I appreciate your advice. MICHAEL:

There’s more where that came from. Same time next week? BARRY:

MICHAEL BARRY:

nods.

Here’s to the future.

MICHAEL

smiles for the first time.

MICHAEL:

I’ll drink to that (At Bartender.) Two more of

the same. SCENE SEVEN February 1987 Music: ‘Two Tribes’ by Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Lights fade up on BARRY’s office. He paces the room with barely contained rage. He’s holding a tabloid newspaper. KAREN sporting a short afro, dressed smartly in a jacket and skirt, stands, somewhat bemused before him.

108

KAREN:

You’re going to have a heart attack.

BARRY:

Are you insane?

BARRY

is besides himself.

KAREN:

I know how it looks.

BARRY:

Do you! Tell me how does it look?

KAREN:

You know how the tabloids are.

BARRY:

(Explodes.) It looks like shit!

KAREN:

It’s a joke. Normal people won’t believe it.

Tell that to the five million readers who enjoy this fuck-nuttery. BARRY:

It was a Black Sections policy forum behind closed doors. The press were not invited. KAREN:

BARRY

snatches a tabloid and waves it at KAREN.

BARRY:

So where did this come from?

Someone must have leaked the briefing document. KAREN:

BARRY: KAREN:

(Reading.) ‘The Black Manifesto’? And you believe everything you read in The

Sun?

109

‘Pump millions of pounds of public money into creating jobs for blacks in inner cities’. BARRY:

KAREN:

Like that’s going to happen.

(Reading.) ‘Form a Black MPs’ Club who would all vote together in Parliament and force their own candidates into safe seats to ensure a larger proportion of blacks’. BARRY:

KAREN

folds her arms.

KAREN:

That’s actually not a bad idea.

‘Handcuff the police while looking after the interests of black youth in Silverton’. And this one’s a beauty ‘Black Section militants call for a total ban on links with white politicians’. What the hell Karen? BARRY:

He flings the paper on the desk. KAREN:

We never said that!

Thatcher’s having a right knees-up! She’s busy dividing the country into north and south and you’re busy dividing the nation into black and white! They’re calling you a ‘Black Hard-Left Marxist Leninist Feminist’. BARRY:

KAREN:

Is that all?

BARRY:

You’ve got a seat to win in June!

110

And I would never do anything to jeopardise it. (A beat.) This was a set-up. KAREN:

BARRY:

You think!

sits, the weight of her predicament finally sinking

KAREN

in. Pause. KAREN:

Alright. (A beat.) I’ll call a press conference.

BARRY:

No!

I have to defend Black Sections. We’re being misrepresented. The BBC wants an interview. I can argue the toss there. KAREN:

BARRY:

Cancel it.

KAREN:

I won’t.

BARRY:

You will.

KAREN:

Sit. You’re making me nervous.

BARRY

sits. Silence.

BARRY:

You’ve changed.

KAREN:

What do you mean?

111

There was a time when we spent hours campaigning. And planning. BARRY:

(A beat.) What’s going on? I never see you. And when I call you’re not at home. KAREN:

When I call you’re with your wife.

BARRY:

You know I’ve decided to leave her.

KAREN:

And I’ve got a life of my own!

Awkward pause. BARRY

finally screws up the paper and throws it in the

bin. BARRY:

I don’t know how to fix this.

KAREN:

Let me answer the accusations.

From now on you keep your mouth shut. And stay away from journalists! BARRY:

finally sits. KAREN stands. It’s her turn to pace the room in consternation. BARRY

KAREN:

None of this is fair.

BARRY:

Boo bloody hoo.

112

This is exactly why we need a public debate about black candidates. Let the public know there’s nothing to fear. KAREN:

No one’s got any time for the loony tunes on the militant left. BARRY:

Loony tunes! The Party talks representation for women. Why not for blacks? KAREN:

BARRY

about

buries his head in his hands once more.

BARRY:

We’ve been over this before.

KAREN:

Well clearly I’m not getting it.

BARRY:

Because it’s divisive.

KAREN:

But not for women?

BARRY:

Because it amounts to segregation.

But there’s still not one single black MP in Britain. In America Jesse Jackson’s run for president twice! KAREN:

What other party’s done more for black Britons? Tell me that. BARRY:

Well then it’s time for Neil Kinnock to put his money where his mouth is. Put more black candidates into winnable seats. KAREN:

113

Of course (acting.) ‘Mr Fortescue. Nice to see you. A committed local activist, with a career outside politics working in mental health and on the local school board? Just what we’re looking for. Oh dear. I’m sorry. It’s just that you’re not black.’ BARRY:

KAREN:

Don’t be crass.

BARRY:

Well don’t be silly.

KAREN:

Silly now? Your example is racist.

