A Family Play Essay

Robert If you dont like what Im watching therefore go and watch the other TV. Mary No Why dont you just frame it on something that we both like? Mum and Dad ar watching the other TV anyway. Robert Because I like this. Mary strong you need to go to screw soon. Robert Well when I do thus you can watch what you like. Mary Why do you always need to be so selfish? I hate having a younger brother like you. (Short pause of silence) Shelly (shouting) Robert its time for bed now. Robert Alright Im going, Im going. (Robert stands up) Mary Can I have the impertinent control, Robert? Robert If you say please.Mary Dont be such an idiot and just give it to me (Robert leaves the strange control where hes sitting smiles sweetly at Mary and leaves the room) Robert Gnight Mum, Gnight Dad. Shelly and Colin Goodnight Robert, sleep well. (Next day and Robert wakes up very excited because its his natal day, he gets dressed and goes under where his parents are eating breakfast. ) Robert (happily) Good morning Shelly Morning Robert, you seem very cheerful today? Youre usually half asleep at this time in the morning. Robert (laughing) Am I not allowed to be cheerful on my natal day? When can I open my presents? Colin (looks extremely worried) Well Robert Can I open them now? Whereve you put them? Shelly Hmm Well Robert I think that we both kind of forgot what the date was. Colin (convincingly) Its not that we forgot when your birthday was Its just that weve both been so ill-tempered with work recently we harbourt been keeping mark of what the day is. Robert (shocked) You mean you forgot my birthday? Shelly No We just havent had the time to get you a present yet. Robert I cant believe it My own parents forgot my birthday(Shelly walks over to Robert to try and comfort him but Robert shrugs her off) Shelly I know, why dont we all go a shop now and we can buy you a present? Robert Because its Sunday and all the shops are closed. Shelly So it is, I forgot what day it was. Robe rt (angrily) I noticed Colin Were really sorry Rob, you know how busy weve both been. (Mary enters, having heard the noise) Mary What are you shouting about? Robert Dont tell me you forgot likewise Mary Forgot what? Robert Its my birthday Mary Is it? I prospect it was the 8th today? not the 9th.Robert Well its the 9th, and you all forgot Mary Oh, sorry Rob, I didnt realise. Robert Dont expect me to memorialize any of your birthdays (small awkward silence) Colin I know well take you out to the pub for a Sunday lunch, and Ill buy your present tomorrow. Robert (sulkily) Fine. (Later that morning the doorbell rings and Mary goes to answer it) Mary (shocked) Hi Uncle Craig Craig (Australian accent) hullo Mary, how are ya? Mary Im fine thanks (louder) Muuuuum uncle Craigs here from Australia (Shelly haps to the door) Shelly Who? I thought you said Craig (laughs to herself)Craig (smiling) She did. Shelly (shocked) Oh my god, Craig Wh Wh Why are you here? Craig Well for Roberts birthday of course Where is he? Shelly Hes in his room. But hes going to be so pleased to see you sacrifice you come all this way just to see Robert on his birthday? Craig Thats right I thought Id surprise you all. Mary Well youve definitely done that Shelly Well come in, have a drink, make yourself at home. (They all go into the living room to join Colin) Colin howdy Craig, how are you? This is certainly a surprise Craig Im doing great thanks, how bout you Colin?Colin Not bad. Not bad. Mary Ill go and fetch Rob. . (Mary leaves to get Robert) Craig So what present did you get Rob? Shelly (sheepishly) Oh, we havent got it yet. Colin Were getting it tomorrow though. Craig Oh alright then, I hope he likes the present I got him Shelly Im sure that he will. (Mary and Robert come back downstairs) Robert (very excitedly) Hi uncle Craig (gives him a hug) what are you doing here? Craig For your birthday of course Did you forget? (laughs) Robert (sarcastically) I didnt, but I know somebody who did. Craig What do you mean?Robert Didnt they tell you? They forgot that it was my birthday today Craig (looks at Colin in surprise) Really? Thats terrible Colin We lost track of what day it was. Craig Im sure he wont mind if you get a present tomorrow then. Will you Robert? Robert No, I suppose not. Craig Now, do you want to see what I got you? (Robert absolutely seems more excited again) Robert oooh yes please (Craig hands Robert a long wrapped up present, which Robert begins to unwrap) Robert Wow A didgeridoo Thanks Craig, thats amazing Craig Glad that you like it Rob.