Act One, Scene One
Ah, Mr Garvey, come in, take a seat.
What?
Sit down, Mr Garvey, please.
I am standing up.
Yes, I see. Wouldn’t you rather sit down?
Yes, I would. But I prefer to stand.
Well, I hope you don’t mind if I stay seated. You see, I have terrible knees. Arthritis.
Your knees do not concern me, councillor.
No, I don’t imagine they would. Suffice to say I’m in an extraordinary amount of pain. Today, it is bearable. Today is a good day.
I disagree.
Which I suppose brings us to why we are here.
Yes. You don’t mind if I smoke.
Fortunately not but smoking indoors is illegal and has been in this country for some time. It was nothing to do with the health risks, as many believe. It was merely that smoking ceased to evoke thoughtfulness and dignity. One day, out of the blue, just like that.
Aesthetic legislation. I approve. For this reason I will extinguish my cigarette but remain standing, Perhaps I will lean against this lovely filing cabinet.
I’d be delighted to see you leaning. Shall we begin?
No.
Any questions?