Candidates have to be selected on merit! The way you were. With fairness not favour. But now you’ve gone all radical on my arse. And since when did you become the spokeswoman for Black Sections? BARRY:

KAREN:

I’m not but I’m a member.

BARRY:

And you didn’t think to mention this?

The Party is trying to deselect black council candidates who speak up for ethnic voters. It’s forcing us into a corner. KAREN:

Us. Us. Us. You speak as if you’re some separate club. BARRY:

Yes. It’s for survival. Otherwise we’d be extinct. Good candidates are being forced out because they’re proud to be Socialist. KAREN:

BARRY:

(Frustrated.) Because they are disloyal.

114

Is the Party going to expel all of its black candidates? KAREN:

If they criticise Neil’s leadership. Christ the election’s in four months! I don’t see why we should have militant cancers eating away at us from the inside out. You either join the Party and support us or stay out. We can’t have local councillors going rogue and defying the Party Whip! BARRY:

Bill Reeve suggested that people should vote for the SDP in protest over threats to abandon Clause Four. Why hasn’t he been thrown out on his disloyal arse? KAREN:

Look. It’s not rocket science. We don’t need Black Sections or Yellow Sections or White Sections. BARRY:

KAREN:

That’s right, push the whole debate back under

the rug. BARRY:

You think segregation in South Africa is fun?

KAREN:

That’s completely different!

Tell that to Nelson Mandela. He’ll probably die in jail before he ever sees justice. BARRY:

KAREN:

He wants equality not integration.

BARRY:

Since when were you on Robben Island?

115

Integration’s a ruse. A trap which has extinguished the drive for black enterprise and economic independence. KAREN:

BARRY:

What?

Our businesses have collapsed. The black family’s imploded. We don’t support each other. We don’t even vote. And money, cars and clothes have become the holy grail. KAREN:

BARRY:

What the fuck’s all this?

Black kids do better in black schools. They feel better supported. Valued. The teachers look like them. They get better grades. They’re more ambitious because they can concentrate on learning and not on being marginalised or written off as no hopers. There are no low teacher expectations due to the colour of their skin. KAREN:

(Aghast.) So educational apartheid? BARRY:

now

we’re

talking

KAREN:

It works no differently for faith schools.

BARRY:

(Infuriated.) I don’t understand you.

KAREN:

That’s because you’re not trying.

about

So what do you suggest? We all dis-integrate? Go back to our own limited corners of society? When my girls start Primary school I don’t want them educated in one exclusive group. I want them to form their own BARRY:

116

beliefs. Grow up with open minds. (A beat.) That’s why I’ve been working on some ideas. KAREN:

(Dry.) Ideas?

BARRY:

A scheme to enhance ‘positive’ integration.

KAREN:

Let’s have it.

BARRY:

There should be exams.

KAREN:

You’ve lost me.

BARRY:

For people wanting to come here and live.

KAREN:

Excuse me?

To make sure they understand exactly how this country works. Their context in its history and heritage. BARRY:

KAREN:

I really don’t understand.

Why can’t they study Brunel and Shakespeare? Learn about the NHS. The things that make us British. BARRY:

KAREN:

And if they fail they can’t come in?

BARRY:

I didn’t say that.

KAREN:

That’s what you’re implying.

I’m saying there should be a standard to which all citizens conform. BARRY:

117

KAREN:

It’s racist.

BARRY:

It’s what now?

KAREN:

You heard me.

BARRY:

It’s equality.

KAREN:

It’s the second racist thing you’ve said today.

Is that how you see me? I think Black Sections are racist! I can’t help you, if you insist on this relentless, fucking vortex of race sponsored militancy. I thought you were smarter. BARRY:

KAREN:

Here we go.

Why can’t you be more like that young fella Michael? BARRY:

KAREN:

(Thrown.) Michael who?

Michael Powers. He wrote last week wanting advice about his selection panel. I thought he was a trouble maker but he’s quite the charmer with black and white voters. We need credible black candidates in winnable seats. And if you’re not ready for Parliament, there’s people like Michael who are! (A beat.) I think I’ll take him for a drink. BARRY:

(Scoffs.) Michael’s a militant and a founding member of Black Sections. He won’t be manipulated by you. KAREN:

118

I owe this Party every life chance I’ve had since I was a child. My father too. And I’ll do anything to stop it imploding into ruinous civil war. BARRY:

You ask why I’ve changed? The answer to that is Silverton. How is it that twelve black youngsters are killed and nobody gives a damn? Who in British Parliament speaks up for them? KAREN:

If you care about your seat, if you care about ‘us’ – you’ll leave Silverton and Black Sections alone. BARRY:

KAREN:

Are you threatening me?

BARRY:

That’s up to you.

