Earthquakes in London

was first performed in the Cottesloe Theatre at the National Theatre on 4 August 2010, in a co-productionMarina with Headlong Theatre. The cast was as follows: Earthquakes in London Tom Young Robert Lucy May Barker By Mike Bartlett Grace I Receptionist I Jogger Gary Carr Simon/ Roy Brian Ferguson Colin Polly Frame Carter To m Godwin Peter To m Goodman-Hill Businessman I Daniel I Student I Michael Gould Doctor Harris I Barman Bryony Hannah Mrs Andrews Supermarket Worker I Clive Hayward Young Man I Tim Anne Lacey Freya Robert Syrus Lowe Jasmine Anna Madeley Casey I Old Woman I Sally I Bill Paterson Liberty Jessica Raine Steve Sarah Maggie Service Geoffrey Streatfeild Lia Williams

All other parts playedEarthquakes by members in London of the Company.

This version of was first performed at Theatre Royal Plymouth on 22 September 2011, in a Headlong Theatre and National Theatre co-production. TheSimon cast I Roy was Ias WWII follows: Officer I Polar Bear I Passer by 1 Understudy I Dance Captain Peter I Mother Ben Addis Tom Sam Archer Colin Helen Cripps Kurt Egyiawan Sean Gleeson Marina I Mother I Understudy Act One Steve Mrs Andrews Siubhan Harrison Sarah John Hollingworth ProperAct TwoCoffee Jasmine Maggie McCourt Supermarket Worker I Casey I Tracy-Ann Oberman Old Woman I Liberty I Mother Lucy Phelps All ActThe Three Mothers Carter I Daniel I Police OfficerI Dr Harris Nicola Sangster Robert MadAct FourBitch Grace I Receptionist I Mother I Gyuri Sarossy Jogger Paul Shelley Young Robert I Business Man I ThomasAct Five Hood Scammer I Bar Man I Dr Tim I Natalie Thomas Passer by 2 Freya Certain Destruction Joseph Thompson The play is presented using as much set, props and costume as Leah Whitaker possible. The stage should overflow with scenery, sound, backdrops, lighting, projection, etc. Everything is represented. It is too much. DirectorAll other parts played by members of the Company. The play is about excess, and we should feel that. Set Designer Scenes crash into each other impolitely. They overflow, overlap. The Costume DesignerRu pert Goold production should always seem at risk of descending into chaos but Lighting DesignerMiriam Buether never actually do so. Music Katrina Lindsay Projection Designer Howard Harrison ( I ) means the next speech begins at that point ChoreographerAlex Baranowski ( - ) means the next line interrupts Sound Designer Jon Driscoll (. .. ) at the end of a speech means it trails off On its own it Company Voice WorkScott Ambler indicates a pressure, expectation or desire to speak. Gregory Clarke Project developed for HeadlongJeannette Nelson A line with no full stop at the end indicates that the next speech follows on immediately. by Ben Power A speech with no written dialogue indicates a character deliberately Tour directed by The creative team for the 2011 UK tour included: remaining silent. Associate Set Designer Lighting Designer Caroline Steinbeis Blank space between speeches in the dialogue indicates a silence Associate Projection DesignerLucy Sierra equal to the length of the space. Associate Projection DesignerTim Mitchell Associate Choreographer Emily Harding Paul Kenah Steve Kirkham Characters Act One

Grace Prologue Freya Steve 1968 Jasmine Cambridge. Tom Colin Black and white. Sarah Simon Robert Crannock ison a date with Grace, who iswearing a floral Supermarket Worker dress; They eat. Robert isawkward. Peter '2525' is playing quietly in the background. Attendant Businessman Robert I'm sorry if the letter was too forward. Robert Grace I liked the letter. Mrs Andrews Many Students Robert I got carried away, I'm sorry. Many Swimmers Carter Grace No. Daniel Robert I didn't mean to sound strange. Roy Young Man Grace It wasn't strange. I liked it. Love letters in my Fifteen Mothers with pushchairs pigeon-hole. Romantic. Old Woman What do you do Robert? I mean I know Second World War Officer you're a postgraduate, but what exactly do Receptionist Tim you ... do. Maryna Robert I'm doing a doctorate Liberty Emily Grace In? Usher Robert Atmospheric conditions on other planets. Police Officer Commuters Grace Other planets? Like aliens? Passer by 1 Robert Some of the work is to do with finding life Passer by 2 Other passers by yes. Doctor Harris Grace Like Star Trek? Nurse Robert Well ... NASA are interested, so - Grace You're joking? 8 Earthquakes in London Act One 9

Robert No. Grace Right. Grace NASA? Robert But as I say, NASA are interested. Robert Yes. She looksat him. Grace Wow. Grace So all the time, every bit of life, animals, Robert Yes. humans, everything, change the environment. Grace Wow. Robert Yes. You are right now. The room is entirely different because you're in it. Robert Grace You think? Grace So how do you know? If there's life? Robert Doesn't matter what I think. The atmosphere Robert Well, all life gives off excretions of some kind. Gases, minerals. in this room is completely dependent on how much you move, whether you talk, if you've Grace We all give offgases? got a cold, how hot you are. Robert Yes. Grace How hot I am? Grace Even girls? Robert Yes. Imagine if we all came in with a fever, Robert And all these gases - the room would get much hotter, and then we'd get even hotter as a result, our fever Have you researched this? Grace I would get worse and the room would Robert These excretions, from all of these creatures, become hotter in turn and so on and so on, they go up into the atmosphere, and you can upwards and upwards. imagine globally they would make quite a difference to its composition. So it follows Grace Hotter and hotter. that if we could accurately measure the Robert Exactly. composition of gases in the atmosphere of a planet like Mars, we could tell whether there Sorry. Whittering on. Supposed to be a date. was life. I like your dress. Grace And? Grace No, Robert, you've raised a very important question. Robert What? Robert Really? Grace Is there? Grace Yes. How hot do you think I am? Robert We don't know. Grace Oh. Robert How hot? Robert We haven't done it yet. Not enough funding. Grace How. Hot. 10 Earthquakes in London Act One 11

Robert Well ... Proper Coffee Oh. You mean ... A· kettle boils. 2010 Grace It's 1968. It's the summer. We're young. We Freya's face isolated. Freya is singing along to a cover of '2525 can do what we want. Venice Beat' ft Tess Timony. She loves it. Robert puts his hand on her forehead. he sings some more. She smiles. We see Freya. She is pregnant, wearing a man's shirt and making Robert Above average. coffee �n her kitchen. She has headphones on and dances. A television is on as well. She smiles, and puts her hand on his head. Everything is done in rhythm coffee, kettle sugar eats a Grace Boiling. - ...... spoonfulherself So what happens now? We see Steve in the shower. He hears her singing - bemused. They look at each other. Steve Freya? '2525' plays - gets louder. Cross fade scene and music into - Freya keeps on singing. Steve Freya! Freya sings a bit more then takes a headphone out. The music is quieter. What? Steve What are you I singing? Freya I'm making coffee. Steve What? Freya Coffee! Do you want some? Steve Proper coffee? Freya It's always proper coffee. Steve What? Freya It's always proper coffee, I no one drinks instant. 12 Earthquakes in London Act One 13

Steve What? I can't hear you! I'm in the shower! I Sarah Who's Casey? can't hear you! Simon By the wallchart? Under the window? Freya dances. The music becomes background in Starbucks. Why's she going? Pregnant? Tom enters and offers a coffee to Jasmine. Simon Redundant. Tom Full fat latte, two brown sugars, cream on top. Sarah Oh. Jasmine Do I know you? Simon She's the chaff we talked about. Tom Thought I'd do the honours. Did I get it Sarah Right. Yes. Right. right? Simon Smaller government. That's your policy. Jasmine Don't know yet what does Rohypnol taste of?. Sarah Not my policy Simon. She drinks a bit. Simon I'm afraid so, minister. What sort of plants Tom It was Marxist Criticism. We used to get our do you want? You mean flowers? coffees at the same time. I liked the look of Sarah Here's ten for Casey. No not flowers. Flowers you, remembered your order. I'm To m. are dead. We want some life round here. Get Jasmine Yeah. a cheese plant. They still have those? Tom You'reJasmine. I heard you dropped out. Freya continues to make the coffee. Watches television at the same time. Jasmine I had an argument with my lecturer. Colin is in a supermarketand approaches a young assistant. Tom What about? Colin Excuse me. Jasmine Charles Dickens. Do you smoke? Sarah They had them in the eighties. Tom I can. Colin I'm looking for a guava. Jasmine Good boy. S. Worker A what? Sarah appears, talking to Simon, her assistant. Colin A guava. Sarah There aren't any plants. S. Worker What's that? Jasmine Let's take this outside. Colin It's a vegetable. Sarah Department of climate change, massive office and nothing's green. It's ridiculous. S. Worker Right. Colin Possibly a fruit. Simon It's on the list. And you need to put something in for Casey. She's leaving. S. Worker Vegetables and shit are over there. 14 Earthquakes in London Act One 15

Colin I'm sorry? Tom You don't look like a menace. S. Worker Vegetables and fruit and all that are over Jasmine I am, Tom. there. Sµpermarket Worker comes back. Colin I know but I've looked and I can't find it. S. Worker Is this it? S. Worker Probably don't have it then. Jasmine I'm a natural fucking disaster. Colin Probably. Colin How should I know? I don't know what a guava is. You tell me. S. Worker Yeah. S. Worker Yeah. This is it. Colin Can you check? Colin You're sure? S. Worker Chhh. S. Worker Yes. Supermarket Worker goes off to check. Still the music in the background. Jasmine and Tom are smoking outside. Colin Positive? Because this is important. I want you to understand that if I get home and this Jasmine He's sat there opposite me, I said I'm not isn't a guava I'm in big trouble. So it follows being funny but if you want two thousand that if I get home and this isn't a guava you're words by Monday you can whistle, I have to in big trouble, yes? work weekends, different for you Gary, fucking baby boomers, get your grant, got I Ie reads her badge your degree then don't pay for your kids. So ... Sue. You're in big trouble if this isn't a he says 'Do you have financial difficulties guava Sue. So. Jasmine?' and I'm like 'Gary. We all have You're sure? financial difficulties, read the fucking papers'. Then he suddenly goes red, shouts S. Worker Candice said it was and she's good with fruit. that I'm 'thick as corrugated shit' whatever Colin Right, thanks. that means and says I only got in here because of who my sister is, so I lost it Steve enters with his suitcase, just as Freya, dancing, throws his completely, threw a bookshelf at him. coffee across the kitchen. Steve jumps out the way. Freya takes her headphones off Tom A bookshelf? Freya Didn't mean to do that. Oops. Jasmine It was Bleak House that got him in the eye, hardback so he had to go to hospital. They Steve Oops. said I was a menace, attacking my lecturer Steve smiles and grabs a cloth instantly to mop it up. with a weapon, I said something about the Freya I can make another. power of the written word and that was it. Out. Steve No, I have to go really, sorry ... 16 Earthquakes in London Act One 17

Don't be sorry. There's not. Sorry I'm Freya going at all. Steve There is. Don't be - we need work, money, especially Steve Freya Not here. now, in the current climate, the way things Freya are, that's what you say. Steve Right here, yes, they've detected tremors. It was on television. Do you fancy my sister? And it's only three days so - Freya What? Steve Exactly. It's only three days so- Steve Not Sarah, obviously. Obviously not her. The Freya And you'll call me if anything - other one. Jasmine. Freya Steve Yes I'll call you if anything but nothing will No - Freya where does this I come from? nothing does nothing happens you know Freya how it is round here these days. Steve Why not? She's pretty. I meant the baby. Freya She's nineteen. Oh right the baby, well of course I the ba�y Steve Exactly. Thin, good-looking, bet she's good Steve in bed. Of course you like her, you've had Freya You've got the number of I the hospital. Freya that thought. I used to look like that when we firstmet, I found some photographs, but Steve There was a programme on TV they're detecting something in the ground. what happened? Look at me now, fat and Freya red like a massive blood clot or something. I Freya? No wonder you don't want sex with me Steve They think something might - What? Yes anymore. You should give her a call I'm I've got the number of the hospital. It's on serious I really am. Freya the cupboard where you put it. They look at each other. He moves closer, hugs her. On the fridge. l I don't think you re a massive blood clot. On the fridge exactly. Are you sure you don't Steve Or something, I'm definitely something. want any of this coffee? It's fair trade, kind of Steve Freya fruity, I like it. Freya I wanted sex with you last night as it happens. I have to go- but you'll be alright? Steve I can't I can't not with this, it's like it's Steve The building might collapse while you're away. watching. Freya Freya Freya- I love you. He kisses her tummy. Steve This is what I was trying to tell you. They · Steve said there's going to be an earthquake. You too. I'll call when I get in. Freya 18 Earthquakes in London Act One 19

Freya I'm a bit lost at the moment, Steve, really. Sarah gives a giftbag to Casey. Casey looks inside. Don't go. Casey A coffee machine. A moment. S,arah Yes. Steve Just three days. That's all. It's not as bad as you think. Never is. Casey I've been here five years. Freya Oh. Okay. Good. Sarah Well it's quite a good one I - He kisses her again and leaves. As the door shuts, Freya jumps and Casey I don't drink coffee. the walls shake a little. She's scared. As Tom and Jasmine talk, Sarah You don't- Freya looks around her, then produces a packet of cigarettes and lights one. Casey Herbal tea. Tom So your sister's famous? Sarah Oh. Jasmine My older sister is. Not in a good way. She's a Casey It's always been herbal tea. politician. I didn't get in here because of my Sarah Right ... well ... someone hasn't done their sister, I got in despite her, they hate her here. research. Tom What does she do? Casey Research? Didn't anybody know? Jesus. You Jasmine When my mum died, my dad was a mess, so have no idea. We don't need less government. my sister looked after us but she was awful at Everything's getting worse, and you're it, really bad, because she's got absolutely no cutting the support. It's what the Tories heart. Totally cold. She's made of metal, like would do crisis or not, but I voted Lib Dem. the Terminator or something. But worse. I voted for you. And what good did it do? She's like Terminator 3. .\'he looks around at everyone and gives the machine back. Sarah is giving a speech for her team. Put it on eBay. I'm leaving the country. Jasmine Yeah, she's Terminator 3. Sarah steps down, speaks to her auie. Sarah Hello! Hi. We're so sorry to be seeing ... Sarah Good idea. Get the car. Casey ... go, leave. Yes. And although of course I absolutely believe our new ... policy Simon You can't, you have a meeting in your office of smaller government is the right one at this in three minutes. difficult time, it doesn't mean it's not a ... Sarah My stomach's rumbling. sadness ... when it impacts on someone personally. Casey's been fantastic as part of Simon Here. Egg salad. Tesco Express. You can eat the ministerial team, a real laugh, ever since it on the way back. I've been here I've noticed that she's so ... He gives her a horrible looking sandwich. She just stands for a funny. Anyway, Casey, we've had a whip · moment. Exhausted. Freya watches scenes from a documentary about round and got you this. the planet. Tectonics plates. Storms and hurricanes. 20 Earthquakes in London Act One 21

Are you ... ? in? I'm not doing very good. I want your advice. Another moment. Freya How did you know where I live? Should I ... Peter Went on the internet, put your name in, it's She looks up and snaps out of it. not difficult. Big bump you've got now. I Sarah What? Egg? Perfect. need to talk. Can I come in? Sarah crams the sandwich into her mouth as she leaves. l•reya I might get into trouble. There's a knock on Freya's door, she goes to answer it. Peter Nah you can't be a paedophile cos you're a woman and the hood's not cos I want to cut Tom and Jasmine are going back inside. you it's cos it's raining, come on miss it's Jasmine My sister's coming along tonight actually. fucking biblical out here pardon my mouth used to talk didn't we? I liked it when we Tom To what? talked but you only come into school two Jasmine To what I do now. To my job. It's a bit days a week and not even that now. You're political too. You could come along if· you not busy clearly, you're watching TV. Is your want. You'llbe shocked. First time I've done husband in? it. It's very political Tom. Very in-your-face Freya He's gone away. kind of political. You might not be able to cope. It might be all too - political for you. Peter His car's outside. I've got a costume. So what do you think? Freya He got a taxi to the airport. Want to risk it? Peter Yeah not supposed to fly any more though Tom smiles. are you? How long's he gone for then? Tom Yeah. Freya Just a couple of days. Freya opens the door. It's Peter, a teenage boy with glasses in a grey Peter Bet you could do with the company then. hoodie. Freya No. Peter Alright miss. You busy? Peter Bet you could though. Freya Peter. I What are you - Freya Peter, you should go back to school. Peter Is that whisky? You shouldn't be drinking if Peter No one visits you do they? you're pregnant, we saw it on a video in Freya Biology, Mr Greg showed it us yeah and it said if you drink your baby ends up disabled Peter That's cos pregnant women are a bit of a or something maybe it dies in you and they. pain. Sweaty and fat, stuck in the house, have to pull it out with tweezers. Can I come moaning and moaning, I don't think that 22 Earthquakes in London Act One 23

miss, but most people do that's why they Sarah Yes. don't visit. But I'm here. Another biscuit? I got you a flower. I/ e looks at he1: He holds out a flower. She looks at him. Carter Adam's learning quickly, he's six, he looked Freya Thank you. at his bike, and he said 'what's the bad news Dad?' He said you only buy me presents like She takes the flower. He enters. this when there's bad news. He was right. Sarah is having a meeting with Carter in her office. She offers him His mother had run over the cat. This a biscuit. coalition government, whatever it is, you're supposed to be business friendly. Carter Thank you. It's wonderful to meet you a� last. Been a year. Thought I'd done Sarah We're very business I friendly, yes. something wrong. Carter So what do you mean, what are we talking? Sarah I've been very busy. Sarah The Heathrow decision played very well for Carter Well, better late than never. How are we · us, the public didn't want that third runway, doing? they were pleased we got in, and stopped it, so now I'll be recommending a complete halt Sarah In two days time, after concluding my to expansion. review, I recommend to the PM. Carter Where? Carter So I hear. Sarah Everywhere. Sarah And I thought you might want a heads up, to Carter is surprised. give you time to formulate a public response. Carter Look, Heathrow? Fine, I understand your Carter A heads up. Lovely. A response to what? position, you had to pull back, but it was Sarah We're nice people, Mr Carter. assumed at the time, it was very strongly hoped, in fact, that in return, there would be Carter I'm sure you are. Everyone's nice these balance. days aren't they? Even me. I bought my son Adam a bike, for his birthday. Very Sarah There isn't the need. expensive. He loved it. And what have you Carter We let Heathrow go, but we get nice people got to offer us? Birmingham, Edinburgh, London City Sarah I thought you might want to come on board instead - Belfast - that was understood. with the decision now, rather than wasting Sarah It can't be justified environmentally. time and effort fighting it. Carter A few miles of concrete here and there, a Carter The decision. couple of sheds, it's not the end of the world. 24 Earthquakes in London Act One 25

