Page 56 - The English Carnival 7

ACT 1

SCENE 1

A dusty, dirty antique book store. Ribboned light streams into the store from a skylight
exposing the dust and uncleanliness of the store.

On the left of the stage is a long book shelf filled with
What yo
comic books in no discernible order - Superman, X-men What you think?u think?
and Batman are spread out in no particular order. What is the setting of the

Opposite the large bookshelf is a long, glass counter. play ?
Stood behind the counter is a man wearing old clothes,
in particular a stain-covered wool tank top.

At the rear is the front door of the shop. Barry is reading a comic.

The door opens. The antiquated sound of a bell ringing sounds to indicate the door has
been opened.

Barry doesn’t raise his head from his reading. A woman enters. She is dressed in a suit
and carries a briefcase. She looks like a mother buying for her child - completely out of
place in a comic book store.

She looks at the long book shelf for a limited time and turns to face Barry. He doesn’t

raise his head.
MARY : Good morning.

(Barry turns another page. He pretends
not to hear her.)

MARY : I said, good morning.

(Barry pauses as he turns a page. He
doesn’t look up. He turns over the page.
Mary steps up to the counter in front
of Barry.)

MARY : Good morning, I’m here to buy a comic
book. (Barry stops turning and looks

at her like she has caught him on the
toilet.)

BARRY : Really? In a comic book shop? I’d never
have guessed.

MARY : (nervous) I... I’m sorry but I’m looking
for...

BARRY : Something for your son?

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