SCENE EIGHT January 1987 Music: ‘Let’s Stay Together’ by Al Green. MICHAEL’s

studio flat. KAREN sits with MICHAEL on the floor. She is going through his impressive vinyl collection. KAREN takes an LP and smiles. KAREN:

I never had you down as an Al Green kind of

guy. MICHAEL:

(Mild affront.) Why not?

He’s a seasoned, no holds barred, soul maestro. You’re more – KAREN:

119

KAREN

appraises MICHAEL.

KAREN:

(Smiling.) Five Star.

MICHAEL:

Oh thanks.

(Amused.) What’s wrong with Five Star? They’re young and fresh. KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

It’s all that hair and make-up.

Most importantly, they’re home grown. So unoriginal. They’re just copying the

MICHAEL:

Americans. KAREN:

Fans won’t like you for that.

Especially Michael Jackson. Even down to the ‘moon walk’. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

You need to know what’s in and what’s out.

I’ve got my finger on the pulse. Anyway, I didn’t invite you over to savage my taste in music. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

(Teasing.) Sensitive.

Slight pause. MICHAEL: KAREN:

I have a confession to make.

Do I need to fetch you a priest?

120

Well I haven’t sinned yet and I’d rather not have a priest here when I do. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

You expect to accomplish something sinful, do

you? leans forward to kiss in search of more music. MICHAEL

KAREN: KAREN

KAREN

but she pulls away

(Excited.) Oh look.

takes another record.

KAREN:

(Gleeful.) Atlantic Starr. Very smooth.

MICHAEL:

Don’t change the subject.

changes the record. ‘Secret Lovers’ by Atlantic Starr plays. She closes her eyes lost in the music. MICHAEL can’t take his eyes off KAREN. KAREN

KAREN:

You got any food here or don’t you eat?

MICHAEL: KAREN

Want to share a Cornish pasty?

wrinkles her nose.

KAREN:

I don’t think so.

MICHAEL:

Have one of these then.

MICHAEL

fetches a tin from under the sofa. He rolls a

spliff.

121

I knew I shouldn’t have come. (A beat.) Are you leading me astray? KAREN:

MICHAEL:

I don’t think anyone leads you astray.

smiles, takes a lighter and fires up both joints. They both inhale, enjoying the moment. MICHAEL

KAREN:

Last time I had gear like this was on a beach in

Greece. MICHAEL:

What were you doing in Greece?

(Laughing.) Everything. It was wild. (A beat.) It was my gap year before Uni. There were five of us. (Pause.) But then we travelled to India looking for the same good time. (Pause.) That was an eye opener. It made me question a lot of stuff and how self centred I was. I grew up in South East London – always something going off. But no kids were naked or dying in the street (A beat.) What about you? KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Me?

Did you go seeking the meaning of life?

Straight to Uni. Wasn’t privileged enough to go larking about. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

(Scoffs.) Privileged?

MICHAEL:

(Combative.) Gap years are for rich kids.

122

I worked day and night stacking shelves in Woolworths in order to see the big wide world. KAREN:

MICHAEL:

That’s your story.

Dad couldn’t help me. No one gets far on a British Rail salary. Thatcher’s threats of privatisation have seen to that. There’ll be job losses and – KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Then what?

MICHAEL: KAREN

I don’t want to talk about Thatcher.

You. (A beat.) Are you single?

smokes and smiles.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

(Teasing.) Well what?

MICHAEL

leans closer.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

watches KAREN.

What?

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Why all the mystery?

What mystery?

MICHAEL KAREN:

Well?

Have you decided?

On what? 123

MICHAEL: KAREN:

My proposition?

Oh that.

Pause. KAREN:

The answer’s still no.

MICHAEL:

(Slight frustration.) Why?

You were there. It was painful. All that squabbling and in-fighting. Everyone disputing everyone else. KAREN:

KAREN

shudders.

MICHAEL:

I like a good fight.

Black Sections is a lost cause Michael. The Party’s written it off. KAREN:

I know. As ‘pointless’ and ‘divisive’. Sounds more like the Leadership. MICHAEL:

(Sharp.) If you don’t like The Party then go and join something else. KAREN:

MICHAEL:

(Combative.) I can’t have an opinion now?

The meeting was a disaster from start to finish. Don’t invite me again. KAREN:

MICHAEL:

Just like that?

124

KAREN:

You heard me mister.

MICHAEL

thinks on this.

At last year’s conference there were posters on all the walls saying ‘Black Sections Divide The Working Class’ and ‘Down With Black Sections’. It was all planned by the Leadership. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

(Incredulous.) What are you smoking?

MICHAEL:

Our delegates were harassed on Kinnock’s

orders. Are you surprised? Black Sections is full of dissenters with no agenda or political point. KAREN:

MICHAEL

bristles.

