Earthquakes

Earthquakes in London was first performed in the Cottesloe
Theatre at the National Theatre on 4 August 2010, in a

co-production with Headlong Theatre. The cast was as follows:
Marina Lucy May Barker

Earthquakes in London Tom Gary Carr
Young Robert Brian Ferguson
By Mike Bartlett Grace I Receptionist I Jogger Polly Frame
Simon/ Roy Tom Godwin
Colin Tom Goodman-Hill
Carter Michael Gould
Peter Bryony Hannah
Businessman I Daniel I Student I
Doctor Harris I Barman Clive Hayward
Mrs Andrews Anne Lacey
Supermarket Worker I
Young Man I T im Syrus Lowe
Freya Anna Madeley
Robert Bill Paterson
Jasmine Jessica Raine
Casey I Old Woman I Sally I
Liberty Maggie Service
Steve Geoffrey Streatfeild
Sarah Lia Williams
All other parts played by members of the Company.
This version of Earthquakes in London was first performed at

Theatre Royal Plymouth on 22 September 2011, in a
Headlong Theatre and National Theatre co-production.
The cast was as follows:
Simon I Roy I WWII Officer I

Polar Bear I Passer by 1 Ben Addis
Understudy I Dance Captain Sam Archer
Peter I Mother Helen Cripps
Tom Kurt Egyiawan
Colin Sean Gleeson
Marina I Mother I Understudy Siubhan Harrison Act One
Steve John Hollingworth Proper Coffee
Mrs Andre ws Maggie McCourt
Sarah Tracy-Ann Oberman Act Two
Jasmine Lucy Phelps All The Mothers
Supermarket Worker I Casey I
Old Woman I Liberty I Mother Nicola Sangster Act Three
Carter I Daniel I Police Officer I Mad Bitch
Dr Harris Gyuri Sarossy
Robert Paul Shelley Act Four
Grace I Receptionist I Mother I Thomas Hood
Jogger Natalie Thomas
Young Robert I Business Man I Act Five
Scammer I Bar Man I Dr Tim I Certain Destruction
Passer by 2 Joseph Thompson
Freya Leah Whitaker
The play is presented using as much set, props and costume as
All other parts played by members of the Company. possible. The stage should overflow with scenery, sound, backdrops,
lighting, projection, etc. Everything is represented. It is too much.
Director Rupert Goold The play is about excess, and we should feel that.
Set Designer Miriam Buether
Scenes crash into each other impolitely. They overflow, overlap. The
Costume Designer Katrina Lindsay
production should always seem at risk of descending into chaos but
Lighting Designer Howard Harrison
never actually do so.
Music Alex Baranowski
Projection Designer Jon Driscoll ( I ) means the next speech begins at that point
Choreographer Scott Ambler ( - ) means the next line interrupts
Sound Designer Gregory Clarke (. . . ) at the end of a speech means it trails off On its own it
Company Voice Work Jeannette Nelson indicates a pressure, expectation or desire to speak.
Project developed for Headlong by Ben Power A line with no full stop at the end indicates that the next speech
follows on immediately.
The creative team for the 2011 UK tour included:
A speech with no written dialogue indicates a character deliberately
Tour directed by Caroline Steinbeis
remaining silent.
Associate Set Designer Lucy Sierra
Lighting Designer Tim Mitchell Blank space between speeches in the dialogue indicates a silence
Associate Projection Designer Emily Harding equal to the length of the space.
Associate Projection Designer Paul Kenah
Associate Choreographer Steve Kirkham
Characters Act One
Grace Prologue
Freya
Steve 1968
Jasmine Cambridge.
Tom
Colin Black and white.
Sarah
Simon Robert Crannock is on a date with Grace, who is wearing a floral
Supermarket Worker dress; They eat. Robert is awkward.
Peter '2525' is playing quietly in the background.
Attendant
Businessman Robert I'm sorry if the letter was too forward.
Robert Grace I liked the letter.
Mrs Andrews
Many Students Robert I got carried away, I'm sorry.
Many Swimmers
Carter Grace No.
Daniel Robert I didn't mean to sound strange.
Roy
Young Man Grace It wasn't strange. I liked it. Love letters in my
Fifteen Mothers with pushchairs pigeon-hole. Romantic.
Old Woman What do you do Robert? I mean I know
Second World War Officer
you're a postgraduate, but what exactly do
Receptionist
T im you ... do.
Maryna Robert I'm doing a doctorate
Liberty
Emily Grace In?
Usher Robert Atmospheric conditions on other planets.
Police Officer
Commuters Grace Other planets? Like aliens?
Passer by 1
Robert Some of the work is to do with finding life
Passer by 2
Other passers by yes.
Doctor Harris Grace Like Star Trek?
Nurse
Robert Well ... NASA are interested, so -
Grace You're joking?
8 Earthquakes in London Act One 9
Robert No. Grace Right.

