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SH E LAGH DE LAN E Y

AThste of Honey

Witb a Commentary and No tes byG LENDA LEEMING

Methuen Snrdent EditionsMETHUEN.LONDON

Debreceni EggetemAngol-Amerikai Int€zet K6ngvt6ra

This Methuen Student Edition first published in 1982 by MethuenLondon Ltd,11 New Fetter Lane, London EC4P 4EE.A Taste of Honey first published in January 1959 by Methuen& Co. Ltd. New edition April 1959.A Taste of Honey copyright @ 1959 by Theatre Workshop(Pioneer Theatres Ltd.)Commentary and Notes copyright @ 1.982 by Methuen London Ltd.Printed in Great Britain by Richard Clay (The Chaucer Press) Ltd,Bungay, Suffolk

rsBN 0 4r3 49250 8

CAUTIONThis play is fully protected by copyright. All enquiries concerningperforming rights, professional or amateur should be directed toTessa Sayle, 11 Jubilee Place, Chelsea, London SW3 3TE.

Tbanks are due to Tessa Sayle and Non Worrall for tbeir belp andadaice in the preparation of this edition.

Contents

Shelagh Delaney

Plot and structure

CommentaryCharactersThemesComedyHow the play came to be writtenDramatic effectivenessSocial background: the fifties

Suggestions for further reading

A TASTE OF HONEY

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vii

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xxiiixxiv

Notes 88

Four pages of illustrations appear at the end of the commentary

This play was first presented by Theatre Workshop at theTheaue Royal, Stradord, London Er5, on z7 May 1958.

On ro February 1959 the play was presented by DonaldAlbery and Oscar Lewenstein Ltd, at Wyndham's Theatre,London, with the following cast:

HELEN

JosEPHINn, ha daughtnPETER, her fiendTHE BOY

GEOFFREY

THE APEX JAZZ TRIO

SETTING BY

COSTUMES BY

Ayi5 lrrnnsgeFrances Cuka

Nigel DavenportClifton Jones

Murray Melvin

Johnny Vallbank (cornet)

Barry Wright (guitar)Christopher Capon (double bass)

John Bury

Una Collins

The play is set in Salford, Lancashire, ttxlqy

Directed by Joan Littlewood

Act One

SCENE ONE

I'\rc stage relresents a cornfortless flat in Manchestn and tlvstreet outide, Jazz nusic. Enter HELEN, a semi-whore, andhn daughter, Jo. Thq are loadpd with baggage.

rriLEN: \[ell! This is the place.yo: And I don't like it.uriLEN: \[hen I find somewhere for us to live I have to con-

sider something far more important than your feelings . ..the rent. It's all I can afford.

yo: You can afford something better than this old ruin.ilriLEN: When you start €&rning you can start moaning.yo: Can't be soon enough for me. I'm cold and my shoes let

water . .. what a place . . . and we're supposed to beliving off her immoral earnings.

nriI.EN: I'm careful. Anyway, what's wrong with this place?

Everything in it's falling apart, it's true, and we've noheating - but there's a lovely view of the gasworks, we share

a bathroom with the community and this wallpaper's con-temporary. Vhat more do you want? Any*ay it'll do forus. Pass me a glass, Jo.

J<l: Where are they?uriLEN: I don't know.

Jo: You packed 'em. She'd lose her head if it was loose.

nI,LEN: Here they are. I put 'em in my bag for safety. Pass me

that bottle - it's in the carrier.ytr: Why should I run round after you? lTahcs whisky bottle

from bag.l

A TASTE OF EONBY [ecr r

HELEN: Children owe their parene these little atteotions.

1o: I don't owe you x thing.HELEN: Except respect, and I don't seem to get any of that.yo: Drink, drink, drink, that's all you're fit for. You make me

sick.

HELEN: Others may pray for thEir daily bread, I pray for . . .

;o: Is that the bedroom?HELEN: It is. Your health, Jo.;o: 'IVe're sharing a bed agah, I see.

HELEN: Of course, you know I can't bear to be parted fromyou.

1o: What I wouldn't give for a room of my own! God! It'sfreezing! Isn't there any sort of fire anywherg Helen?

HELEN: Yes, there's a gas-propelled thing somewhere.

;o: Where?HELEN: Vhere? What were you given eyes for? Do you want

me to carry you about? Don't stand there shivering; havesome of this if you're so cold.

1o: You know f don't like it"HELEN: Have you tried it?yo: No.HELEN: Then get it down you! [Sfte wanders around tlu room

searching for fire.l "\Xrhere!" she says. She can never see

anything till she falls over it. Now, where's it got to? Iknow I saw it here somewhere . . . one of those shillingin the slot affairs; the landlady pointed it out to me as

part of the furniture and fittiogp. I don't know. Oh! It'llturn up. What's up with you now?

yo: I don't like the smell of it.HELEN: You don't smell it, you drink it! It consoles you.

1o: What do you need consoling about?HELEN: Life! C-ome on, give it to me if you've done with it.

I'll soon put it in a safe place. [Drinks.]yo: You're knocking it back worse than ever.HELEN: Oh! Well, it's one way of passing time while I'm

scENE rl A TASTE OF IIONEY

waiting for something to nun up. And it usudly does if Iddnk hard enough. Oh my God! I've caught a shockingcold from somebody. Have you got a clean hanky, Jo?Mine's wringing wet with dabbing at my nose all day.

;o: Have this, i1's nearly clean. Isn't that light awful? I do hateto see an unshaded electric light bulb dangling from thessiting like that.

urjLEN: Well, don't look at it then.Jo: C,an I have that chair, Helen? I'll put my scarf round it.

l1o takes chair from HELEN, stands on it and zwaps lurscarf round light fulb - burning herself in tlu process.l

ilt:LEN: Wouldn't she get on your nerves? Just when I was

going to take the weight of my feet for five minutes. Oh!my poor old nose.

lo: Christ! It's hot.TTELEN: Why can't you leave things alone? Oh! she gets me

down. I'll buy a proper shade tomorrow. It's running likea tap. This is the third hanky today.

yo: Tomorrow? What makes you think we're going to livethat long? The roof's leaking!

TTELEN: Is it? No, it's not, it's just condensation.

Jo: Was it raining when you took the place?I(ELEN: It is a bit of a mess, isn't it.yo:You always have to rush offinto things. You never think.TIELEN: Oh well, we can always find something else.yo: But what are you looking for? Every place we find is the

same.

HELEN: Oh! Every time I turn my head my eyeballs hurt.Can't we have a bit of peace for five minutes?

yo: I'll make some coffee.I{ELEN: Do what you like. I feel rotten. I've no business being

out of bed.

;o: Where's the kitchen?€IELEN: Where's the - through there. I have to be really bad

bdore I can go to bed, though. It's the only redeeming

ro a rAsrE oF HoNEY [ecr r

feature in this entire lodging house. I've got it in my throatnow too. I hope you're going to make full use of it.

yo: There's a gas stove in here.HELEN: It hurts when I swallow. Of course there is!yo: It looks a bit ancient. How do I light it?HELEN: How do I - with a match. Wouldn't she drive you

mad?yo: I know that, but which knob do I trrrn?HELEN: Turn 'em all, you're bound to find the right one in

the end. She can't de s thing for henelf, that girl. Mindyou don't gas yoruself, Every time I comb my hair it goes

right through me. I think it's more than a cold, you know -more likely it's 'flu! Did you find it?lLoud borg.l

yo: Yes.

HELEN: The way she bangs about! I tell you, my head's comingoff.

;o: 'lVon't be long now. Who lives here besides us, Helen?Any young people?

HELEN: Eh? Oh! Yes, f did see a lad hanging around herewhen I called last week. Handsome, long-legged creanrre -iust the way I like 'em. Perhaps he's one of the fixtures.He'd iust do for you, Jol you've never had a boy friend,have you?

;o: No. I used to like one of your fancy men though.HELEN: Oh! Which one?

;o: I thought I was in love with him.HELEN: Which one does she mean?

1o: I thought he was the only -an I'd ever love in my life and

then he ran off with that landlady's daughtcr.HELEN: Oh! Him.1o: And I cried myself to sleep for wccks.HELEN: She was a silly cat if evcr thcrc wln onc. Yorr should

have seen her. Honcst to Godl Shc wiur r siglrt litr sore

eyes. I'll have to tcll you ubout ltt'r ltxr ritttttt'lllttc.

scENB rl a TASTE OF HONEY rr

yo: I saw him spii one day, on the street.TTELEN: Did you?yo: I couidn't believe my eyes. He was thin, weak-chinnsd,

with a funny turned-up nose.TTELEN: It wasn't his nose I was interested iu.

lTugboat heard.lyo: C,an you smell that river?IIELEN: I can't smell a thing! I've got such a cold.

;o: What's that big place over there?IIELEN: The slaughterhouse. Vhere all the cows, sheep and

pigs go in and all the beef, pork and mutton comes out.yo: I wonder what it'll be like here in the summer. I bet it'll

smell.TIELEN: This whole clty smells. Eee, there's a terrible draught

in here. Where's it coming from? Look at that! What a

damn silly place to put a window. This place is cold enough,isn't it, without grving shelter to the four winds.

;o: Helen, stop sniffing. It sounds awful.IIELEN: I can't help it. You'd sniffif you had a cold like this.

She's not got a bit of consideration in her. It's self all thetime.

Jo: I'm going to unpack my bulbs. I wonder where I can putthem.

TTELEN: I could tell you.

;o: They're supposed to be left in a cool, dark place.TIELEN: That's where we all end up sooner or later. Still, it's

no use worrying, is it?yo: I hope they bloom. Always before when I've tried to fix

up a window box nothin's ever grown in it.I{ELEN: Vhy do you bother?

;o: It's nice to see a few flowers, isn't it?TTELEN: Where did you get those bulbs?

;o: The Park. The gardener had just planted about two hun-dred. I didn't think he'd miss half a dozen.

TIELEN: That's the way to do things. If you see something

t2 A TASTE OF HONBY [ecr ryou want, take it. That's my daughter for you. If you spenthalf as much ti e on me as you do on them fiddling bitsof greenery I'd be a damn sight better off. Go and see ifthat kenle's boiling.

yo: See yourself. I've got to find somewhere for my bulbs.HELEN: See yourself! Do everything yourself. That's what

happens. You bring 'em up and they turn round and talkto you like that. I would never have dared talk to mymother like that when I was her age. She'd have knockedme into the middle of next week. Oh! my head. WheneverI walk, you know how it is! What a iourney! I neverrealized this city was so big. Have we got any aspirins left,Jo?

;o: No. I dreamt about you last night, Helen.HELEN: You're going to have a shocking journey to school

each day, aren't you? It must be milqs and miles.1o: Not for much longer.HELEN: Why, are you still set on leaving school at Chrisunas?yo: Yes.HELEN: vhat are you going to do?yo: Get out of your sight as soon as I can get a bit of money

io -y pocket.HELEN: Very wise too. But how are you going to get your

money in the first place? After all, you'rc uot very fond ofwork, are you?

yo: No. I take after you.HELEN llooking at thc aspidistral: That's nice, isn't it? Puts me

in mind of my first job, in a utty little pub down WhitLane. I thought it was wonderful ... You know, playingthe piano and all that; a real get-together at weekends.Everybod! standing up and grving a song. I used to bringthe house down with this one. [Sr4gs.]

I'd give the song birds to the wild woodI'd give the sr:nset to the blind

scENE rl A TASTE OF HONEY

And to the old folks I'd give the memory

of the baby upon their knee.

[To orclrcsrra]: Come on, vamp it in with me.

yo: You can't play to that. It's got no rhythm-HELEN: Oh! They'd tear it up, wouldn't they? lSIu ings

anoths oerse.l It's nice though isn't it?yo: What would you say if I did something like that?

HELEN: I should have taken up singing - everybody used to

tell me. What did you say?

yo: I said what would you say if I got a iob in a pub?

HELEN: You can't sing, can you? Anyway, it's your life, ruin

it your own way. It's a waste of time interfering with other

people, don't you think so? It takes me all my time tolook after myself, I know that.

;o: That's what you said, but really you think you could make

a better job of it, don't you?

HELEN: What?yo: Ruining my life. After all, you've had plenty of practice.

HELEN: Yes, give praise where praise is due, I always say' Iceftainly supervised my own downfall. oh! This chair's a

bit low, isn't it? Could do with a cushion.

;o: Anyway I'm not getting married like you did.

nnrrN: Oh!

1o: I'm too young and beautiful for that.

HELEN: Listen to it! Still, we all have funny ideas at that age,

don't we - makes no difference though, we all end up same

way sooner or later. Aoywuy, tell me about this dream you

had.

1o: What dream?

HELEN: You said you had a dream about me.

Jo: oh that! It was nothing much. r was standing in a garden

and there were some policemen diggrng and guess what

they found planted under a rosebush?

nBtnN: You.

r3

r4 A TAsrE oF HoNBy [ecr r;o: No - you.HELEN: Why, had we run short of cemetery space? Well, I,ve

always said we should be used for manure when we'regone. Go and see to that cofee. I'm dyrng for a hot drink.This bloody cold! It's all over me. I,m sure it's 'flu - Isuppose I'd better clear some of this snrff away. Shewouldn't think. Well, they don't at that age, do they? Oh!It gets me right here when I try to do anything when Ibend, you know. Have you ever had it? I was thinking ofwashing my hair tonight, but I don't think it's wise to . ..Christ! what the hell's she got in here . .. sooner herthan me . . . what's this? [.lea4g drawirrys.) Hey, Jo, Jo,what's this?

;o: What's what?HELEN: Did you do this?

;o: Put it dowu.HELEN: I thought you said you weren't good at anything.1o: It's only a drawing.HELEN: It's very good. Did you show them this at school?;o: I'm never at one school long enough to show them any-

thing.HELEN: That's my fault, I suppose.yo: You will wander about the country.HELEN: It's the grpsy in me. I didn't rcalize I had such a

talented daughter. Look at rhat. It's good, isn't it?;o: I'm not just talented, I'm geniused.HELEN: I think I'll hang this on the wall somewhcrc. Now,

where will it be least noticeable? Don't snatch. Havc youno manners? What's these?

yo: Self-poftraits. Give'em here.HELEN: Self-portraits? Oh! Well, I suppose you'vc got to

draw picttres of yor:rself, nobody else would. IIcyl Is thatsupposed to be me?

;o: Yes.

HELEN: Don't I look a misery? They're very trristic rhough,

sr:nxr r] A TASTE OF IIONEY

I must say. Have you ever thought of going to a proPer art

school and getting a proper training?

1o: It's too late.

nllr,EN: I'll pay, You're not stuPid. You'll soon learn.

;o: I've had enough of school. Too many different schools and

too many different places.

rrrLEN: You're wasting yourself.

;o: So long as I don't waste anybody else. Why are you so

suddenly interested in me, anyway? You've never cared

much before about what I was doing or what I was tryingto do or the difference benpeen them.

r{ELEN: I know, I'm a olrel, wicked woman.yo: Why did we have to come here anyway? \Ve were all right

at the other place.

HELEN: I was fed up with the other place.

;o: You mean you're running away from somebody.

r{ELEN: You're asking for a bloody good hiding, lady. Just be

careful. Oh! She'd drive you out of yoru mind. And my

head's splining. Splitting in two.

;o: What about me? Don't you think I get fed up with all this

flitting about? Where's the bathroom? I'm going to have

a bath.HELEN: You're always bathing.

;o: I'm not like you. I don't wait until it becomes necessary

before I have a good wash.

HELEN: You'll find the coutmunal latrine and wash-house at

the end of the passage. And don't throw you things about,

this place is untidy enough as it is.

1o: That's all we do, live out of a travelling-bag.

HELEN: Don't wony' you'll soon be an independent working

woman and free to go where you please.

yo: The sooner the better. I'm sick of you. You've made my

life a misery. And stop sneezing your'flu bugs all over me.

I don't want to catch Your cold.