Don’t look at me as if your dog’s just died. There’s no clarity on the issue. And who gets to define who’s black anyway? That kind of row is endless and unproductive. We don’t need it right now. KAREN:

We’re being blocked. People are frustrated and turning on each other. The Party’s opposition to us is Eurocentric bigotry. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

Now you’re being silly.

MICHAEL: KAREN

There are no black Members of Parliament!

thinks about this then takes another LP.

125

KAREN:

Marvin Gaye?

MICHAEL: KAREN:

So?

You’re really not into the Black British scene.

MICHAEL:

Your point?

Just thought you might like a bit of Lynx. Imagination? KAREN:

You can’t out soul the Americans. They

MICHAEL:

invented it. KAREN:

I’m talking about Jazz Funk.

MICHAEL:

And I’m talking about politics. Trying to at

least. KAREN:

(Mock apology.) Sorry.

We have a right to self-determination. It’s not going to happen by asking nicely. We have to learn from our American brethren. Jesse Jackson’s had the audacity to run for president and told Reagan his domestic policies were unfair to minorities and women. (A beat.) And in the States there’s a cross-party black caucus, black Republicans and black Democrats together. MICHAEL:

Look. I fought for and won selection in Lewisham. Progress is not impossible here. KAREN:

126

But we need to organise an army of black MPs and affirmative action’s the only way to get it. MICHAEL:

Slight pause. Michael, I admire your passion. But the Party doesn’t want candidates who just bang on about race. They want loyal party servants who don’t. There’s three million unemployed. Do we create more jobs? Or push for a shorter working week? What about peace in Northern Ireland? What’s Black Sections saying about that? How do we address the cycle of violence there? Unless we as black politicians contribute to mainstream debates we will find ourselves imprisoned in race rows that take the British public nowhere. (A beat.) The Movement’s immature. KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN

So help us grow up.

shakes her head.

KAREN:

Barry wouldn’t approve.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Who?

Neil’s campaign advisor. Do you live under a

rock? MICHAEL: KAREN:

Oh. Him.

He calls it a black party within a party.

MICHAEL:

Well he would say that!

127

KAREN:

I think he has a point.

Barry’s the establishment. He could piss in a cup and The Party would call it wine. It’s his job to control people like us. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

You don’t know him.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

I’d like a cup of coffee now.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Why do you care?

Only when you take a side.

Look. This cannot be just about black and white.

But it is. It’s human nature. And I would hate to see you sell out. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

You’re as green as grass and talking out of yo’

arse. Then help me. Help the Movement. (A beat.) George thinks they’re trying to get rid of us. MICHAEL:

George Collymore? He’s just a little eccentric and quite harmless. KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

That’s not what Barry thinks.

You leave Barry out of this.

MICHAEL:

At last. A chink in your armour.

128

KAREN:

You’re trouble.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

I know.

A Trotskyite bandit.

MICHAEL:

That too.

I’ve already saved your ‘behind’ following your nonsense with the police. KAREN:

And I owe you big time. But you know what I like best about you? (A beat.) You’re smarter than you look. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

Is that a chat up line?

MICHAEL:

Might be.

(Jamaican accent.) Bwoi. You really need help with some moves. KAREN:

MICHAEL

smiles ruefully.

MICHAEL:

Not all.

He finds and plays Nina Simone’s ‘Young, Gifted And Black’. MICHAEL:

Forget Lynx and Imagination. This is what

you need. KAREN

listens.

129

KAREN:

My father loved this.

So I bet he can’t wait to see you to take the House of Commons by storm. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

He died.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

I’m sorry.

It’s OK. Its was six years ago.

Can’t imagine losing my dad. (A beat.) What was he like? MICHAEL:

Pause. He was zealous. Strict. Played by the rules while everyone else was breaking them. And he had this unbelievable memory (Snaps fingers and quotes.) ‘The glories of our blood and state are shadows, not substantial things; There is no armour against Fate. Death lays his icy hand on kings. Sceptre and Crown Must tumble down, And in the dust be equal made’ KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Too true.

Reciting James Shirley was Dad’s party trick.

A moment. MICHAEL:

How did he die?

130

I lost him on the first night of the Brixton riots. (A beat.) I wanted to go out and see it all. He locked the front door. Said the police had finally brought the apocalypse upon the community and themselves. That black youth could take no more. That it was war and that in no way did he want me caught up in that unholy cross fire. (A beat.) I argued that a revolution had begun and that I wanted to be part of it. He gave me a burning lecture that if I wanted real change, to do it from the inside out. Get into politics. Be useful. (A beat.) Useful! (A beat.) I thought he’d lost it. Me a politician? How the hell could that happen here. I was so fucked off I snuck out anyway. When Dad realised I’d gone he ran to get his coat and shoes. He wanted me home. But he collapsed from a stroke before he could open the front door. KAREN:

Pause. MICHAEL: KAREN:

It wasn’t your fault.