Grace NASA? Robert But as I say, NASA are interested.
Robert Yes. She looks at him.
Grace Wow. Grace So all the time, every bit of life, animals,
Robert Yes. humans, everything, change the environment.
Grace Wow. Robert Yes. You are right now. The room is entirely
different because you're in it.
Robert
Grace You think?
Grace So how do you know? If there's life?
Well, all life gives off excretions of some Robert Doesn't matter what I think. The atmosphere
Robert
kind. Gases, minerals. in this room is completely dependent on how
much you move, whether you talk, if you've
Grace We all give off gases? got a cold, how hot you are.
Robert Yes. Grace How hot I am?
Grace Even girls? Robert Yes. Imagine if we all came in with a fever,
Robert And all these gases - the room would get much hotter, and then
we'd get even hotter as a result, our fever
Grace Have you I researched this?
would get worse and the room would
Robert These excretions, from all of these creatures, become hotter in turn and so on and so on,
they go up into the atmosphere, and you can upwards and upwards.
imagine globally they would make quite a
difference to its composition. So it follows Grace Hotter and hotter.
that if we could accurately measure the Robert Exactly.
composition of gases in the atmosphere of a
planet like Mars, we could tell whether there Sorry. Whittering on. Supposed to be a date.
was life. I like your dress.
Grace And? Grace No, Robert, you've raised a very important

question.
Robert W hat?
Robert Really?
Grace Is there?
We don't know. Grace Yes. How hot do you think I am?
Robert
Grace Oh. Robert How hot?
Robert We haven't done it yet. Not enough funding. Grace How. Hot.
Robert Well ... Proper Coffee

Oh.
2010
You mean ...
A· kettle boils.
Grace It's 1968. It's the summer. We're young. We
Freya's face isolated. Freya is singing along to a cover of '2525
can do what we want .
Venice Beat' ft Tess Timony. She loves it.
Robert puts his hand on her forehead.
he sings some more.
She smiles.
We see Freya. She is pregnant, wearing a man's shirt and making
Robert Above average. coffee �n her kitchen. She has headphones on and dances. A television
is on as well.
She smiles, and puts her hand on his head.
Everything is done in rhythm - coffee, kettle . . . sugar . . . eats a
Grace Boiling.
spoonful herself
So what happens now?
We see Steve in the shower. He hears her singing - bemused.
They look at each other.
Steve Freya?
'2525' plays - gets louder. Cross fade scene and music into -
Freya keeps on singing.
Steve Freya!
Freya sings a bit more then takes a headphone out. The music is
quieter.
What?
Steve What are you I singing?
Freya I'm making coffee.
Steve What?
Freya Coffee! Do you want some?
Steve Proper coffee?
Freya It's always proper coffee.
Steve What?
Freya It's always proper coffee, I no one drinks
instant.
Steve What? I can't hear you! I'm in the shower! I Sarah Who's Casey?
can't hear you!
Simon By the wallchart? Under the window?
Freya dances. The music becomes background in Starbucks.
Why's she going? Pregnant?
Tom enters and offers a coffee to Jasmine.
Simon Redundant.
Tom Full fat latte, two brown sugars, cream on
top. Sarah Oh.
Jasmine Do I know you? Simon She's the chaff we talked about.
Tom Thought I'd do the honours. Did I get it Sarah Right. Yes. Right.
right?
Simon Smaller government. That's your policy.
Jasmine Don't know yet what does Rohypnol taste of?. Sarah Not my policy Simon.
She drinks a bit. Simon I'm afraid so, minister. What sort of plants
Tom It was Marxist Criticism. We used to get our do you want? You mean flowers?
coffees at the same time. I liked the look of Sarah Here's ten for Casey. No not flowers. Flowers
you, remembered your order. I'm Tom. are dead. We want some life round here. Get
Jasmine Yeah. a cheese plant. They still have those?
Tom You're Jasmine. I heard you dropped out. Freya continues to make the coffee. Watches television at the same
time.
Jasmine I had an argument with my lecturer.
Colin is in a supermarket and approaches a young assistant.
Tom What about?
Colin Excuse me.
Jasmine Charles Dickens. Do you smoke?
Sarah They had them in the eighties.
Tom I can.
Colin I'm looking for a guava.
Jasmine Good boy.
S. Worker A what?
Sarah appears, talking to Simon, her assistant.
Colin A guava.
Sarah There aren't any plants.
S. Worker What's that?
Jasmine Let's take this outside.
Colin It's a vegetable.
Sarah Department of climate change, massive office
and nothing's green. It's ridiculous. S. Worker Right.
Colin Possibly a fruit.
Simon It's on the list. And you need to put
something in for Casey. She's leaving. S. Worker Vegetables and shit are over there.
Colin I'm sorry? Tom You don't look like a menace.