HELEN: Oh! Get out of my sight. Go and have your bath.

r5

I6 A TASTB OF HONEY [ecr r

yo: You qrn get your own cpfee too. Vhy should I do any-thing for you? You never do anything for me.

lMusic. Enter IETER, a brash car salesman, cigar in mouth.l

HELEN: Oh! My God! Look what the wind's blown in. Whatdo you want?

pErER: Just passing by, you know. Thought I'd take a look atyour new headquarters.

HELEN: Just passing . . . How did you find my address?IETER: I found it. Did you think you could escape me, dear?

1o: So that's what she was running away from.PETER: Who's this?HELEN: Itly daughter.IETER: Oh! Hello there. That puts another ten years on her.

1o: 'What's this one called?

HELEN: Smith.

;o: You told me not to tnrst men calling themselves Smith.HELEN: Oh go and have your bath.yo: I don't know where the bathroom is.

HELEN: It's in a little hole in the corridor.

1o: Is he staying?PETER: Yes, I'm staying.

1o: Then I'll go for my bath later.HELEN: What did you want to follow me here for?pErER ffumblingl: You know what I want.HELEN: Give over! Jo, go and see to that coffee! He would

show up iust when I've got her hanging round my ncck.

nETER: Do what your mother tells you.

;o: Ordering me about like a servant! [Shc goes. PErl:R makzs

another pass at nrrrN.] The kettle's not boiling. I suppose

she hasn't told you about me.

PETER: Christ!HELEN: Go and lay the table.

;o: No.HELEN: Vell, do something. Trrrn yourself itrlo it blotldy

\(:ENE I] A TASTE OF HONEY

termite and crawl into the wall or something, but make

yowself scarce.

lrl'tER: Get rid of her.

rnlt,EN: I can't. Anyway, nobody asked you to come here'

r,rl rER: why did you come here? I had to chase all over town

looking for you, only to finish up in this dump'

rriLEN: Oh shut uP! I've got a cold.

r'r: l'ER: What on earth made you choose such a gbastty distria?

nuLEN: I can't afford to be so classy.

ru tER: Tenements, cemetery, slaughterhouse'

uljLEN: Oh we've got the lot here.

r't,'rER: Nobody could live in a place like this'

1o: Only about fifty thousand people.

l'rj'rER: And a snotty-nosed daughter.

Iu,LEN: I said nobody asked you to come' Oh my God! I'llhave to have a dose of something. My head's swimming.

Why did you?

lrirER: Vhy did I what?

rniLEN: Follow me here?

ltiTER: Now you know you're glad to see me, kid'

TIELEN: No I'm not. The only consolation I can find in your

immediate prcsence is your ultimate absence'

v'1;'rER! In that case, I'll staY.

rrtLEN: I warned you. I told you I was throwing my hand in'

Now drdn't I?pETER: You did.TTELEN: oh! Throw that cigar away. It looks bloody ridiculous

stuck in your mouth like a horizontal chimney'

eETER: Your nose is damp. Here, have this'

HELEN: Oh go awaY!

PETER: Give it a good blow.

HELEN: Leave it alone.

PETER: Blow yoru nose, woman' lSlrc doesl' And while you're

atitblowafewofthosecobwebsoutofyourhead.Youcan't afford to lose a man like me'

r7

I8 A TASTE OF HONEY [rcr r

HELEN: Can't I?PETER: This is the old firm. you can't renege on the old firm.HELEN: I'm a free lance. Besides, I'm thinking of giving it up.PETER: What?HELEN: Sex! Men!pETER: What have we done to deserve this?HELEN: It's not what you've done. It's what f've done.PErER: But lapproaching lurl, dafling, you do it so well.HELEN: Now give over, peter. I've got all these things to

unpack.PETER: Send her to the pictures.HELEN: I don't feel like it.PETER: What's wrong?HELEN: I'm tired. It's terrible when you've got a cold, isn,t

it? You don'r fancy anything.PETER: Well, put your hat on, let's go for a drink. Come on

down to the church and I'll make an honest woman of you.HELEN fshe goes to put her coat on, then changes her mincll: No,

I don't fancy it.PETER: I'm offering to marry you, dear.HELEN: You what?PETER: Come on, Iet's go for a drink.HELEN: I toid you I don'r fancy it.rETER: You won'r find anything better.HELEN: Listenr, love, I'm old enough to be your mother.PErER fpetting zar]: Now you know I like this mother and son

relationship.HELEN: Stop it!PETER: Aren't you rvearing your girdle?HELEN: Now, Peter.PErER: Vhoops!HELEN: Well, you certainly liberare something in me. And I

don'r think it's maternal instincts either.PETER lsingsl: "Walter, Valter, lead me to the altar!',HELEN: Some hopes.

.. (:liNE II A TASTB OF HONEY

rrj'rlR: Helen, you don't seem to reatze what an oppornrnity

I'm giving you. The world is littered with women I'verejected, women still anxious to indulge my linle vices and

excuse my less seemly virtues. Marry me, Helen. I'myoug, good-looking and well set up. I may never ask you

again.ur,LEN: You're drunk.r'I:TER: I'm as sober as a iudge.uI:LEN: If you ask me again I might accept.

lnrER [singsl: "I see a quiet place, a fireplace' a cosy room."

uriLEN: Yes, the tap room at the Red Lion. What are you

after?r'rirER: You know what I like.

1o lcouglu, entersl: Here's your coffee. Excuse me if I inter-

rupted something. I'm sorry the crockery isn't very elegant,

but it's all we've got.

lrjrER: Dontt run away.

1o: I'm not running. [Stts.]lrirER: Is she always like this?

TTELEN: She's jealous . . .

IErER: That's something I didn't bargain for.

tTELEN: Can't bear to see me being affectionate with anybody.

1o: You've certainly never been affectionate with me.

IETER: Still, she's old enough to take care of herself. What

sort of coffee is this anyway? It can hardly squeeze itself

through the spout.r{ELEN: She always does that. Makes it as weak as she can be-

cause she knows I like it strong. Don't drink that, it isn't

worth drinking. Leave it.yo: She should be in bed.PETER: I know she should.

Jo: You look very pale and sickly, Helen.

HELEN: Thank you.

Jo: Is he going?HELEN: Yes, come on, you'd better go before you catch my cold'

r9

A TAsrE oF HoNEy [acr I

lHe pulk fur to him as she passes.l

PETER: Come outside then.HELEN: No.IETER: What does the little lady want? An engagement ring?1o: I should have thought their courtship had passed the stage

of symbolism.HELEN: I always accept the odd diamond ring with pleasure.eETER: I know it's my money you're after.HELEN: Are you kidding?yo: Hey!

lHe embraces HELEN at the door and begins to tell hn a dirtystory.f

pETER: Did I ever tell vou about the bookie who married theprostitute?

HELEN: No. Go on.yo: Hey! What sort of a cigar is that?rETER: Why don't you go home to your father?

;o: He's dead.

IETER: Too bad. Anyway, this bookie . ..1o: Is it a Havana?

HELEN: Yes.

rETER: A rich, dark Havana, rolled on the thigh of a coal blackmafirmy.

;o: You want to be careful. You never know where a coal blackmammy's thigh's been.

HELEN: Take no notice of her. She think's she's funnv.

;o: So does he! I bet he's married.

[unrrN bursts out laughing at his jokt.]

You're not really going to marry her, are you? Shc's a devilwith the men.

PETER: Are you Helen?HELEN: Well, I don't consider nryself a slouch. Now come on

then, if you've finished what you slme fbr you'd better

scENE Il A TASTE OF HONEY

get going. We've ail this to clear away before we go tobed.

t't:'rDR: Well, I won't be round tomorrowl the cat's been on the

strawberries.til1r.EN: Get going.r'r,rER: Don't forget me.

ro: Shall I withdraw while you kiss her good night?lr:t.t1N: I'll kiss you good night in a minute, lady, and it really

will be good night.lrl't'ER: Well, take care of your mother while she's ailinB' Io.

You know how fragile these old ladies are.

lr 11r.EN: Go on, get!lExit pETER.l Well, I'm going to bed. Ve'llshift this lot tomorrow. There's always another day.

;o: It's dark out there now. I think I'll have my bath in the

morning.IrrlLEN: Are you afraid of the dark?

1o: You know I am.rr.r.EN: You should try not to be.

1o: tr do.nr:t.EN: And you're still afraid?

l, r: Yes.rrrlr.EN: Then you'll have to try a bit harder, won't you?

1, r: Thanks. I'll do that. What's the bed like?r u,t-EN: Like a coffin only not half as comfortable.

tr': Have you ever tried a coffin?urlt.EN: I dare say I will one day. I do wish we had a hot water

bottle.

t,r: You should have asked him to stay. It wouldn't be the firsttime I've been thrown out of my bed to make room for one

ofyour...Iu:I.EN: For God's sake shut up! Close your mouth for five

minutes. And you can ttrrn the light offand come to bed.

Io: Aren't we going to clear this lot up?rrrlLEN: No, it'll look all right in the dark.yo: Yes, it's seen at its best, this room, in the dark.

2l

A TASTE OP HONEY [acr IHELEN: Everything is seen at its best in the dark - including

me. I love it. Can't understand why you're so scared of it.yo: I'm not frightened of the darkness outside. It's the darkness

inside houses I don't like.HELEN: Come on! Hey, Jo, what would you do if I told you I

was thinking of gening married again?

1o: I'd have you locked up in an institution right away!HELEN: C,ome on.

llttu;ic. Fade out.l

SCENE TIVO

yo and hq sov FRIEND, a coloured naoal rating, walking on tlustreet. They stop by thc door.

;o: I'd better go in now. Thanks for carrying my books.gov: Were you surprised to see me waiting outside school?

;o: Not really.soy: Glad I came?

1o: You know I am.

soy: So am I.;o: Well, I'd better go in.sov: Not yet! Stay a bit longer.yo: All right! Doesn't it go dark early? I like winter. I like it

bener than all the other seasons.

sov: I like it too. When it goes dark early it gives me more timefor - fHe hisses her.l

1o: Don't do that. You're always doing it.soy: You like it.yo: I kno% but I don't want to do it dl the time.soy: Afraid someone'll see us?yo: I don't care.

sceNr rr] A TAsrE oF HoNEY

rrov: Say that again.

;cl: I don't care.rrov: You mean it too. You're the first girl I've met who really

didn't care. Listen, I'm going to ask you something. I'ma man of few words. Will you marry me?

yo: Well, I'm a girl of few words. I won't marry you but you'vetalked me into it.

noy: How old are you?yo: Nearly eighteen.rroy: And you really will marry me?yo: I said so, didn't I? You shouldn't have asked me if you

were only kidding me up. fSIu starts to go.lrrov: Hey! I wasn't kidding. I thought you were. Do you

really mean it? You will marry me?

;o: I love you.rrov: How do you know?

;o: I don't know why I love you but I do.

rrov: I adore you.lSwinging her thrwgh the air.lJo: So do I. I can't resist myself.rroY: I've got something for you.yo: What is it? A ring!rrov: This morning in the shop I couldn't remember what

sort of hands you had, long hands, small hands or what. Istood there like a damn fool trying to remember what theyfelt like. [He puts the ing on and hisses hn hand.f What willyour mother say?

yo: She'll probably laugh.rrov: Doesn't she care who her daughter marries?

;o: She's not marrying you, I am. It's got nothing to do withher.

noy: She hasn't seen me.

lo: And when she does?

nov: She'll see a coloured boy.yo: No, whatever else she might be, she isn't preiudiced against

colour. You're not worried about it, are you?

23

24 A TASTE OF HONEY

BoY: So long as you like it.;o: You know I do.nov: Well, that's all that matrers.

;o: When shall we get married?oov: My next leave? It's a long time, six months.

;o: It'll give us a chance to save a bit of money. Here, see . . .

this ring . . . it's too big; look, it slides about . . . And Icouldn't wear it for school anyway. I might lose it. Let'sgo all romantic. Have you got a bit of suing?

soy: What for?

1o: I'm going to tie it round my neck. Come on, turn yourpockets out. Three handkerchiefs, a safety pin, a screw!Did that drop out of your head? Elastic bands! Don't linleboys carry some trash. And what's this?

BoY: Nothing.yo: A toy car! Does it go?

sov: Hm hm!yo: Can I try it? [Slu does.l

sov: She doesn't even know how it worls. Look, not like that.

lHe nnhes it go fast.l

yo: I like that. Can I keep it?noy: Yes, take it, my soul and all, everything.yo: Thanks. I know, I can use my hair ribbon for my ring. Do

it up for me.nov: Pretty neck you've got.yo: Glad you like it. It's my schoolgirl complexion. I'd better

nrck this out of sight. I don't want my mother to see it.She'd only laugh. Did I tell you, when I leave school thisweek I start a paft-time job in a bar? Then as soon as I get

a full-time iob, I'm leaving Helen and starting up in a roomsomewhere.

nov: I wish I wasn't in the Navy.1o: Why?sov: Ve won't have much time together.

[ecr r

e

A TASTE OF HONEY

Wcll, we can't be together all the time and all the timet lrt'rc is wouldn't be enough.

It's a sad story, Jo. Once, I was a happy young man, notcarc in the world. Now! I'm trapped into a barbaric

Ir I What's that? Mau-Mau?rror': Mztrimony.

Ir ) 'l'rapped! I like that! You almost begged me to marry you.

rror': You led me on. I'm a trusting soul. .Who

took me downto that deserted football pitch?

t( ): Who found the football pitch? I didn't even know itcxisted. And it just shows how often you must have been

thcre, too . . . you certainly know where all the best spots

:rre. I'm not going there again . . . It's too quiet. Anythtngmight happen to a girl.

rroy: It almost did. You shameless woman!

t,r: That's you taking advantage of my innocence.rroy: f didn't take advantage. I had scruples.

t,,: You would have done. You'd have gone as far as I wouldhave let you and no scruples would have stood in your way.

rroy:You enjoyed it as much as I did.

1o: Shut up ! This is the sort of conversation that can colour

a young girl's mind.rroy: 'Women never have young minds. They are born three

thousand years old.

Jo: Sometimes you look three thousand years old. Did yourancestors come from Africa?

rroy: No. Cardiff. Disappointed? Were you hoping to marrya man whose father beat the tom-tom ali night?

1o: I don't care where you were born. There's still a bit ofjungle in you somewhere. lA siren is luardl.I'm going innow, I'm hungry. A young girl's got to eat, you know.

rrov: Honef5 ]ou've got to stop eating. No more food, no more

make-up, no more fancy clothes; we're saving up to get

married.

25III

26 A TASTE OF HONEY [ecr Iyo: I iust need some new clothes too. f've only got this one

coat. I have to use it for school and when I go out with you.I do feel a mess.

noy: You look all right to me.yo: Shall I see you tonight?noY: No, I got work to do.1o: What sort of work?soy: Hard work, it invoives a lot of walking.;o: And a lot of walking makes you thirsty. I know, you're

going drinking.sov: That's right. It's one of the lads'birthdays. I'll see you

tomorrow.yo: All right. I'll tell you what, I won't bother going to school

and we can spend the whole day together. I'll meet youdown by that ladies' hairdressing place.

soy: The place that smells of cooking hair?;o: Yes, about ten o'clock.soy: Okay, you're the boss.

1o: Good night.soy: Aren't you going to kiss me good night?1o: You know I am. [Kzsses hin.ll like kissing you. Good

night.BoY: Good night.;o: Dream of me.sov: I dreamt about you last night. Fell out of bed nrice.;o: You're in a bad way.nov: You bet I am. Be seeing you!Jo [as she goesl: I love you.nov: Vhy?;o: Because you're daft.

fHe waztes good-bye, turns and sings to tlu audienurand goes.

HELEN dances on to the tmrsicr lies dwn and reads an eveningpoper. lo dances on dreamily.f

HELEN: You're a bit late coming home from school, aren'tyou?

t

r(:lNr rr] A TAsrB oF HoNEy 27

1o:Imetafriend.urir.rN: Well, he certainly knows how to put stars in your eyes.