I shouldn’t have left the house.

You were rebellious. We were all rebellious. And with good reason. He understood that. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

I left home soon after. Mum still doesn’t speak

to me. MICHAEL

squeezes KAREN’s shoulder.

She’ll come round (A beat.) Because you are going to be this country’s first ever black female MP. (A MICHAEL:

131

beat.) That’s why you should come to Silverton. Make your Mum proud. KAREN

thinks about this.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

There’s a community meeting on Monday.

I’ve heard.

MICHAEL:

Come with me.

Actually I think those families should be left alone to grieve. The media’s all over them. KAREN:

I met the Ellwoods. They lost two children. There’s been no arrests. MICHAEL:

I just think everyone needs to tread very carefully on this one. KAREN:

MICHAEL:

I’ll introduce you.

I won’t exploit their grief to snatch a headline or two and neither should you. KAREN:

Of course not. The families just need our support. The experience will transform you. What’s the point of being a black politician if you can’t help your own? MICHAEL:

KAREN:

I’m still waiting for that coffee.

MICHAEL:

There’s just no pleasing you.

132

(Smiles.) A woman could die of thirst in this

KAREN:

place. MICHAEL: KAREN:

(Carefully.) I’m not sure I want to hear it.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

I think you do.

Is that so?

MICHAEL: KAREN

And I’m still waiting to make my confession.

(Direct.) Yes.

flushes.

KAREN:

You are relentless.

MICHAEL

moves closer.

MICHAEL: MICHAEL

This is true.

kisses KAREN.

SCENE NINE December 1986 Music: ‘I Put A Spell On You’ by Nina Simone. KAREN’s

flat. A partially decorated Christmas tree stands in the corner. BARRY helps KAREN finish it off. Christmas music plays in the background. BARRY:

(Pointing.) Pass me that one. 133

KAREN

holds a string of red tinsel.

BARRY:

No, the gold one.

KAREN:

A touch of red would like nice there.

BARRY:

You think? (A beat.) OK.

He takes the red tinsel and adorns the tree. KAREN passes him the gold string followed by other colourful pieces. KAREN:

It’s a bit last minute.

BARRY:

It’s fine. You’ve had no time.

KAREN:

This is a little crazy. (A beat.) You and me.

BARRY:

I think I like crazy.

KAREN:

Me too.

holds his hand out for more decorations. KAREN supplies him with baubles as they work together on the tree. BARRY

BARRY:

So what are you doing Christmas day?

Visiting family in Bristol. Uncle Lloyd carves a mean turkey. And Aunt June bakes the best rum-soaked fruit cake. (A beat.) You? KAREN:

The in-laws. York. Jane always insists. It’s as if she thinks the further I’m away from London the more BARRY:

134

I’ll stop talking about polls and conferences and shadow cabinet meetings. She hates politics. KAREN:

It’s not for everyone.

BARRY:

It’s my life.

KAREN:

I know. Mine too.

They smile coyly at each other. KAREN:

But there is life outside Westminster.

BARRY:

Like what?

Parties. Holidays. (Shrugs.) Art galleries. The cinema even. The Mission is showing. Every one’s talking about it. KAREN:

BARRY:

Is that so?

Robert De Niro and Jeremy Irons play Jesuit priests. Defending the indigenous against the evil Spanish. KAREN:

Can’t remember the last time I went to the cinema. You want to go? BARRY:

KAREN:

Of course I want to go.

They stop to admire their work. KAREN:

You think you can find the time?

135

BARRY:

Sure. It’ll be fun.

But you never have time. And my schedule’s insane. I still need an election agent. KAREN:

BARRY

drops his tinsel.

BARRY:

Why didn’t you remind me?

KAREN:

I’m reminding you now.

BARRY

hunts for his diary. He finds it on the coffee table.

BARRY:

Don’t just stand there.

KAREN:

The tree’s not finished.

BARRY:

Get you diary. Where the fuck does time go?

reluctantly drops the decorations. She retrieves her diary from her handbag. Both drop into the sofa. They huddle together, scrutinising dates. KAREN

(Writing.) We need to finalise your team. Your manifesto. Money management. Everything bleeds cash especially when you hit the road. BARRY:

A beat. BARRY:

How’s January 9th? 10am?

I’m at a Women’s Resource centre. They want me on their board. KAREN:

136

BARRY:

The 10th?

I’m speaking on immigration. Camden Town Hall. Looks like I’m booked all week. KAREN:

BARRY:

You need to pace yourself.

KAREN:

Look who’s talking.

Looking at her diary. BARRY:

There’s no room to bloody breathe.