Have you talked to your colleagues, because decision, and that will be it. We'll announce I can't see this being very popular. next week. Sarah A definitive halt to expansion will make a Carter You look tired. huge impact. Sarah I work hard. Carter Only as a symbol. 'arter I don't think it's work. Sarah A symbol exactly. We have to be seen to be Carter takes a biscuit. doing all we can to lower carbon emissions. We want to set an example. Before tomorrow, I'll change your mind. Carter looks at her. Sarah Really? Carter This is your big idea. I le passes the biscuits across. Sarah If you like. Carter . Yes. Carter You're a symbol yourself really aren't you Biscuit? Sarah? Can I call you Sarah? Bet you never thought you'd be in power at all, but liung Freya and Peter. parliament, green credentials and a famous Peter I like your posters, you into Hitchcock? father- heya They're my husband's. Sarah My position in this government has nothing to do with my father. Peter And Grand Theft Auto. You play that a lot do you? Carter Everyone thinks it does. Freya That's his too. Sarah Then everyone is wrong. Peter I find it a bit violent myself. I don't think Carter Touched a nerve. driving round killing people should be in Sarah Not at all. computer games. There's one where you can rape a girl. That's a bit weird they allow that You're upset. Carter considering everything that's gone on. Sarah Do I look upset? Coldplay album? Everyone's got a Coldplay album these days, saw them on TV at Carter The way you rub your fingers together like that yes. Glastonbury they were rather good. What's yours then? She's surprised for a second, but look back at him. Freya The books. I - We're not short of airports. In two days I Sarah Peter What are you reading at the moment? have a meeting and I will put the case very firmly. The Prime Minister will make a Freya Late Victorian poetry. Peter - 26 Earthquakes in London Act One 27

That sounds really incredibly boring. Can I sit down? I Are you going to give me a Peter whisky? What's this? Freya goes to get Peter a drink. Peter sits down in the chair and u•laxes as a BusinessmanRemember on a when plane, you next could to Steve, smoke? does the same. Of course you can sit down. I don't know What? about a whisky - Uusinessman Freya Jees, you've been smoking as well, your Steve Smoke. On planes. baby's gonna be a scopoid by the time you're nusinessman I see the ashtrays in the toilets. But I don't Peter done. Fucking 'tato with what you're doing. ever remember ... Steve Peter, what do I you want?! Fifteen years ago, you could go to the What's the programme? smoking section and smoke, didn't do any Freya Businessman harm, no more planes went down, less than They say there's going to be an earthquake. Peter now, it was long before, you know ... Here? - maybe it's linked. Frustrated Freya Arabs. All they want is a fag. Cos they can't My husband laughed as well but it's what Peter terrorismdrink can they? Could be linked. Joking of they- course. You going to Scotland on business is Freya No they're right, it's true. There's going to it? be a massive tremor, the day after tomorrow, No. Peter a huge seismic event, right in the capital. Things'll seem very different after that. Steve Holiday then? - Businessman It's personal. My problem is I don't have any friends. Oh right, well. Keep your own. She looks at him. ShockedAtomisation. how could It's hevery know? common in society 'teve today. Increasingly people use internet Businessman Fair enough. dating to make a connection and find Up to you. companionship but I'm only fourteen so I prefer porn. I am allowed a whisky actually. I told my wife it's business. It is legal. In the home. If you're fourteen. Oh. So. Steve But it isn't. I'm not going to give you whisky. Businessman I think you should though. Then we can talk Steve Freya properly. Businessman Ah.Yes. Peter Well. Why not? I know all about that. She considers. Freya 28 Earthquakes in London Act One 29

Steve What? Uu ·inessman Of course, the more you fly, the greater chance you'll be in a crash. It's not natural. Businesman That. If God had meant us to fly, he'd have his own Steve No. airline. Businessman Sometimes I'm in LA, and I always let her l,'11mbling. Turbulence or possibly the sound of thunder. know in advance, I say I won't, say it's not > good forme, but I drop a cheeky email, turn //I( lights flash. up and we have the time of our lives. Keeps !'/1fre She Goes My Beautiful World' By Nick Cave and The Bad my marriage healthy. Keeps me trim she \1wls does. Carly. J.1smi�e comes on dressed in branches and leaves. Steve Carly? \'/,r,holds a sign which says 'The willfuldestruction of the rainforest' Businessman Twenty-seven. Blonde. Tits. You know. Tits. Tw enty-seven. LA. Sun. Tits. Blonde. Jesus. \'/,() dances. Says it all. \'II(> slowly peels off leaves and branches. Why she goes for me I don't know, well I do, I· 1t>ntually she is left with leaves in the vital places, a la flash the money a bit, but life's short isn't it so ldam and Eve. you do what you have to, and my wife \'/,p picks up a sign knows, sure she's done the same, my view is, if it keeps you trotting on, keeps you happy 'Originally, there were six million square miles of tropical rainforest' and the kids don't know then what's the I nother sign harm? No you go for it mate. Full speed. '()nly a third is left' Steve It's not ... ,\'lie raises her eyebrows. Businessman Sorry? \'l,e peels the leaves off her breasts. Steve It's not an affair. J11ere are cheers from the crowd. Businessman Oh. But you let me go on about ... Flirty eyes. Steve I didn't feel I could stop you. Sl,e picks up another sign. Businessman Always do this. Always end up talking to strangers on planes. Must be nervous I It says 'Don't leave the world naked' suppose. Is she goes, leaves fall from the ceiling. Steve You fly a lot? Freya brings Peter his whisky then lights a cigarette. Businessman It's bad for you. Peter Hmm. I'm enjoying this. This is good, really Steve Bad for you? good whisky. Did you buy it? 30 Earthquakes in London Act One 31

Freya Peter, if there's going to be an earthquake 'Jorn You invited your sister's husband? why aren't people scared? Ju mine I invited my sister. She said she'd come so I Peter I was in an earthquake once in Tokyo. Me got political, thought she'd like it, but she and my parents were doing karaoke in this texted at the last minute, said Colin was room- coming instead. Colin's been around since I was a kid, he was a banker, lost his job, now Freya Can you answer I my question please. he's got time on his hands. Warning: He can Peter - and the floor started moving and the walls be a bit- tilted, shook a bit but not like you imagine, Brought my shopping! everything just went ... drunk. Do you <:olin ever feel like that miss, stuck in this flat like Jasmine I can see that. you are, that the walls are moving and Bit weird. Well done! everything's becoming dangerous? Colin tasmine You liked it? Freya All the time. <:olin You can really dance. Freya drinks the whisky. Jasmine Yeah. But what can I do? Colin Haven't seen you perform since school. Tom and Jasmine are in a bar. 'Ihm And hasn't she grown? Tom Never seen a stripper before. <�olin Well ... I ... I suppose so. Jasmine It wasn't stripping. .Jasmine This is To m. Tom This is a strip club. Colin Oh right. Hello. Are you her latest ... Jasmine It's burlesque. Tom Latest? Tom You got your tits out. Jasmine Thanks Colin. Jasmine You get your tits out in both yeah but in Tom latest? burlesque they're not the focus. Her Squeeze. Tom They were definitely the focus. Colin Jasmine Oh God. Jasmine Well they're not supposed to be. Tom We've only just met. Tom There's a man waving. Colin Well the night's young. Colin appears and waves. He's still carrying a carrier bag with the shopping. Jasmine For fuck's sake. Jasmine It's my sister's husband. -1.n awkward pause. 32 Earthquakes in London Act One 33

I thought you made a very good point Really. actually Jasmine. Colin J 1smine Yeah, I'm quite into the environment. There was a point? My family frombefore, they're Eritrean? and lom they- Tom The signs? I wasn't really looking at the signs. Er sorry to interrupt you but I've had Jasmine enough of the environment, hear about it all I Tom The destruction of the rainforest. J,1smine the fucking time, only did it for my sister So that's why you were dressed as a bush. and she didn't even turn up. I'll do a Nazi Colin one next week probably. They love Nazis. Tom A tree. Have you got any pills? You look like the sort I of person that carries drugs around in their Jasmine Certainly looked like a bush from where. was sitting. pocket. Tom Awkward. ,-lorn A sort of black person you mean? Do you want a drink either of you? A sort of careless person I mean, who leaves their coat lying around. No thanks Colin. Jasmine Colin �/,f holds them up. Nah. Jasmine Found them earlier. Right. Tom \'l,eopens the bag. Colin Well. Great to ... see you.Jasmine. Shall I be mother? I should probably be going ... got some milk . . needs. the fridge, asap, don't want it to ... and

Smell, but really ... Freya Peter . I'm spinning.

1 I I Well done. Peter know what you mean. don't see anyone . for days, the walls start shaking, so I think Good work! l reya about going out but it's all shouting and dirt, Good to see you. so I stay in, but then ... I've started singing, ever since I got back. When I sing I forget Right. Jasmine she's there. Bye. Colin Got back from where? Can I have a cigarette? A pause. He goes. I Peter don't know what to do. God. Freya I didn't see anyone for three days once and Jasmine Actually I did read the signs. got really paranoid my head was too big for Peter Tom 34 Earthquakes in London Act One 35

my body, but it's not, is it? Is it? Is it? Cos I hr• sound of a plane in the distance. earlier Gary Franks said I looked weird, I rmnputer screen isprojected. chased me out of school said I was special needs. \t!lllfone is writing. Freya You are special needs. Writing 'I feel that I would be right for the position of senior accounts manager as I am both Peter Not in a bad way, not like those deaf kids you spend your time with. strong ... Freya Don't say that. I fr deletes. Peter I can do an impression ·of a deaf person. strong both as a team player and a leader. Freya No. I tl{hts up on Colin, who is typing. Peter I can, look, it's funny. ' . . . I have demonstrated this on many occasions, leading my team through many Don't. Freya years of excellent service over the last ten Peter moves closer to Freya - threatening. years. Ten. Years ...'

Peter If you don't give me a cigarette I'll do' an /11(> cursor goes to Google. impression of a deaf person. II types. Freya No! \/talent Don't ( :; rls Here. f>rn'ty She throws him the cigarettes, Peter grabsthem and stops.A throbbing beat has begun. Freya's in pain. l',rtures. Peter I know cigarettes are supposed to be bad for I, images appear the stage becomes full of students dancing in mini­ you but apparently if you give up within five ,!

got detention, and you said I couldn't just sit That's the sort of thing boring middle-aged around feeling sorry for myself, I had to get women do. off my arse and fucking do something. Find Sarah Right. the good things. You don't look like a boring middle-aged I don't think I used those words. Colin woman. Sarah Freya You did use those words. You definitely said You do. fucking do something. I found the honesty Peter quite bracing. You're one of the only people Colin tired of the bickering. in my life who tells me the truth. Sarah's Found anything yet? So you think I should get up and - Sarai\goes into the kitchen where the shopping is laid out. I don't know, but what with the shaking 1fry quietly sings at the computer. Freya Sarah Colin, shouts through to the kitchen. Peter I was imagining it, the walls can't - I didn't mean the walls. Colin You see this is the problem, that's always the Freya first thing you ask, you get in and you don't Colin Peter Oh. kiss me, touch me, even look at me - Freya Your hands miss. Look. What's this? HerPeter hand is shaking. Sarah is standing in the doorway holding a fruit. You should pack a bag and get out and see Sarah A guava. what's going on. Find the good things. No. Beforeit's too late. Colin Right. They look at each other. He lights the cigarette, smiles and relaxes. Sarah leaves. Determined. Colin Get the ingredients. That's all I asked. It's not a guava Colin, it's a plum. Find a job. Freya watches them dancing. Enjoys it. He then changes the track on Sarah That's the problem. Not me. Find a fucking iTunes to Coldplay - 'Viva La Vida'. The students cheer - enjoying the job. I'll make a sandwich. cheese.Colin goes. keeps on singing to himself, restrained and shy, enters. watching the students dance. Sarah Colin Sarah What's this? appears, trying to hide from the wind, and starts knocking on Coldplay o door. dances with they kiss passionately. Sarah Steveaatches. makes a sandwich. goes to the CDs and looks Tom Jasmine, Colin Colin You bought a Coldplay album? ot them. Sarah Peter Sarah In Tesco on the way home yeah. goes to bed. The door is opened by Colin Sarah Mrs Andrews. 38 Earthquakes in London Act One 39

Mrs Andrews Yes? Even the eighteens? Steve I'm here to see Mr Crannock. l•reya If you want. Mrs Andrews Mr Crannock is in bed. 1 1 , ter Can I drink your whisky and vodka? Steve I'm Steve Sullivan. Whatever you like. You've got the place to His daughter's husband? yourself for a couple of days. Okay? Freya Mrs Andrews sighs. )» �ter Okay. Mrs Andrews Is he expecting you? Right.

Steve No. Freya Okay ... Mrs Andrews Peter Are you going to be alright miss? Steve Please. It's very cold. She's kicking. Stop it!

She lets him in. Jasmine and Tom dance. Peter chooses a CD and Freya The good things. puts it on - the same Coldplay song. Listens. Mouths along. He ikes � I can't stay here. it. Freya opens the door and leaves. At the next chorus Peter sings loudly like a choirboy. Colin still very quietly. t•cter stands up and sings. Freya appears with a bag, hat and coat, ready to go out. /'lte students join in, singing the backing vocals. Freya You can put the heating on if you like. The Peter sings, the students dance, and Colin sits by his computer switch is in the hall, 111otionless and sad.

Peter What are you doing? 11:veryone sings as Freya walks offinto the night. Freya There's food in the fridge. !Jghts fade. Peter I didn't mean you should go now. It's raining Music in the dark. cats and dogs out there, and you're Music fades. pregnant, you probably shouldn't even stand up for too long, it might fall out or End of Act One. something. Freya You can stay here. You won't steal anything will you? Peter Can I watch your DVD's? Freya Yes. Act Two 41

Act Two Questions, I think Roy. Questions, exactly, about what the effectwill Daniel be of all this air travel? With the emissions. 1973 Prologue Roy Into the atmosphere. Technicolour Right. and two businessmen, and smoking. People are starting to get worried. Robert Good to see you. Have a seat. Curious. Robert Daniel Roy. Roy f,S Roy Thanks. People are starting to become curious about Roy Daniel How's the baby? what burning all that fuel might do. To the Robert Roy world. Oh, you - ? Roy The environment. Daniel mentioned there was a baby. A baby Robert The environment. So we thought we'd get an girl. Daniel Roy expert in who could do a study. Right, yes. Roy Look into your crystal ball and tell us what's Robert Wonderful. going to happen. So what do you think? Is it possible? Daniel Wonderful.And your wife? Very happy obviously, well we both are. Well. We'd ... we'd need to model the world Roy on a scale no one's done before. And ... well Robert Very happy. You both are. Robert . .. I don't want to be rude, but obviously you're hoping for a negative answer here Roy Perfect. aren't you? Daniel Perfect. So. Robert. You're wondering why you're here? When does the main UK airline No no. Roy call in a Cambridge boffin like you? Well, our A what? bods predict that in thirty years time they'll Daniel He means do we want him to get us the be thousands of planes in the sky, flying Roy people all over the place, which makes us result which says these fumes are doing no happy of course, because there's a lot of Daniel harm at all? Should he fix it? money to be made. Ah. No. Robert, you do your science and you tell us what you find. Yes. Roy We won't interfere at all. Robert But there are increasing concerns. No interference. Roy Questions. Daniel Sorry? Robert None. Roy Daniel 42 Earthquakes in London Act Two 43

Robert Right. Daniel And remember there's potential for a good deal more of this to come. I would Roy And this is only the first phase. If this project imagine someone like you, in your position, seems promising, we're authorised to academic, young family. This could make a commission further work, over the next ten real difference. years. Robert Yes. Robert Really? Roy Why don't you take it away and have a good Roy Absolutely. Because your results might old think? not just be useful for us, but many similar organisations. The motor industry, oil companies. They would all be very interested in promising results. Robert What do you mean promising? Roy Results that seem to be useful. Meaningful. Daniel Meaningful. Roy Right. I need a coffee. Robert Well I'm sure it's possible to achieve a certain clarity, but this is a very new subject, there's no real way of knowing how quantifiable in real terms the ... Roy This would be the fee. He reads it. Robert Right.

