Hannah visits the elderly Tom in the hospital after visiting his house to collect his belongings. The atmosphere shifts from a mundane exchange about chores to a moment of intense terror when Hannah begins to sing a specific folk song, triggering a violent and cryptic reaction from Tom.
HANNAH: Socks, underpants, shirts, pyjamas. I went to your house like you said.
TOM: You weren’t supposed to bring owt away with you.
HANNAH: I can keep them at the Lodge for when you come back.
TOM: You’ll oblige me by doing as I ask with my own property, Hannah. Take it all back.
HANNAH: When did they cut the electricity off, Tom?
Format: Duologue · Genre: Drama · Source: Remember Me · Author: Gwyneth Hughes · Characters: Tom, Hannah
This contemporary dramatic duologue, "Tom's Violent Reaction to Scarborough Fair," offers a compelling and mysterious encounter between Tom and Hannah in a hospital ward. The scene escalates rapidly from a seemingly mundane exchange about Tom's belongings to a shocking display of fear and anger triggered by a song. It provides a rich opportunity for actors to explore themes of hidden trauma, the power of memory, and the unsettling nature of the unknown.
Tom is an elderly man, likely in his 80s, who initially appears to be a typical, somewhat irritable patient. His guarded responses and insistence on having his property handled in a specific way hint at a deeper rigidity or perhaps a secret he is protecting. His violent outburst upon hearing the folk song reveals a profound hidden fear and trauma, suggesting a past event of immense significance tied to the melody. Hannah, a younger individual, approaches Tom with a mixture of brisk efficiency and a seemingly caring, albeit slightly naive, demeanor, demonstrating a clear determination to connect with him.
This scene is excellent for auditions due to its immediate conflict and clear arc of emotional transformation for both characters, particularly for Tom. The sharp shift in tone from everyday conversation to intense drama showcases a wide emotional range within a short timeframe, which is highly valued in audition settings. Its contemporary nature and clear character objectives make it accessible, while the intriguing mystery element allows actors to demonstrate their ability to create subtext and engage an audience with unanswered questions.
"Tom's Violent Reaction to Scarborough Fair" is ideally suited for actors who can credibly portray elderly characters, specifically those in their 80s, and for younger actors embodying the "Young Professional" or "Vulnerable" casting types. It’s perfect for individuals wanting to showcase intensity, fear, and a strong sense of internal struggle. This duologue is particularly effective for self-tapes, general practice, and agent showcases, given its concise duration and powerful emotional punch.
For Tom, focus on establishing his initial cantankerous yet somewhat detached demeanor before allowing the eruption of fear and rage to be genuinely shocking and visceral. Pay attention to how the singing of the song physically affects him, letting the trauma manifest not just in his words but in his body language. Hannah should initially play the scene with a sense of calm resolve, perhaps a touch of exasperation, making her shock and bewilderment at Tom’s reaction feel authentic and proportionate to the sudden escalation, understanding that her character is thrown off balance by the unexpected violence.