1o: What makes you think it's a he?rlr.riN: Well, I ss6ainly hope it isn't a she who makes you

walk round in this state.

to: IIe's a sailor.utl.riN: I hope you exercised proper control over his nautical

:rrdour. I've met a few sailors myself.

;o: IIe's lovely.lll:l.liN: IS he?

Jo: I{e's got beautiful brown eyes and gorgeous curly hair.rrir.riN: Has he got long legs?

1o: 'fhey're all right.

'n1r-EN: How old is he?

to: 'Iwenty-two. He's doing his national service, but beforethat he was a male nurse.

rn.t.EN: A mde nurse, eh? That's interesting. Where did he

do his nursing?to: In a hospital, of course! 'Where else do they have nurses?lr,r.tN: Does he ever get any free samples? We could do with

a few contacts 1i11 hings like that.t,r: Oh shut up, Helen. Have a look in that paper and see

what's on at the picnrres tomorrow night.rf I,I-EN: Where is it? Oh yes ... I a)as a Teenage . . . what?

You can't go there anyway, it's a proper little flea pit. Thc

Ten Commandmcnts, here that'd do you good. Desire

Undq the ... oh! What a funny place to have desire!You might as well have it at home as anywhere else,mightn't you? No, there's nothing here that I fancy.

1o: You never go to the picnrres.nriLEN: I used to but the cinema has become more and more

like the theatre, it's all mauling and muttering, can't hearwhat they're saying half the time and when you do it's notworth listening to. Look at that advertisement. It's porno-graphic. In my opinion such a frank and open display of

28 A TASTE OF HONEY [acr r

the female form can only induce little boys of all ages toadd vulgar comments in pencil. I ask you, what sort of aninflated woman is that? She's got bosom, bosom and stillmore bosom. I bet every inch of her chest is worth it'sweight in gold. Let's have a look at you. I wonder if Icould turn you into a mountain of votuptuous temptation?

yo: Why?HELEN: I'd put you on films.yo: I'd sooner be put on't streets. It's more honest.HELEN: You might have to do that yet.

;o: Where did this magazine come from?HELEN: Woman downstairs give it me.

1o: I didn't think you'd buy it.HELEN: W"hy buy when it's cheaper to borrow?yo: IThat day was I born on?HELEN: f don't know.

;o: You should remember such an important event.HELEN: I've always done my best to forget that.yo: How old was I when your husband threw you out?HELEN: Change the subiect. Vhen I think of her father and

my husband it makes me wonder why f ever bothered, itdoes really.

1o: He was rich, wasn't he . . .HELEN: He was a rat!yo: He was yoru husband. Why did you marry him?HELEN: At the time I had nothing better to do. Then he di-

vorced me; that was your fault.yo: I agree with him. If I was a man and my wife had a baby

that wasn't mine I'd sling her out.HELEN: Vould you? It's a funny thing but I don't think I

would. Still, why worry?yo lreading from mngazincf: It sa5n here that Sheik Ahmed -

an Arabian mystic - will, free of all charge, draw up foryou a complete analysis of your charactcr and destiny.

HELEN: Let's have a look.

.,(:t{NE ltl A TASTE OF HONEY 29

tr' :'l-here's his photograph.rn r rjN: Oh! He looks like a dirty linle spiv. Listen Jo, don't

bother your head about Arabian mystics. There's two w'srn your future. Work or want, and no Arabian Knight can

tcll you different. Ve're all at the steering wheel of our owndestiny. Careering along like drunken drivers. I'm going togct married. lThe news is receioed in silence.l I said I'mgoing to get married.

rrt: Yes, I heard you the first time. What do you want me to do,

laugh and throw pennies? Is it that Peter Smith?ilr:r.riN: He's the unlucky man.

t,r: You're cennrries older than him.nr,r.EN: Only ten years.

1o: What use can a woman of that age be to anybody?In,t.ENr I wish you wouldn't talk about me as if I'm an im-

potent, shrivelled old woman without a clue ldt in her

head.

lo: You're not exactly a child bride.rrjLEN: I have been one once, or near enough.yo: Just imagine it, you're forty years old. I hope to be dead

and buried before I reach that age. You've been living forforry years.

ntiLEN: Yes, it must be a biological phenomena.

1o: You don't look forty. You look a sort of well-preservedsixty.

lMusic. Entq pErER carrying a large bouquet and a bor ofcho colate s and looking uncomfortable.l

TTELEN: Oh look, and it's all mine!yo: Hello, Daddy.rErER: Oh! So you told her.TIELEN: Of course. Come in and sit down. On second thoughts

lie down, you look marvellous.

lHe gioes hcr tlu bouquet.)

Oh! redlS you shouldn't have bothered yourself. I know

3o A TASTE OF HONEY [ecr Ithe thought was there, but . .. here, Jo, have we got avase, put these in some water.

;o: How did she talk you into it? You must be out of yourmind.

PETER: That's possible, I suppose.

1o: Flowers and all the trimmings. Helen can't eat anythingsweet and delicious. She's got ro watch her figure.

HELEN: Nonsense! My figure hasn't altered since f waseighteen.

;o: Really?HELEN: Not an inch.yo: I hope I'm luckier with mine.HELEN: Do you see anyrhing objectionable about my figure,

Peter?

rETER: I find the whole thing most agreeable.yo: You've got to say that, you're marrying it!IETER: The chocolates are for you, Jo.yo: Buying my silence, hey! It's a good idea. I like chocolates.HELEN: Ilelp yourself to a drink, Peter, and I'll go and put my

glad rags on.lExit.lrETER: Don't let's be long, huh? I've booked a table. Dammit,

I thought you'd be ready.

;o: She's gor no sense of time.PETER: Don't sit there gtzzling all those chocolates at once.

fShe throzas rle lid at him.lI7hat the hell are you playing at . . . sit down and behaveyourself, you little snip.

1o: Hey! Don't start bossing me about. you're not my father.pErER. Christ Almighty! Will you sit down and eat your

chocolates. Do what you like but leave me alone.

lSuddenly slrc attacks him, halfJaughing, half-tying.l;o: You leave me alone. And leave my mother alone too.

[nrrrx enters.]

nETER: Get away! F'or God's sake go and . . .

HELEN: Leave him alone, Jo. He docsn'L wrnt to bc bothered

r, t.Ntt III A TASTB OF HONEY

with you. Got a cigarette, Peter? Did you get yourself a

tlrink?r,r lr,rt:No, I...t,': l)o I bother you, Mister Smith, or must I wait till we're

rrlone for an answer?r'r'r r1R: Can't you keep her under control?I r r, r. r: N : I'll knock her head rorrnd if she isn't careful. Be quiet,

Io. And don't tease him.r'r, r'rjR: Tonight's supposed to be a celebration.to: What of?rr,r.r.rN: He's found a house. fsn't he marvellous? Show her

the photo of it, Peter. I shan't be a tick!t,r: You've sqtainly fixed everything up behind my back.ur,r.uN: Don't you think it's nice? One of his pals had to sell,

moving into something smaller. fGoesl.

[r,nrnn throws sflap orr to tlre table.l

Io: It's not bad. White walls, tennis courts. Has it got a

swimming pool?lrjrER: It has twelve swimming pools.yo: Can I see the other photos?r'rrER: Which photos?yo: In your wallet. I suppose you thought I didn't notice.r'rrER: Oh! These. Yes, well, that's a photograph of my

family, my mother, my fatherr hy sister, my brother and. . . ITo himself.l all the rest of the little bastards.

yo: Is this a wedding group?PErER: My brother's wedding.yo: They only just made it, too, from the look of his wife. You

can tell she's going to have a baby.PErER: Oh? Thank you.

;o: You can have it back if I can see the others.pErER; Which others? What iue you talking about?

;o: Do you want me to tell my mother?nETER: I don't give a damn what you tell your mother.

3r

32 A TASTE OF HONEY [ecr r

yo: They're all women, aren't they? I bet you've had thou-sands of girl friends. Vhat was this one with the long legscalled?

pErER: Ah! Yes, number thirry-eight. A charming little thing.yo: Why do you wear that black patch?PETER: I lost an eye.yo: Vhere?PETER: During the war.

;o: Vere you in the Navy?PETER: Army.

1o: Offficer?PETER: Private.yo: I thought you would have been somebody very impoftant.rETER: A private is far more important than you think. After

all, who does all the dirry work?;o: Yes, a general without any army wouldn't be much use,

would he? Can I see your eye? I mean can I see the hole?PETER: There's nothing to see.

;o: Do you wear that patch when you go to bed?IETER: That's something about which I don't care to make a

public statement.

;o: Tell me.pErER: Well, there is one highly recommended way for a

young girl to find out.

1o [glancing through photos in wallet]: I don't like this one.She's got too much stuff on her eyes.

IETER: That's the sort of thing your sex goes in for.1o: I don't. I let my natural beauty shine througb-PETER: Is there no alternative?yo: Don't you like shiny faces?IETER: I suppose they're all right on sweet young things but

I just don't go for sweet young things -1o: Do you fancy me?PETER: Not yet.

Jo: You prefer old women.

'.r llNE III A TASrE OF HoNEY 33

rr,r'riR: She isn't old.

t,r: She soon will be.r'r,r'r1R: Ah well, that's love. [Slzgs.] "That wild, destructive

rhing called love."t,': Why are you marrying Helen?rr'r'riR: Why shouldn't I marry Helen?

t.r: Your generation has some very peculiar ideas, that's all Ican say.

lr, r l.rR: Could I have my photographs back, please?

yo: There...r'tl u1R: You don't like your mother much do you?

1o: She doesn't much care for me either.r,rirER: I can understand that.p llooking oaer his shoulder at photographsl: I like that one with

the shaggy hair cut. She's got oice legs too. Nearly as nice

as mine.lrl.rER: Would you care for a smoke?

1o: Thanks.

[nnrtN is lrcard singing off stagef:

rnrLEN: Jo! Where's my hat?

;o: I don't know. Where you left it. It's no use gening im-patient, Peter. The art work takes a long time. Are you

sure you lost your eye during the war? What happened?

rrjrER: Go and tell your mother I'll wait for her in the pub.

;o: Are you married?IErER lgoingl: No, I'm still available.

TTELEN [enteing): But only just.

IETER: Helen, you look utterly fantastic.HELEN: Thanks. Put that cigarette out, Jo, you've got enough

bad habits without adding to your repertoire. Do you like

my hat, Peter?

PErER: Bang-on darling !

HEI.EN: What are all these books doing all over the place? Are

you planning a moonlight flit, Jo? Stop it, Peter.

34 A TAsrE oF HoNEy [ecr rPETER: Got your blue garters on?HELEN: Now, Peter. Come on, Jo, shift these books.1o: f'm sorting them.pErER ltaking HELEN's hatl: How do I look?HELEN: Peter!

;o: Have you forgotten I'm leaving school this week?HELEN: Peter, give it here. stop foering about. It took me ages

to get this hat on right. Jo, do as you're told.yo: All right.HELEN: Peter! Don't do that. Give it to me. It's my best one.

Put it down.pErER lto himselfl: No bloody sense of humour.HELEN: s7hat has she got there? Lnok at'em. selected Nursery

Rhymes, Hans fuidersen's Fairy Tales, pinocchio. Well,you certainly go in for the more advanced types of litera-ture. And what,s this? The Holy Bible!

;o: You ought to read it. I think it's good.HELEN: The extent of my credulity always depends on the

extent of my alcoholic intake. Eat, drink and be merry _yo: And live to regret it.PETER: God! we've got a founder member of the Lord's Day

Observance Society here.yo: What are you marrying him for?HELEN: He's got a wallet full of reasons.;o: Yes. I've iust seen 'em too.HELEN: Can you give us a quid, peter? I,d better leave her

some money. !7e might decide to have a weekend atBlackpool and she can't five on grass and fresh air.

1o: I won't set eyes on her for a week now. I know her whenshe's in the mood. What are you going to do abour me,Peter? The snotty-nosed daughter? Don,r you think I'ma bit young to be left rike this sa my own while you flitoff with my old woman?

PETER: She'll be all right, won,t shc? At hcr :rgc.

1, ltN u lt] A TASTE OF HONEY

I r I r riN: We can't take her with us. We will be, if you'll not take('Kception to the phrase, on oru honeymoon. Ilnless wet hange our minds.

r'r,u,R: I'm not having her with us.

rn r,r'N: She can stay here then. Come on. I'm hungry.to: .So am I.ru r riN: There's plenty of food in the kitchen.

1o: You should prepare my meals like a proper mother.ru r.r:N: Have I ever laid claim to being a proper mother? If

you're too idle to cook your own meals you'll iust have tocut food out of your diet altogether. That should help youlose a bit of weight, if nothing else.

rr: r'rR: She already looks like a bad case of malnutrition.

1o: I{ave you got your key, Helen? I might not be here whenyou decide to come back. I'm starting work on Saturday.

nriLEN: Oh yes, she's been called to the bar.r'r:'rER: What sort of a bar?yo: The sort you're always propping up. I'm carrying on the

family traditions. Will you give me some money for a newdress, Helen?

rn,LEN: If you really want to make a good investment, you'llbuy a needle and some cofton. Every article of clothing onher back is held together by a safety pin or a knot. If she

had an accident in the street I'd be ashamed to claim her.lurER: Are we going?

.;o: Can't I come with you?IIELEN: Shut up! You're going to have him upset. You

jealous little cat ! Come on, Peter.prirER: All right, all right, don't pull. Don't get excited. And

don't get impatient. Those bloody little street kids have

probably pulled the car to pieces by now but we needn't

worry about that, need we .. .

TIELEN: I told you you'd upset him.PETER: Upset? I'm not upset. I just want to get to hell out of

this black hole of Calcutta.

35

36 A TASTE OF HONEY [ecr Ivlrey leazte flat.1o loohs aftt them.f- o moment ilun turnsto bed - sfu lies across it, ryitg. Music. BLAcK sov mtas.l

sov lcallingJ: Jo !

lSlu doesn't mwe.fnov: Joee!yo: Coming.

vhey mone towards each otltq as if dancing to trrc nasic.Tlu music goes, the lishtt change.l

1o: oh! It's you! come in. Just when I'm feeling and lookinga mess.

soy: What's wrong? You been crying'/yo: No.noy: You have. Your eyes are red.yo: I don't cry. I've got a cold.nov: I think you have, roo. Yes, you've got a bit of a tempera-

ture. Have you been eating?;o: No.soy: You're a fine sight. Where's the kitchen?;o: Through there. What are you going to do?soy: Fix you a cold cure. Where do you keep the milk?1o: Under the sink. I hate milk.sov: I hate dirt. And this is just the dirtiest place I've ever

seen. The children round here are filthy.;o: It's their parents'fault. What are you puning in that milk?nov: A pill.;o: I bet it's an opium pellet. I've heard about men like you.sov: There isn't another man like me anywhere. I'm one on

his own.yo: So am I.noy: Vho was that f"o.y bit I saw stepping out of here a few

minutes ago?

;o: If she was dressed up like Hope Gardens it was my mother.noy: And who is the Pirate King?1o: She's marrying him. Pqel dcvil!

'.( rtNe rl] A TASTE OF HONBY

rrrl'; fsg'll make a pretty bridesmaid.

1o: llridesmaid! I'd sooner go to my own funeral.n ( l \' ' You'd better drink this first.1,r: I don't like it.It( | Y ' Get it down You.t.: llut look, it's got skin on the top.r()y: Don't whine. I'm not spending the evening with a

running-nosed wreck. Finish your milk.1o: Did you treat your patients in hospital like this?rrov: Not unless they were difficult. Your mother looks very

yougr Jo, to have a daughter as old as you.yo: She can still have children.rrov: Well, that's an interesting bit of news. Vlry should I

worry if she can have children or not?