That's ... Oh. Yes. That's good. I'm sure we could make a start with that. Roy No. Robert. That's not the budget. The project will have a separate budget. That's your fee. That's for you. To keep. 44 Earthquakes in London Act Two 45

All The Mothers Sarah picks up the phone. Freya's phone rings. The swimmers look The present. o nnoyed with Freya. Hampstead Heath -Early morning. Birdsong. om appears, and Jasmine goes off with him. Freya is sat by the pond. l1ze swimmers go off A number of male swimmers are in the ponds, swimming. They have She answers. similar swimming hats and swimming costumes. One by one they come Sarah I missed your call. and stand in the fresh morning air. Birds fly past, a clear blue sky. Freya I thought we could meet up? Freya watches them for a while. Sarah I can hear birds. One of the swimmers starts to play ukulele. l;reya I'm on the heath. Freya starts singing along to 'Deep Water' by Portishead. The first swimmer issurprised, but interested. Three other swimmers stand in a 'arah Hampstead Heath? line and act as backing singers. Freya Yeah, by the ponds. I packed a bag, left early. Freya I'm drifting in deep waters You don't live anywhere near Hampstead Alone with my self-doubting again Sarah I try not to struggle this time Heath. For I will weather the storm Freya Very early. Apparently there's a view where Sarah gets to her desk, piled with papers. It's first thing, but she's you can see the whole city. exhausted -she sits down and makes a start. Sarah Parliament Hill. Jasmine sits on the end of the bed, waits, upset. Freya I think I'm looking for that. So are we going I gotta remember to meet then? ( Gotta remember) Sarah I could do Thursday? Don't fight it (Don't fight it) Freya I meant today really. Even if I 'arah I'm busy Freya. (Even if I Don't like it Freya You're always busy Freya, but Steve's not (Don't like it) here and I couldn't get hold of Jasmine, I so Somehow turn me around I thought we could - (Somehow turn me around) arah Don't ask Jasmine, you called Jasmine? No matter how far I drift Freya You have got time, I know you have. Deep waters (Deep waters) 11 beautiful perfect woman dressed in black with black sunglasses, Won't scare me tonight jJUshing a pramgoes past. 46 Earthquakes in London Act Tw o 47

Sarah Get here, to the department, for one o clock. Steve I'm sorry? We'll have twenty minutes. Well, ten. Come Mrs Andrews If you'd called ahead, we could've made to the desk and tell them who you are. arrangements. Freya Thanks. Steve What do you mean? Sarah Right. Mrs Andrews When your wife visited, I stayed at my Sarah hangs up. The mother accidentally drops a leaflet from the sister's. pram. Freya picks it up and reads it. Steve Oh -you ... Freya called ahead? Freya A picnic, on Parliament Hill. Mr�Andrews Do you two not talk about these things? Now, Perfect. Mr Crannock has got up and gone out. He starts very early, and won't be disturbed. Excuse me. You've never met I understand? Freya follows the woman, off through the Heath Steve No. Mr Crannock's House. Mrs Andrews No, well if he trusts you you'll get a drink, Steve is asleep on the sofa. Mrs Andrews clatters in, open ·the if he likes you, he'll talk all night. He'll curtains. be back to the house later this afternoon, Mrs Andrews Are you not awake yet? as will I. Steve wakes up. Steve What am I supposed to do until then? You've got no television, I didn't bring my How did you sleep? computer, there's no reception on my Steve · How do you think? phone. Steve stands up in just his boxer shorts, woozy. Mrs Andrews You'll have to occupy yourself I suppose. The sofa's too short, so I tried the floor, but Steve With what? there was a draught. Mrs Andrews looks at him. Mrs Andrews Mr Sullivan ... Mrs Andrews There's a radio. Steve What? Mrs Andrews goes. Mrs Andrews You're not at your best. Freya sees an Old Woman laying flowers at a war memorial. The Steve Oh. Old Woman wears a coat and headscarf He puts his jeans on. Then a t-shirt. Freya Excuse me. Isn't there a spare room? ld Woman Alright dear? Mrs Andrews There's my room. Freya I like your flowers. 48 Earthquakes in London Act Tw o 49

Old Woman Thank you dear. Freya What for? The Old Woman smiles. They both look ot t!,,· 11lf't11orial. Old Woman The silver lining. Soon it'll all be over. Was it ... your husbandr' They .look at the memorial. Old Woman Dunkirk. Simon enters Sarah's office. Freya And you still miss him? Simon Your sister's at the front desk. Old Woman I miss what went with him. I low it was, when Sarah Now? we were together. Simon Now. Freya Did you have childr '11? I said one o'clock. Old Woman It was a differentcountry then. England was Sarah made of wood and m ·tal. Not plastic, like Simon hands Sarah an envelope. this. You know what I'm saying? What's this? Freya Nol- Simon Not sure. It just arrived. What about your Old Woman It had teacakes, cricket whites, cut grass. Yes? sister? Blitz spirit, rooms full or smoke. Sarah Send her up, and get me a Starbucks. Freya Okay. Yeah I suppose it I must've been Simon Skinny? Old Woman Short trousers, dinner jackets, tea dances. Sarah No. Fat. Really fucking ... fat. Freya I always wanted to go to a - Simon goes. Freya iswith the Old Woman Old Woman Devonshire cream, Coventry steel, the home guard, the muffin man, the post man, Freya I'm looking I'm really looking for something larders in the kitchen, fires in the living good, happening now, but you're saying room, the damp smell of gravel in outdoor things are only getting worse. toilets. You don't know what I'm talking Old Woman Religious intolerance, economic collapse, about. tsunamis, riots ... it's the perfect conditions. Freya No. Freya I don't understand. Old Woman That was our England. All gone now of Is it a boy? course. Things move so fast. The cars, the Old Woman internet. Yes we had children, but I never see Freya A girl. them. Always got something b tter to do. Old Woman A little girl. Well. I hope she can fight. So instead, I come to the heath. A young man in a Second World War uniformcomes on. He takes the And wait. Old Woman's arm and kisses her. 50 Earthquakes in London Act Two 51

Freya What? Sarah Thought you were dancing last night. Old Woman There's a gathering storm Jasmine After that. It was a porn star party, we all He takes off her headscarf and she stands upright - a young couple dressed as porn stars you know from the 1940s. Sarah Not really. Freya How do you know? Jasmine And I went back with Tom. We fucked and Old Woman Old people can predict the weather ... stuff, and he was taking pictures on his phone I thought for funyeah? The man opens an umbrella and it starts to rain. Sarah Yep. You see? Jasmine And then today this morning when I'm a bit Freya She can fight. I've felt her kicking. morning-ey, just woken up, he tells me that Old Woman Haven't you got anyone to take you home? his family in Africa are being affected by climate change and that you aren't doing Freya No. He's ... anything so his family are going to die. Gone. Apparently you're making this big statement about 'airport expansion'. The Old Woman goes with her husband, just as a mother comes past with her pram. Freya goes off after her. Sarah Next week, that's right. Jasmine enters Sarah's office with Tom. Jasmine So he says why don't we go and see your sister and get a commitment. Jasmine I've got a problem. Sarah And you said. Sarah Where's Freya? Jasmine There's no way I could change her mind she Jasmine Where she normally is, probably - at home, doesn't listen to a word I say. eating crisps. Sarah Who's this? Sarah Absolutely right. Jasmine He's the problem. Jasmine But then he said he's only gone with me, he's only done any of it, so that he could Sarah Does he have a name? blackmail you. He's part of some group or Jasmine To m. whatever. He says if he doesn't get an assurance, he'll send the pictures to the Sarah takes them in for a second. paper. Sarah Okay. I'm going to look over my letters but I Sarah What were they of? am listening. Jasmine The pictures? Drinking, puking. Us in his Jasmine Last night, I was at a party. room fucking. 52 Earthquakes in London Act Two 53

Nothing illegal? You can guess absolutely you can have a wild stab in the dark but you don't know. Nothing in the pictures. Sarah Sarah I want you to understand a couple of things Does he speak? Jasmine Tom. Firstly my sister's a student. She has Sarah This is happening, right now, to people like sex. So what? You think the public are going me, to my family. And if you don't believe to be interested? I'm not interested. Tom me ... Secondly, in this country you elect your He gets papers out of his bag. government, and then we consult and make decisions based on what is right for the Letters, photographs, measurements. people. We take into account different Rainfall, crop growth, all from my family in factors - environmental, economic, social. Eritrea. Now, I realise you probably don't It's complicated because we have to consider even know where Eritrea is but - everything. Transport means investment. Borders in the west, in the south, and in the Investment means greater employment. southeast ... Greater employment means less poverty, Sarah which presumably you're in favour of? Yeah okay, yeah, exactly, and they're That's why you have people like me, to make struggling to - Tom a judgement. So what are you doing, Tom? The population's an estimated five million? Blackmail? Of a democratically elected The capital is - I assume you 're going to tell member of parliament? Sarah me about the current and tangible effects of slams his papers on her desk. climate change on the agriculture, on the villages, your family. Tom It's a protest. You're aware of all that. Tom Good. There. You've protested. It's over. Now delete the photos, get out of my office, Tom That's sort of my job. Sarah stop wasting my time. Sarah Then it's worse. You know what's going on Are you going to read all this? and you still allow runways and flight paths. Tom You don't listen, we've raised petitions, Tom I'm certainly going to fileit. spoken to our MPs, all you say is you You can't dismiss me. 'appreciate our view', you 'encourage the Sarah debate' - but nothing happens. Tom This isn't the student union Tom. We're the fucking government. Go away. You don't know what we're going to Sarah announce. turns to go. turns as well. Sarah I can guess. Tom JasmineNot you. Tom 54 Earthquakes in London Act Two 55

Tom stares at Sarah for a moment. 11,rn '"' . Sarah Let you? You're nineteen. He's a shit Jasmine, if you don't believe me, yes please Jasmine I only came here f o, 11111 s.,kt•. give him a call instead. Or you could talk to Sarah You didn't want yo111 .11,,; i,, Iii<-' Daily Mail. some friends about all your problems - you never do that either do you? For some Jasmine Wouldn't be the firsr fi111c. reason you never have friends to turn to. Sarah What? You ever wonder why you're always being fucked over like this? Jasmine When I run out of toilt·r paper the Daily Mail's just what I need. Jasmine I'm not being - Sarah You have absolutely no id<'a how hard I'm Sarah Again and again I think you are, clearly you working, do you? How many meetings I are, you ever thought why? have, the paperwork - Jasmine You're jealous. Jasmine Yeah, Colin said you're ,1lways here. Sarah Jasmine, when you want to know, just ask. Sarah It's public office Jasmine. It's the most I've got a whole thing ready to go, I know important thing in my lifr, I can't - exactly what your problem is. Jasmine He'll leave you. Jasmine Sarah What? Sarah You want to hear it? Jasmine Colin. Surprised he hasn't already. Jasmine is upset. Simon enters, interrupting. Sarah Simon One fat coffee. Jasmine Jasmine goes. Simon gives the coffee to Sarah, as Sarah makes a phone call. Sarah You have no idea. Sarah Call John Carter. Tell him I got the letter, Jasmine I know what men want. And I bet you're not and I want to meet, this afternoon. giving it to him. Fucking ice woman, frosty the snowbitch think you're all big and clever Simon You don't have time. power tights and shoulder pads, fucking Sarah I'll make time. Thatcher look at you. I'd have been better Simon goes. Freya is on Parliament Hill looking for mothers. She off with Dad probably. answers the call. Sarah Be careful Jasmine. Freya Do you know where Parliament Hill is? Jasmine He can't have been worse than you. Sarah I'm sorry? Sarah You've never met him. Freya There's this big event, this afternoon. Why Jasmine You've never let me. don't you come here? 56 Earthquakes in London Act Two 57

Freya- She gives it to him. Bless you love. Bless you. Sarah A picnic. There's si.dl , .111d :1 band. The sun's out. I'm going 1111111 011H· sandwiches. .The runs off, ecstatic. Freya Ice cream. Young Man Young Man Good luck! Can you listen. l'v<' l1.1d 111 move things around, I can't meet '011 .111 1111or '. FreyaThe sky gets darker. Sarah You said you'd makc 1i111<. feels a sharp kick.

Freya I know but things ch;111gc· :111cl ou're alright Freya Ow! aren't you? Your ... pi<'11i<. Sarah ClutchesFreya her stomach. A dirty and sweaty, runs up to l!,mbs her arm. is in the street, unhappy, in the rain. is fallowing her. Please! Please. Please. J >ll':1st', Young Man, Fn·ya Jasmine It was basically rape. Tom Young Man Everything's just gone a l>if 111:id here. Jasmine What? Sarah My kid. My kid's in tro11l>l<' What you did. Bit like rape or something. Tom Young Man Yeah, everything's gone a hit 1n;1d here too. No it wasn't, you had a good time. I didn't Got to go. Jasmine Freya plan it like- She hangs up. Tom Sarah So you took the pictures because - He's in hospital, I've just fo11ncl out, I need You took the pictures. You suggested it. I was the bus fare to get down the road, I don't Jasmine Young Man have any ... change ... I'm sorry, I'm really just hoping to persuade you to talk to your in a hurry. Shit. Shit. Tom sister, but then when you wouldn't and I had the pictures on my phone - How old is he? Nol no no Freya What? Jasmine I realised I could do something. Young Man Your kid. Tom Have you ever even been there? Freya Seven. He fell over at school I think, I- What? Young Man And you dropped everything and ran. Jasmine To ... You know. Freya Yeah- Tom Eritrea. SheYoung reaches Man in her pocket - pulls out the fiver. Jasmine Yeah. You ever actually been there? It's all I've got. I was going to get lunch. Tom I want to but I'd have to fly so- Freya Here. Jasmine Tom Jasmine58 Earthquakes in London Mrs Andrews Act Two 59 1· Steve Right so, your family? Sh11t up. Never met Aye. Mrs Andrews I them. Are you so, ? What you did You know why? Tom to me? stay out of his business.I You'd best talk to I tried three times to talk you about it him. If you're sensible, and you might be, instead, but you just sliout<.'cl m down, get you might not be, don't know, but if you another drink, walk away. So no I'm not Steve She pushes him away and storms off, leaving him i11 llifi street. are, you'll not cross him. sorry, you didn't leave 111c a choice. Mrs Andrews takes a towel and begins unfolding it. Mrs Andrews is sorting through table cloths. Steve tolhs to her. The Why not? clock strikes four o'clock. Mrs Andrews Steve Because, Mr Sullivan, while I'll admit you Mrs Andrews don't look stupid, whilst I'll concede you How much longer is he going to he? seem to have some kind of brain, you're no I Steve Steve He'll be home soon. gem us. Mrs Andrews Mrs Andrews could help if you like? With that? And he is? Steve Steve does as he's told.Go and stand over there. Yes. Mrs Andrews Steve A genius? Steve Mrs Andrews You were here when my wife visited. Aye. The door bursts open and Robert Crannock enters. A seventy-year­ Steve What does that even mean? In the day, yes. old man, in a raincoat, and holding a small wind turbine. Mrs Andrews What was she like? Robert I don't know. She was polite, she was like a Beat. A person of extraordinary intellect and young lady. I hope you know bet t<.r than me. talent. Steve A person who has great influence over He gives the turbine to Steve. Mrs Andrews They talked. another. Take this. Steve All night I believe. Mrs Andrews shuts the door and gives him the towel on cue. Mrs Andrews Whal about? A wise man. A shaman. A prophet. Mrs Andrews You think I was in there listening? I stayed at A pause. my sister's. Steve Mr Crannock. Steve t Robert I'm sorry to just - You know he hasn't seen his hildren in Shh. I've had the data, had that for a while, years. but now you're here in person, now I'm no l\:11 t liquakcs in London Act Two 61

looking at you ... you don't work too hard, Steve Not really. that's clear, a sense of humour but nothing Robert Not really? You arc or you're not.Where did with edge. You used to be a sportsman. you sleep? Cricket? Steve On the sofa. Skvc Football. Robert We don't have a spare bed do we? Robert Football.Ha! But that's been dropped. Your shirt's a bit tight round th side , you've put Mrs Andrews No. on weight recently. You like things to be Robert Flirting! Look at her.There isn't a bed, there simple. Fish fingers and chips . Don't like you have it, straight from the horse's mouth posh food . You're that sort of man. Yes? - no offence Mrs A - and you didn't call Chicken nuggets and pizza . Ketchup. Beans. ahead, so it looks like you're on the sofa Children's food. You haven't cut your again tonight. fingernails properly, tells me you're self­ employed. Yes? Good . Steve If we can just talk now I can get going, I So? Me? don't- I work hard, you can see this I work all day Come on Steve. Who am I ii /\111 I what you Robert expected? I've got things to do. I'm very busy. Steve You're lonely. But I knew t li:1t :ilr<'ady. Steve I've come all the way here - Robert Oooh. Killer. But no actu;dl . 1101 so lonely. Robert So make the most of it there's hotels - Mrs Andrews keeps me (0111p.1ny. She's a scenery.A loch nearby, a castle. blessing. Problem is. She low� 111<'. Steve I'm here because of Freya. Mrs Andrews Robert I know Steve, I know why you're here .