S. Worker Vegetables and fruit and all that are over Jasmine I am, Tom.
there. Sµpermarket Worker comes back.
Colin I know but I've looked and I can't find it. S. Worker Is this it?
S. Worker Probably don't have it then. Jasmine I'm a natural fucking disaster.
Colin Probably. Colin How should I know? I don't know what a
guava is. You tell me.
S. Worker Yeah.
S. Worker Yeah. This is it.
Colin Can you check?
Colin You're sure?
S. Worker Chhh.
S. Worker Yes.
Supermarket Worker goes off to check. Still the music in the
background. Jasmine and Tom are smoking outside. Colin Positive? Because this is important. I want
you to understand that if I get home and this
Jasmine He's sat there opposite me, I said I'm not isn't a guava I'm in big trouble. So it follows
being funny but if you want two thousand that if I get home and this isn't a guava you're
words by Monday you can whistle, I have to in big trouble, yes?
work weekends, different for you Gary,
fucking baby boomers, get your grant, got I Ie reads her badge
your degree then don't pay for your kids. So ... Sue. You're in big trouble if this isn't a
he says 'Do you have financial difficulties guava Sue. So.
Jasmine?' and I'm like 'Gary. We all have
You're sure?
financial difficulties, read the fucking
papers'. Then he suddenly goes red, shouts S. Worker Candice said it was and she's good with fruit.
that I'm 'thick as corrugated shit' whatever Colin Right, thanks.
that means and says I only got in here
because of who my sister is, so I lost it Steve enters with his suitcase, just as Freya, dancing, throws his
completely, threw a bookshelf at him. coffee across the kitchen. Steve jumps out the way. Freya takes her
headphones off
Tom A bookshelf?
Freya Didn't mean to do that. Oops.
Jasmine It was Bleak House that got him in the eye,
hardback so he had to go to hospital. They Steve Oops.
said I was a menace, attacking my lecturer Steve smiles and grabs a cloth instantly to mop it up.
with a weapon, I said something about the
Freya I can make another.
power of the written word and that was it.
Out. Steve No, I have to go really, sorry ...
Freya Don't be sorry. Steve There's not.

Steve Sorry I'm going at all. Freya There is.
Freya Don't be- we need work, money, especially Steve Not here.
now, in the current climate, the way things
are, that's what you say. Freya Right here, yes, they've detected tremors. It
was on television. Do you fancy my sister?
Steve And it's only three days so-
Steve What?
Freya Exactly. It's only three days so-
Freya Not Sarah, obviously. Obviously not her. The
Steve And you'll call me if anything- other one. Jasmine.
Freya Yes I'll call you if anything but nothing will Steve No- Freya where does this I come from?
nothing does nothing happens you know
how it is round here these days. Freya Why not? She's pretty.
Steve I meant the baby. Steve She's nineteen.