Jo: Do you fancy her?rrov: That isn't the sort of question you ask your fianc€.

to: It doesn't really matter if you do fancy her, anlmay'

because she's gone. You're too late. You've had your chips.

rrov: I'll be gone soon, too. What then?

1o: My heart's broke.rrov: You can lie in bed at night and hear my ship passing

down the old canal. It's cold in here. No fire?

1o: It doesn't work.rr<lv: Come and sit down here. You can keep me warm.

Jo: Is it warm where you're going?rroY: I guess so.

;o: We could do with a bit of sunshine. In this country there

are only two seasons, winter and winter. Do you thinkHelen's beautiful?

rroy: Who's Helen?yo: My mother. Honestly, you are slow sometimes. Well, do

you think she's beautiful.?noy: Yes.yo: Am I like her?rroY: No, you're not at all like her.

37

A TASTB OF HONEY [acr r

;o: Good. I'm glad nobody can see a resemblance between us.Boy: My ring's still round your neck. wear it. your mother

isn't here to laugh.;o: Unfasten ir, then.Boy: Pretty neck you,ve got.yo: Glad you like it.BoY: No! Let me put it on.yo: Did it cost very much?gov: You shouldn't ask questions like that. I got it from

Woolworths !

Jo: 't care. I'm not proud. It,s thewonder what thought it was in

de you buy it.soy: f've got dishonourable intentions.;o: f'm so glad.BoY: Are you? lHe embraces her.l;o: Stop it.Boy: \Phy? Do you object to the "gross clasps of the lascivious

Moor"?yo: Who said that?BoY: Shakespearc in Othello.yo: Oh! Him. He said everything, didn't he?Boy: Let me be your Othello and you my Desdemona.yo: All right.BoY: "Oh ill-starred wench.',yo: Will you stay here for Christmas?BoY: If that's what you want.;o: ft's what you want.BoY: That's righr.;o: Then stay.soy: You naughty girl!;o: I may as well be naughty whilc I'vc gor the chance. I'll

probably never see you again. I know it.noy: What makes you say that?1o: I just know it. That's all. Ilut I tkrn'r crrc. stay with me

38 ..r l,Nu lrJ A TASTB OF HONEY

now, it's enough, it's all f want, and if you do come backl'll still be here.

nr | \' ' You think I'm only after one thing, don't you?

t, ' I know you're only after sag thing.rrr,1'; {porre so right. lHe hisses lw.l But I will come back, I

Iove you.

t,': Ilow can you say that?rrov; \pfuy or how I say these rhings I don't knoq but what-

cvcr it means it's true.r, I Anyway, after this you might not want to come back. After

rrll, I'm not very experienced in these little maners.rroy: I am.

1o: Anyway, it's a bit daft for us to be talking about youcoming back before you've gone. Can I leave that hotmilk?

rrov; f1 would have done you good. Never mind. lEmbracesher.l

to: Don't do that.rrov: Why not?1o: I like it.

[Fade sut. Music. lYedding bells. r.ntsN's music. Slrc dances

on with an assortment of fanry boxes, containing her weddingclothes.l

rI:LEN: Jo! Jo! Come on. Be sharp now.

f1o comes on in her pyjamas, SIrc hat a luaoy cold.l

For God's sake give me a hand. I'll never be ready. Whattime is it? Have a look at the church clock.

;o: A quarter past eleven, and tle sun's coming out.rn,LEN: Oh! Vell, h"ppy the bride the sun shines on.

;o: Yeah, and happy the corpse the rain rains on. You're notgetting married in a church, are you?

urtLEN: Vhy, are you coming to throw bricks at us? Ofcourse not. Do I look all right? Pass me my fur. Oh! Myfur! Do you like it?

3e

40 A TASTE OF HONEY

Jo: I bet somebody's missing their cat.

[ecr r

HELEN: It's a wedding present from that young man of mine.He spends his money like water, you know, pemy wise,pound foolish. Oh! I am excited. I feel rwenty-one all overagain. Oh! You would have to catch a cold on my wedding&y, I was going to ask you to be my bridesmaid too.

;o: Don't talk daft.HELEN: Where did you put my shoes? Did you clean ,em?

Oh! They're on my feet. Don't stand there sniffing, Jo.Ifse a handkerchief.

1o: I haven't got one.HELEN: Use this, then. What's the matter with vou? What

are you trying to hide?yo: Nothing.HELEN: Don't try to kid me. What is it? Come on, let,s see.yo: It's nothing. Let go of me. You're hurting.HELEN: What's this?yo: A ring.HELEN: I can see it's a ring. Who give it to you?yo: A friend of mine.HELEN: Who? Come on. Tell me.yo: You're hurting me.

[HnrEN breaks the cord and gets the ring.l

HELEN: You should have sewn some buttons on your pyjamasif you didn't wanr me to see. Who give it you?

yo: My boy friend. He asked me to marry him.HELEN: ![ell, you silly linle bitch. you mean that lad vou,ve

been knocking about with while we,ve been away?1o: Yes.

HELEN: I could choke you.yo: You've already had a damn good try.HELEN: You haven't known him five minutcs. Has he really

asked you to marry him?Io: Yes"

',, r rutr II] A TASTE OF HONEY

rrr r,N: Well, thank God for the divorce courts! I suppose

lrrst because I'm gening married you think you should.

l( , I lave you got the monopoly?rrr,rlN: You stupid little devil! Vhat sort of a wife do you

rhink you'd make? You're useless. It takes you all your

time to look after yourself. I suppose you think you're in

love. Anybody can fall in love, do you know that? But

what do you know about the rest of it?

t,' : Ask yourself.rn r.EN: You know where that ring should be? In the ashcan

with everything else. Oh! I could kill her, I could really.

1.: You don't half knock me about. I hope you suffer for it.ur:r-EN: I've done my share of suffering if I never do any more.

Oh Jo, you're only a kid. Why don't you learn from my

mistakes? It takes half your life to learn from your own.

Jo: You leave me alone. Can I have my ring back, please?

utjLEN: What a thing to happen iust when I'm going to enioy

myself for a change.

Jo: Nobody's stopping you.urLEN: Yes, end as soon as my back's turned you'll be offwith

this sailor boy and ruin yourself for good.

Jo: I'm already ruined.uILEN: Yes, it's just the sort of thing you'd do. You make me

sick.

Jo: You've no need to worry, Helen. He's gone away. He may

be back in six months, but there again, he may . . .

nELEN: Look, you're only young. Enioy your life. Don't get

trapped. Marriage can be hell for a kid-

Io: Can I have your hanky back?

TTELEN: Where did you put it?,Jo: This is your fault too.TIELEN: Everything's my fault. Show me your tongue'

Io: Breathing your'flu bugs all over me.

HELEN: YeS, and yOUr neCk'S red where I pullcd that strttrg.

lo: Vill you get me a drink of water, Helen?

4r

A TASTE OF HONEY [acr rHELEN: No, have a dose of this lOffering whiskyl.It,ll do you

more good. I might as well have one myserf while I'm at it,mightn't I?

to:

HELEN: rt'[ never come to that. The devil looks after his own,they say.

1o: He certainly takes good care of you. you look marveilous,considering.

HELEN : Considering what?yo: The wear and tear on yoru soul.HELEN: oh well, that'll have increased its market value,

won't it?yo: Old Nck,ll get you in the end.

;o: \Vhere's your husband?

yo: What was my father like?[nerrN turns awajt.l

HELEN: Who?

42'.1:ttttll ttl A TASTE OF HONEY

t,r: You hcard! My father! Vhat was he like?urrr riN: Oh! Him.1, r : Wcll, was he so horrible that you can't even tell me about

him?r r.r riN: Hc wasn't horrible. He was iust a bit stupid, you know.

Nor very bright.I.r . lle serious, Helen.rrr:r.[Nl I am serious.

Jo: Are you trying to tell me he was an idiot?rt,r.riN: He wasn't an idiot, he was just a bit - retarded.yo : You liar !

ru,r.rN: All right, I'm a liar.yo: Look at me.tltrl.llN: Well, am I?Io: No.ilrlr-EN: Well, now you know.

t,r: How could you give me a father like that?rr:r.rN: I didn't do it on purpose. How was I to know you'd

materialize out of a little love affair that lasted five minutes?to: You never think. That's your trouble.nr:r-EN: I know.r,r. Was he like a . . . a real idiot?rI:I-EN: I've told you once. He was nice though, you know, a

nice little feller!yo: Where is he now, locked up?rriLEN: No, he's dead.

lo: Why?urjLEN: Why? Well, I mean, death's something that comes to

us all, and when it does come you haven't usually got timeto ask wtry.

;o: It's hereditary, isn't it?rrrLEN: What?

;o: Madness.TTELEN: Sometimes.

Jo: Am I mad?

43

# A TASTE OF HONEY [ecr r

HELEN: Decide for yourself. Oh, Jo, don't be silly. Of course

you're not daft. Not more so than anybody else.

1o: Vhy did you have to tell me that story? Couldn't you have

made something up?HELEN: You asked for the truth and you got it for once. Now

be satisfied?yo: How could you go with a half-wit?HELEN: He had strange eyes. You've got'em. Everybody used

to laugh at him. Go on, I'll tell you some other time.yo: Tell me now!HELEN: Mind my scent!

;o: Please tell me. I want to understand.

HELEN: Do you think I understand? For one night, acnrally

it was the afternoon, I loved him. It was the first time I'dever really been with a man . . .

1o: You were married.HELEN: I was married to a Puritan - do you know what I mean?

yo: I think so.

HELEN: And when I met your father I was as pure and un-sullied as I fondlyr and perhaps mistakenly, imagine you

to be. It was the fust time and though you can enjoy the

second, the third, even the fourth time, there's no timelike the first, it's always there. I'm off now. I've got to go

and find my husband. Now don't sit here sulking all day.

yo: I was thinking.HELEN: Well, don't think. It doesn't do you any good. I'll see

you when the honeymoon's over. Come on, give us a kiss.

You may as well" It's a long time since you kissed me-

1o: Keep it for him.HELEN: I don't suppose you're sorry to see me go.

1o: I'm not sorry and I'm not glad.

HELEN: You don't know what you do want.

;o: Yes. I do. I've always known what I want.

HELEN: And when it comes your way will you recognize it?yo: Good luck, Helen.

'. t r:NE II] A TASTE OF HONEY

r | | r.r1N: I'll be seeing you' Hey ! If he doesn't show up I'll be

back.

r.,: Good luck, Helen.

lExit :nntsN. "Here comes the Bride" on the cornct')

Curtain

45

Act TwoSCENE ONE

As tlte anrtain goes up fairground music can be ruard in the dis-tance. yo and a boy can be luard playtng together. Whentheg enter the flat_ trrcy hazte been ptaying- abiut ,itt, o bunch ofbrightly coloured balloons. It is summa now and yo,s preg_nancy is quite obaious.

Jo las s]te falls on a couch in trrc darhpned rooml: Let me liehere and don't wake me up for a month.

cEoF: Shall I put the light on?;o: No. Don't you dare put that light on.cEoF: Did you enjoy the fair?;o: Loved it. I haven't been to a fair since Christmas.cEop: Those roundabouts are still going. Can you hear ,em?

1o: I should be up at harf past seven tomoffow morning. I'llnever make it. I'll just have to be late. Anyway, why shouldf slave away fo_r anybody but me? Hav.dt you got ahome to go to, Geof?

cEoF: Of course.

1o: Vell, why are you lurking about? Come in if you want to.cEoF: Thanks.

;o: There's some biscuits and a flask of coffee in the kitchenonly I'm too tired to get 'em. Aren't you hungry?

cEoF: No, but you are.;o: That's right. Go and ger ,em for me, Geof.cEoF: Where's the kitchen?;o: Straight on.

.,r:ltNr tl A TASTE OF HONEY 47

r , r, ( ) f? : I'll put the light on.t,'. No, you won't! I like this romantic half-light, it iust goes

with this Manchester maisonette!r,r,,oFr Take four paces forward, nrrn right, turn left, once

round the gasworks and straight on up the creek. [Hehangs into a chair or table and cries or wsears.l

t,r . Put a match on, you da1ft thing.

[caor strihcs a nntch.lr,rioFl Ee, this place is enormous, isn't it?1o: I know. f've got to work all day in a shoe shop and all night

in a bar to pay for it. But it's ming. All mine.r,r oFi I can tell it's yours from the state it,s in. No wonder

you won't put the light on. Where do you keep the ctrps?Io: In the sink.r,r:oFl fsn't this place a bit big for one, Jo?1o: Why? Are you thinking of moving in?r,rioFl Not likely.1o: You are, you know. Put 'em down here. Don't you want

any?r,r'Op: NO.

f r,: Well, hand'em over to me because I'm stanred. Has yourlandlady thrown you out?

(;loF: Don't be silly.1o: I've been wondering why you were so anxious to see me

home. You didn't fancy sleeping under the arches, did you?Why did your landlady throw you out, Geoffrey? I'll letyou stay here if you tell me.

(;rloF: f was behind with the rent.;o: That's a lie for a start.(;r:oF: I don't tell lies.1o: Come ou, let's have some truth. Why did she throw you

out?(,r;oF: I've told you why.1o fsuritclrcs on lightl: C-ome on, the truth. Vho did she find

you with? Your gid friend? ft wasn't a man, was it?

48 A TASTE OF HONEY [ecr ucEoF: Don't be daft.;o: Look, I've got a nice comfortable couch, I,ve even got

some sheets. You can stay here if you'll tell me what you do.Go on, I've always wanted to know about people like you.

cEoF: Go to hell.yo: I won't snigger, honest f won,t. Tell me some of it, go on.

I bet you never told a woman before.cEoF: f don't go in for sensationr I confessions.;o: I want to know what you do. I want to know why you do it.

Tell me or get out.cEoF: Right! fHe goes to thc dom.lyo: Geof, don't go. Don't go. Geof! f'm sorry. please stay.cEoF: Don't touch me.yo: I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.cEoF: f can't stand women at times. Let go of me.1o: Come on, Geof. I don,t care what you do.cEoF: Thank you. May I go now, please?;o: Please stay here Geof. I'll get those sheets and blankets.cEoF: r can't stand people who laugh at other people. They'd

get a bigger laugh if they laughed at themselves.yo: Please stay, Geof. lshe goes off fo, the sheets and blankets.

He finds lur book of drawings on tlu table and glances throughtlum,l

cEoF: Are these yours?

;o: No, why? Put them down, Geof.cEoF: Obviously they are. They're exactly like you.;o: How do you mean?cEoF: Well, there's no design, rhythm or purpose.yo: Hey?cEoF: Where's the design in that? It,s all messy, isn't it?

Charcoal. I don't like it.yo: I do.cEoF: What made you choose that for a subjcct?yo:Ilike...cEoF: They're all sentimental.

:r r r.rri r] A TAsrE oF HoNEY 49

t,, Me? Sentimental?,,r()r;: No. No. I don't like'em.t,) l)o you really think they're sentimental?r.torjt Well, look. I mean . . .

;,r: I'm sorry you don't like them.r,r'or'-t Why don't you go to a decent school?

l,r: I've never been to any school.,,r.()[:: You want taking in hand.

l,r: No, thanks.r,r,,oFt Has anybody ever tried?

1,r: What?r,r:oFr Taking you in hand.

1o: Yes.r;r,oF: What happened to him?yo: He came in with Christmas and went out with the New

Year.(;uoF: Did you like him?

Jo: He was all right . . .

(;rioF: Did you love him?yo: I don't know much about love. f've never been too familiar

with it. I suppose I must have loved him. They say love

creates. And I'm certainly creating at the moment. I'mgoing to have a baby.

cEoF: I thought so. You're in a bit of a mess, aren't you?

1o: I don't care.

cEoF: You can get rid of babies before they're born, you know'

;o: I know, but I think that's terrible.cEoF: W'hen's it due?

1o: Reckon it up from Christmas.cEoF: About September.