KAREN:

How about the Monday after?

BARRY:

Have you forgotten?

KAREN:

Forgotten what?

I’m away in Washington. That should be in your diary. I’m away the whole week! BARRY:

KAREN:

Don’t cry. I just forgot the date.

BARRY:

I’ve been talking about it ever since we met.

KAREN:

I know. Mr ‘Big Shot’ is meeting strategists.

We’re going to make Neil Kinnock look like John F fucking Kennedy. BARRY:

KAREN:

You even say that in your sleep.

BARRY:

Do I? 137

KAREN:

Its called somniloquy.

BARRY:

You what?

I looked it up. It can be stress induced and occurs more in males and children. KAREN:

BARRY:

You’re making that up. You’re such a crap liar.

KAREN:

It’s true! Anyway, you need a break.

There’ll be no breaks until the election’s over. And it could be called anytime soon. BARRY:

KAREN:

Sounds like we’re going to war.

But this time we won’t lose. It’ll be like 1966 all over again. Four–two in extra time. BARRY:

Unless Thatcher cheats, scores and calls it the ‘hand of God’. KAREN:

BARRY:

You don’t like football, do you?

You know I prefer cricket. Especially when the Windies are winning. KAREN:

BARRY:

Traitor.

KAREN:

It’s not my fault that England keep losing.

BARRY:

Are you winding me up?

138

KAREN:

Maybe. What are you gonna do about it?

wraps his arms around fight him off. They kiss. BARRY

KAREN.

She pretends to

The home phone suddenly rings. Both are thrown for a moment. KAREN answers. (Surprised.) Michael? (A beat.) Yes. Thanks. I read it this morning. KAREN:

folds his arms annoyed.

BARRY

It’s great. Really great. You’ve really thought things through. (A beat.) What? Now? KAREN:

KAREN

looks at her watch.

BARRY: KAREN BARRY.

(Muttering.) Fuck’s sake.

presses her fingers to her lips in bid to quieten

I’m sorry. I forgot. (A beat.) Tonight’s not so good. Another time. KAREN:

Cross, BARRY gesticulates at the call.

KAREN

demanding she end

Of course. Would love to. (A beat.) I’ll call you. OK? See you soon. KAREN:

KAREN

hangs up. Pause.

139

BARRY:

Who’s Michael?

KAREN:

A Party activist.

BARRY:

He’s keen.

KAREN:

He just needs my advice.

BARRY:

At this time?

KAREN:

He’s a mate.

BARRY:

Doesn’t he have a girlfriend?

KAREN:

It was just a phone call.

BARRY

jumps off the sofa and gets busy with the tree

again. BARRY: BARRY

Pass me the lights.

impatiently snaps his fingers at the box of lights.

KAREN:

We haven’t finished sorting dates.

BARRY:

You’ll be in Haiti the week I get back from the

States. fetches the Christmas lights himself and starts to arrange them. BARRY

KAREN:

Only five days.

BARRY:

The timing could be better. 140

KAREN:

You know this is important.

BARRY:

I didn’t say it wasn’t.

We’re trying to distribute aid but the military’s blocking our movement outside the capital. KAREN:

KAREN

gets up to help BARRY with the tree.

You’ve got to draw blood. Refuse to co-operate on any political level until your logistical demands are met. BARRY:

KAREN:

We’re an aid organisation not a bull in a china

shop. And the military junta is dysfunctional. Walking on egg shells won’t get you very far. BARRY:

KAREN:

I can handle it.

Then do so. You’re the Project Manager. With your hands on experience you could help get an international aid bill passed. And then with that kind of portfolio you stake out a cabinet career with Kinnock’s full backing. But first there’s the small matter of winning your seat in Lewisham. (A beat.) Focus! BARRY:

KAREN:

So when will I meet him?

BARRY:

Who?

KAREN:

Kinnock? You promised that I would meet him.

141

BARRY:

When the time is right.

KAREN:

And when will that be?

BARRY:

(Irritated.) Hey. I’ve been busy. You see my life.

Pause. KAREN:

You’re upset with me.

BARRY:

Why do you say that?

KAREN:

Are you jealous?

BARRY:

Don’t be daft.

He switches on the Christmas lights. They blink on and off. KAREN:

So we’re OK?

BARRY:

Why wouldn’t we be?

Because you’re looking like a bulldog chewing a thistle right now. KAREN:

tries to suppress a smile. He fails. He pulls KAREN towards him. They embrace. BARRY

BARRY:

Why don’t we get away for a weekend?

KAREN:

Get away?

142

Let’s take off to Brighton or something? Leave politics behind. BARRY:

(Suddenly unsure.) Do you think we can get away with this? KAREN:

BARRY:

I don’t know. (A beat.) It’ll be fine.

