Outline and synopsis
Cian arrives at a restaurant intending to propose; Nicola arrives intending to end their relationship. Their waiter Cillian recognizes Cian as his long-lost twin but cannot bring himself to say so. Crystal, a street vendor, agrees to distract the couple while Cillian gathers his nerve. Repeated attempts to help interrupt both announcements until Nicola refuses the proposal and Cillian reveals their relationship. Cian asks whether there is anybody else, just as Crystal returns.
Staging and props
- One small restaurant table, two chairs and a third chair accessible to Cillian. Keep an unobstructed acting route along the front as the public footpath.
- Nicola: phone. Cian: comb, pocket mirror, ring box with ring, wallet and a conspicuous fifty-euro prop note.
- Cillian: menus, napkins, water jug, glasses, wine bottle and folded letter. Crystal: magazine copies, initially held at her side; one copy displays the fictional headline 'Knowing when to walk away'.
- The actors playing Cian and Cillian need not look identical. The reveal should be playable without a costume change or additional performer.
- The unheard friend requires no fifth actor.
- Interrupt at the point the speaker commits to saying the difficult thing. Vary the entrances, the length of the interruption and who benefits from it.
- Give the breakup exchange actual silence. Do not fill it with business from the other two.
Setting
A restaurant terrace beside a public footpath, and the back step outside its kitchen. The two playing areas can be suggested with furniture and changes of light.
CHARACTERS
| CIAN | Young man, 20s, well groomed. |
| NICOLA | Young woman, 20s, business-like attire. |
| CILLIAN | Their waiter, same playing age as Cian. |
| CRYSTAL | Big Issue seller, inquisitive, curious. |
Double Take
Scene 1: The Terrace
Outside the SILVER SPOON BISTRO, Greystones. Early evening. A small table set for two stands between the bistro entrance and the public footpath. NICOLA sits with her phone to her ear. At the other side of the stage, out of her sight, CIAN checks his hair in a pocket mirror.
A sign above the bistro entrance reads:
SILVER SPOON BISTRO
NICOLA (on the phone)
No, I’m here. Outside. He booked the terrace.
She moves her chair in to let someone unseen pass along the footpath.
NICOLA
It’s the pavement, Louise. There’s a napkin on it.
CIAN combs his hair. He checks the ring box, shuts it and puts it in his inside pocket. He checks the pocket.
NICOLA
I know. I’ll say it before we order. I’m not making him sit through a steak.
She listens.
NICOLA
Because I do want to stay friends. I like him. He’s just so … nice. Y’know?
She listens.
NICOLA
No, nice isn’t the problem. He never wants anything I don’t want. I asked him where he saw himself in five years and he said wherever I was.
She listens.
NICOLA
That’s not romantic, Louise. It’s outsourcing.
CIAN takes out the box and opens it towards the empty space in front of him. He starts to kneel, checks the ground and gets up. He brushes his trouser knee.
NICOLA
What if he cries?
She listens.
NICOLA
I can’t order dessert if he cries. That’s another forty minutes.
CIAN puts the ring away, takes a breath and approaches. NICOLA sees him.
NICOLA
He’s here. No, don’t ring me. I’ll do it.
She ends the call. CIAN bends to kiss her as she gets up. They collide, recover and sit.
CIAN
Sorry. You look lovely.
NICOLA
Thanks. So do you. Your hair’s very…
CIAN touches his hair.
NICOLA
Neat.
CIAN
I wasn’t sure I’d be on time.
NICOLA
You’re early.
CIAN
I know. I’ve been around the block twice.
CILLIAN enters with menus. He stops at the sight of CIAN. One menu slips. He catches it against his chest.
CILLIAN
Cian?
CIAN
Yes.
CILLIAN
Sorry. The booking. I thought…
NICOLA
Do you know each other?
CILLIAN
The booking. Cian. Two people. Here you are.
He gives both menus to CIAN, takes one back and gives it to NICOLA.
CILLIAN
I’m Cillian. I’ll be looking after you.
CIAN
Could we have a minute first?
CILLIAN
Of course.
He stays. CIAN looks up at him.
CILLIAN
Water?
NICOLA
Tap, please.
CILLIAN
Still?
NICOLA
From the tap.
CILLIAN
Yes. Sorry.
CILLIAN goes inside. CIAN leaves his menu closed. NICOLA sets hers aside.
CIAN
I’m glad we could do this.
NICOLA
Me too. There’s something I need to say.
CIAN
I’ve something as well.
NICOLA
Right.
CIAN
You first.
NICOLA
No, you…
She stops herself.
NICOLA
Actually, yes. I think I should.
CRYSTAL (approaching with copies of the Big Issue)
Big Issue?
CIAN takes out his wallet. The ring box comes out with it; he puts the box back without looking away from NICOLA. CRYSTAL watches.
CIAN
Sorry. We’re just in the middle of something.
CRYSTAL
So am I, and I’ve the whole street to do.
CIAN hands her a note.
