Dialogues
Mrs Madigan Goes to the Theatre
Mrs Madigan is asking the hotel desk-clerk for information about theatres in St. Francis:
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Desk Clerk:
Mrs Madigan:
Desk Clerk:
Mrs Madigan:
Desk Clerk:
Mrs Madigan:
Desk Clerk:
Mrs Madigan:
Desk Clerk:
Madigan:
Good morning, Mrs. Madigan.
Good morning. I think I’d like to go to the theatre tonight. Is there – a theatre in the city?
Would you like a guide?
No, no. I’ll go by taxi.
No, madam. A theatre guide. A list of all the theatres in St. Francis, with full details of the plays and booking facilities.
How many theatres are there?
Three.
Hmm! What’s on at the National Theatre? I’ve heard it is the best one.
National Theatre. The “Siege of St. Francis.” It’s a history play, Mrs. Madigan.
I’ll go there. I’ll go and get a ticket.
(Later. At the National Theatre box office.)
Mrs Madigan:
Clerk:
Mrs Madigan:
Clerk:
Mrs Madigan:
Clerk:
Mrs Madigan:
Clerk:
Mrs Madigan:
Clerk:
Mrs Madigan:
Clerk:
One ticket for tonight please. In the stalls.
Which performance?
Which performance? Tonight!
There are two performances nightly. One at six o’clock, the second at nine o’clock.
Oh, the nine o’clock. Six o’clock’s much too early.
Yes, madam.
One stall for the second performance this evening. But not too far back. My eyes, are becoming rather weak.
Yes, madam. Seat A3.
Is there a good view of the stage from that seat?
It’s in the front row, madam.
Oh, is it? Good.
Five crowns please.
(That evening. Mrs. Madigan has just come into the theatre.)
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2.
Attendant:
Mrs Madigan:
Attendant:
Mrs Madigan:
Attendant:
Mrs Madigan:
Attendant:
Mrs Madigan:
Attendant:
Mrs Madigan:
Er, excuse me, madam.
Yes?
Taking photographs is not permitted in the auditorium.
Oh, isn’t it? Now, is this the way to the orchestra stalls?
Your camera, madam.
Camera?
Yes, madam. Your camera. There, May I have it?
This is my hat.
Your hat?
Yes. Now, is this the way to my seat, or isn’t it?
Notes:
desk clerk – hotel receptionist;
full details – of all the information about …;
booking facilities – how you get tickets;
what’s on – what play is being performed.
Sam and Cathy are planning their evening.
Cathy: Sam: Cathy: Sam: Cathy: Sam: Cathy: Sam: Cathy: Sam: Cathy: Sam: Cathy: Sam: Cathy: Sam: Cathy:
Sam: Cathy: Sam: Cathy: |
Sam? Mmm? What do you want to do tonight? Oh, I don’t know. Nothing special. Is there anything on at the cinema? Here’s the paper. Page two. Thanks. (Looking at the paper.) There’s a new film by Maurice. Who? Who’s Maurice? A film director, of course. Well, I didn’t know. What’s it called? “Elena.” “Elena!” – what kind of film is it? I don’t know, but I’d like to see it. All right. How long’s it been running? Why? Well, if it’s a new film, it’ll be difficult to get a seat. (Looking in the paper again:) No, it says: “Now in its tenth week. Continuous performances.” So it doesn’t matter when we go. No, but … Yes? Well, I’d like to go now. Come on … Sam, come on! |
(Later. Outside the cinema.) |
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Cathy: Sam: Cathy: Sam: Cathy: Sam: Cathy: Sam: Cathy: Sam: Cathy: Sam: Cathy:
Sam: Cathy: Sam: Cathy: Sam: Cathy: Sam: Cathy: |
Oh, no! Look! (Reading a notice;) “House Full. Standing Only.” I don’t want to stand for three hours. What now? Where can we go dancing? Dancing? You don’t like dancing. I know. But tonight I do. Perhaps there’s something in the paper. Perhaps. (She looks in the newspaper) What about this place? Which place? This one. “Paradise.” “Paradise!” (Reading from the paper:) “Paradise. St. Francis’s latest rendezvous for young people. Non-stop entertainment. Live groups, discotheque and restaurant.” What do you think? It sounds all right. Does it say anything else? “The Right of Admission is reserved.” Oh. Do you think they’ll let me in? We’ll see. Anyway it’s not far. Just round the corner. Cathy? Yes? Cathy, why do you want to go out tonight? It’s my birthday. |
Notes:
Is there anything on at the cinema? – Are there any good films playing (running)?
it says – it is written in the newspaper;
rendezvous – (here) place to meet;
live groups – groups playing (in the club, etc.) i.e. not just records;
the Right of Admission is reserved – the management of the club can decide who comes in.