KAREN:

It’s all a bit sudden.

Let’s just take things a step at a time. It would be good to take a break together. (A beat.) Don’t you so? BARRY:

KAREN: KAREN

(Smiles.) I think you’re full of surprises.

pulls BARRY back on to the sofa.

When you get elected I’ll throw the biggest, craziest victory party you’ve ever seen. Because after election night, your life’s going to change and there’ll be absolutely no rest for the wicked. BARRY:

KAREN:

So you think I’m wicked do you?

BARRY:

(Teasing.) A little bit.

KAREN:

And what about you?

BARRY:

Completely. It goes with the job.

They kiss as the Christmas lights flicker. SCENE TEN

143

September 1986 Music: ‘Walls Come Tumbling Down’ by the Style Council. The Party conference. Backstage. Applause is heard from the auditorium. KAREN is sitting looking young and energised. MICHAEL in a duffle coat and sporting a short afro, fusses around her. He pours KAREN a glass of water from a nearby pedestal. MICHAEL: KAREN:

You cool?

Like ice.

You got real fresh with that geezer’s megaphone. MICHAEL:

I just wanted to hear something different. It was the same last year. They just stand there all day and shout. ‘Maggie, Maggie, Maggie Out Out Out’. Why can’t they be more creative? KAREN:

What like (Chants.) ‘Mandela for President!’ Or ‘Ireland unite!’ MICHAEL:

That went down well until that red faced berk from security showed up. Must have been an Ulsterman. KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

(Grinning.) Sweet!

(Suddenly.) What have you done with you red

rose?

144

MICHAEL: KAREN:

(Shrugs.) Fell off when we legged it.

You have to wear it.

MICHAEL:

(Petulant.) Why?

You have to show everyone you’re cool with change. That you don’t live in the past. KAREN:

But the Red Flag defines us. Do you know it symbolises a fight to the death. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

Where do you get this stuff?

It was raised in cities and castles under siege to indicate no surrender. MICHAEL:

KAREN:

That’s not the image the Party wants right now.

The Tories have got us well surrounded and are starving us out. It’s hard to fight on when we’re told to lower the Red Flag and hoist a bloody flower. MICHAEL:

KAREN: KAREN KAREN

Whatever.

turns back to her notes. MICHAEL sits and watches a moment.

He then takes a large brown envelope from his rucksack. MICHAEL:

I swear I’ll be your best mate for ever if you

read this.

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KAREN:

Don’t make promises you can’t keep.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

This will make us blood brothers.

(Amused.) Brothers? What is it?

MICHAEL

hands the envelope to KAREN.

MICHAEL:

It’s a sort of manifesto. A vision for the Party.

Impatiently, KAREN examines the envelope’s contents. KAREN:

(Reading.) ‘The Road Back To Socialism’ –

back?! KAREN

flicks through more pages.

KAREN:

Are you mad?

MICHAEL: KAREN:

You’re trashing Neil’s leadership!

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Mad how?

It an important critique.

And you want to be taken seriously?

MICHAEL:

Just read it and let me know what you think.

sighs and reluctantly stuffs into her handbag. KAREN

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MICHAEL’s

document

You’re gonna ruin me. But if you want action you’ve got to give action. Lend me some more support from that student union of yours. KAREN:

MICHAEL

smiles brightly.

MICHAEL:

You’re a star. And thanks for the reference.

I had to make it up. I said you’ve never been in trouble before. (Lowers voice.) You’re lucky. KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

Throwing eggs at government ministers?

MICHAEL: KAREN:

I was picked up for nothing.

It wasn’t me.

That’s your story.

MICHAEL:

The police assumed it was me.

We have to choose our battles carefully. Don’t go places where police are looking to justify Stop and Search. KAREN:

MICHAEL: KAREN:

(Flirting.) Would I?

Play smart!

MICHAEL:

Look who’s talking.

I just offered our fellow activists something else to shout about. KAREN:

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If I was an MP, the first thing I’d do is get rid of Stop and Search. MICHAEL:

Well the first thing you need to do is quit ranting about the Red Flag. You’re lucky I have this Rose spare. KAREN:

KAREN

pins a Red Rose on MICHAEL.

MICHAEL: KAREN:

I owe you.

(Dryly.) I know. Now leave me alone.

MICHAEL:

Thanks (Grinning.) See you around.

He heads for the exit. MICHAEL steals a last look at KAREN and walks straight into BARRY. Both, annoyed by the collision, grudgingly but politely side step each other. BARRY:

(Mock manners.) I do beg your pardon.

MICHAEL:

(Urbane.) No worries.

approaches KAREN who is now intently rehearsing her speech. More music is heard from the Conference Hall swelling over the excited crowd. BARRY

BARRY:

It’s Karen. Isn’t it?