Robert Those eyes. I tell her, Mrs /\11dIt ws, it's not Steve She said this about you. you, it's your age. It's proliil>ii i t'. I know why you're here. Robert What? Steve Good . Steve That you get angry quickly. Robert And I'm not interested, crnild'v(' told you Robert She told me about you too. over I he phone. Now this ... Steve Did she? Robert pours himsel/o dm1h. Robert About the problems.

Is :i <'1 fine single malt. 'l1011lcl I be Steve What problems? chi11ki11g al my age, at tl1i 1i111t· in the Robert Exactly. af't<-1 110011, you're thinki11g \,111'1c not a whis , , d, inker are you S1t·v,? Have you made up your mind? 62 Earthquakes in London Act Two 63

Steve What about? Jasmine Two please. Robert Are you a drink<'I' of \ •Id (' ? Barman One for you and one for ... Steve Alright. Jasmine The sheer hell of it. Come on ... Robert You are? She reads his name badge. Steve Yeah, I'll have rnic. Paul. Paul! This is urgent. Robert Good. I need to get off my face ... Steve Jas�ine hits the bar suddenly. Robert Good boy. Bettt ·,·. Come on! Doing better. The Barman pours Jasmine her shots. Freya follows the two mothers He pours one. Gives it to Steve. to a picnic, listening to 'Happiness' by Goldfrapp. The sky is clouding over, getting darker. There. Meanwhile, Carter is waiting in the street. Sarah approaches him, They drink. windswept, and unhappy. Steve It's good. Sarah I'm late I kno w. Long day. Where are we Robert Mine is. You've got the cheap stuff. going? It is late and overcast now. Dark. Wi11dy. Carter Don't you have an umbrella? Jasmine arrives at a bar. A Barman comes over: Sarah Clearly not. Jasmine I want the strongest drink. Carter This way. Barman I'm sorry? They go off, under his umbrella. Jasmine The most alcoholic drink you sell. The group of mothers in black with black pramsand sunglassesappear again. They dance and sing, holding their wrapped up babies, Barman Look, it's only five. showing them to each other, drinking their coffeeand ignoring Freya. Jasmine Are you a clock? They sing and dance to 'Happiness' by Goldfrapp. Barman What? Freya watches them, and tries to take part. Jasmine Cos you look like a barman, you work in a Aftera while Freya takes a headphone out and speaks to them. bar, but you're telling me the time. It's quite simple, I want to get as drunk as I can, as Freya Excuse me? quickly as possible, so - Mothers Yes? Barman Absinthe. Freya I'm here for the picnic. 64 Earthquakes in London Act Two 65

The Mothers look her up and down. S1111!(1 111 ,, /ollfway. Mothers We do what we can. Mothers Not being funny but - Freya Yes but- Freya Okay. Mothers Charity work. Every Thursday. Primrose Hill. We carbon offsetholi days. Mothers Yeah. Freya My baby's kicking. You know. But that's not enough, an d if it's not enough, Mothers How sweet! Freya then what's the point. Freya Not in a good way. Aaaahhh! Mothers Ahhhh. She clutches her belly again. They look at her for a moment, more Freya Do you worry about the future? serious now, almost threatening. They stand, wielding their children, Mothers Not really. almost like weapons. Freya What might happen? Freya (over singing) Call me an ambulance. Mothers No. Please. Freya What might happen to your children? Please! Mothers Henry's very bright, he's already reading. The singing continues. He'll go into hedge funds Then they slowly encircle her. Or a surgeon . She is scared but has nowhere to go. Something like that. The women throw the babies up in the air. Freya How was the birth? They explode into black powder, likesoot or dust, that covers Mothers Natural. everyone, and is blown about by the wind. Freya How do you manage with it all? The music continues as the women disappear, Freya falls to the floor, Mothers Easily. and the lights fade. Freya None of you got down about it? End of Act Two. None of you felt your child was a ... Mothers A? Freya A mistake? Mothers No. God. No. Freya And what about people who are poorer than you? Act Three 67

Act Three Quite a lot actually. If you do this sort of work it's clear that releasing huge quantities Robert of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere at such a high altitude will cause heat to be 1973 Prologue reflected rather than released, potentially and causing rising temperatures and - and are looking through a few sheets of paper. is Roy, Daniel Robert. No. smoking. Roy Daniel Roy Robert. It's just a preliminary document. To give you Roy Hang on. some idea of the way it's going. With respect. Robert All that you've just said, that tells you a lot. We understand what it is. It tells us very little. Roy So you know where it's headed. I thought it We wondered if there was any way you would be good to get your ... views. could make them meaningful to us. Robert At this stage. If there was a way the report could focus on You think this is what will be in the final· Robert report. something that we can understand. Because Roy Roy if there was. A clearer focus. The way it's going yes. This could be the start of a very fruitful Robert You can't imagine that they'll be any ... relationship. surprises. Roy Yes but this is - New factors. As we spoke about. Robert Daniel New factors yes, still to come. Right. I can't see how there would be no. Roy Roy Perhaps it's a question of how you present Robert Robert Right. Can't see how there would be. it. Roy Perhaps it's as simple as that? Roy Hmm. Daniel Because the thing is, these aren't really the results we were expecting. Or maybe you need some more resources. Roy Robert They're not meaningful. To see things clearly. Daniel Is that what we're talking about? Daniel Meaningful. Are we talking about resources? Or should we discuss the fee? Roy Exactly. What do they tell us? It's not about money ...

Robert Daniel68 Earthquakes in London Mad Bitch Act Three 69

Daniel writes on aOf piece course. of paper. The evening. Dark. He passes it across. Robert reads it. . Freya isat the reception of a hospital. She meets Maryna, a Polish cleaner, who is playing 'I Am Not A Robot' on a tinny radio. Freya I think you should keep going. There's six months before the final report. That's a long Maryna You have to help me. time. Anything could happen. Nie potrafie mowie po angielsku (I don't Freya understand English). A Receptionist comesIt's hurting. over. It's really - Ow! Maryna J I I estem tulko sprazatacza, idz ee znajdz lekarza (I'm just the cleaner, go and talk Freya to a doctor.) I Receptionist This is a hospital you have to help me. Maryna Alright ... Receptionist She says it hurts. Maryna looks FreyaI can in thesee eyes. that. Maryna

Po burzy zawsze slonce przychodzi (After Receptionist the storm, the sun always comes). Maryna picks up herThank mop youand watches.Maryna, I'll deal with it.

Freya Now what's your name? Receptionist I'm not telling you my name.I You can't be treated until we have some Freya information - Receptionist I'm pregnant. You haveI to treat me. Let's just start with a name, can you give me a 70 Earthquakes in London Act Three 71

I pay my taxes, the whole point is you treat Never is these days. She's got a reception till me so treat me I don't want to talk to you, nine, then a late meeting, checked with her Freya where's the doctor? Jasmine secretary, went over, had an argument today, You will see a doctor, I'm just trying to get so I know. some details. How I long have you been - You went to her work? Receptionist I'm not telling you anything, I don't like you, Colin I'm not interested in her anyway that's not I'm in pain. It's kicking so hard. Ow! why I'm here. Freya Jasmine How many weeks? She looks at the house.

Receptionist I hated it when you moved. That was my house. I loved that place. But this is so ... Freya How many weeks? House and Garden. Yeah ... none of my mates are around got exams or whatever so Receptionist Let me in! I thought you'll be on your own and you Freya comes in. could probably do with a laugh so I brought a bottle of tequila. And a spliff or two, or Dr Tim Is there a problem? three. Dr Tim I think you should let her in. I don't really smoke illegal drugs, it's sort of Maryna is knocking on front door. frowned on for- Colin Jasmine Alright!Colin's You should. AsColin the receptionist takes into the hospital, watches, Jasmine For husbands of government ministers. then walks away. You should, given everything that's Freya Maryna Colin A babyis crying somewhere. The rhythmic sound of a heart beat. happened to you. Jasmine answers the door. A drug habit? Right. You lost your job. Colin I'm wet as fuck. Colin I'll find something else. Jasmine It's not a good time. Jasmine To take? Colin Can I come in or what? Colin A job. Jasmine What? Jasmine Colin You probably wanted kids but she's past it Colin Funny. now. Jasmine JasmineShe walks past him into the house. Not really. She's not back till late. Colin' No she is, well past it, trust me. Colin Jasmine 72 Earthquakes in London Act Three 73

Colin I mean we don't want kids. She pours two shots of tequila. Jasmine The house must feel empty, with you here, Bad things are happening. Let's stick our on your own all day. heads in the sand.

She lights a cigarette. They drink. Colin You can't smoke inside, you know that. Sarah isin a restaurant with Carter. Jasmine She isn't here. Carter For me, a restaurant is never about who will be here, but who certainly won't. And there So. Why can't you get a job? To o old is it? are a lot of people who certainly won't be Colin In their terms, and I've never been one of here. The wine's excellent, the meat isn't the city boys really. Never done that stuff. local which in London is a good thing, the service is eight out of ten. The cheese. Well, Jasmine What stuff? the cheese is something to write home about. Colin Cars, booze, coke. Dear mother I have just tasted the most delightful cambozolla - Jasmine Strippers. She gives him the sheets of paper. Colin Exactly. Strippers. God. Oh. A moment. Straight to business. Thank you. And you're right, it's not been the easiest of months for her either, so she tends to take it Sarah Why don't you tell me what they are? out on ... well ... Carter Well. They are ... results. Of some tests. Jasmine You. Photocopies of the originals I think. It's a preliminary report by Robert Crannock ... Colin People. your father yes? Jasmine You. It's all got a bit bleak recently, hasn't it? Sarah Why did you send them? Colin Why are you here? Carter Me? Jasmine I'm your fairy godmother. No I didn't send them. I don't know She offershim a cigarette. anything about them. Colin I don't smoke. The waiter comes over and pours some wine. Sarah drinks straight away. Jasmine If you're gonna have a mid life crisis, better have a fucking good one. It won't kill you. Sarah Alright well, why might someone ... He takes one. She lights it. Carter Why might someone have sent them? 7'1 l\arthquakes in London Act Three 75

Sarah Exactly, yes, let's irnagilu'. Sarah smiles. Carter Well these are signed by your father, the Sarah Yes. results of a project he did for the largest .Carter airline in the UK, oh hang on that's my Yes? company isn't it? Yes I remember this, a Sarah You're right. The public should know. I'll project over twenty years to investigate give the report to the press in the morning. whether emissions from aircraft would have Carter any lasting impact on the environment. Now You will. this report seems to suggest that clearly, yes. Sar�h Absolutely. And thank you, because th.is is a Yes. lovely restaurant, the wine is delicious, and A huge impact. especially for this, because I think my father deserves whatever he gets. These emissions would prove disastrous, for the world. Carter Really? Sarah Right. That's what he thinks. Sarah You should've done your research. I hate Carter him. But that wasn't his conclusion Sarah. Not at I'm more than happy to disown him publicly. the time. Any excuse. For twenty years, his public reports said the So sorry, John - no more runways. opposite. That burning fuel, and carbon emissions, would have little or no effect. It was She drinks frorn the wine. one of the main factors in the expansion of Carter the industry. So the question we ... sorry. I like the way you hold the glass. By the Not me. The question you have to ask stem. yourself is why would he do that? For twenty It's impressive. You're wasted. years. Sarah Not yet. When he knew the truth. Why would he lie? Carter In politics, I meant. Of course, everyone makes mistakes, we Carter takes the papers off her. don't mind it took him twenty years to work it out, but if it were revealed that he knew all You'll forgive the attempt? This sort of thing the tirne ... in green circles he's a god ... if normally works on politicians. They get this came out, his reputation would collapse. scared. Because most politicians are geeks, as you know Sarah. That's why they're so ugly. And you're his daughter. Perhaps it would rub off on you. The waiter arrives again. I presume he was paid. I wonder how much? But you. 76 Earthquakes in London Act Three 77

You're not ugly at all. You're ... striking. Or wait till it was born and hide it or bury it Intelligent. So what arc you doing? or something. Maybe I will. I thought this was civilised. I thought I had rights. What do you want? We are civilised. You do have rights. But at Sarah What do I want? Tim this stage, so does your daughter. Is Carter To eat. someone picking you up? Sarah Oh. Freya I'm on my own. There isn't anyone. I'm staying here. I need to stay here. Carter I've done my best. It didn't work. So, let's relax now, eat, drink. Tim We don't have room. Enjoy ourselves. Make a night of it. Freya Sign a piece of paper and it's done - what? Let's talk like men do. Tim What's really the matter? The sound of a baby in the womb. Freya I keep on telling you, there's something wrong. A young doctor, Tim, is standing with Freya. Tim Not with the baby? Tim We've run all the tests. I'm pleased to say, it's perfectly healthy. Freya I was out all day, I saw so many people and none of them cared. Are you a good doctor? Freya I've been smoking. And drinking. I fell over in the bath. Tim Are you a good patient? Tim She's fine. Freya Good patients would tell you their names. Freya Other mothers aren't like this. Tim I'm Tim. Tim Women often go through many feelings, Freya Hello. but when you give birth - Tim Hello Freya. Freya You should get rid of it. The baby. Before Freya Oh, you know. it's too late. Ow! Tim Found your wallet in your bag. Now all we Tim It's not possible. need is an address. Freya You do it all the time. Freya Good hands. Tim Not in these circumstances. She's too Tim Thanks. advanced. Freya I bet you keep your girlfriend happy. Freya If I was a cave woman, I could do it myself. Punch myself in the stomach. Tim Boyfriend actually. 78 Earthquakes in London Act Three 79

Freya Boyfriend right, I b t you wouldn't leave These are the questions. him by himself if he was having a baby. Point is, you don't know. What do you do Steve? Tim Hard to say. · Steve I'm sure she mentioned it. Freya I'm not very happy at the moment. Brave face, but I'm struggling. You should let me Robert Of course, but - I want you to be proud of stay. it, Steve. I want you to declare it. Tim Freya I can't unless you're in for a ... Do you Steve I'm a writer. want to see her? Robert You're a writer. Good. Of? Freya Who? Steve Books. Sort of trivia books. Tim Your daughter. Robert Sort of trivia books. That's right. What sort Freya No. of trivia books? Tim If you see her, you can stay the night. That's Steve Forthe Christmas market mainly, they're like the deal. stocking fillers. Tim smiles. Robert And what do they like, fill the stocking with. What are they called? Freya You're just like my husband. Steve The latest one was 'Fifty Shit Things About Tim In what way? Britain'. Freya He's always smiling too, like nothing's Robert Fifty Shit Things About Britain. Wow. wrong. Steve. Wow. That's what you think? That She winces with pain. Britain's shit. Steve looks, very seriously, at Robert. Steve Yeah, nothing to be proud of really. Steve It's a nice house. Robert Well I don't know, there's always your book. Robert Jealous. Steve We're working on a sequel actually, for this year. Steve Not really. Robert Another Fifty Shit Things About Britain? Robert Small flat you've got. She finds it claustrophobic. Steve Fifty Shitter Things About Britain. Steve Is that what she said? They sell very well. The firstbought the flat. Robert What do you think? Is she happy? With the house? Is she happy? With you? This one's for Emily. 80 Earthquak s in London Act Three 81

Emily? Okay.