;o: Yes.

cEoF: What are you going to do? You can't be on yoru own'

;o: There's plenty of time.cEoF: Got any money?

1o: Only my wages and they don't last long. By the time I've

50 A TAsrE oF HoNEy [ecr rlbought all I need, stockings and make-up and things, I,vegot nothing left.

cEoF: You can do without make-uo.yo: I can't, I look fike a ghost without it.cEoF: At your age?

;o: What's age got to do with it? Anyway, I,m not workingfor much longer. I'm not having everybody staring ar me.

cEoF: How are you going to nunage then?;o: There's no need for you to worry about it.cEoF: Somebody's got to. Anyway, I like you.yo: I like you too.cEoF: Your mother should know.yo: Why?cEoF: well, she's your mother. Do you know her address?1o: No. She was supposed to be marrying some man. They

live in a big, white house somewhere.cEoF: Vhat sort of a woman is she?

;o: She's all sorts of woman. But she,s got plenty of money.cEoF: That's all you need to be interested in. you've gor to

buy all sorts of things for the baby. clothes, a cor and apram. Here, that teddy bear we won tonight'll come inhandy, won't it? I can make things too. I,ll help . . .

yo: Shut up! I'm not planning big plans for this baty ordreaming big dreams. you know what happens when youdo things like that. The baby'll be born dead or daft!

cEoF: You're feeling a bit depressed, Jo.1o: I'm feeling nothing.cEoF: You'll be your usual self soon.yo: And what is my usual self? My usual self is a very unusual

self, Geoffrey Ingram, and don,t you forget it. I'm anqrtraordinary person. There's only one of me like there'sonly one of you.

cEoF: We're unique!;o: Young.cEoF: Unrivalled!

'., r Nu I]

t,, Smashing!

A TASTE OF HONEY

r , | ( ) [;] We're bloody marvellous !

r,'. [[ey! Do you like beer?r,t()l;: YeS.

1,'. Whisky?

',1,()l:: YeS.

1, ': Gin?r , | ( )r;t Yes. Have you got some?

t.,: No, but if I had I'd give it all to you. I'd give everghingI had to you. Here, have a biscuit. You'll like these. TheyLaste like dog food.

r,tolri Spratts!

t,': You look tike a spratt. Jack Spratt, who'd eat no fat, his

wife would eat no lean and so between them both, you see,

they licked the platter clean. Did you enioy that dramatic

recitation?r;r:oFl very moving.

1o: You say one.(, r:oF: There was a young man of Thessaly,

And he was wondrous wise.

He iumped into a quickset hedge

And scratched out both his eYes.

And when he saw his eYes were out'With all his might and main

He iumped into another hedge

And scratched them in again.

;o: I like that. Do you know anY more?(;DoF: As I was going up Pippin Hill,

Pippin Hill was dirrY.

And there a I met a PretrY miss

And she dropped me a curtsy.

Little miss, pretty miss,

Blessings light upon You.If I had half a crown a daY

I'd gladly spend it on Yur.

5r

52 a rASTE oF HoNEy [ncr rr1o: Would you?cEoF: I would.;o: Silly things nursery rhymes when you weigh them up.cEoF: I like them. Do you want a cigarette?;o: How many have you gor left?cEoF: I've got enough for one each.

;o: No, you keep 'em. They don't bother me really. I used tosmoke just to annoy my mother. What's that?

cEoF: A free gift coupon.yo: Everything you buy lately has a free gift coupon in it. It's

coming to somerhing when they have to bribe the publicto buy tl.:ir sruff. '$?har's this one for?

cEoF: There's a whole list of things to send for if you haveenough coupons. Hee, there's even a car, smoke fortythousand cigarettes a day for the next ten thousand yearsand you'll get a Lagonda.

;o: What's that?cEoF: A car.

1o: A nice car?cEoF: A wonderful car.

1o: tr'll buy you one for Christmas. If you ask me nice I'll buyyou two.

cEoF: Thanks.

;o: Oh! I'm tired. This couch isn't going to be very comfort-able, is it?

cEoF: It'll do.

1o: What are you going to sleep in?cEoF: My shirt!1o: I'm that tired! I haven't the energy to get myseH to bed.

You won't sleep very well on this couch, Geof.cEoF: It's all right. Beggars can't be choosers.yo: We're both beggars. A couple of degenerates.cEoF: The devil's own!1o lslrc goes to bed. cnon starts to undressf: Hey! You'd better

turn that light out, or I might be after you. lHe nnns the

r;r;uNE I] A TASTE OF HONEY

light out and then gets into bed. She begins to sing the song

" Black Boy" as shc lies on hn bed.l

Black boy, black boy, don't you lie to me.

Where did you stay last night?In the pines, in the pines where the sun never shines,

I shivered the whole night through.,;rior: Jo!1o: Yes.(;r1oF: What was that boy like?yo: Which boy?(;rioF: You know,yo: Oh! Him. He wasn't a bit like you. He could sing and

dance and he was as black as coal.(;rjoF: A black boy?

;o: From darkest Africa ! A Prince.(;uoF: A what?

Jo: A Prince, son of a chieftain.(;DoF: I'll bet he was too.

1o: Prince Ossini!(;uoF: What was he doing here?yo: He was a male nurse in the Navy.(;EoF: Do you wish he was still here?yo: Not really. I think I've had enough. I'm sick of love. That's

why I'm lening you stay here. You won't start anything.(;DoF: No, I don't suppose I will.I o: You'd better not. I hate love.(;EoF: Do you, Jo?.;o: Yes, I do.(;EoF: Good night.;o: Good night.cEoF: You needn't lock the bedroom door.

;o: I'm in bed. Geoffrey! Geoffrey!cEoF: What do you want?

lo: What time have you got to be up in the morning?(;EoF: I don't go to school tomorrow. I'll stay here and clear

53

54 A TAsrE oF HoNEy [.rcr ttthis place up a bit. And make you a proper meal. Now goto sleep, hey?

;o: Geoffrey!cEoF: What's wrong now?1o llaughingl: You're just like a big sister to me.

lMusic to black out. Then quick as lights go up. Waking,cEoFdances and goes off utith bedclothes. 1o danczs off. enordances in with ?rops for the ncxt scene, which in realitywould be a month or tuo latn. cEoF is anting out a ba.bj/sgown. 1o wa.nders about the room.l

yo: God! ft's hot.cEoF: I know it's hot.1o: I'm so restless.cEoF: Oh, stop prowling about.1o: This place stinks. lGoes oner to the dom. children are hcard

singing in tfu street.f That river, it's the colour of lead. Lookat that washing, it's dirty, and look at those filthy children.

cEoF: ft's not their fault.1o: It's their parents'fault. There's a linle boy over there and

his hair, honestly, it's walking away. And his ears. Oh!He's a real mess ! He never goes to school. He iust sits onthat front doorstep all day. I think he's a bit deficient.

[The children's ztoices die away. A tugboat lwo*.|His mother ought not to be allowed.

cEoF: Who?

;o: His mother. Think of all the harm she does, ha*'iog child-ren.

cEoF: Sit down and read a book, Jo.yo: I can't.cEoF: Be quiet then. You're getting on my nerves. lsud.denly

she yelk and whirls atross tlu room.l;o: Whee! Come on rain. Come on storm. It kicked me,

Geof. It kicked me!cEoF: What?

scENE rI A TASTE OF HONEY

yo: ft kicked me. [cror rans to lpr and puts his hcad. n lprbelly.l

(;rioF: Vill it do it again?

;o: It shows it's alive anyway. Come on, baby, let's see whatbig sister's making for us.

(;EoF: Put it down.

1o: What a pretty little dress.(;EoF: It's got to wear something. You can't just wrap it up

in a bundle of newspaper.

to: And dump it on a doorstep. How did Geoffrey find out the

measurements?(;EoF: Babies are born to the same size more or less.

lo: Oh, no, they're not. Some are thin scrappy things and

others are huge and covered in rolls offat.(;EoF: Shut up, Jo, it sounds revolting.yo: They are revolting. I hate babies.(';EoF: I thought you'd change. Motherhood is supposed to

come natural to women.

1o: It comes natural to you, Geoftey Ingram. You'd make

somebody a wonderful wife. What were you talking about

to that old mare downstairs?cEoF: I was grving her the rent. I got my grant yesterday.

;o: You're as thick as thieves, you two.(;EoF: She's going to make the baby a cradle.yo: What?cEoF: You know, she makes wicker baskets.

yo: A wicker basket!cEoF: It's the best we can do, unless you want to go down to

the river plaiting reeds.

;o: I don't want her poking her nose into my affairs.

cEoF: You're glad enough to have me dancing attendance on

you.yo: Only because I thought you'd leave me alone. Why don't

you leave me alone? lshe des and flings herself down on

the couch.l I feel like throwing myself in the river.

55

56 A rASrE oF HoNEy [acr rrcEoF: f wouldn't do that. It's full of rubbish.yo: Well that's all I am, isn't it?cEoF: Stop pitying yourself.yo: Don't iurnp down my throat.cEoF: How much longer is this going on?

1o: Vhat?cEoF: Your present performance.

1o: Nobody asked you to stay here. You moved in on me,remember, remember? If you don't like it you can get out,can't you? But you wouldn't do that, would you, Geoftey?You've no confidence in yourself, have you? You're afraidthe girls might laugh . . .

cEoF: Read that book and shut up. When the baby comes, ifit ever does, you won't know one end of it from the other.

1o: Looking After Baby.Isn't that nice? Three months, exer-cises, constipation. Four months, relaxation. It even tellsyou how to wash nappies. How lovely. There's a little jobfor you, Geofrey.

cEoF: Drink that.lHe hanils lur a glass of milk.l1o lflirting with himl: Does it tell you how to feed babies,

Geoffrey?

cEoF: Even you know that.

;o: I know about that way, breast feeding, but I'm not havinga little animal nibbling away at me, it's cannibalstic. Likebeing eaten alive.

cEoF: Stop trying to be inhuman. It doesn't suit you.yo: I mean it. I hate motherhood.cEoF: Well, whether you hate it or not you've got it coming

to you so you might as well make a good job of it.;o: I've got toothache.cEoF: I've got bloody heartache!yo: I think you'd like everybody to think this baby's yours,

WOuldr,'t you, Geoffrey?cEoF: Not likely.

scENE rl A TASTE OF HONEY

;o: After all, you don't show much sign of coming fatherhood,

do you? You like babies, don't You, Geof?

cEoF: Yes, I do.p lcoquettes with himl: Geoffrey, have you got any of that

toothache cure?

lHe mwes away.l

Geoffrey, have you got any of that toothache cure?

cEoF: The only cure for the toothache is a visit to the dentist.

Drink your milk.yo: I hate milk [Sftl looks out of ilre window.l I never thought I'd

still be here in the summer. [Slr puts lur arms round cEoF

pl"yf"lly.l lVould you like to be the father of my baby,

Geoffrey?cEoF: Yes, I would.

l1o stands in tlu dooru;ay. TIrc children ccrn be heard n rsing

again.l

What time is it?yo: Half-past four by the church clock. Why do you stay here,

Geof?cEoF: Someone's got to look after you. You can't look after

yourself.yo: I think there's going to be a storrn. Look at that sky. It's

nearly black. And you can hear the kids playing, right over

there on the croft.

lA silnce in tlu roorn: we hear the children singing.l

cEoF: What would you say if I started something?

1o: Eh !

cEoF: I said what would you say if I started something?yo: In my condition I'd probably faint.cEoF: No, I mean after.

;o: I don't want you.

cEoF: Am I repulsive to you?yo: You're nothing to me. f'm everything to myself.

cEoF: No, you're not. You're going to need me after.

57

58 A TAsrE oF HoNEy [ecr rlJo: I won't be here after.cEoF: Do you still think he might come back?yo: I've forgotten him.

lSlu turns toanrds hintr lu to lta.lcEoF: You do need me, Jo, don't you?

;o: Let go of me. You're squeezing my arm.cEoF: I've never kissed a girl.;o: That's your fault.cEoF: Let me kiss you.

;o: Let go of me. Leave me alone.

lShe smtggles but lu kisses her.l

cEoF: How was that for first time?1o: Practise on somebody else.cEoF: I didn't mean to hurt you.yo: Look Geof, I like you, I like you very much, but I don't

enioy all this panting and grunting . . .cEoF: Marry me, Jo.

;o: Don't breathe all over me like that, you sound like a horse.f'm not marrying anybody.

cEoF: I wouldn't ask you to do anything you didn't want todo.

;o: Yes, you would.cEoF: Jo, I don't mind that you're having somebody else's

baby. What you've done, you've done. What I've done,f've done.

yo: I like you, Geof, but I don't want to marry you.cEoF: Oh, all right. fuiyway, I don't suppose I could live up to

that black beast of a prince of yours. I bet you didn'tstnrggle when he made love to you.

yo: It might have been better if I had.cEoF llu gioes her a bar of chocolatef: Have some chocolate.yo: Tbanks. Do you want some?cror: No.;o: Go on.

SCENE I]

(;EoF: I said no.

A TASTE OF HONEY

1o: You like strawberry cream.(;EoF: I don't want any, Jo. I've made my mind gp.

;o: Don't be daft, have some chocolate.

cEoF: No .. . lslre giaes a ptece of chocolate to him just ilusamc.)

yo: I think it would be best if you left this place, Geof. I don'tthink it's doing you any good being here with me all the

time.cEoF: I know that, but I couldn't go away now.

;o: You'll have to go some time. Ve can't stay together like

this for ever.

cEoF: I'd sooner be dead than away from you.

1o: You say that as if you mean it.cEoF: I do mean it.yo: Why?cEoF: Before I met you I didn't qlre one way or the other - I

didn't care whether I lived or died. But now . . .

1o: I think I'll go and lie down. lshc goes to bed and li^es ctaoss

it.lcEoF: There's no need for me to go, Jo. You said yourself

you didn't want anybody else here and I'm only interested

in you. We needn't split up need we, Jo?yo: I don't suppose so.

f,Music. Enter nnreN.]HELEN: Jo! Your beloved old lady's arrived. Well, where is

she, Romeo?

cEoF: Don't tell her f came for You.

HELEN: What? Don't mumble.cEoF: I said don't tell her f came for you.

HELEN: All right, all right. This place hasn't changed much'

has it? Still the same old miserable hole. wcll, whcrc's

the lady in question?

cEoF: In there.HELEN: What, Lazrngin bod' as usual? Come on' gct up; plclty

59

6o A TASTE oF HoNEy [ecr rrof girls in your condition have to go out to work and takecare of a family. Come on, get up.

yo: What blew you in?HELEN: Let's have a look at you.

Jo: Who told you about me?HELEN: Nobody.

;o: How did you get to know then?HELEN: Come on, aren't you going to introduce me to

boy friend? Who is he?yo: My boy friend. Oh, it's all right, we're so decent

almost dead. I said who told you about me?

your

we're

HELEN: Does it matter?

1o: I told you to keep out of my affairs, Geoffrey. I'm not hav-ing anybody running my life for me. What do you thinkyou're running? A "Back to Mother" movement?

cEoF: Your mother has a right to know.

;o: She's got no rights where I'm concerned.HELEN: Oh, leave him alone. You're living off him, by all

accounts.

;o: Who've you been talking to? That old hag downstairs?HELEN: I didn't need to talk to her. The whole district knows

what's been going on here.yo: And what has been going on?HELEN: I suppose you think you can hide yourself away in this

chicken run, don't you? Well, you can't. Everybody knows.cEoF: She won't go out anywhere, not even for a walk and a

bit of fresh air. That's why I came to you.HELEN: And what do you think I can do about it? In any case,

bearing a child doesn't place one under an obligation to it.cEoF: I should have thought it did.HELEN: Well, you've got another think coming. If she won't

take care of herself that's her lookout. And don't standthere looking as if it's my fault.

cEoF: It's your grandchild.HELEN: Oh, shut up, you put years on me. Anyway, I'm having

scENE rI A TASTE OF HONEY 6r

I can cope with,nothing to do with it. She's more than

always has been.cEoF: That's obvious.HELEN: And what's your part in this linle Victorian melo-

drama? Nursemaid?