KAREN:

That’s me.

BARRY

holds out his hand.

148

BARRY:

I’m Barry.

KAREN:

Hi.

BARRY:

Barry Reid,

KAREN

shakes his hand. BARRY looks around.

We’ve had some trouble with anarchists harassing our activists outside the conference hall. BARRY:

KAREN:

Nightmare.

One even had his megaphone manhandled. (A beat.) Are you OK? BARRY:

(Nodding vigorously.) Yes. No. (A beat.) I didn’t see anything. KAREN:

BARRY:

Good. Cos you’re up next.

KAREN:

But –

Change of plan. (A beat.) What’s wrong? Aren’t you ready? BARRY:

KAREN:

No. I mean yes.

(Pointing.) Enter there. When the director says cut. Exit stage left. (A beat.) Are you sure you’re OK? BARRY:

KAREN

nods yes.

149

BARRY:

First time?

KAREN:

Does it show?

Slight pause. BARRY:

(Smiles.) What’s your speech about?

takes a deep breath and gathers her notes in readiness. KAREN

KAREN:

International aid.

BARRY:

(Surprised.) Ambitious.

You imagined I was going to kick off about the community this and the community that? Discrimination and stuff? KAREN:

International aid is good. Just make sure you spell out the government’s abject failure. Less than 0.1 per cent spent in any bloody direction. BARRY:

KAREN:

Is that right?

You’ve got to get the government on the ropes over this. That’s what you’re planning? BARRY:

Actually I was going to say we need cross party support for aid targets and on debt reduction. KAREN:

(Highly amused.) It’s never going to happen. The Tory – BARRY:

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(Cuts across.) – record is good. Britain currently leads the world on international aid, far outstripping the United States, as small as we are. So credit where credit’s due. KAREN:

BARRY

pierces KAREN with a hard look.

You sure you’re at the right conference? It’s not too late to hurry on down to The Tory conference in Bournemouth. BARRY:

KAREN

looks at her watch in mock urgency.

KAREN:

Now there’s a plan. Quick. Call a cab.

(Facetious.) I’m sure you’d be welcomed with open arms. BARRY:

I would. West Indian society traditionally holds deep conservative values. My parents raised me to never ever spend what I didn’t have and to work hard if I wanted more. They ripped of their skins to buy their first home. All their friends did. My Dad never had a sick day in his life. Show me a migrant that isn’t hard working. KAREN:

BARRY:

(Rolling eyeballs.) Christ –

You want to talks about Christ? You don’t get more devout than black people. (Jamaican accent.) ‘Praise Jesus!’ More of us go to church than you lot. (A beat.) One day the Tories will wake up to these facts. One day they’ll want to prove that the so called ‘values’ of the Right can help ethnic minorities make the most of KAREN:

151

their lives and when that happens Labour will have to raise its game. BARRY

slow hand claps.

Nice speech. And if you manage to survive that lion’s den (indicates auditorium.) I might buy you a pint. BARRY:

KAREN:

I don’t drink.

BARRY:

Fuck’s sake. A Coca-Cola then.

KAREN:

Depends on what we talk about. I’ll talk about anything as long as it’s not

BARRY:

religion. KAREN:

Good. What did you think of Live Aid?

BARRY:

Live Aid?

You know. Last summer – Bob Geldof. Wembley – KAREN:

He pointedly consults his watch. BARRY:

You know you’re on in five.

(Accusing.) You missed it? The greatest concert ever staged? KAREN:

BARRY:

Some of us had real work to do.

152

Well then you failed to appreciate that two billion people united to help others. The Party needs to harness energy like that. That kind of common cause. A collective will that unites in spite of race, colour or creed. KAREN:

BARRY:

Oh God you’re not an idealist?

It opened our eyes to the harsh reality of famine and made us want to end it. The leadership could learn from that. Woo voters who want to make a real difference. KAREN:

The only thing you need to woo is that audience out there. (Flirtatious.) You set them on fire and I’ll buy you some crisps too. BARRY:

KAREN:

Is that all?

Maybe. Or maybe (He pauses for effect.) a meeting with Neil Kinnock. Maybe he’d be interested to meet someone as (A beat.) candid as you. BARRY:

KAREN:

Maybe I’ll make sure you keep your word.

BARRY:

You do that. (A beat.) You’re up.

KAREN

hesitates.

Go on! (A beat.) Just be passionate but measured. They like that. And breathe. BARRY:

153

flashes an encouraging smile then exits, but not before taking a last look at KAREN. BARRY

watches him go. She adjusts her blouse, smoothes her hair and takes a deep breath. KAREN

KAREN:

(Askance.) Measured?

reaches under the table and pulls out the megaphone pinched earlier. KAREN

Mischievous, she smiles. Blackout.

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