Robert Steve Good. Now, tell me why Britain's so shit. Tell me some of your shi1 things. Steve Robert and have wine and are quite stoned. Robert Look, this isn't the point, I'm not here to Jasmine ColinI feel so fucking aimless Colin, I want to go chat- where I want, do what I like, spend money, Steve Jasmine I want to shout all the time. Cos it's bullshit, Why not? Are you staying? To night? just everyone, isn't it? Pushing emails Robert You said a hotel. around, shall we meet? Shall we have a pre meet? How about Thursday? I'm busy There isn't one, and it's terrible anyway. Stay Steve Thursday, well how about we meet to work here. Robert out when's good, let's pencil that in, fucking No. about on facebook, events, messages, Why not? Scared? profiles, pretending to have friends, and I Steve don't mind but none of it's achieving Robert It doesn't feel right. anything, it's one big 'general meeting', just chatter, and when it all fucks up, which it What does that mean, 'doesn't feel right'? Steve will, just statistically, historically, when it all Robert To stay under your roof. goes pear shaped, they'll be full of regrets. 'I You don't know me. should've slept with him, I should've gone Steve there, done that while I had the chance'. Robert I know what you did to them. And I never want regrets Colin so while I still can I'm gonna fuck some shit up. Steve What I did to them. I didn't do anything. I said things. I told them the truth. Did I've never done that. Robert something, sounds like you're implying I hit them. Colin What? No. Jasmine Fucking ... shit ... or ... Oh Colin. Steve Or fucked them something like that. You're Colin not implying something like that are you? Jasmine I've foundfor the sake of dignity it's better to Robert stay away from the ... shit. Of course not. Colin We have to sort you out. Steve Then watch your fucking language. lets out a long strange depressing sigh. Robert Choose better words. Jasmine and in a bar more relaxed now. Stay. And we'll talk. We'll find the time. Later Colin on. Yes? SarahCocktails andCarter a night time view- over London. 82 Earthquakes in London Act Three 83 Sarah I have a fundamental belief in the role of But alright o quality of life, that's not a government. I'm very clear about that. factor either, because there are important Carter Sarah, it's wonderful your clarity. things you care about.I understand. Targets, limits, carbon trading, an international Sarah And we're very different you and me. agreement. How's all that going by the way? Cos these days I don't hear so much about it. Carter Different in many ways, I'm not denying that, I'm simply saying that with your skills, Sarah There's a lot of momentum to get something contacts, your background, you don't know done. how much you're worth. Carter Momentum. Sarah I'm not interested in money. Sarah Yes... . I know I know alright. Carter A thousand a day, possibly more. Sarah grabs a waiter. Sarah It's not what motivates me. Can I get another Mojito? Carter I know I know, okay, but the improved He goes. quality of life that's something else. I spend. Carter Come on Sarah, you like things to happen. my evenings with my children. Do you You know really that the solution will lie spend your evenings with your children? in utilising the market. Technology and Sarah I don't have any children. innovation. Sarah Carter You don't have any children alright, do you Carbon ingesting algae you mean? see much of your husband? Carter Carbon- Sarah Enough. Sarah An orbiting umbrella. Carter Enough? Carter Sarah, you're being I naughty. He smiles - you see? Sarah No no, my favourite-turning the moon into Sarah a huge solar panel. We're going through a . . . thing at the Carter moment it's not ... oh. That's kind of how innovation works. It's new? Carter If people will pay, the world will change, fast. This is what I mean. The internet existed for ten years, no one Sarah Fuck. What am I doing? I'm telling you had it, but as soon as it could do adverts it about my marriage why am I telling you went in every home. about that? Jesus. Shut up Sarah. Sarah The environment is longer term, less Carter We're just talking. quantifiable, without government incentivising industry there won't be any commercial Sarah I drinksher Mojito. activity. Carter84 Earthquakes in LondonSarah! Sarah Act Three 85 Carter Sarah, You cou Id be doing so much You mean ... more than incentivising. This is what I'm Sarah I saying. There aren't many people around Come to us in the new year. Carter like you. If you were in business you could thought we were talking theoretically. solve environmental issues right now, you Sarah could save lives and build economies and No. Carter you could do it quickly. And then after work You want me to work for you. you'd go home to your big house, your Well actually Sarah, if you came across, I Sarah happy husband, and do what you like. She looks at him. Concerts, painting, cooking. would be working for you. Carter I used to like cooking. Sarah What's your husband's name? Proper salary, resources, investment, Carter whatever you want. An expense account. Colin. Sarah Leading the field.Clean up the industry, They both smile. Colin? Right. Colin? from the inside. You tell us what to do. Carter This is an offer? Sarah Sarah Right. A great big offer. You get what you want. Carter Carter He's an amazing man. Yes. Sarah I'm sure he is. They look at each other.And so do we. Sarah Carter But when I come in these days he just looks at me. She drinks. This is You'rethe deal. a clever boy. Because you're killing yourselfI with this half­ Carter Sarah arsed government when you're capable of so much more. He knows it. know it. The things you could do Sarah. So much Robert, Steve and Mrs Andrews are having dinner. Well ... bigger than planes and runways. Carter Robert We'll have to wait and see. Sarah Wait for what? Did you fly here Steve? Carter Robert looks at him. The next election, see where we are. Steve I didn't have much choice. Sarah Robert That could be three years. Carter Steve I I Slowly slowly - You haven't read my books have you? Why wait? had a look today, while was waiting. H(i Earthquakes in London Act Three 87

Robert You had a that if he needs to do that then there's much bigger issues at stake. Steve A skim, yes. look? Steve Like what? Robert They aren't difficult, even Mrs Andrews managed them. Robert Like not what I said to her. Steve Your books aren't why I'm here. Steve Okay. Robert Mrs Andrews, let me explain. Steve is Robert But why she won't talk to you. Why you're worried about his wife. Now I haven't sneaking up here without telling her. spoken to any of my daughters for twenty Steye I need to know what's happening. years. They don't like me, they're doing their own things - My eldest is the environment Robert I'm in two minds as to what to say, Mrs secretary. My youngest. is at university. And Andrews. Steve's come all this way. But do I Freya. What she does I don't know. She's betray the trust of my daughter, and get pregnant, does that count? involved or do I keep my mouth shut, for once? Steve She's a teaching assistant. Robert Yes, she helps deaf children or something, The problem is Steve, that it is, in fact, all but quite strangely one evening, Steve got Theylook at each other. home and found his wife had gone. Where? about my books. If you want an answer, Well he eventually discovered that she had you'll have to understand some science. got on a train and come up to Scotland, to You'll have to listen. And it won't be humorous. It's very interesting, but there talk to her dad. And yes. We spoke. You gave aren't any Can you deal with that? her fruit cake. Steve Mrs Andrews Aye. Go on. laughs. Robert Everything in the planet is co-dependent. It Robert Very appropriate in retrospect, because after exists in ever changing, ever evolving she got home, she wouldn't tell her husband balance much like a gigantic organism itself. what we spoke about. He knew where she'd Did you get that far with the books? been, but Freya refused to talk. She wouldn't even say why she went in the first place. I Steve Yes I I did. presume she's become unhappy. Confused. Robert Species live and die and evolve and the Steve She hardly leaves the flat anymore, she cries planet evolves too through cycles of hot and at night. cold and responding to the demands of life, and life responds to the demands of the Robert Right, so then even more strangely, Steve planet. But the problem is I decides to fakea business trip and come and talk to me himself. Not realising of course Mrs Andrews Global warming. 88 Earthquakes in London Act Three 89

You see, there's a keen brain under all that­ switches on the heating. She brings in new Global warming, yes. You know how that material to eat or drink, and she removes the Robert works. Of course you do. You've seen Blue waste when I'm done. She cleans the air and Peter. And people draw their graphs, they the ground and she regulates my life, don't show the rise in temperature, they show a you? We are symbiotic, she would not exist small but steady rise, they say it can be without me. I couldn't live without her. limited, you know by how much? Right. A couple of degrees? But she's very unhappy at the moment Steve Steve. Because when the population is Steve Two degrees yes, as long as we recycle, do you recycle Steve? Robert doubled like this, her systems are stretched. Robert The house gets hotter, quicker, food and Yes. drink are consumed at twice the rate, the And insulate our homes, I expect you've floor is twice as dirty. She's under pressure, Steve done that too. but is there a steady increase in her Robert anger? Can you detect a slow rise in her Looked into it - temperament? No. She's stable, she's Steve Of course you have I'm sure you've got a bag holding it together. But there will come a for life, and all that makes you feel better I day, if you stay too long Steve, when the Robert know but it's a complete waste of time system's been stretched too far, and she'll because the global climate has never been snap. Suddenly she'll take away your sofa, interested in two degree anything. If we look she'll hide the food, leave the heating on, at geological records of historical climate steal your phone and spit in your drink, change, the onset of the last ice age for she'll do everything in her power to remove instance, we see there is no steady climb, no the problem. To remove you. And she'll year-by-year increase. There is in fact a succeed Steve, you'll be gone, because she's relatively stable climate system, and then stronger than any of us. something happens, the system is stretched We were part of system, a relationship, and and in a moment, it collapses and changes, we abused it. The world will be fine in the in hundreds not thousands of years. You end, and it knows what it wants. It wants to understand? get rid of us. The end of humanity. Steve Let's imagine this house is a planet. What regulates the climate? Mrs Andrews Robert Can we get back to Freya? The thermostat? Steve looks at them. ' You don't believe me? Steve Steve Mrs Andrews. When the house is too hot she opens windows, when it's too cold she Robert I don't see how it's relevant. Robert Steve 90 Earthquakes in London Act Three 91

Robert The end of humanity not relevant? She pokes him. Steve To what we're talking about, no. Pokes him again. Robert Mrs Andrews. He doesn't believe me. .Keeps on poking him. You think I'm a strange old man. Poke poke. A pause. He looks at her. Robert stands up, goes to Steve, grabs him. Then he stands up. Robert Up. What? Steve What? What? Robert We're going. Have I pissed you off now? Steve Where? Goes to the CD player. Picks a CD. Puts it on. Robert The end of humanity. We're going to see it. What are you doing? Jasmine and Colin are smoking a spliff The Arcade Fire - 'Rebellion (Lies)'. It plays. Jasmine I'm not wearing underwear. What's this? I never do. Colin Arcade Fire. Colin Uncomfortable. Jasmine Okay, yeah I remember them. Jasmine It makes life that bit more exciting. You should try it. Colin is standing moving a bit. Colin I don't think it's the same with men. Colin Freya gave it to me one Christmas. Colin stares. Axed. Empty. Used to play it in the car. Nothing for a moment. Colin starts to dance to it, very awkwardly. He knows the words, but Jasmine looks at him. is not used to moving his body. He's blank. Jasmine Oh. Jasmine Colin! My. What's gonna change? God. She pokes him. Colin You like it? Come on!!! Jasmine Er ... I ... What's happening!? Jasmine is amazed. 92 Earthquakes in London Act Three 93

dances. Every time you close your eyes Lies, lies! Yeah. Colin Everytime you close your eyes sings along, loudly now. Lies, lies!

Colin 'Sleeping is giving in, Everytime you close your eyes. no matter what the time is. You're mental! Sleeping isgiving in, Everytime you close your eyes. so liftthose heavy eyelids. Jasmine Every time you close your eyes. People say that you'll die Colin Everytime you close your eyes.' faster than without water. But we know it's just a lie, He lets himselfgo completely. scare your son, scare your daughter.' and The music playing underneath. As he goes he grows in confidence, he starts to let go. There is a kind She's not kicking anymore. Freya Tim. ofbeauty to it. She seems happy. I think she likes you. Freya is laughing and smoking. She smiles. Jasminepays for the drinks at the bar. Maybe she could be a doctor, do something good. Carter You look different Sarah. He smiles. Carter What? Back in a minute. Sarah Youlook younger. HeTim goes out. Cartersmiles. and are outside in the rain under an umbrella. People try and hide the night. Sarah dances with things in the room. Bashes around. Starts to go Carter Sarah crazy. No ironic moves. He means it. Underneaththe covers. Colin Colin People try and hide the lie. He pulls up. Dances with her, sings to her. She can't believe Underneaththe covers. it. Jasmine Come and hug your lovers 'People say that your drearns Underneaththe covers. arethe only things that save ya. Come and hug your lovers Come on baby in our dreams, we can live on misbehaviour. Underneaththe covers. Every time you close your eyes Hide it from your brothers. Lies, lies! Underneaththe covers. Everytime you close your eyes Come and hug your lovers Lies, lies! Underneaththe covers. 94 Earthquakes in London Act Three 95

Carter There's a fifty. For the ab. Steve Doesn't feel warm right now. Sarah It won't be that much. Robert Well exactly, how could you know it was the Carter Buy something for your husband. air temperature? If you want to understand these things, you have to look at the entire Sarah smiles, gets in a cab and drives off through the city. system, the mountains, the animals, the air, Colin continues to dance and mime along with the words. the sea, it's infinitely complicated Steve, but that's what I do, I sit in that shed and I try to Colin 'Peoplesay that you'll die see the future. faster than without water, but we know it's just a lie, Steve Just you and your shed. scare your son, scare your daughter, Robert Every model suggests things are going to be Jasmine is going as mad as he is. They dance close worse than anyone imagines. I've seen Scare your son, scare your daughter. something terrible, Scare your son, scare your daughter.' Steve You're the only one who's noticed. She kisses him suddenly. Robert People say they want the truth - facts, and He stops her. Stands back. figures, but actually they want to be told it can be avoided, with minimum effort. When They look at each other as the music continues to play. Neville Chamberlain came back from Hitler. Jasmine sits. Relights the spliff He said he had a peace treaty, said he could trust this obviously evil man. Why did he Colin listens to the music a bit, then fades it down and switches it off believe it? Why did we believe it? Because we We hear the sound of the storm outside. had to, or we'd be facing untold horrors. Always Steve, faith will come before truth. Robert is walking with Steve up to a tree. That's who we are. Robert There's a nest in this tree. Redwings, Steve Freya's read your books, she knows what you beautiful patterning. They were the reason think, so why did she come all the way up I moved here. I found the birds, bought the house nearby. here? Steve I'm asking about I Freya. Robert They all know what I think. Best way to reduce the carbon footprint? Robert The birds were endangered and climate Steve What? change was the cause apparently. So I thought, they will be my barometer. Like the Robert No foot. You want to be green? ravens in the tower, when they leave, it's Steve over. They said rising temperatures were Okay- driving them elsewhere. What do you think? 96 Earthquakes in London Robert Robert I Act Three 97

Hold your breath. Th planet can sustain Steve It's a foetu about one billion people. We currently have six billion. So in the next hundred years it We're calling h r Emily and I've no idea Steve will balance the books. You understand? what's going to happen, but she's there, and Robert growing, and she's my child too, not just I don't- Freya's, she's much more important than Robert I Five billion people wiped from the face of your theories ... your fucking birds. the earth in a single lifetime. Mass migration Steve It's notjust theory it's Steve away from the equator, world wars, Robert starvation ... You had no right. No right to say that to her. Robert Steve And Freya- It's the truth. Steve Robert I Freya came to ask my advice about children. You listen! To me. Robert The birds? You want to know about the And what did you say? Steve Steve birds? You have to understand - Robert For once, you listen. You had no right to say What did you say? Robert that to her. Do you understand? Steve I told her that her child will regret she was Steve! ever born. Hate her mother forforcing her Robert into a terrible world. No- Steve I told her to do whatever it takes. The birds had gone before I even moved in. Steve Robert I told her to kill it. moves away, to avoid hitting him. Tim Freya. looks at him. Horrified. It's Weimarbe time, it's Cabaret, across the world. You feel it, we all do. We know there's is operating the ultrasound on Tim see? nothing to done, so we're dancing and We see a very blurred image. Of something. Faint sound of the womb. drinking as fast as we can. The enemy is on Freya There. Can you its way, but it doesn't have guns and gas this Tim time, it has wind and rain, storms and Steve No. earthquakes. I Freya Robert Look. Just shut up. Shut up. Steve Robert. I can't see anything. This isn't theory. This is this is and Steve death, loss and pain. Freya's not the first to suffer, and she Robert Steve You told her to kill it. won't be the last. Steve Yes. She's beautiful and clever, but she's not strong, she came up here for help. She Emily. wanted her dad to make her feel better. 98 Earthquakes in London Act Three 99

Robert Then she came to the wrong person. And then you w ·nt out. Steve What did she do? Aghh! What did she do when you told her? On the screen isa veryShe clearhates image you now.of a foetus. Robert The world as it is, a disgrace. The world as it will be, unbearable. Steve I have to get back. I couldn't get through to Tim I've had a long day. I'm sorry. her at home. She's gone somewhere. But look. There she is. Robert You can't get back now. leaves. Things'll seem better. Steve She might be killing my baby, so - She'll make a difference, won't she? Steve When she's here. Robert She had to know the truth. Yes. is still trying with the ultrasound. Freya It's better it never lived. She will. Tim The foetus is on theShe screen. will Kicking. make a difference. Freya You aren't what you seem. Its mouth moves and we hear a small voice. Tim I'm sorry? Freya I saw you. Through the glass. Talking to the nurse. Ow! It's started again. Foetus Mummy? Tim I just need to find the ... Freya It spoke. Freya I teach deaf children at school. Part of my Tim What? job. Freya It moved its mouth. Tim Really? Tim It's just - Freya Means I lip read. Freya No. I lip read. It's speaking. Tim Oh. Foetus Mummy? Freya Mad bitch. Waste of time. Mummy? Then you both laughed. Help. Tim It was a joke. Sound of the wombHelp getting me. louder and louder. Freya No. It's what you think. And it doesn't Sounds like an earthquake. matter except I thought you were the good thing, you were the last glimmer. 100 Earthquakes in London Act Four Shaking. Mummy? Prologue The foetus turns its head to face us and screams. Blackout. Robert is watching television in the dark, drunk. 1991 End of Act Three. A door opens onto a hall where bags are packed. Interval. Sarah comes in. Sarah

I've packed enough for a week, for all of us, but we'll have to come back for the rest at some point, if you're serious about all this. There's too much, there's all the baby things, the nappies, the sheets, the toys, the bottle, I mean I can't fit the cot in my car, we'll have to get a van or something, I don't know, if you're serious. I don't know if you are serious but if you Robert mean what you said, I'm going right now. Sarah With you I tried. Robert What? Everyone had said if you have a child you'll change, you'll know what to do, everything will fall into place, and so I went into the hospital on the day you were born and there was your mum sat in the bed, and she gave you to me, to hold, and I looked at you, and I waited. For that moment when I would feel like a father. The moment everyone spoke about, when I would love you, completely, above anything else. But it wasn't happening.