;o: Serves you right for bringing her here, Geof.

HELEN: It's a funny-looking set-up to me.yo: It's our business.HELEN: Then don't bring me into it. Where's the loving

father? Distinguished by his absence, I suppose.

Jo: That's right.HELEN [ro cnor]: Did she hear any more of him?

;o: No, she didn't.HELEN: When f'm talking to the organ grinder I don't expect

the monkey to answer.yo: I could get him back tomorrow if I wanted to.

HELEN: Well, that's nice to know. He certainly left you a nice

Christmas box. It did happen at Christmas' I suppose?

When the cat's away.cEoF: You've been away a long time.HELEN: Oh, you shut up. Sling your hook!yo: Will you keep out of this, Geoffrey?HELEN': Well, come on, let's have a look at you. [1o turns away.l

What's up? We're all made the same, aren't we?

;o: Yes we are.

HELEN: Well then. Can you cut the bread on it yet? l1o turns-l

Yes, you're carrying it a bit Hgh, aren't you? Are you

going to the clinic regularly? Is she working?cEoF: No, I told you, she doesn't like people looking at her.

HELEN: Do you think people have got nothing better to do

than look at you?

;o: Leave me alone.

HELEN: She'd be better off working than living off you like

a little bloodsucker.cEoF: She doesn't live off me.

6z A TASTE oF HoNEy [acr rl;o: No, we share everything, see! We're communists too.HELEN: That's his influence I suppose.1o: Get out of here. I won't go out if I don't want to. It,s

nothing to do with you. Get back to your fancy man oryour husband, or whatever you like to call him.[nnrrN begins to chase her.lAren't you afraid he'll run otr and leave you if you let himout of your sight?

HELEN: I'll give you such a bloody good hiding in a minute,if you're not careful. That's what you,ve gone short of!

yo: Don't show yourself up for what you are!HELEN: You couldn't wait, could you? Now look at the mess

you've landed yourself in.;o: I'll get our of it, without your help.HELEN: You had to throw yourself at the first man you mer,

didn't you?yo: Yes, I did, that's right.HELEN: You're man mad.yo: I'm like you.HELEN: You know what they're calling you round here? A silly

little whore!yo: Well, they all know where I get it from too.HELEN: Let me get hold of her! I'll knock her bloody head

round !

1o: You should have been locked up years ago, with my father.HELEN: Let me get hold of her!cEoF: Please, Jo, Helen, Jo, please!HELEN: I should have got rid of you before you were born.yo: I wish you had done. You did with plenry of others, I

know.HELEN: I'll kill her. I'll knock the living daylights out of her.cEoF: Helen, stop it, you will kill her!Jo: If you don't get out of here I,U ... iump out of the

window.

fTfure is a sudden lull.l

scrNn rl A TASTE OF HONEY 63

cEoF bellingl: Vill you stop shouting, you two?HELEN: We enjoy it.cEoF: Helen!HELEN: Now you're going to listen to a few home truths, my

girl.;o: We've had enough home tnrths!HELEN: All right, you thought you knew it all bdore, didn't

you? But you came a cropper. Now it's "poor littleJosephine, the tragedy queen, hasn't life been hard on

her". Well, you fell down, you get up . . . nobody else

is going to carry you about. Oh, I know you've got thispansified little freak to lean on, but what good will that do

you?

;o: Leave Geof out of it!HELEN: Have you got your breath back? Because there's some

more I've got to get off my chest first.

;o: You don't half like the sound of your own voice.

cEoF: If I'd known you were going to bully her [ke this I'dnever have asked you to come here.

HELEN: You can clear off! Take your simpering little face outof it!

;o: Yes, buzz off, Geof! Well, who brought her here? I toldyou what sort of a woman she was. Go and . . . go and

make a cup of tea.

lHe goes.'l

HELEN: Look at your arrns. They're like a couple of stalks!

You look like a ghost warmed up. And who gave you tbat

haircut, him? Don't sit there sulking.

1o: I thought it was the tea break.

HELEN: I didn't come here to quarrel.yo: No?HELEN: I brought you some money.yo: You know what you can do with that.

HELEN: All right! You've said your piece. Money doesn't

64 A TASTE OF HONEY [acr rrgrow on trees. I',ll leave it on the table. Have you beencollecting your materniry benefit or . . .

yo: or are you too idle to walk down to the post office? Don,tbe daft ! I'm not enritled to it. r haven,t Leen earning longenough.

HELEN: You've no need to go short of anphing.yo: It's taken you a rong time to come round to this, hasn,t

it?HELEN: What?yo: The famous mother-love act.HELEN: r haven't been abre to sleep for thinking about you

since he came round to our house.;o: And your sleep mustn't be disturbed at anv cost.HELEN: There'll be money in the post for yor .u..y week from

now on.yo: Until you forget.HELEN: I don't forget things; It's iust that I can't remember

anything. I,m going to see you through this whether youlike it or nor. After all I am . . .

;o: Afte e rememberingthat, door with that

manHELEN:

;o: You should have known. you,re nothing to me.[rnrrn appears.f

'ETER: what the hell's going on? Do you expect me to wait

in the fi.lthy str.eet all night?HELEN: I told you to stay outside.rETER: Don't point your bloody finger ar me.HELEN: I said I'd only be a few minutes and I've only been a

few minutes. Now come on, outside!pErER: Ah! The erring daughter. There she is. tsrrgr.l"Little Josephiner lou're a big girl now.,, Where d,you

keep the whisky?HELEN: They haven't got any. Now, come on.

sceNr rl A TASTE OIJ HONEY 65

father? Oh Christ,nETER lseeing cror]: $fhat's this, theno!

cEoF: Who's he?

HELEN: President of the local Temperance Society!nETER fsingingl: "'Who's got a bun in the oven? Who's got a

cake in the stove?"HELEN: Leave her alone.

PErER: Oh, go to hell!

;o: I've got nothing to say . . .

rETER: Go on, have your blasted family reunion, don't mindme! [Nolrces cror again.l Who's this? Oh, of course!

Where are the drinks, Lana? lHe falls into the kitchen,

singing.l "Gening to know you, getting to know all aboutyou..."

HELEN: Jo, come on .. .

lThere is a loud aash in the kitchen.l

And the light of the world shone upon him.

[rrrrn enters.l

pErER: Cheer up, everybody. I am back. Who's the lily? Lookat Helen, well, if she doesn't look like a bloody unrestoredoil painting. What's the matter everybody? Look at the

sour-faced old bitch! Well, are you coming for a few drinksor aren't you?

HELEN: The pubs aren't open yet.

;o: Do you mind genihg out of here?

rETER: Shut your mouth, bubble belly! Before I shut it foryou. Hey! [To cror.] M"ry, come here. Did I ever tell you

about the chappie who married his mother by mistake?

;o: I said get him out of here, Helen. His breath smells.HELEN: f can't carry him out, can I?rETER: His name was Oedipus, he was a Greek I think. Well,

the old bag turned out to be his mother . . .

HELEN: Shut up, Peter, for God's sake!pETER: So he scratched out both his eves.

66 A TASTE oF HoNEY [ecr lt

HELEN: Cut the dirty stories!nETER: But I only scratched out one of mine. Well, are you

coming or not?HELEN: f'm not.nETER: Well, is anybody coming for a few drinks? You stay-

ing with the ladies, Jezebel?cEoF: Listen, mister, this is my friend's flat...rETER: And what do you do, Cuddles? Don't worrlr I know

this district. Look at Helen, isn't she a game old bird?Worn out on the bear but she's still got a few good strokes

left.IIELEN: Get out of here, you drunken sot.rETER: Now I told you to moderate your language. What's

this? Giving my money away again?HELEN: Take your bloody money and get out!PETER: Thank you.HELEN: You dirry bastard!pErER: You should have heard her the other night. You know

what happened? Her wandering boy returned. He hadn'tbeen home for t'wo weeks and do you know why? Hepicked up a couple of grapefruit on a thirty-two bust,rich, young and juicy hey ! Where's the smallest

room?cEoF: This way.PETER: And she went off the dcep end. [Strgs as he goes.

Anotlrcr oash offstage.lHELEN [ro caor]: You'd better go with him or Lord knows

where he'll end up.cEoF: I hope the landlady hasn't heard him.TIELEN: Cigarerte?yo: No. Yes, I will. I'll keep it for Geof.HELEN: You'd better have the whole bloody packet if you're

in such a state.

1o: Well, he couldn't hold it any more, could he?

HELEN: No one could hold that much.

scrNr t] A TASTE OF HONEY 67

Jo: How long has he been like this?

HELEN: What does that boy friend of yours do for a living?

;o: He's an art stuclent. I suppose that's what's been keeping

you occuPied?

HELEN: An art student. I might have known' Does he live here?

yo: Why should I answer yotlr questions? You never answer

any of mine.

HELEN: Look at you ! Why don't you take a bit of pride in

yourself? Grow Your hair ProPcrlY?

Jo: Look at you. Look what your pride in yourself has done

for you.

HELEN: Come and stay with me, Jol there's a nice room and

plenty of food.

;o: No, thanks.

HELEN.yo,,prefertostayirrthisholewiththatpansifiedlittlefreak?

cEoF: Shall I go?

HELEN: I didn't knorv You'd come'

;o: Would you go and live rvith her if you were me' Geof?

cEoF: No, I don't think I would'

Jo: Neither would anybody in their right mind'

cEoF:Shealwayssaidyouwercaprettyrottensortofwoman'I thought she was exaggeratrng'

HELEN: Look' can't you get it into your stupid head that I'm

offering You a decent home?

[r'rren en[ers' more sober' more unpleasant'l

rETER: Bloody cockroaches are playing leapfrog in there'

HELEN: Look' I'll tell you again, in front of him' my home is

yours.PErER: Ah! Shut uP!

HELEN: I'll take care of you and see you through it'

Jo: The time to have taken care of me was years ago' when Icouldu't take care of mYself'

HELEN:Allright,butwe'retalkingabouthereandnow'When

6g68

I really ser out ro take care of somebody r usually do thejob properly.

;o: So I see.

PETER: I'm not having that bloody slut ar our place. I'll tellyou that for nothing.

HELEN: Take no norice. The house is half mine.rETER: Like hell it is. I could throw you our romorrow.yo: I don't think . ..pETER: And don't bring that little fruitcake parcel either!

[Mumbles.l I can't stand the sight of him. Can'r stand ,em

at any price.HELEN: Oh, keep out of it. Jo, I can't bear to think of vou

sitting here in this dump!IETER: Neither can I. Now let's get going.HELEN: The whole district's rotren, it's not fit to live in.nETER: Let's go before we grow old sining here.HELEN: Shut up, the pubs will be open in ren minures.pETER: You're wrong there. lLooking at his watch.f They're

open now. What time do you make it?cEoF: There's one thing about this district, the people in it

aren't rotten. Anyway, I think she's happier here with methan in that dazzling white house you're supposed to beso...

pErER: Dazzling bunch of bul . . . lot of bloody outsiders,no class at all. What's the time anyway?

HELEN [ro cror]: You shut up ! I know what she necds if she'snot going to finish up in a box.

IETER: Whar's the time by your watch, sonny?cEoF: ft's never been right since it last went wrong.pETER: Neither have I. How long are we going to sit around

in this room? I don't like the smell of unwashed bodies,woman. I dragged you out of the gufter once. If you wantto go back there it's all the same to me. r'm not having thisshower at any price. I'm telling you for the last time becauseI'm getting out of it. Stay if you lvant, it's all rhe same to

scENn Il A TASTE OF HONEY

mel it's your own bloody level. Well, are you coming or

not?HELEN: I'm not.PETER: I said are you coming?

HELEN: And I said I'm not.pErER: Well, you €n iust go and take a flying flip out of the

window. lHe goes.l

HELEN: I'il I'll . " . would you sooner I stayed here

with you?yo: No, thanks.rETER: Helen ...fCalling]. ... come on!

HELEN: I'll send you some moneY.

yo: Keep it. You might need it.PETER: Helen!HELEN: Go to . . .

PETER: Are you coming?

HELEN lydlt"sl: Yes. [To cror.] See that she goes to the clinic

regularly and be sure she gets enough to eat.

cEoF: She has been doing that.HELEN: I'll see you around. [Sfte goes.l

yo: Vell, here endeth the third lesson.

cEoF: At least she left you some money. We can get some ' ' ';o: He took it back. I got you a cigarette though, lovc'

cEoF: Oh, smashing! I was out.

lMusic. They dance together- Fa"de out.l

SCENE TV/O

cEOFFREv dances in aith a moP and bucket and begirts to clean

the place. 1o dances bach ard liits ott tlu table reading. she

is weaing a long white housecoat and againrintealityrmonths

have passed between this ard the preoiotts scenc. Muic ottt.

A TASTE OF HONIY [ncr rr

A TASTE Ot' IIONEY [ecr rr

;o: "Ninth month, everyrhing should now be in readiness forthe little srranger." where did you fincl this book, Geoffrey?It reads hke Little Women.

cEoF: I got ir for fourpence off a book barrow.;o: You've got terrible tendencies, haven't you?cEoF: How do you mean?;o: You like everything to be just that littre bit out of date,

don't you? Clothes, books, women.cEoF: You've got no choice, have you? I mean you all start

by living in the past. Well look, it's all around you, isn,t it?;o: I wonder if we ever catch up with ourselves?cEoF: I don't know.1o: Now you're a real Edwardian, aren't you?cEoF: What's that?yo: A proper Ted! And me, I'm conremporary.cEoF: God help us!;o: I really am, aren'r I? I realry do live at the same time as

myself, don't I?cEoF: Do you mind? I've just done all that. Oh come on!

Get off!

fHe pushes her with the mop.l

1o: Hey, hey!cEoF: Women!;o: You haven't noticed my home dressmaking.cEoF: No. I've been trying to ignore it. !7hat is it?yo: A house-coat.cEoF: It looks more like a badly tailored shroud.1o: what the well-dressed expectant mother is wearing this

year. I feel wonderful. Aren't I enormous?cEoF: You're clever, aren't you?yo: What's in the oven, Geoffrey?cEoF: You what?1o: Vhat's cooking?cEoF: A cake.

scrNn r r] A TASTE OF HONEY

;o: Mm, you're wonderful, aren't you?

cEoF: Pretty good.

1o: I know, you make everything work. The stove goes, nowwe eat. You've reformed me, some of the time at any rate.

[crorrnrv shifts the sofa. There is old rubbish and dirt under

it.lcEoF: Oh, Jo!yo: I wondered where that had got to.cEoF: Now you know. It's disgusting, it really is.

1o: Oh Geof, the bulbs I brought with me!cEoF: Haven't you shifted the sofa since then?

;o: They never grerv.

cEoF: No, I'm not surprised.

;o: They're dead. It makes you think, doesn't it?cEoF: Vhat does?

1o: You know, some people like to take out an insurance policy,don't they?

cEoF: f'm a bit young for you to take out one on me.

;o: No. You know, they like to pray to the Almighty fust incase he turns out to exist when they snuff it.

cEoF [brushing under the sofal: Well, I never think about it.You come, you go, it's simple.

;o: It's not, it's chaotic-a bit of love, a bit of lust and thereyou are. We don't ask for life, we have it thrust upon us.

croF: What's frightened you? Have you been reading thenewspapers?

yo: No, I never do. Hold my hand, Geof.cEoF: Do you mind? Halfway through this?yo: Hold my hand.

lHe does.l

cEoF: Hey, Jo. Come on, silly thing, it's all right. Come onthere.

;o: You've got nice hands, hard. You know I used to try andhold my mother's hands, but she ahvays used to pull them

7o7

away from me. So silry really. She had so much love foreveryone else, but none for me.

cEoF: If you don'r watch it, you'll turn our exactly like her.;o: I'm not like her at all.cEoF: In some ways you are already, you know.

lShe pushes his hand azaay.lCan I go now?