CIAN
There. Have a good evening.
CRYSTAL opens out the note.
CRYSTAL
Fifty?
CIAN sees it. His hand moves, but CRYSTAL has put it away.
CIAN
Yes. That’s fine. Off you go.
CRYSTAL
Thank you. What’s your name?
CIAN
It doesn’t matter.
CRYSTAL
It does to me.
NICOLA
Cian.
CRYSTAL
Crystal. I’ll remember you, Cian.
CRYSTAL leaves.
CIAN
Right. Just us.
CILLIAN returns with water. He pours into CIAN’s glass while looking at CIAN’s face. CIAN watches the rising water.
CIAN
That’s plenty.
CILLIAN
Sorry.
NICOLA
Can I have some?
CILLIAN pours for her.
CILLIAN (to Cian)
Would this be a birthday?
CIAN
No.
CILLIAN
When would your birthday be?
CIAN
November.
CILLIAN
The third?
CIAN
Yes. How did you know that?
CILLIAN puts the jug down. He reaches towards a folded letter in his apron, then picks the jug up again.
CILLIAN
Would you like to hear the specials?
CIAN
I’d like to hear how you know my birthday.
CILLIAN
I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.
NICOLA
Give us a few minutes, please.
CILLIAN retreats inside.
Scene 2: The Back Step
CRYSTAL crosses into the back-step playing area and sits on a milk crate beside a bin and a propped-open kitchen door. She has a bread roll and a stack of magazines. The terrace light softens as the back step brightens.
CILLIAN comes out through the kitchen door and shuts it behind him. He holds a letter.
CILLIAN
Crystal. How’s business?
CRYSTAL
Better than yours, by the look of you. Are you on your break?
CILLIAN
No. I have a table. On the terrace. It’s him.
CRYSTAL
The fifty-euro man?
CILLIAN
What fifty euro?
CRYSTAL
Nothing.
CRYSTAL pushes the note deeper into her pocket.
CRYSTAL
Who is it?
CILLIAN takes out letter.
CRYSTAL
Oh him. How do you know?
CILLIAN
His birthday is the third of November. He confirmed it.
CRYSTAL
How did he take it?
CILLIAN
I haven’t told him yet. I just offered him the specials.
CRYSTAL
Did he go for the lamb?
CILLIAN
He wants me to leave them alone.
CRYSTAL
That’s a no on the lamb, then.
CILLIAN
I’ve been carrying that letter around for a month and, when he finally walks in, I offer him the specials.
CRYSTAL
Every time I see you, you’re reading it.
CILLIAN holds out the letter.
CILLIAN
He’s with a woman. They’re both sitting very straight and uncomfortable looking.
CRYSTAL
I saw the box.
CILLIAN
What box?
CRYSTAL
Looks like a ring box. Small. Velvet. He’s going to propose.
CILLIAN
Oh no! That’s it, then. I can’t walk over to a man who’s about to propose and say hello, I’m your brother.
CRYSTAL
Why not? Two for the price of one.
CILLIAN
If she says yes, it’s the best night of his life. If she says no, it’s the worst, and I’ve made both about me.
CRYSTAL
And if you say nothing?
CILLIAN
Then I’m just the waiter.
CRYSTAL chews on her roll.
CRYSTAL
Is there anything I can do?
CILLIAN
Could you keep them busy until I get myself together?
CRYSTAL
I’m not a distraction. I’m a street vendor.
She takes a magazine from the stack and flicks through it.
CRYSTAL
I could sell her this. There’s an article about knowing when to walk away.
CILLIAN
You’re not to say that to her.
CRYSTAL
I don’t have to say anything, just point to it. It’s here, in print.
CILLIAN
Please. Distract them?
CRYSTAL
I could make an exception.
CILLIAN
Ten minutes.
CRYSTAL
Five.
She looks at the letter.
CRYSTAL
Cream paper. Good quality. Whoever sent it wanted it kept.
CILLIAN folds it back into his apron.
CILLIAN
I should carry something. A bottle of red. Stops my hands from shaking.
CRYSTAL
Red or white… I would ponder a little longer if I were you. You’re good at that.
CRYSTAL stands.
CRYSTAL
Maybe a white would be better.
CILLIAN (already going)
Five minutes.
He exits. CRYSTAL gathers her magazines and follows him around to the side.
Scene 3: The Terrace
At the terrace table, CIAN and NICOLA turn towards one another. The back-step light softens as the terrace brightens.
CIAN
Did you arrange something?
NICOLA
No.
CIAN
You can tell me.
NICOLA
I’m trying to.
CIAN takes her hand. She lets him, then withdraws it to move her glass.
CIAN
Nicola. I’ve been thinking about where we’re going.
NICOLA
So have I.
CIAN
And I don’t want us to just carry on—
NICOLA
Exactly.
CIAN
Without taking the next step.
His hand goes into his jacket. NICOLA watches it.
NICOLA
What step?