Freya Oh right the baby, well of course I the ba�y Freya Exactly. Thin, good-looking, bet she's good
in bed. Of course you like her, you've had
Steve You've got the number of I the hospital. that thought. I used to look like that when
Freya There was a programme on TV they're we first met, I found some photographs, but
detecting something in the ground. what happened? Look at me now, fat and
red like a massive blood clot or something.
Steve I Freya? No wonder you don't want sex with me
Freya They think something might - What? Yes anymore. You should give her a call I'm
I've got the number of the hospital. It's on serious I really am.
the cupboard where you put it.
They look at each other. He moves closer, hugs her.
Steve On the fridge.
Steve I don't think youl re a massive blood clot.
Freya On the fridge exactly. Are you sure you don't
Freya Or something, I'm definitely something.
want any of this coffee? It's fair trade, kind of
fruity, I like it. Steve I wanted sex with you last night as it
happens.
Steve I have to go- but you'll be alright?
Freya I can't I can't not with this, it's like it's
Freya The building might collapse while you're
away. watching.
Steve Freya- Steve I love you.

He kisses her tummy.
Freya This is what I was trying to tell you. They ·
said there's going to be an earthquake. You too. I'll call when I get in.
Freya I'm a bit lost at the moment, Steve, really. Sarah gives a gift bag to Casey. Casey looks inside.
Don't go.
Casey A coffee machine.
A moment.
S,arah Yes.
Steve Just three days. T hat's all. It's not as bad as
you think. Never is. Casey I've been here five years.
Freya Oh. Okay. Good. Sarah Well it's quite a good one I -
He kisses her again and leaves. As the door shuts, Freyajumps and Casey I don't drink coffee.
the walls shake a little. She's scared. As Tom and Jasmine talk, Sarah You don't-
Freya looks around her, then produces a packet of cigarettes and lights
one. Casey Herbal tea.
Tom So your sister's famous? Sarah Oh.
Jasmine My older sister is. Not in a good way. She's a Casey It's always been herbal tea.
politician. I didn't get in here because of my Sarah Right ... well ... someone hasn't done their
sister, I got in despite her, they hate her here. research.
Tom What does she do? Casey Research? Didn't anybody know? Jesus. You
Jasmine When my mum died, my dad was a mess, so have no idea. We don't need less government.
my sister looked after us but she was awful at Everything's getting worse, and you're
it, really bad, because she's got absolutely no cutting the support. It's what the Tories
heart. Totally cold. She's made of metal, like would do crisis or not, but I voted Lib Dem.
the Terminator or something. But worse. I voted for you. And what good did it do?
She's like Terminator 3. .\'he looks around at everyone and gives the machine back.
Sarah is giving a speech for her team. Put it on eBay. I'm leaving the country.
Jasmine Yeah, she's Terminator 3. Sarah steps down, speaks to her auie.
Sarah Hello! Hi. We're so sorry to be seeing ... Sarah Good idea. Get the car.
Casey ... go, leave. Yes. And although of
course I absolutely believe our new ... policy Simon You can't, you have a meeting in your office
of smaller government is the right one at this in three minutes.
difficult time, it doesn't mean it's not a ... Sarah My stomach's rumbling.
sadness ... when it impacts on someone
personally. Casey's been fantastic as part of Simon Here. Egg salad. Tesco Express. You can eat
the ministerial team, a real laugh, ever since it on the way back.
I've been here I've noticed that she's so ... He gives her a horrible looking sandwich. She just stands for a
funny. Anyway, Casey, we've had a whip · moment. Exhausted. Freya watches scenes from a documentary about
round and got you this. the planet. Tectonics plates. Storms and hurricanes.
Are you ... ? in? I'm not doing very good. I want your
advice.
Another moment.
Freya How did you know where I live?
Should I ...
Peter Went on the internet, put your name in, it's
She looks up and snaps out of it. not difficult. Big bump you've got now. I
Sarah What? Egg? Perfect. need to talk. Can I come in?
Sarah crams the sandwich into her mouth as she leaves. l•reya I might get into trouble.
There's a knock on Freya's door, she goes to answer it. Peter Nah you can't be a paedophile cos you're a
woman and the hood's not cos I want to cut
Tom and Jasmine are going back inside. you it's cos it's raining, come on miss it's
Jasmine My sister's coming along tonight actually. fucking biblical out here pardon my mouth
used to talk didn't we? I liked it when we
Tom To what? talked but you only come into school two
Jasmine To what I do now. To my job. It's a bit days a week and not even that now. You're
political too. You could come along if· you not busy clearly, you're watching TV. Is your
want. You'll be shocked. First time I've done husband in?
it. It's very political Tom. Very in-your-face Freya He's gone away.
kind of political. You might not be able to
cope. It might be all too - political for you. Peter His car's outside.
I've got a costume. So what do you think? Freya He got a taxi to the airport.
Want to risk it?
Peter Yeah not supposed to fly any more though
Tom smiles. are you? How long's he gone for then?
Tom Yeah. Freya Just a couple of days.
Freya opens the door. It's Peter, a teenage boy with glasses in a grey Peter Bet you could do with the company then.
hoodie. Freya No.
Peter Alright miss. You busy? Peter Bet you could though.
Freya Peter. I What are you - Freya Peter, you should go back to school.
Peter Is that whisky? You shouldn't be drinking if Peter No one visits you do they?
you're pregnant, we saw it on a video in Freya
Biology, Mr Greg showed it us yeah and it
said if you drink your baby ends up disabled Peter T hat's cos pregnant women are a bit of a
or something maybe it dies in you and they. pain. Sweaty and fat, stuck in the house,
have to pull it out with tweezers. Can I come moaning and moaning, I don't think that
miss, but most people do that's why they Sarah Yes.