;o: Yes.cEoP: Thank you very much I [He is pushing the couch back into

position.)

;o: "And he took up his bed and walked." you can stay hereif you tell me rvhat you do. Do you remember, Geoffrey?I used to think you were such an interesting, immoralcharacter before I knew you. I thought you *.-.. like that. . . for one thing.

[cnon'nrv chases her uith the mop ail through this speech.]

You're just like an old woman really. you just unford yourbed, kiss me good night and sing me to sleep. FIey, what,sthe matter? Don't you like living here with me?

'

cEoF: It has its lighter momenrs, but on the whole it's a prettytrying prospecr.

yo: Why do you wear black shirts? They make you look likea spiv.

cEoF: They do, Jo, but I can't be too particular. Good clothescost money.

;o: well' I weigh in with my share, don't I? That's a nice rittlejob you got me, retouching those bloody photographs.SThat was it supposed to do, prove I was the artistic type?Of course we can't all be art students, going to our expcn_sive art schools, nursing our little creative genius.

cEoF: Must you shout?yo: f'm Irish.cEoF: Never mind, it's not your fault.1o llaughingl: I like you.

scnNn rt] A TASTE OF HONEY

cEoF: Do you like me more than you don't like me or don'tyou like me more than you do?

1o: Now you're being Irish.cEoF: Fine Irishwoman you are. Where did your ancestors

fall, in the Battle of Salford Town Hall?yo: My mother's father was Irish.cEoF: You'll find any excuse.yo: And she had me by an Irishman-the village idiot, from

what I can make out.cEoF: What do you mean?yo: A frolic in a hay loft one afternoon. You see her husband

thought sex was dirty, and only used the bed for sleepingin. So she took to herself an idiot. She said he'd got eyes

like me.cEoF: Are you making it up?yo: He lived in a twilight land, my daddy. The land of the daft.cEoF: Did she tell you all this?

;o: Yes.

cEoF: I'm not surpnsed. It sounds like Ibsen's Ghosts.I don'tknow where Helen gets them from, I don't really.

yo: I had to drag it out of her. She didn't want to tell me.

cEoF: That doesn't mean to say it's the truth. Do people ever

tell the truth about themselves?yo: Vrhy should she want to spin me a yarn like that?cEoF: She likes to make an effect.

;o: Like me?

cEoF: You said it. You only have to let your hair grow for aweek for Helen to think you're a cretin.

yo: What?cEoF: I said you've only got to let your hair grow for a week

for Helen to think you're a cretin. She always looks at me

as though I should be put away for ueatment, doesn't she?

1o: Yes.cEoF: I know, you don't have to tell me! Have you been

worrying about that all these months?

72 A TASTE OF HONEY Incr rr 73

7l A TASTE OF HONEY [ecr rr1o: No.cEoF: You have.yo: I haven't.cEoF: Well, I didn't rhink you could be so daft. Can you see

Helen going out with a real loony!1o: \Vell, now you put it like that, no, I can't!cEoF: No, neither can-I don't know. Anryay, who knows

who aie the fools and the wise men in this world?tro: I wouldn't be surprised if all the sane ones weren't in the

bin.cEoF: You're probably right. Anymy everyone knows you're

as craeked as an old bedbug.1o llaughing]: Thanks, Geof. You know, you're a cure.cEoF: I used to be a patrol leader in the Boy Scouts.yo: So long as you weren't Scoutmaster! You know, I wish she

was here all the same.GEoF: Why? You'd only quarrel. You know you always say

you hate the sight of her.yo: I do.cEoF: Well then.yo: She must know my time has almost come. When do your

exams finish?cEoF: On Thursday.yo: I wonder which day it'll be? Put your arms round me,

Geof. I don't want you to be worried while your exams areon.

cEoF: Then you shouldn't have asked me to put my armsround you, should you?

1o: Ah well, it doesn't matter if you fail. In this country themore you know the less you earn.

cEoF: Yes, you're probably right. I've got something for you.Oh Jo, I'm daft at times.

yo: I know that. I was wondering what it was.cEoF Wo* his pack Iu takcs a life-sized doltl: There-isn't it

nice? I thought you could practise a few holds on it over

scnNn ul A TASTE OF HONEY

the weekend. You've got to be able to establish your

superiority over the little devils. I don't know where that

goes. There, look, isn't it good?

yo lseeing t\rc dollf: The colour's wrong.

cror: Jo.

1o: The colour's wrong. lsuddenly and aiolently flinging tlu

doll to thc ground.l I'll bash its brains out. I'll kiil it. I don't

want his baby, Geof. I don't want to be a mother' I don't

want to be a woman.cEoF: Don't say that, Jo.

;o: I'11 kill it when it comes, Geoff, I'11 kill it'cEoF: Do you want me to go out and find that chap and bring

him back? Is that what You want?

yo: I don't want that. I don't want any man.

cEoF: well, if you're going to feel like that about it you might

as well have it adopted. I thought you'd feel differently as

time went on.

yo: I won't.cEoF: Perhaps you will when you see the baby'

;o: No, I won't.cEoF: L-\o you still love him?yo: I don't know. He was only a dream I had' You know, he

could sing and he was so tender. Every christmas Helen

used to go off with some boy friend or other and leave me

all on my own in some sordid digs, but last christmas Ihad him.

cEoF: Your black prince.

;o: What was his name?

cEoF: Prince Ossini.yo: No, it was Jimmie!cEoF: oh well, the dream's gone, but the baby's real enough.

1O: My mother always used to say you remember the first time

all your life, but until this moment I'd forgotten it'cEoF: Do you remember when I asked you to marry me?

1o: Yes.

75

76 A TASTE OF HONEY

cEoF: Do you?

;o: No. What did I say?cEoF: You just went and lay on the bed.;o: And you didn't go and follow me, did you?cror: No.yo: You see, it's not marrying love between us, thank God.cEoF: You mean you just like having me around till your next

prince comes along?;o: No.cEoF: oh welr, you need somebody to love you while you,re

looking for someone to love.yo: oh Geof, you'd make a f,nny father. you are a funny

little man. f mean that. you're unique.cEoF: Am I?1o: I always want to have you with me because I know you,[

never ask anything from me. Where :ue you going?[crorrnrv goes b tlu bitchen.l

cEoF: To see the cake.

fio folloa;s him.l

;o: I'll set the cups and we'[ have a celebration, then you,llhave to study for your exams. rt's a bit daft tarking aboutgening married, isn't it? v'e're arready married. w'e,vebeen married for a thousand years.

ITl,'ey march in togetrer from thc kitchen, he aith tru cakc,slu with the tea things.l

cEoF [putting it dountl: Here, rook at that. what are you goingto call it?

;o: What, the cake?cEoF llaugltingl: No, Jo, the baby.1o: I think I'll give it to you, Geof. you like babies, don't you?

I might call it Number one. It'n always be number one roitself.

[nnrnN enttrs, toadcd with baggage as in Act One, Scme&p.l

scnNn rr] A TASTE OF HONEY 77

HELEN: Anybody at home? Well, I'm back. You see, I couldn'tstay away, could I? There's some flowers for you, Jo. Thebarrows are smothered in them. Oh! How I carried thatlot from the bus stop I'll never know. The old place looksa bit more cheerful, doesn't it? I say, there's a nice homelysmell. Have you been doing a bit of baking? I'll tell youe1s thing, it's a lovely day for flining.

yo: Would you like a cup of tea, Helen?HELEN: Have you got anything stronger? Oh no, course you

haven't! Go on, I'll have a cup with you. Let's have a lookat you, love. I arrived iust in time, by the look of things,didn't I? How are you, love? Everything straightforward?Been having your regular check-up and doing all themexercises and all d1g things they go in for nowadays?That's a good girl. Have you got everything packed?

yo: Packed?

nntnN: Yes.

;o: But f'm not going into hospital.HELEN: You're not having it here, are you?cEoF: Yes, she didn't want to go away.HELEN: Oh my God, is he still here? I thought he would

be.cEoF: Do you want a piece of cake, Jo?1o: Yes, please.

HELEN: You can't have a baby in this dump. Why don't youuse a bit of sense for once and go into hospital? They've goteverything to hand there. f mean, sometimes the first onecan be a bit tricky.

cEoF: There's going to be nothing tricky about it; it's goingto be perfectly all right, isn't it, Jo?

HELEN: Who do you think you are, the Flying Doctor?1o: Look, f've made up my mind I want to have it here" I

don't like hospitals.I{ELEN: Have you ever been in a hospital?

1o: No.

[ecr rl

T8 A TAsrE oF HoNEy [ecr llHELEN: Vell, how do you know what it's like? Oo! Give me

a cup oftea quick.cEoF: Oh well, we've got a district nurse coming in.HELEN: Oh my God, my feet are killing me. How I got that

lot from the bus stop I'll never know.yo: Well what are you lugging all the cases about for?HELEN: I've come to look after you. It's iust as well, by the

look of things. [Whispers ro 1o.];o: Well, it's going to be a bit crowded, you know. Is your

husband coming and all? Is he moving in too?HELEN: There wouldn't be much room for two of us on that

couch, would there?yo: That's Geoffrey's bed.cEoF: It's all right, Jo, I don't mind moving out.yo: For Heaven's sake, you don't have to staft wilting away as

soon as she barges in.cEoF: I don't.HELEN: I could do with a drink.yo: Start barging around just like a bull in x shinx shop.HELEN: f've got some lovely things for the baby, Jo. Where

did I put them? Where's that other case, Jo? Oh!cEoF: Jo, will you sit down. I'll get it.HELEN: Look, love. I've come here to talk to my daughter.

Can you make yourself scarce for a bit?cEoF: I've got to go, we need some things for the weekend.;o: You don't have to let her push you around.cEoF: f don't.HELEN: Oh I do wish he wouldn't mumble. It does get on my

nerves. What's he saying?cEoF: Where's my pack?

1o: What a couple of old women.cEoF: Look here, Jo!;o: Look, iust a minute will you. I... took I... there,s

nothing. ..cEoF: Hor.v can I stav .. .

scrNr rrJ A TASTE OF HONEY

HELEN: Come here. How long is he going to stick around here.

Bloody little pansy . . .;o: Look, if you're going to insult Geof . . .HELEN: f'm not insulting him.yo: Yes you are.HELEN: I'm not. I just don't like his style, that's all.cEoF: It's all right, Mrs. Smith .. .

HELEN: Look, love, I iust want five minutes alone with her.Do you mind? Is it too much to ask?

i,iioF: I)o you want any cotton wool?HELEN: Good God, does he knit an' all?yo: You don't have to go.

cEoF: Jo, I've got to gc, I'll only be a couple of minutes.

1o: There's plenty of stuff in the kitchen. Now look . . .

[cEorrnev goes.l

HELEN: You don't mean to tell me he's really gone?

;o: Now that you've been rude to my friend . . .HELEN: What an arty little freak! I wasn't rude to him. I

never said a word. I never opened my mouth.

;o: Look, he's the only friend I've got, as a matter of fact.HELEN: Jo! I thought you could find yourself something more

like a man.yo: Why were you so nasty to him?HELEN: f wasn't nasty to him. Besides, I couldn't talk to you

in front him, could I? He5 wait till you see these thingsfor the baby.

;o: You hurt peopls'5 feslings and you don't even notice.HELEN: Jo, I iust wanted to get rid of him, that's all. Look at

those, ]o. Look, isn't that pretry, eh? The baby's going tobe dressed like a prince, isn't he?

;o: !?e're all princes in ou own little kingdom. You're notto insult Geoffrey. Vill you leave him alone?

HELEN: Hen look at this Jo, isn't it pretty? Oh, I love babies-aren't they lovely?

79

8o A TASTE oF HoNEy [ecr lr1o: Has your husband thrown you out?HELEN: Oh come off it, Jo. I had to be with you at a time like

this, hadn't I? And what about this sailor lad of yours, haveyou rnade any attempt to trace him? He's entitled to keephis child, you know.

yo; I wouldn't do that, it's degrading.HELEN: What do you call this set-up?;o:'It's all right. There's no need for you to worry about me.

I can work for the baby myself.HELEN: Who's going to look after it when you're out at work?

Have you thought about that?;o: Yes, I have.HELEN: Well, you can't do two jobs at once, you know. Who's

going to nurse it? Him?;o: That's my business, f can do anything when I set my mind

to it.HELEN: Very clever, aren't you?yo: There's no need to be so superior. Look where all your

swanking's landed you. What does the little lady want-an engagement ring? And now he's thrown you out, hasn'the, and you have to come crawling back here.

HELEN: Well, it was good while it lasted.yo: Making a fool of yourself over that throw-back.HELEN: He threw his money about like a man with no anns.yo: This is my flat now, Helen.HELEN: It's all right, love, f've got a bit of money put by.;o: You're a real fool, aren't you?HELEN: Oh, Jo, look. I'm back aren,t I? Forget it. Don't keep

on about it.yo: Do you know what I think?HELEN:!ilhat?yo: I think you're still in love with him.HELEN: In love? Me?yo: Yes.

HELEN: You must be mad.

scnNr rrl A TASTE OF HONEY

yo: What happened?

HELEN: He's gone offwith his bit of cnrmpet. Still, it was good

while it lasted. Anyw"y. I'll shift some of this, Jo.;o: So we're back where we started. And all those months you

stayed away from me because of him! Just like when I was

small.HELEN: I never thought about you ! It's a funny ffrg, I never

have done when I've been hrppy. But these last few weeksI've known I should be with you.

;o: So you stayed away-HELEN: Yes. I can't stand trouble.

;o: Oh, there's no trouble. I've been performing a perfectlynormal, healthy function. We're wonderful! Do you know,for the first time io -y life I feel really important. I feelas though I could take care of the whole world. I even

feel as though I could take care of you, too!HELEN: Here, I forgot to tell you, I've ordered a lovely cot for

you.

;o: We've got one.HELEN: It's lovely. It's got pink curtains, you know, and frills.

l1o gets wicker basket from under bed.l

Oh, I don't like that. What is it?yo: It's wicker work. Geof got it.HELEN: It's a bit old-fashioned, isn't it?;o: We like it.HELEN: Look love, why don't you go and lie down? You look

as though you've got a bit of a headache.

1o: Do you wonder?HELEN: Vell, go and have a rest, there's a good girl. I'm going

to tidy this place up for you. I'm going to make it just the

way you like it. Go on.

1o: Oh no!HELEN: Go on, Jo. Go on. It looks more like a laundry basket,

doesn't it! Oh! The state of this place! We'll never have itright. Living like pigs in a pigsty-

8t

838z A TASTE OF HONEY [ecr u

[cuorrnnv enters.l

Oh, you're back are you? Well, come in if you're coming.cEoF: Where's Jo?HELEN: She's in bed. Where do you think she is? She's having

a little sleep, so don't you dare wake her up.cEoF: f wouldn't do that. fHe places pack filled with food on

tlrc table.lHEi.EN: Don't put that bag on there, I'm cleaning this place

up.cEoF: You know I just did it bdore you came.

HELEN: It doesn't look like it. Look, son, we're going to have

the midwife running in and out of here bdore long. Wewant this place all clean and tidy, all hygienic-looking ifthat's possible.

cEoF: Well, it's clean.

1o: Is that Geof?HELEN; Now look what you've done!cEoF: Yes, Jo.

;o: Have you got any of those headache pills, love?cEoF: Yes, I'll get you some.

HELEN: If you're going in there take these flowers with youand put them in water. You might as well make yourselfuseful. They look as though they're withering away. fSIupeers into thc pack.l Vhat the devil's he got here? What'sthat? Spagheni! I don't know how people can eat it. Andthat's a fimny looking lettuce. What the hell's tbat? H.y,what's this here?

cEoF: What?HELEN: All this muck in here?

cEoF: Vell, Jo likes that type of food.HELEN: Since when? She needs proper food down her at a

time like this.cpor: Oh!