I looked over at your mum and she smiled. It had happened for her. 102 Earthquakes in London Act Four 103

I looked down at you. The baby cries. Still nothing. Robert Don't have child rcn. Don't ever bring me grandchildren. So I looked up at your mum and smiled back, and right then, I started pretending. A He turns back into the room, facing away from the door. few years later we had Freya, and Jasmine, We hear the ten-year-old Freya's voice. and every moment, all the time, I wasn't a father. I never felt it. Freya Daddy? But now she's gone, now your mother's Robert Go away. dead, there's no reason to pretend. She was Freya I found this dress. I think it was Mum's. Can the one I loved.Just her. Yes. I'm serious. I have it? I like the flowers. Sarah What work? Robert Don't touch a thing. Robert What? Freya Daddy? Sarah You said you had work to do, that you Robert Leave me alone. needed to focus. Freya Daddy? Robert I've got to stop pretending. Robert No! Sarah looks at him. Very upset. Holding it in. Freya I'm pregnant. Sarah So every time you've hugged me and talked to me at bedtime, and drove me to university Robert turns. Facinghim is thirty-year-old Freya, pregnant, holding the dress.

Robert Yes. What do I do? Sarah All the hours we talked, all that was - Growing sound of white noise again, like a rumble, maybe like water, building up into ... Robert You believed it at the time. That's what mattered. A baby is crying. Sarah I left Jasmine with Freya. Coldly, Sarah goes over and kisses Robert. Robert You look like your mother. That's what I can't deal with. You all look just like her. Sarah exits, leaving the door open. 104 Earthquakes in London Act Four 105

is crying, and texting, she IM ns against a wall and sinks down to her knees. taps her on the shoulder. Early in the morning. Thomas Hood Freya Hello miss. Light just on in her hospital bed. She gets out of bed fully Peter Oh/no. dressed, and puts her bag on. Peter Freya Was that you singing? She puts her headphones in and presses play, and sets out. 'Freya You're supposed to be at home. the Polish cleaner from before, sees and starts singing Peter '/ Am Not a Robot' by Marina and the Diamonds. I know but I got bored it's all box sets and Freya Maryna, Freya nothing in your flat, led me to a complete leaves the hospital with and passes a group of men Peter smoking outside, steals one. feeling of apathy sat around like that, I see Freya Maryna, what you meant now, so I thought I'd come The man steals hisFreya cigarette back. and find you, you don't mind do you? You Oh. look terrible. Not being rude but you look completely white. Like someone addicted to Freya walks down the road into the city, with and picking heroin. Or someone that's dead. What are up some other commuters behind her. They walk with her, singing. you doing? Freya Maryna, As starts to become happier, the commuters stop and lift her Dark clouds appear. White noise. up and around, as she sings. Nothing. Leave me alone. Freya She gets up and walks off, still texting. They put her down and they run- into Covent Garden! Various street Freya performers appear, including a robot per[armer, a juggler, a few He waits for a moment, then fallows her. tourists, and some kids. plays with them all, hopscotch, eating fruit from a stall, dancing with a waiter. The white noise turnsinto radio in a cab office. is arguing with Freya Everyone dances. A marching band appears, some people dressed as Steve animals. People on TV in shop windows joining in. Everything Mrs Andrews. Forty minutes moving. Signs, shops, the sun! No, I've been here all night, I'm not waiting Mrs Andrews Huge lights, glitter from the ceiling, or a newspaper seller throws her any longer. Steve free papers in the air. Ushers dancing and singing in the audience. Well I'm sorry but they said the driver's on his way and a Ford Focus only goes so fast in appears, looking for Everyonestarts moving off, going Mrs Andrews this weather. about their normalboring business. goes home. Peter Freya. Ford Focus? Jesus. The newspaper seller clears up herMaryna papers, slightly confused and leaves. Steve It's no bad thing you learn a lesson. You may be worried, you may want to get home but starts to text on her phone. Mrs Andrews you can't beat nature. You can't hold back Freya the tide. I 06 Earthquakes in London Act Four 107

Steve Well we can. Sarah In the commercial sector:. I'll start in the Mrs Andrews What? new year. I was. Wrong. Colin. Steve That's exactly what the Thames Barrier I'm sorry. does. Stops the tide coming in. We build You come first. tunnels, we fly, we go to the moon, of course you can beat nature - Colin smiles. Steve receives a text message. He reads it. What? That's funny? We can do what we want, and right now I Colin You're going to work for a company? want my fucking taxi. So. Sarah A multinational company, position on the He looks up. board maybe. It pays well, the hours are better. Forty minutes, you're sure? White noise. Colin You used to throw things. Sarah I ... what? Sarah has made break/ast in the kitchen. You used to throw things through windows. Colin comes in. Colin Sarah Late night? Sarah I'm sorry Colin you're not making sense. Colin Can you not? Colin You'd bunk off work, go into town and shout your lungs out. Protesting against whatever Sarah I made some tea. it was, I'd come and pick you up round the She puts it on the side. corner. Colin Shouldn't you have gone by now? Sarah Well thankfully I've grown up so - Sarah I want to talk. Colin Wearing those dresses, you used to get in the car, your face would be red with shouting, Colin I know I know, we made a mess, we'll tidy and your hair down, you'd have thrown up. Don't worry, go. something at some bank, or the police and Sarah I've made a decision. you'd jump in the car and say drive - just drive, and we'd speed off, like a film, in my Colin A decision? Volvo. Sarah I've had an offer. Sarah You hated all that. Colin Right ... you're ... Colin At least we argued about things that Sarah I'm going to resign. Take a new job. mattered. Colin Look, I've got a headache. Now you want to be on the board. 108 Earthquakes in London Act Four 109

Sarah I thought you'd be pleased. I thought Jasmine Dated. Suhsidcrnc, dry rot. Cracks you'd at least talk to me about it. beginning to show. In desperate need of Colin Look. redecoration. Sarah What? ·Sarah I've done everything for you and you're ... Colin We hate each other. Jasmine Do you know what comes before part B? Sarah I don't hate you. Sarah What? They look at each other. Jasmine Part A! It'sJasmine. Sarah For Christ's - Colin No. Jasmine Come on that was funny. Sarah She's been talking, making you like this, Sarah You're like Dad.Just like him. while I'm the one mopping up, dealing with Jasmine Wouldn't know would I? her fucking ... Sarah Colin can we have a conversation ... Colin Just fun. Jasmine We should take you shopping today Colin, Sarah Her vomit, I take her to the doctor, pay her find you some new clothes, sort you out, rent, credit cards and - what do you think? Colin It's not Jasmine. Sarah's phone gets a text message. She picks up the phone, looks at it, A moment. Sarah picks up the tea, offers it. puts it in her pocket - looks at Colin. Sarah Are you going to drink your tea? Colin Good luck with your job. Colin You should go. You'll be late. Sarah goes, upset. Jasmine comes down, in her nightdress, smoking a cigarette. Jasmine We so got it on last night- alright, we didn't exactly get it on but you were a bit frisky for Jasmine Tea! Great. a minute or two- alright maybe you weren't She takes it off Sarah and drinks. a bit frisky, but your heart was going like bang bang bang, bang bang- alright maybe Sarah You can put that out Jasmine. You know not bang bang bang but - not to smoke inside. Colin I nearly told her I wanted a divorce. Jasmine I'm not smoking. Jasmine Oh. Sarah This is my house. Colin Just now. Jasmine Yeah, it looks like you. Jasmine Because of us? Cos you're great Colin but I Sarah What? don't know if I want a proper relationship. 110 Earthquakes in London Act Four 111

Colin Don't be stupid Jasmine. Robert Don't you think all f�1thers think this? asmine J I'm serious. Steve No, not all fathers. No. Robert Jasmine Colin So what do you think? Steve And anyway thi isn't the future, she's asmine's J phone getsA divorce? a text. She Don't picks know it up.. Shrugs. already there, thinking, learning. Sucking her thumb, listening. Robert A hint of white noise. Jasmine reads her text. You like things simple. I understand. Fair Things change. laughs, sitsenough. down. The You taxi don't beeps. want to think about it. tired and unshaven, comes into the living room and picks up his bag. is there. Robert Steve, Do what you want. Not my problem Robert picks up his anymore.bag, takes out a book and gives it to Robert Did you call her? Steve Robert. Steve She's texted. She wants to meet. Steve My book. Robert Good, she wants to meet. Good. Robert Your book. Steve You're right she'll have a difficult life. Steve There's something on page thirty-seven you'd recognise. It's about angry old men Robert Freya? who think they're prophets and stand on Steve Emily. She'll not have the things we had, street corners with signs, shouting at anyone maybe. who walks past. Robert That's right. Robert Fascinating. Steve The world could be terrible. It could be. Steve They want the world to end when they do. Robert Yes. Robert Really? Steve But she'll be clever, like her mum, so that's Steve And they smell. good, and she'll have a practical attitude Robert What? which comes from me. An intuition. Steve Because they're on their own, they smell, a Robert This isn't the point Steve. bit, of piss. Steve I think it is. The point. I really think it is. He leaves. Don'tsits in getthe chair.up. White noise grows. Even if things do get difficult, really tough, Tom's phoneRobert rings. He's in his underwear, just woken up. like you said, the world'll be better with her in it. She'll add something special. 112 Earthquakes in London Act Four 113

Sarah has arrived at work, and is trying to get through. Freya is walking down the street Jollo11wl by Peter, walking behind her. Simon The PM says half an hour this morning but only if it's important. Peter Did you walk all th way here? Sarah Say it's vital. Freya Yes. Simon Are you sure? Peter Like Dick Whittington? Sarah Use that word when you tell him. Freya What? Simon I 'Vital'. Peter It's a pantomime. Tom Hello? Freya I know what it is. I Jesus. I saw Dick Whittington at the Hexagon in Sarah To m. This is the secretary of state for Peter energy and climate change we spoke Reading. yesterday, you came to visit. Freya Peter - Tom How did you get my number? Peter It had Les Dennis in it. It was a bit embarrassing all round I thought. But Sarah I've been thinking about what you said and' anyway in that he walks to London and I wondered if you'd be around for lunch. becomes Mayor. Maybe you'll become Mayor. Tom Lunch? Freya I've had enough. I want to stop. Sarah Yes. Today. Somewhere nice. Peter Or perhaps you're here because of the Tom I've only just got up. earthquake. Sarah That's fine. Get dressed. You've got a tie? She stops. Tom I'm a student. It's supposed to happen today. Sarah I'll send a car. He'll bring a tie. Half twelve? Freya I know, I know it's supposed to but - Right so when it does you'll need a sidekick. Tom How do you know where I live? Peter Dick Whittington had a cat, I can be the cat? Sarah 44 Lonsdale Road. She turns away from him. Tom Yeah but- Freya I'm imagining you. The drink or the pills Sarah Perfect. Half twelve. See you then. in hospital or some kind of paranoia, schizophrenia something like that, the blood She hangs up. rushing to my head. Simon Minister, what are you doing? Peter There's a long history of earthquakes in the Sarah I'm cooking. capital. One in 1580 killed two people and 114 Earthquakes in London Jasmine sits with a Liberty Girl, wmlillf{for Colin.Act Four 115

made everyone think that it was Judgment Jasmine Freya 'Day. I . Liberty I'm not going to steal anything. Peter Peter ... shut up. Jasmine Another one in 1931 originated in Yorkshire Do you have to wear all that make-up? but made chimneys fall down in Clapham. The most recent was in 2008. They happen You must be depressed working in a shop Freya quite a lot. like this, standing here all the time, you Liberty look really depressed. You should be interested in girls or Peter something. Jasmine This isn't just a shop. Freya I am. Liberty What? Peter I I'm tired. Jasmine This is Liberty. Freya I am interested in girls or something. Liberty But how much do you get paid? She sits down on the ground. Why isn't there ever anywhere to sit down!? Jasmine I'm sorry? Liberty It's probably not much is it? They say when you give birth, the pain is Jasmine shouts throughWhat thedo changingyou do? room. unbearable. That's why women forget. Your Jasmine skin tears, there's blood and there's shit and you scream and it feels like you're going to No reply. at her stomach a bit. Colin! You know how to get dressed right? She scratches die. Peter She has the flowerstuck in her bag. You should break out, come with us, what's You still got my flower? Liberty your name? Freya Jasmine Liberty. Peter your I like it. That's the name of the shop I meant what's Freya You should keep going miss. Liberty name? Peter Why? Jasmine It's my name as well. I think you're nearly there. Liberty Coincidence. Freya stands and carriesThat way on. . Peter smiles and follows. Not really. I wanted to work here from when Liberty, on Carnaby Street. I was fourteen. I love this place, the people, the lighting. Most items cost well over two hundred pounds. I used to come here for I l G blJ't hquakes in London Act Four 117

hours and walk around and touch things. It means freedom. Then when I was eighteen I applied forthe job. I put Liberty on the form, as my name. Sarah, Tom and Carter in a restaurant. I thought it would get their attention. I was Carter How are you feeling today? right. When I got the job, I applied to deed poll, so my bank details would match. I wear Sarah I'm feeling really good, thank you. this amount of make up so my skin tone goes Carter Stronger constitution than the country exactly with the colour of the walls? And you're running. Not many people can say you'll notice my clothes co-ordinate with the that. Who's this? posters, and the sign outside. Sa.tab This is Tom. Jasmine Well, Liberty, that's brilliant but we're drinking Ouzo and you should blow this off, Tom Hi. come and have a laugh with us. Carter Work experience? Liberty You and your dad? Sarah Tom's a friend. Jasmine He's not my dad. We're together, out on the Carter Hi Tom. Nice tie. town, we're going to have it, what do you' think? Tom She said we were going somewhere posh. She looksat Liberty and smiles. Carter Posh? Here? No. This isn't posh. Sarah I met Tom yesterday. He has family in Liberty No thanks. Eritrea. Do you know where that is? Jasmine Can't believe you're called Liberty. What was Carter There are so many countries aren't there? your old name? Africa or something probably? We don't fly Liberty Nicola. there, I know that. Jasmine I like Nicola. Tom The crops don't grow anymore. The temperature is rising year on year. The Liberty Nicola's shit. Liberty's better. What's your people, my family, they're getting to the name? point where either they move or they die. Jasmine Jasmine. Sarah Tom doesn't really approve of your plans. Liberty Who called you that? Your mum or Carter What are you doing Sarah? something? Tom You think your suit looks really good don't Jasmine you? Liberty Jasmine doesn't mean anything. Liberty's Carter It's not about what I think, actually, Tom, it's better. a fact. This suit is really impressive. 118 Earthquakes in London Act Four 119

Sarah Tom tried to blackmail me. He thought at . Carter You did. the time Heathrow wasn't enough he heard Sarah A total halt to c pansion, guaranteed. No I was due to make an announcement and he more runways, control, terminals, nothing, demanded a complete halt to air travel right across th ' ·ountry. I said he had to be expansion. Now, I gave him hell because I firm, make a la ting decision. I told him a don't like to be blackmailed. As you know. I strong message on this would unite the told him I hadn't made up my mind. government, and be popular with the Carter Which turned out to be true. country. Sarah But spe�king to my husband this morning, Carter And what did he say? he m�ntioned how I used to throw things at the wmdows of large corporations like yours. Sarah He's very green. He's got a wind turbine on his roof. Next week, we announce. It's over. �s you know we're going through a difficult time at the moment but he seemed to think Carter smiles at them. I was more attractive back then, and I could see what he meant. In Liberty Carter Oh I get it, you're making a point, she's using Colin comes out from the dressing room. He's wearing a very you Tom. Well look, Africa's a pretty shit expensive suit, shirt and tie, with new shoes. He's had a hair cut as place to grow vegetables global warming or well. He looks fantastic. not, what with the sun and the desert and Jasmine Wow. the civil war. Maybe your family should move, get away from it all on one of our nice Colin Is it alright? big planes, or is that not the point you're Liberty How does it feel? making? Colin Not sure. How much is it? Sarah I was reminded why I went into politics, Tom and I I aren't so different. Liberty gets out a calculator. Carter I know a fantastic therapist, Sarah, if that's Liberty Well, with the suit, the shoes, the tie, the what this is really I about. shirt. The cuffiinks, the vest, the care cover, you'll want that, the socks, the laces ... Sarah So I gave Tom a call, asked him to join us. Five thousand pounds and forty-four pence. Carter This thing with teenagers I it's strange Colin Oh my god. Sarah Then I called the Prime Minister's office to bring forward the meeting. Liberty Perhaps your girlfriend would like something of her own? Carter The Prime Minister? Colin She's not my girlfriend. Sarah I sat down with him and put forward my case. Liberty Sh said she I was - 120 Earthquakes in London Act Four 121

Is that what you told her? What's more i111portant, a stag weekend in Amsterdam or I he en tire nation of Tuvalu No. Colin Tom sinking underwater? Six flights a year to a Jasmine Jasmine! second home, or starving families in Eritrea? Colin Colin! I admire the passion Tom, and clearly you're She's my wife's sister. a bright boy with huge potential but is this Jasmine Carter really what you want to do? You could come Colin Oh just your ... well ... that explains it then. with me in a minute, I'll show you round the Liberty What? office, I'll pay your university fees, and before long you'll be eating in restaurants Why she's trying so hard. Jasmine like this, with beautiful people and respect moment. ALiberty and all the resources you need to protect the Anyway what do you think? people you love. Or, you could end up serving in restaurants like this, on the edge, Shall we put it through? struggling financially, a slow crawl to last Is it something you think you could own? place. Sarah's just made the wrong decision, and there are so many women like her, lonely, past it, no children but she needs a project, Sarah, Tom Carter.Tom, do you have a computer? so now we're all her fucking children, stupid Yeah. and careless and in need of protection, and Carter that's fine, she's nothing, she'll be forgotten, Tom Phone? but it's not too late foryou Tom, what do you think? Carter Of course. Tom You drive a car? Tom's got what he wanted. Carter And get to the point? Sarah What? All of them developed for profit. It's how we Tom Tom This is a good day forhim. progress. But Sarah thinks we've reached Carter the first moment in human existence where Sarah This isn't I what I wanted. we have to stop, and go backwards. She Tom Like me, he ju st wants things to be fair. thinks this moment is entirely different to anything that's ever happened. Sarah So you're not enjoying the restaurant Sarah? Or the bar last night( Your big house? I Nice But the world isI different. It has limits. Carter holidays? Tom There will be more air travel Tom. Because I'm not denying people their lifestyle but- people want it. People have the right. To be Carter free, to make their own choices. Sarah Why I not?