don't visit. But I'm here.
Another biscuit?
I got you a flower. I/e looks at he1:
He holds out a flower. She looks at him. Carter Adam's learning quickly, he's six, he looked
Freya Thank you. at his bike, and he said 'what's the bad news
Dad?' He said you only buy me presents like
She takes the flower. He enters. this when there's bad news. He was right.
Sarah is having a meeting with Carter in her office. She offers him His mother had run over the cat. This
a biscuit. coalition government, whatever it is, you're
supposed to be business friendly.
Carter Thank you. It's wonderful to meet you a�
last. Been a year. Thought I'd done Sarah We're very business I friendly, yes.
something wrong. Carter So what do you mean, what are we talking?
Sarah I've been very busy. Sarah The Heathrow decision played very well for
Carter Well, better late than never. How are we · us, the public didn't want that third runway,
doing? they were pleased we got in, and stopped it,
so now I'll be recommending a complete halt
Sarah In two days time, after concluding my to expansion.
review, I recommend to the PM.
Carter Where?
Carter So I hear. Sarah Everywhere.
Sarah And I thought you might want a heads up, to Carter is surprised.
give you time to formulate a public response.
Carter Look, Heathrow? Fine, I understand your
Carter A heads up. Lovely. A response to what? position, you had to pull back, but it was
Sarah We're nice people, Mr Carter. assumed at the time, it was very strongly
hoped, in fact, that in return, there would be
Carter I'm sure you are. Everyone's nice these balance.
days aren't they? Even me. I bought my
son Adam a bike, for his birthday. Very Sarah There isn't the need.
expensive. He loved it. And what have you Carter We let Heathrow go, but we get
nice people got to offer us? Birmingham, Edinburgh, London City
Sarah I thought you might want to come on board instead - Belfast - that was understood.
with the decision now, rather than wasting Sarah It can't be justified environmentally.
time and effort fighting it.
Carter A few miles of concrete here and there, a
Carter The decision. couple of sheds, it's not the end of the world.
Have you talked to your colleagues, because decision, and that will be it. We'll announce
I can't see this being very popular. next week.
Sarah A definitive halt to expansion will make a Carter You look tired.
huge impact. Sarah I work hard.
Carter Only as a symbol.
'arter I don't think it's work.
Sarah A symbol exactly. We have to be seen to be
Carter takes a biscuit.
doing all we can to lower carbon emissions.
We want to set an example. Before tomorrow, I'll change your mind.
Carter looks at her. Sarah Really?
Carter This is your big idea. I le passes the biscuits across.
Sarah If you like. Carter . Yes.
Carter You're a symbol yourself really aren't you Biscuit?
Sarah? Can I call you Sarah? Bet you never
thought you'd be in power at all, but liung Freya and Peter.
parliament, green credentials and a famous Peter I like your posters, you into Hitchcock?
father -
heya They're my husband's.
Sarah My position in this government has nothing
to do with my father. Peter And Grand Theft Auto. You play that a lot
do you?
Carter Everyone thinks it does.
Freya That's his too.
Sarah Then everyone is wrong.