[unrnN points to wicker basket.l

scrNn rr] A TASTE OF HONEY

HELEN: Hey, you can throw that bloody thing out for a staft.cEoF: What thing?HELEN: That thing there. You're not putting rny grandchild in

a thing like that. Oh, this place! It's filthy! f don't knowwhat you've been doing between the two of you. you mighthave kept it a bit cleaner than this. lust look at it! Don,tstand there looking silly holding that thio& throw it away,or do something with it! I've ordered a proper cot of thelatest design, it's got all the etceteras and everything. 'fhisplace! You're living like pigs iu a pigsty. Ob for God.'ssake give it here, I'll do something with it.

cEoF: Yes, but Jo likes it.HELEN: $7ell, I suppose it will come in handy for something

fShe enters thp kitchenl Oh my God, it's the same in here!Nowhere ro put anything . . . Are you off now?

crop: Yes.HELEN: Vell, take that muck with you as you're going.cEoF: I don't want it.HELEN: f'm sure f don't.cEoF: Mrs. Smith, I . . . I . ..HrLEN: Are you talking to me?cEoF: Yes, f wanted to ask you something.HELEN: Vell, get it said. Don't mumble.crioF: I don't want you to take offence.rrrjr.DN: Do I look the rype that takes offence?(;11oF: Would you not frighten Jo?nrir.uN: I thought you said you were going.(;r:or,: I said would you not frighten Jo.rrir.uN: What :ue you talking about, frightening her?(;r1()r,: You know, telling her that it might be tricky or that

shc might have trouble, because she's going to be all right.rr:r r,N: Are you trying to tell me what to do with my oum

d:rughter?(,t;()lr: Oh no.urir.rtN: Well, are you going?

84 A TAsrE oF HoNEY [ecr rr

cEoF: Yes, although she said she didn't want a woman withher when she had it.

HELEN: She said what?cEoF: She said she wanted me with her when she had it

because she said she wouldn't be frightened if I was withher.

HELEN: How disgusting!cEoF: There's nothing disgusting about it.HELEN: A man in the room at a time like this!cEoF: Husbands stay with their wives.HELEN: Are you her husband?cnor: No.HELEN: Well, get.

cEoF: I'm going. She can't cope with the two of us. Only just

don't frighten her, that's all.HELEN: I've told you we don't want that.cEoF: Yes I knoq but she likes it.HELEN: You can bloody well take it with you, we don't want it.

[crorrnnv empties food from his pack on to tlu table while

HELEN thrusts it back. nutnN finally throws tlu whole thing,pack and all, on to tlu fu*.\

cEoF: Yes, the one thing civilisation couldn't do anythingabout-women. Good-bye Jo, and good luck. lHe goes.'l

[o srrrs on tlu bed.l

HELEN: It's all dght, love, I'm here and everything's all right.Are you awake now?

1o: Hello. Yes . . . Vhat's it like?HELEN: Wrat?1o: Is there much pain?HELEN: No! It's not so much pain as hard work, love. I was

putting my Chrismas pudding op on a shelf when youstarted on me. There f was standing on a chair singtngaway merry as the day is long . ..

scrNn rrl A TASTE OF HONEY

yo: Did you yell?HELEN: No, I ran.

;o: Do you know, I had such a funny dream just now.HELEN: Oh Jo, you're always dreaming, aren't you. Well,

don't let's talk about your dreams or we'll get morbid.yo: Where would you like those flowers puning?HELEN: Over . .. over there . .. Come on, you come and

do it, love.yo: Hasn't Geof come back yet?HELEN: No, he hasn't.

;o: Well, where iue you going to sleep, Helen?HELEN: It's all right, love" Don't fall over, now.

1o: You know, I've got so used to old Geof lying there on thatcouch like-like an old watchdog. You aren't . . .

HELEN: It's all tight, love, don't you worry about me, I'll findsomewhere.

yo: I wonder where he is . . . Oh!HELEN: Oh Jo, careful ... Hold on, love, hold on! It'll be

all right. The first one doesn't last long. Oh my God, Icould do with a drink now. Hold on.

[1o kneels on bed, HELEN strokps hn hair.l

;o: That's better.HELEN: fue you all right now? There we are. lChildren sing

outside.l Can you hear those children singing over there onthe croft, Jo?

;o: Yes, you can always hear them on still days.HELEN: You know when I was young we used to play all day

long at this time of the year; in the sunmer we had singinggames and in the spring we played with tops and hoops,and then in the autumn there was the Fifth of November,then we used to have bonfires in the street, and gingerbreadand all that. Have I ever told you about the time when wewent to a place called Shining Clough? Ob I must havedone. I used to climb up there every day and sit on the top

85

86 A TASTE OF HONEY [acr rlof the hill, and you could see the mills in the d.istance, butthe clough itself was covered in moss. rsn't it ftrnny howyou remember these rhings? Do you know, Ird sit there allday long and nobody ever knew where r was. sha[ r goand make us a cup of tea?

[nrrnN enters hitclun and fiddtes with stmte.l

Oh Jo, f've forgonen how we used to light ftis thing.;o: Turn on all the knobs. Mind you don,fgas yo'rself.HELEN: I still can't do it.yo: Geof'll fix it.HELEN: No, ir's all right.;o: Helen.nrlrN: Yes.yo: My baby may be black.HBLEN: You what, love?yo: My baby will be black.HELEN: oh' don't be sillp Jo. you'll be giving yo'rself

nightmares.

;o: But it's tnre. He was black.HELEN: Who?Jo: Jimmig.HELEN: You mean to say that ... that sailor was a black

man? ... Oh my God! Nothing else can happen to menow. Can you see me wheeling a pram with a . . . Oh myGod. I'll have to have a drink.

1o: Vhat are you going to do?HELEN: f don't know. Drown it. Vho knows about it?yo: Geoffrey.HELEN: And what about the n'rse? she's going to get a bit of

a shock, isn't she?

;o: Vell, she's black too.HELEN: Good, perhaps she'll adopt it. Dear God in heaven!1o: rf you don't like it you can get out. I didn't ask you to

ctme here.

scrNr ul A TASTE OF HONEY 87

HELEN: Where's mY hat?

;o: On your head.

nrrsN:-oh yes . . . I don't know what's to be done with you,

I don't t."ffy. lTo ttu aadimce] I ask you' what would

you do?

;o: Are you going?

nrtnN: Yes.

yo: fue you iust going for a drink?

nrt.sN: Yes.

1o: fu'e you coming back?

nsnN: Yes.

;o: \[ell, what are You goiug to do?

HELEN: put it "o

,ir. stage and call it Blackbird. lsfte ntslus

out.i

lyo watclus her go, Ieaning against tln iloorpost' TlPn slrc

looks round. tlp riom, sftiw a little to herself-she rcnumbas

cror.l

;o: As I was going uP PiPPin Hill'Pippin Hill was dirtY.

And there I met a Pretty miss,

And she droPPed me a curtsY'

Linle miss, Pretty miss,

Blcssings light uPon You.If I had hdf a crown a daY,

I'd gladlY sPend it on You.

Cwtain.

Notes

(Tbese notes are intended for use by ooerseas students as zuell as byEn glis h -b orn re ad ers. )

Act I

7 Mancbester - very large industrial city in the North of England(according to a note under the cast list on page 6 the play takesplace in Salford, a smaller industrial town adjoining Manchester).7 liaing off her immoral eamings - it is a criminal offence for a

man to live off a woman's immoral earnings, i.e. her earnings as a

Prostltute.7 gasworks - where gas is generated and stored for piping tohouses that use it as a fuel; gasworks can smell unpleasant.7 contemporary - a decorative style of the fifties, usuallyinvolving very bright colours, sharp contrasts, and spiky designs.7 sbe'd lose ber bead - a common saying, indicating carelessness.8 get it dousn - drink it.8 shilling in tbe slot - a coin placed in the slot of a gas meterbuys a certain quantity of gas to burn in fire or cooker.8 furniture and fittings - what is supplied by the landlady of a

furnished flat.8 knocking it back - drinking.9 take the weight off my feet - sit down.lo one of the fixtures - part of the equipment supplied with a flat.lO fancy rnen - lovers.lO sight for sare eyes - usually means a pleasant, welcome sight'here Helen is being sarcastic.12 knocked me into tbe middle of next zpeek - hit me very hard.12 aspirins - painkilling tablets.12 set on - determined to.13 aamp it - add a simple musical improvisation oraccompanlment.14 geniused - (made up word) endowed with genius, as talentedmeans endowed with talent.77 classy - insisting on only the best.17 kid - used as an endearment.

NOTES 89

Itl t:l.te old firm - colloquial term for a reliable, familiar enterprise.lll make an bonest woman of you - marry you, make a

rclationship legal by marriage.Itl girdle - corset, tight underwear.Itl 'Walter, Walter,lead me to the altar!'- line from a song of thattitle.19 'l see a quiet place, a fireplace, a cos)l room'- line from thesong'My Blue Heaven'.2O a rich, dark Haaana etc. - the sort of description found inadvcrtising slogans.22 institution - institution or hospital for the insane.22 coloured - a common euphemism in the fifties for someone ofnon-whitc race.22 naaal rating - ordinary sailor.23 I don't knou wby I loae you but I do - title line of a populars()ng.

25 Mau-Mau - nztionalist movement based on the Kikuyu tribe inKcnya. in the fifties during the struggle for independence.2(> daft silly , crazy.27 nut.ional seraice - compulsory two years in the armed forces,Io whiclr all young men were conscripted at this time.27 I uas a Teenage - several films, usually horror films, had titleslrcginning like this, e.g.I usas a Teenage Frankensteiz (released in1957).llclcn leaves the title incomplete for comic effect.27 'l'bc 'l'en Commandments - epic film by Cecil B. De Millelr:rsctl on the Bible (released in 1958).27 I)asire Under - film version (released in 1958) of EugeneO'Ncill's intense drama, Desire under tbe Elms. Again Helen getsl'rrrr out of leaving the title incomplete.2tl sling her out - throw her out.21) spia flashily dressed person living on his wits.3ll glad rqgs - smart clothes.3l tt.ick -amoment..1.1 "l'hot wild, destructiae thing called looe' - line from a populars()nll.33 lttrtlqtt'n absolutely right.34 Lrtrtl's Day Obseraance Society - a group who believe thatSrrrrtl:ry, the Christian Sabbath, should be kept holy. Peter meanstlr:rt .f o is being unusually moral and righteous.34 t quid - (popular slang) a pound (money).34 llluckpool - a very popular, not very genteel seaside resort inllrt' north of England within easy reach of Manchester.

90 A TASTE OF HONEY

35 called to the bar - usually said of barristers when they firstbegin their profession.35 black bole of Calcutta - used of any dark or confined space;originally the completely dark, cramped dungeon into which thesultan who captured Calcutta in 17S6 crowded his enemies.36 opium pellet - drug traditionally given to victims in romanticnovelettes.36 Pirate King - the boy is referring to perer: pirate kings andcaptains in fiction were often portrayed with a black eye-patch likePeter's.37 You'ae bad your cbips - you are too late, you have missedyour chance.38 Woolwortbs - a cheap chain store.39 sbarp - quick.4O spends his rnoney like anter - spends lavishly (cf. p. g0).4O knocking about witb - going around with.42 boozer - (slang) drinker, alcoholic.42 metbs - methylated spirits, a form of cheap alcohol used asfuel, and as intoxicating drink by down-and-outs.42 Old Nick - the devil.44 balf<tit - menrally deficient person.44 Puritan - originally a member of an extreme Engrish protestantpart!, strict in religion and morals; used of someone whodisapproves of sex.

Act II47 maisonette - flat (normally a flat on two floors).47 up tbe creek - (slang) all wrong, mistaken.47 under tbe arches - arches under railway bridges or viaductsgive some shelter to the homeless and the down-and-out.48 people like you - Jo thinks Geof is homosexual.49 taking in band - looking after and organising.5l Spratts - a well-known make of dog biscuit.5l Jack Spratt etc. - a nursery rhyme.52 Beggars can't be cboosers - well-known proverb meaning thatthose who have little cannot expecr to choose what they are given.54 walking auay - i.e. with lice.54 deficienr - mentally deficient.55 tbick as thieaes - very friendly and in confidence with eachother.57 croft - (dialect) patch of waste land.

NOTES 9I

59 Rorneo - name of a typical lover, from Shakespeare's Romeoand Juliet.6O you'ae got another tbink coming - you'll have ro think again.6l set'up - situation or arrangement.6l organ grinder . . . monkey - street musicians playing a portableorgan traditionally had pet monkeys to attract amenrion andmoney from passers-by. Helen is rudely implying that therelationship between Geof and Jo is like that between an organgrinder and his monkey.6l Cbristmas box - present traditionally given to tradesmen etc.at Christmas. Here used sarcastically.6l When tbe cat's auay - a proverb, meaning that people do whatthey are usually not allowed when unsupervised. The full saying is:When the cat's awly, the mice do play.6l sling your hook - (slang) go away.6l can you cut tbe bread on it yet? - at an advanced stage ofpregnancy the belly sticks out high and shelf{ike.62 bloody good hiding - a severe beating.62 knock tbe liaing dayligbts out of her - hit her very hard.(>3 came a cropper - fell down, failed.(t3 pansified - like a homosexual ('pansy' is a slang word for a

homosexual).(>3 get off my cbest - reveal.(>3 buzz off - go zway.(t4 maternity benefit - weekly payments made to expectantrnothers by the government.(t5 bun in tbe oaen - (slang) pregnant.715'Getting to kruou you' etc. - title line of a song from therrrusical Tbe King and I, the film version of which had been releasedrn 1956.66 utent off tbe deep end - was extremely angry.67 leapfrog - a, children's game, in which they jump over thelr:rt'ks of several others.6tI lruitcake - (slang) homosexual.(tlJ qt any price - at all.irtl box - i.e. a coffin.6tl shower - (slang) useless crowd of people , presumably referringr, .f o and Geof (and Helen if she stays with them).$ llip - j,r-p.(tt) ltcre endeth - said after a reading from the Bible in the Church,,1 l,.ngland service.'ltt Little Women - a nineteenthrenrury book for girls by Louisa

92 A TASTE OF HONEY

May Alcott; its tone is very moral.7o ba*oas - carts or barrows are used as stalls in outdoor markets;a book barrow would sell second-hand books.

7l snuff it - (slang) die72 'And he took up bis bed and warked'- a reference to rhe NewTestament miracle where Jesus cures a lame cripple.72 retoucbirg - improving photographs by bruihwork after theyare printed.73 lrish - often used of something comicalry conrradictory.73 spin me a yarn - tell me a story.73 put auay - i.e. in a hospital for the insane.74 loony - lunatic.74 bin - short for 'loony bin', a slang phrase for an institution orhospital for the insane.74 cracked - crazy,mad,.74 you're a cure - you make me feel better.

e Boy Scouts - the Boy Scouts is a worldboys; patrol leader is a boy who leads a small

7 4 scoutmaster _ r.rrX1iion"t newspapers sometimes fearurestories about Scoutmasters using their position as leaders of a scoutcompany to make homosexual advances to the boys. It has becomea journalistic clich6.74 a feu bolds - grips used in wrestling.75 digs -lodgings.77 flitting - (dialect) moving house.77 cbecktp - examination by the doctor.7 sbased on the advenrureso- .cy cases by aeroplane., ple in their homes.7 por a destructive. clumsvp

8o entitled to keep bis cbild - Heren rnay mean that the father hasa legal obligation to pay for the upbringing.f his chircr, or she maysimply mean that Jo should pass rhc clril,l ,,vcr ro hinr.8A sasanking - conceited behaviour.8O tbroas-back - primitive crcarrrr(..

NOTES 93

8O tbreu bis money about like a man with no arms - was very

me8182 childbirth'

8385 ) meantng gorge or

narrow ravlne.