Tom Sarah122 Earthquakes in London Act Four 123 Carter There has to be a balance between- is ticking, the in: caps are melting, people are dying and it's my generation who'll pay the You should've seen the salary we offered her. Sarah And we never ask twice so - price, long after you're both dead, so I think this is the turning point. Right now. I'm Carter I'd rather eat my own shit than work for you. going to sleep with more sisters of elected Sort of thing you'd actually do. And politicians, I'm going to handcuff myself to A bit of breadhits Carter.anyway- railings, I'mreal, going to attack police, issue bomb threats. Until something is done, something I'm going to add to the long He takes a plate and smashes it onto the floor. Tom What. and noble tradition of direct action. Thrown by Tom, who's standing up. Sarah smiles. Shut the fuck up. Lifestyle? lifestyle. Sarah There are children dying that shouldn't be He kicks over a chair.dying. Fuck your He throws another Goodbit at Sarah. shot. Sarah Cunts. All of you. Are you embarrassed? Tom Hey. Tom leaves. CarterYou smiles. should Sarah be. drinks her wine. No. A busker appears and starts playing. Carter We shouldn't be flying at all. Freya isnow walking with Peter by the Houses of Parliament. Sarah Ah, now, you see? Freya Tom Tom.expansion My dad says, in a few years, they'll look back, No still means thousands of flights on the ruins of London, when the city's every single day. You've all had your whole underwater, and the old people will say, do lives to sort out the planet, and you've done you remember walking down Oxford Street? precisely nothing. Now, according to the best The view from St Pauls? By that time there'll scientists, we've got about election,five years left be heat waves, storms, even this earthquake before it's too late, impatient.so you'll forgive me if I might be caused by us they think. Something don't wait for the next you'll to do with ice sheets crashing into the sea. understand if I'm Because while Decreasing amounts of sediment between Peter you continue to have conversations like this, the tectonic plates. in London restaurants, in government Freya I think it's God. lobbies and Notting Hill gardens, while you Peter show off your little wind turbines, and while What? you're talking and talking, you're still doing Don't you think if there is a God, he's pissed absolutely fuck all. And meanwhile, the clock off? Like when you leave a mug in your 124 Earthquakes in London --Young Man Act Four 125 0111, room too long and it grows into this rank I'm sorry but r11y kid! My kid's in hospital, horrible green pus. You throw it away when I've just found l need the bus fare to get that happens don't you? You get a new one. down the road, I don't have any ... change Steve isin VictoriaStartstation, again. a man in a polar bear costume approaches ... I'm sorry, I'm really in a hurry, I'm really him. He is holding a bucket of money. =:Freya sorry. Shit. Shit. Steve -Young Man You asked me this yesterday. Polar Bear I'm in a hurry. Freya What? Steve I'm dying. About your kid. I gave you five pounds. You Young Man said exactly the same thing then. Polar Bear Do you know where the tube is? Freya Oh. Right, yeah yeah. I know my whole habitat is disappearing Steve down the tube, I know that. The Young Man looksYou atdon't her - ...of coursehave a he kid, doesn't. do you? He runs off- the Polar Bear leaves as well. A rumble. Polar Bear Right, excuse me. Peter Melting icebergs, whole eco-systems eradicated, maybe you could spare a few · Depressing, isn't it? Steve pounds? Freya looks at Peter.Come on. Polar Bear I don't have any change. Freya Steve I'll do a dance. Peter Peter. What's going on? Polar Bear Can you get out of my way? Freya What? Steve It's a good dance. Peter You don't make sense, following me. The Polar Bear revealsWho arehis face. you? I register very high on the autism spectrum. Polar Bear Freya It's the sort of thing I'd do. Steve It's Rag week.I Greenpeace. You're not even that convincing. Shouldn't Peter Polar Bear Can you just get out of the - your voice have broken by now? Freya Steve struggles withCheer the bear, up, pushes might past never and happen. off Yes, that's true, it should've broken by now. A Young Man, dirty and sweaty runs up to Freya grabs her arm. Peter Right. So. Peter. What's going on? Young Man I think I have some kind of purpose. Maybe Freya it's to do with the earthquake. Sometimes Please! Please. people imagine a figure who represents Oh. You ... How was - death, the bringer of bad news, a man who 126 Earthquakes in London Act Four 127

will guide them from this life into the next. I This is the moment when ... The time has could be Pete1� at the gates of heaven. come. This is the moment. Freya My version of death is a sullen fourteen-year­ Freya The moment? old boy with behavioural difficulties? Peter starts to remove his hoodie and his glasses. Peter He takes many forms. Peter This is the moment when I ... walks away, upset. Freya Who are you thinking of most? Peter Or I maybe I'm a herald. The moment when I ... Freya What am I supposed to do? Who do you think of all the time? Peter Peter Rabbit. At the rabbit hole. Freya I don't- Freya I don't know why I'm here, or where I am, I don't want the baby- Peter Who are you thinking of right now? Peter Miss- Freya Emily. Freya - but I can't get rid of it, my familyhate Peter Emily, yes. me, not a single friend has called me all Peter lets his hair down. week. Now revealed is a sixteen-year-old girl. Peter Miss - Emily Hello Mum. Freya I'm a fuck up, a fuck up, on my own. A complete fucking MESS. A long pause. She looks at her belly. They look at each other. I don't want you! Little fucking ... Freya starts to cry. Horrified. She backs away. She punches it. Emily Mum- Peter Miss! I can feel it. Freya I don't ...- Oh god ... you're all grown up. Oh god. Freya What? Emily looks upset. Peter It's time. Freya pulls herselftogether and tries to smile. Freya Peter, I've had enough! Freya Sorry. Peter I'm a carrier signal. Sorry. Freya A what? Your hair. Peter Someone wants to talk to you and they're using me to get through. It's a bit like mine. 128 Earthquakes in London Act Four 129

I've got dad's nose apparently. Fuck it. Yeah. Emily Colin Exactly, you know where we're supposed to His sense of direction too. be going? Freya Jasmine The South Bank. This way. TheyEmily look at each other. I look shit to you, probably. AColin woman walks past and checks out. Six. Freya Well ... Colin Emilyreaches out and touches her on the arm. Jasmine She ohases after him. Freya What are you doing? Colin and Maybe we could, have a coffee. Do you like coffee? What are you into? Freya Freya Emily. We don't have time. Freya What? Emily But that's what mums and daughters do. Emily For fun. With your friends. They have a coffee together. They talk. Don't I ... Freya have time beforewhat? Freya ? No, we should go. Emily Freya Football. Emily fallows Emily tries to smile. Freya and Emily.are walking along the river. Freya That's good. Jasmine ColinFive. Freya Mum I- Jasmine Shut up. Emily Do you have a boyfriend? Colin Five girls so far, checking you out. Freya Am I gay you mean? Jasmine Right. Emily No. Ijust. Colin How many before today? Freya I play football so I must be gay. Jasmine When I was twenty a girl came up to me No. I didn't mean that. pinched my bum she obviously thought I Emily Colin looked good from behind but when she Freya Yeah I okay. turned me round and saw my faceshe went What do you want to do when you grow up? urrgh, and walked away. Emily Freya I'll finish school, get a job somewhere You've had a tough life haven't you? probably, I don't know. Emily Jasmine 130 Earthquakes in London Act Four 131

Freya Ambitions ... ? Jogger Why would I go to the theatre? Emily No point is there? I mean there's nowhere Steve It doesn't matter. to go. You don't understand. Look at you. Jogger It's just like TV. But more expensive. And Thought when you were younger you'd look further away. better. Freya What have I done? Why are you being like Steve stops and waits. this? Freya and Emily are walking along Waterloo Bridge. Emily Are you joking? Emily You know where they've put the London Freya Eye now? Emily When you've been drinking, you sit on the Freya No. sofa and apologise again and again. 'I'm Emily Bath. sorry, I'm sorry Emily'. Then you fall asleep, spill it everywhere. I have to put you to bed. Freya Why? Freya What about your dad? Emily Good question. After the flooding it was going to go on tour but no one had the Emily Dad left ages ago. Only see him Saturdays. money so they had a public vote and Bath it Come on. was instead. Freya What? You ever been on it? The wheel. I read about Bath in a book once. Looked nice ... Emily We don't want to be late. Emily escorts Freya onwards. Freya No. Steve is on the South Bank. They stop. A Jogger jogs past on the way to work. Emily So what have you done? Steve Excuse me. Freya What? She comes to a stop. Emily What do you do? Day to day. I'm meeting someone by the theatre, Freya I ... don't really ... I find it all quite ... where's the ... theatre? Emily You find it all too much. Jogger The theatre? I don't know. Freya Yeah. Steve Oh, okay- Emily You can't cope. Jogger I don't go to the theatre. Freya I've never found it as easy as I think you're Steve Okay- I just ... supposed to. 132 Earthquakes in London Act Four 133

Emily is looking out at the view. Get used to it. Breathe. I'm sat inside you. Warm and happy and I won't know anything Have we stopped then? about it. You have my entire support to Is this where you're taking me? throw yourself off. It's better you do. I promise. What am I supposed to do here? Freya looks out. Emily You've texted Dad haven't you? Breathe. And then, imagine there's a step. Freya Yes but- Just step out. They say most people die of Emily And Jasmine, and Sarah. shock before they hit the water. Freya To meet me. I want to talk to them. A few people gather around, at a distance to watch. Emily Look where we're standing. Waterloo Emily stands amongst them, disappears in the crowd. Bridge. Freya Emily? Freya Passer by 1 Who is she? Emily You wanted them to watch you. Mum, if you Passer by 2 I don't know she just climbed over, but look could see what's going to happen. The at her. buildings and the parks are shanty towns. Immigrants everywhere, gambling and Passer by 1 Yeah. drinking, the streets- covered in shit, the air Freya Emily ... ? thick with smoke, there's disease and rationing, blackouts and curfews. Every Passer by 2 Just one of those women. morning when we fetch the water we have to Passer by 1 I Yeah, god. queue for an hour, and at night you keep a knife by the side of your bed, just in case. I Freya Emily, please! hate it. So do you. Everyone has given up. Passer by 1 Why does she keep on shouting? You're passed out on the chair, but I'm in the bed, under the covers, desperately trying to Passer by 2 Who knows? Emily! Fuck! Sorry - shouldn't get a message to you. It's what you tell me. laugh. Has someone called the police? It's what you say you should've done, for Steve is on the South Bank. both of us. Jasmine and Colin arrive. Freya I'm sorry, I've really been trying. Steve She texted you too? Emily It's not too late.Just step over the barrier. Jasmine Yeah she didn't say you were commg Freya looks at her. though, could've left you to it. Then climbsover the barrier. Steve Colin, you look - 134 Earthquakes in London Act Four 135

Colin Yeah. mid life crisis. He doesn't want a divorce, Steve She's supposed to be here supposed to be we'rejust- here by now but- Jasmine Ask him. Jasmine She gets distracted by bright colours. Don't Sarah I'm not going to ask him. worry, it's quite normal. She takes her time. Oh no. Jasmine Ask him. Sarah appears. Colin I think perhaps we should ... Sarah Proper family gathering. Steve, she said you Sarah What? Should what? were away. Coli'n I think perhaps we should. Steve I was. Yes. Sarah She's texted everyone. What's happened to Steve Is that ... you? Jasmine What? Colin Right. Sarah We're, we're not going to talk about it here. Jasmine Colin's got something I to tell you. Jasmine You mean on I the - Sarah So where is she? Steve I Yeah. Steve I don't know. Sarah In front of her and everyone else. We need Sarah Drags us all out here then doesn't show up to- herself, I pretty typical. Colin Sarah. Steve I hoped she'd be waiting here, but- Jasmine I fuck, fuck, shut up. Shut up. Sarah What do you mean Colin's got something / to tell me? Sarah I'm not doing this now. Steve Has anyone spoken to her? Sorry. I Has Jasmine On the bridge. anyone actually spoken to Freya? They all look. Sarah Colin? A crowd has gathered on the bridge - traffic passes. It is noisy. A Colin Maybe we should- Police Officer has arrived. Sarah I didn't take the job. You were right. I Freya In 1844 Waterloo bridge was called the turned it down. bridge of sighs, there were so many suicides. Jasmine He wants a divorce. Police Officer I want you to stay calm. Sarah Oh ... you ... For fuck's sake Jasmine he Freya Thomas Hood wrote a poem about a buys a new jacket, you think he's having a homeless woman who threw herself off. 136 Earthquakes in London Act Four 137

Police Officer You're going to be alright. Steve Please don't. Freya. I I know what the problem is. Freya One more Unfortunate, Freya Cold inhumanity, I Burning insanity, Police Officer Slowly come back/ over the barrier. Steve Freya. Freya. It's okay. I understand. Freya Weary of breath, Rashly importunate, The rumbling is loud now. The earth moving. Police Officer Help is I on its way. Steve. I don't know what to do. I don't want Freya Gone to her death. Freya the baby, I really can't have a baby. Passer by 2 I Come on. Fuck's sake, get on with it. Steve We'll work it out - The crowd laughs. Freya There's a noise. It's moving. Shaking. The Freya Make no deep scrutiny bridge. Everything's moving! Into her mutiny Rash and undutiful: Steve Hold on and / just wait or Freya's phone rings. Freya I don't want to hold on - I can't wait anymore - It's too late! This is important. Passer by 2 JUMP JUMP JUMP JUMP ... ! Where have you been! This is it! Freya Fuck fuckshit ... The earthquake is very loud. The crowd chants. Freya answers her phone. Freya Oh god oh god, it's the earthquake. Just like Steve Baby, it's me. I'm here. I can see you. they said. Freya Steve ... I'm scared. But I can't ... They ... I can't, I can't do anything. Freya cries. Someone in the crowd starts playing Jump' by Kris Kross. Please please no. The crowd chant. Emily. Steve Please. Climb I back down on to the road. It's breaking. Freya Who was her mother? I I can't hold on! I ... I can't! Had she a sister? She slips. Steve Calm down, listen. I I'm on my way. Blackout. There is a rumbling drowning the rest of the noise. The ground shakes. The sound of destruction. An earthquake. The bridge is moving. An earthquake. Freya In she plunged boldly - No matter I how coldly End of Act Four. The rough I river ran - Act Five Certain Destruction Act Five 139 Prologue 2525, or possibly a hospital. As the noisefades, an animation plays. 1- beeping sound. We see blackboardanimation that illustrates the story. The narrator A clean white space. is old and wise. Narrator Freya is lying on a single white bed. A Woman appears. She looks like Grace, and wears a white version It is said that in the old times, in the early of the floral dress from the Act One Prologue. She also wears a veil. years of the twenty-first century, mankind only thought of himself. The people would steal Grate from the land and plunder the seas, they would kill the animals, tear out the minerals Freya. from the ground and poison the sky. And as Freya wakes. Tr iesFreya? to sit up. the earth grew darker, the sun burnt brighter, and the sea began to rise, the people simply closed their eyes and drank, and danced, and Freya No, you don't need to move. attempted to ignore their certain destruction. Grace I was in the river. It was then, in mankind's greatest hour of need, that Solomon came. A young woman, Freya You're safe now. accompanied only by one faithful companion, Grace packed her bag, and came to the city of These aren't my clothes ... London. After three days, walking barefoot, Freya How do you feel? she arrived on the bridge across the river, at Grace the centre of the earth, and she spoke. Her Where am I? Where is everyone? words proclaimed the new enlightenment. It's just me. Try to focus.You've been asleep She was young, and so full of hope and truth Freya a very long time. that her speech, her words, the power and the Grace What do you mean? light, was relayed, repeated, across the world, by radio, by television, by powerful rumour Freya You're in the future. and written instruction to every man and Grace woman on the planet and slowly slowly, the The future? tide turned. People listened and people Freya The year Tw enty Five, Tw enty Five. changed. Solomon spent the rest of her life Grace travelling the world, walking a new path, You're joking. showing us the future, a new way to live. You're alive. You're warm. You're safe. And And the people of the world were happy. They now you're awake. The blackboardwere bleaches saved to white. and they rejoiced. 140 Earthquakes in London Act Five 141