CIAN rises, one hand closed around the ring box, and begins to kneel beside NICOLA. CILLIAN comes out carrying a wine bottle.
CILLIAN
Can I propose the Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
CIAN is caught halfway down. He rises and sits again, keeping the box under the table.
NICOLA
Yes. Please. Tell us about that.
CILLIAN
It’s a red.
NICOLA
Go on.
CILLIAN
From France.
NICOLA
Which part?
CIAN
We’re not having wine.
NICOLA
I might.
CILLIAN
It goes very well with the lamb.
CILLIAN
It needs time.
NICOLA
What does?
CILLIAN
The wine. To open up.
NICOLA
Exactly.
CILLIAN stays beside the table.
NICOLA
Tell me about the lamb.
CIAN
Nicola.
NICOLA
What?
CIAN
Can we order after?
NICOLA
After what?
CRYSTAL returns and offers a copy of the Big Issue between them.
CRYSTAL
Big Issue?
CIAN
I gave you fifty euro.
CRYSTAL
I know. I couldn’t leave you with nothing.
She opens the magazine over CIAN’s closed menu and points to a headline.
CRYSTAL
There’s a lovely article in that. ‘Knowing when to walk away.’
CIAN
You should read it.
CRYSTAL
I have.
NICOLA gives a short laugh, then stops. CIAN puts the ring box back in his pocket.
CILLIAN (to Crystal)
These people are trying to have a private conversation.
CRYSTAL
You go first, so.
Neither moves.
CIAN
Both of you. Please. Leave!
CILLIAN goes inside. CRYSTAL moves down the footpath, out of earshot. CIAN moves the magazine onto the spare edge of the table.
NICOLA
I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have laughed.
CIAN
It’s all right.
NICOLA
Cian, I don’t think we should keep seeing each other like this.
CIAN
Outside? We can go in.
He gestures towards the bistro entrance.
NICOLA
No. I mean…
CILLIAN returns with two fresh napkins.
CILLIAN
Sorry. Before you go anywhere.
NICOLA
We’re not going anywhere.
CILLIAN
Good.
He replaces CIAN’s untouched napkin.
He folds the second one.
CILLIAN
I’ve been trying to find a way of saying something to you.
CIAN
Would everybody stop saying that?
CILLIAN
It’s personal.
CIAN
So is this.
CILLIAN
Yes. But if you could just look at me for a second.
CIAN
I’ve been looking at you all evening. I don’t know you. Could you please leave us alone?
CILLIAN lowers the napkin.
CILLIAN
Right.
He goes inside. NICOLA waits until he has gone.
NICOLA
You didn’t have to snap at him.
CIAN
I know. I know I didn’t. This was supposed to be…
He straightens the cutlery, stops and pushes his chair back.
CIAN
Right. I’m saying it.
NICOLA
Cian, please don’t get up.
CIAN takes the box out and lowers himself onto one knee. CRYSTAL appears beside him.
CRYSTAL
You’ll ruin those trousers.
CIAN
Crystal.
CRYSTAL
Use the magazine.
She reaches for it. NICOLA puts her palm on it.
NICOLA
Leave it.
CIAN opens the box.
CIAN
Nicola, will you—
NICOLA
I want to break up.
[a beat]
CRYSTAL steps back, then moves away along the footpath.
CIAN looks at the ring, then at NICOLA.
CIAN
Right.
He closes the box. He stays on one knee.
NICOLA
Will you sit down?
CIAN
Give me a second.
She waits. CIAN gets up and sits. He puts the box beside his glass.
NICOLA
I’m sorry. I came here to tell you. I didn’t know you were going to do that.
CIAN
I didn’t know you were going to do that either.
NICOLA
I do care about you. I’d like us to be still friends.
CIAN
I can’t answer that with the ring on the table.
NICOLA nods. CIAN puts the box away.
CILLIAN appears at the bistro entrance. CIAN sees him.
CIAN
What?
CILLIAN
I can come back.
CIAN
You’ll come back anyway. What is it?
CILLIAN approaches and takes the letter from his apron. He sets it down in front of CIAN.
CILLIAN
I’m your brother.
CIAN looks at him.
CIAN
I haven’t got a brother.
CILLIAN
Your twin. We were separated. I’ve had that letter a whole month. Kept reading it every day. Kept thinking I’d ring you, and then tonight you walked in.
CIAN unfolds the letter. CILLIAN stands with both hands flat against his apron.
CIAN
You knew before you brought the water?
CILLIAN
Yes.
CIAN
And you thought you’d get the wine order first?
CILLIAN
I got nervous.
NICOLA
Could we have another chair?
CILLIAN brings a chair. He sets it beside the table and begins to back away.
NICOLA (to Cillian)
For you.
CILLIAN sits. CIAN looks from the letter to CILLIAN’s face. CILLIAN starts to speak, but CIAN holds up a hand. He reads on.
CIAN
Is there anybody else?
CRYSTAL approaches again. All three look at her.
CRYSTAL
Would this be a bad time?
CURTAINS