Have a drink. Freya is in a hospital bed, on a ventilator, unconscious. Here. Steve is watching her. A glass of water. He paces. Freya takes it, and drinks. Tim enters. Freya Who are you? Tim Mr Sullivan? Grace I'm Grace. Steve Yes? Freya My mum was called Grace. Tim I was the doctor who treated your wife. They Grace Yes. said you had some questions. Freya But she died. There was nothing they could Steve When she came in, didn't you think there do. It was cancer. was something wrong? Grace We don't have cancer any more. Tim She was worried about the baby but we tried to put her mind at rest, we let her stay in Freya Good. overnight, and then in the morning she Grace We don't have diseases or pain, we don't' checked herself out. We had no reason to have suffering or death, we have only peace. think she would ... well. Peace and life. Steve You just let her go. Grace strokes Freya's hair. Tim It was out assessment that she would be fine. Freya She used to stroke my head like that. Steve Just let her walk out the door by herself. Can I ... Tim She said she didn't have anyone to collect Freya removes Grace's veil. her. Mum ... They look at each other. Steve What do you think? Grace Hello Freya. Tim I'm sorry- Freya Mum! Steve Does she have a chance? I was so scared! I didn't ... I didn't know what to do. Tim I'm sorry, it's not my department. Freya hugs her and cries. Grace hugs her tight. Steve I'm sure you've spoken to your colleagues before coming in here, you all talk, don't Grace You're safe. you? You wanted to know the situation You're safe now. before you confronted the husband. So you Hospital know the situation, what do you think? 142 Earthquakes in London Act Five 143

Tim They're conducting ome tests. Grace smiles. Steve But what do you think? Is that right? Tim Grace just looks at her. Steve If there isn't a chance, you should tell me. If Is that what's going on? there's nothing any of us can do anymore Grace Youlook better. and we should all just give up, I'd rather know. Freya I feel better. I want to have a look round. The future! Haveyou got flying cars? Tim I'm sure there's a chance. Grace We don't need cars. Steve Freya And robots. Tim You might want to talk to her. Grace You have no idea. Steve Why? She's in a coma. Why would I talk to her? Freya When can I see? Tim Some people findit helpful. Grace When you're well enough. Steve Freya I'm fine, look. Grace We have some questions first. Tim Is there anything else I can do? Freya What about? Steve Her family are outside. Can you ... make sure they have what they want, tell them Grace Freya, the date of your preservation is of vital what's going on, get them whatever they historical significance. It is said, that this was need. the turning point. The moment you fell, the place it happened, Legend has it that it was And keep them out. from that place at that time that the speech I don't want them coming in here. was made. From the bridge. From that Tim goes. moment. The tide turned. The world became better, and better until we solved the 2525 problems. All the problems. And we The music plays again. Grace enters. survived. Freya is sat on the edge of the bed. So. Did you hear it? Did you hear the speech? Is that why you were there? Freya So - Dad bought into one of those cryogenic Freya No. I don't know anything about it. things and we've all been frozen at the point of death, you as well, revitalised only when Grace This is important, you were on the bridge, medical science has the power to heal us. in that time. 144 Earthquakes in London Act Five 145

Freya Yesbut - They drink. Grace Why were you on the bridge, if not to hear Sarah Do you remember the jacket you wore at the Solomon's speech? Suzie's party? Freya Solomon? Colin What? Grace Yes. Sarah I just thought of it. You remember? It had Freya Solomon on the bridge? shoulder pads. Grace Solomon, the greatest woman in the world, Colin Yes. she walked to London, stood at the centre of Sarah It was far too big. the earth and changed everything. Colin My lucky jacket. Freya Solomon ... Mum. It's not Solomon. It's · Sarah Well, that's what you used to call it - Sullivan. Colin Yeah. Grace What? Sarah Lucky in what way exactly? Freya It's me. I walked all the way to the bridge,.I stood in the centre of the earth. Colin It got attention. Grace But Freya ... Sarah You looked stupid. Freya I'm Solomon. I changed the world. Colin Like I said, attention. Grace Freya you can't be. Sarah Well ... Freya Yes! Why not? Colin From the birds. Grace Because you died. Sarah Birds. Jesus. And Solomon ... Colin Got your attention. Solomon lived. Sarah You used to roll up the sleeves. Sarah and Colin are in the hospital cafe. Sarah brings back two Colin Nothing wrong with that, not in the coffees. eighties. Sarah There. He rolls up the sleeves of his jacket. Colin Thanks. See? They drink. She smiles. Colin How are you? Good look. Sarah shrugs. He unrolls them. 146 Earthquakes in London Act Five 147

Sarah Probably just ruined it. Sarah Colin What? Sarah reaches to him. Sarah That jacket. H� moves away. Colin What do you mean? Sarah Do you even like me? Sarah Just ... that it ... looks expensive, you I mean. probably shouldn't - You say you've fallen out of love with me and Colin Not your problem now is it? that's ... fine ... that's ... Sarah Colin ... You don't want to see me any more. Colin What? Colin Sarah I was trying to - Sarah But do you think I'm a nice person? Because, with what everyone's said. Colin What? With Freya. Sarah And what Jasmine says. Colin We shouldn't talk about this now. I don't have anyone else. Sarah When you lost your job yes I probably So this is kind of crucial. thought I should compensate in some way. I Colin? know things aren't like they were, I know I'm differentthese days.But I don't think it's Do you like me? too late. Colin You live in a million pound house with two I'll change. cars. You're a Liberal Democrat minister in a To ry government. Then you tell me you Or something. want to join the board of a multinational Colin Do you like this suit? airline. It's not that I don't like you Sarah. I hardly know you. Sarah Yeah, I mean ... Jasmine was right. Colin Honestly. Sarah Jasmine's never been right about anything. Sarah Colin I don't think it's very ... It's not who you are. Sarah What did she say? Colin I love it. I really do. It is absolutely, who I am. Colin Things change. It absolutely is. They look at each other. 148 Earthquakes in London Act Five 149

2525. Freya is on her feet now. I've only seen you. There should be hundreds of people wanting to talk to me, Freya Then ... then I have to go back and do I'm historically important remember. what I was supposed to do. Grace Back? Freya you can't go back. That world · Grace I'm your closest relative and carer, of course crumbled to dust hundreds of years ago. I'm the one to look after you and if you give This is all that exists now. it time you '11 - Freya But I was supposed to say something. Freya There's something going on. That's why Peter was there. And Emily. I Grace wasn't supposed to fall, I was supposed to speak. The crowd was there, ready to Freya Please. Mum. Don't lie to me. listen, I was supposed to give them the Grace looks at her. message. I always knew when something was wrong. Grace Freya come and sit down. Grace Have you got a headache? Freya But I messed it up. There must be something you can do. Freya How did you know? Grace It's too late. Grace Sit down, with me, on the bed, and I'll Freya Mum! explain. Grace Sit down! Jasmine is in the waiting room. Freya No. I'm getting out. I've got to findsomeone Robert enters. who can help. Jasmine Er. This is a private room? I ... Oh. Robert Really? Where's the door? There isn't a door. Jasmine We've paid for it. Grace No. Robert I'm sure you have. Freya How do you get in and out? Jasmine Family only yeah? Grace Freya. She looks at him properly. Freya What? Oh. Shit. Shit. Grace You don't need to go anywhere. Everything's good here. Everything's perfect. Shit, didn't recognise you. Jesus. Seen pictures but they must be froma while back. Freya And where is everyone? You keep on saying You look . . . old. Shame we haven't met we think this, and we're very interested, but beforesomething like this, isn't it? l[,O l\:111IH111.1kt·s in London Act Five 151

Robert You look ... really - Robert Stop being so fucking petulant. Jasmine What? Here you go, they said you like to Jasmine Christ they said you got nasty quickly I answer back, okay yeah, I've been up all thought they meant hours not minutes look night, I'm not my best. What? I look like at you, big red face. what? Robert Sit down. Robert Like your mother. Jasmine I'm not the one getting angry Gandalf, Jasmine Do I? you're shouting, I don't think you're allowed Robert When she was your age. to do that I might call security. She's floored. Rolfort I hate planes. I'm shattered. Fine. You're nineteen. I'm seventy. Sit down, and shut up. Jasmine Yeah right well done. Good tactic. I look like What are you wearing? my mum, put me off my - That must freak you out then. Sarah says Mum was never Jasmine Whatever the fuck I want. happy, often crying she said, looks like Freya You look like prostitute. got those genes. Robert Robert Look, I know there's a lot to talk I about but Jasmine You talk like this to everyone? Robert Yes. You? Jasmine And I got yours, apparently I've got a mouth Jasmine Yes. on me reminds Sarah of you, yeah there's a fuck of a lot to talk about where do you want A moment of respect. to start? Robert Good. Robert This isn't the time. He sits. Jasmine Never is, is it? Never is the fucking time by the sound of it. She reluctantly sits as well. Robert Jasmine - Jasmine Read your books. Jasmine Such a lonely old fucking- look at you - Robert And? Robert You're not a teenager so - Jasmine Bit dry. Jasmine Actually I am. He smiles. Robert Can you stop - You told her to get rid of it. Jasmine Technically I am? Nineteen, if you're Robert I told her the truth yes. counting, which you're probably not, so - stop what? Jasmine Probably regret that now. 152 Earthquakes in London Act Five 153

A moment. Jasmine Right. Robert I could do with a drink. Robert But she had your hair. Your hands. Jasmine takes a bottle out of her bag. Gives it to Robert. Jasmine What else? What's this? Robert Jasmine Ouzo. Jasmine What's in the bag? Robert Oh. Robert One of your mother's dresses. Freya liked it, wanted it, years ago. I wouldn't let her. I He drinks from the bottle. It's awful. thought maybe I could ... You want some? Jasmine Bit fuckinglate now. She takes the bottle. Drinks. They continue to share it. Robert You're not like the other two. Robert I should've put my work first, from the Jasmine No. You would've liked me. beginning. That's what I regret. Robert Yes. Jasmine Even though Freya's nearly dead. Sarah's a fuckup, getting divorced. I think I would. And me ... well ... look. Sarah enters Even given all that? Sarah You're here. Robert Because of all that exactly. Robert lam. I should never have had any of you in the first place. Sarah You've met. Jasmine So why have you come now? Robert We have. Robert To say goodbye. Jasmine Where's Colin? Jasmine She's not- Sarah Colin's gone. Robert Yes. From what I understand she doesn't As the next scene continues, Sarah sits with them and drinks the Ouzo. have much of a chance. 2525. Jasmine No fuck off you don't know if anything had Grace When you fell in the river, Freya, you hit happened Steve would've told us, you don't your head. You did some damage. And know shit. Fuck's sake. Thought you'd have sometimes, when that happens, people big eyes actually. We've all got big eyes. become unable to see a distinction between Suppose it must've been Mum. their own particles and those around them. Robert Yes. They can't see the edges of their body 154 Earthquakes in London Steve doesn't know how to react. Act Five 155

anymore - where they stop and the world Doctor Harris begins. They can instead understand It's a matter of when to say goodbye. It instinctively that we are all just different Steve should be soon. recycled pieces of a larger, older creature. We are simply earthquakes ourselves, wonderful Doctor Harris Alright. Yes. irregularities in an evolving system. We die Alright then. loung Robert enters,and dressed the earth in white, uses andus for wheels something in a cot. new. And what about the family? I know they're Steve outside. Yes Freya, this is the future, and I am your Doctor Harris mother. But this is also the past and the present, and I am your father, your sisters, Steve Will they want to be here? your friends, your husband, the table; the Doctor Harris bed, the ground, we are everyone that is, was, and everything that will be. I'm nature Steve Or would you rather it was just you? Freya all in one. So are you. The farnily goes through.Let them in. Grace This isn't real. The Nurse sits in a chair,exhausted. Tu rnson the radio. Music plays.

Your brain is doing what it always does. A hyrnn. Making sense of what it receives. Combining Freya imagination, memory, information. 2525 The worlds beginning to rnerge. Grace I'm dreaming. frantic. Freya You're on your way. Freya Freya Grace Where? Grace Young Robert We're here to help you. Wake me up ... please. Freya The sound of a babyFreya. crying. Look. Freya goes and looks in the cot. She picks No. up the baby. Please. I need to go back. I can't stay here. Freya Emily's alive. I can hear her. She's calling for Grace me. Doctor Harris is Emiwithly. Steve, who sits on the bed. Freya Freya. You can't. Doctor Harris I made a mistake. I need to go back. Steve II'm ... sorry. Her condition is worsening. Tell them all. Give the speech. Walk the earth. 156 Earthquakes in London Act Five 157

Grace No. Epilogue Freya You can't stop me. This isn't real. I need to The kitchen of a large house in the west Oxfordshire countryside. wake up and tell them what's going to Night. On the table there is food out. happen, or the world doesn't change. The world stays as it is! It is sixteen years later. Darling! Emily ispacking food into a backpack. Some of it doesn't fit. In the rearranging, we see a map, a torch. She puts Emily back in the cot. A knock on the door. I'm going to be with you. I'm going to wake up. Emiiy goes and opens it. Freya goes to the bed, lies down andshuts her eyes. Tomenters, now thirty-five, a man, rather than a boy. He is dressed much better, ready for a long walk. He is sure of himself. Grace Freya. I'm sorry. Emily Shhh -/ Dad's asleep -you look nervous. Freya Now! Tom You've barely left the town on your own Yes! before, you don't know what it's like. Now! Emily I've done my research. Grace It's over. Tom You should let me come with you. The music continues, the worlds blurring. The family gathered around She smiles. 1bucheshis arm. the bed, Grace stood slightly apart. Emily I'll be fine. We can't hear what's happening- the music plays. Tom And what are you wearing? Doctor Harris stands close by. sits on the bed with Steve Freya, Emily Do you like it? Before she died, Mum told holding Emily. Dad it was her favouritedress. Dad gave it to One by one the family say goodbye.Robert standsback and watches. me this afternoon, formy birthday. I like the pattern. How about you? Did you get me a Steve gives Emily to Sarah, and then lifts Freya and hugs her. present? Crying. Tom gives her a small bag. Some distance away ... during this, Emily enters, sixteen, very differentto how we saw her before. Bright, optimistic, intelligent. Tom Papers, ID, map, new phone. She wears the floral dress worn by Grace in the Part One prologue. Emily Good. And she carries a back pack. Tom Allin the bag, as ordered. Emily Perfect. I'm thinking maybe I should go barefoot... 158 Earthquakes in London Act Five 159

Tom It's a long way. Tom Emily Sullivan. Emily It is, and people should notice. Magnificent. She takes her shoes off She smiles. Definitely barefoot. He smiles too. Tom You'll call me if you get into trouble? She looks at him, goes to the kitchen blackboard, and writes, in large letters. Emily There won't be trouble. Tom There might be, maybe we should tell your 'Gone to London' dad what you're doing. If he wakes up and As she' goes on her way, Steve finally lets go of Freya, and she dies. you're gone - Blackout. Emily When did you care what he thought? End of Play. Tom This is different. Emily I've told them for years, over and over, when I'm sixteen, this is what happens. At dawn, I'll be on my way. Not my fault if they never believed me. Tom At least leave a note - Emily Right. To othbrush, bag, towel. She puts the backpack on. Tom Speech? Emily Don't need a speech. It's all up here ... To m! I'm half your age and you look petrified. Tom It's· ridiculous. Emily Youknow what I can do? Tom Yes. Emily And you trust me? Tom Of course. Emily Then smile. It'll be fine. Now, how do I look? He looks at her, takes her in.