Peter I find it a bit violent myself. I don't think
Carter Touched a nerve. driving round killing people should be in
Sarah Not at all. computer games. There's one where you can
rape a girl. That's a bit weird they allow that
Carter You're upset.
considering everything that's gone on.
Sarah Do I look upset? Coldplay album? Everyone's got a Coldplay
The way you rub your fingers together like album these days, saw them on TV at
Carter
that yes. Glastonbury they were rather good. What's
yours then?
She's surprised for a second, but look back at him.
Freya The books. I -
Sarah We're not short of airports. In two days I Peter What are you reading at the moment?
have a meeting and I will put the case very
firmly. The Prime Minister will make a Freya Late Victorian poetry. Peter -
Peter That sounds really incredibly boring. Can I Freya goes to get Peter a drink. Peter sits down in the chair and
sit down? I Are you going to give me a u•laxes as a Businessman on a plane, next to Steve, does the same.
whisky? What's this? Uusinessman Remember when you could smoke?
Freya Of course you can sit down. I don't know
Steve What?
about a whisky -
nusinessman Smoke. On planes.
Peter Jees, you've been smoking as well, your
baby's gonna be a scopoid by the time you're Steve I see the ashtrays in the toilets. But I don't
done. Fucking 'tato with what you're doing. ever remember ...
Freya Peter, what do I you want?! Businessman Fifteen years ago, you could go to the
Peter What's the programme? smoking section and smoke, didn't do any
harm, no more planes went down, less than
Freya They say there's going to be an earthquake. now, it was long before, you know ...
Peter Here? terrorism - maybe it's linked. Frustrated
Arabs. All they want is a fag. Cos they can't
Freya My husband laughed as well but it's what
drink can they? Could be linked. Joking of
they-
course. You going to Scotland on business is
Peter No they're right, it's true. There's going to it?
be a massive tremor, the day after tomorrow,
Steve No.
a huge seismic event, right in the capital.
Things'll seem very different after that. Businessman Holiday then?
She looks at him. Shocked - how could he know? 'teve It's personal.
My problem is I don't have any friends. Businessman Oh right, well. Keep your own.
Atomisation. It's very common in society
today. Increasingly people use internet Fair enough.
dating to make a connection and find Up to you.
companionship but I'm only fourteen so I
prefer porn. I am allowed a whisky actually. Steve I told my wife it's business.
It is legal. In the home. If you're fourteen. Businessman Oh.
So.
Steve But it isn't.
Freya I'm not going to give you whisky.
Businessman Ah.
Peter I think you should though. Then we can talk
properly. Yes.
She considers. Well.
Freya Why not? I know all about that.
Steve What? Uu ·inessman Of course, the more you fly, the greater
chance you'll be in a crash. It's not natural.
Businesman That.
If God had meant us to fly, he'd have his own
Steve No. airline.
Businessman Sometimes I'm in LA, and I always let her l,'11mbling. Turbulence or possibly the sound of thunder.
know in advance, I say I won't, say it's not
good for me, but I drop a cheeky email, turn //I(> lights flash.
up and we have the time of our lives. Keeps !'/1fre She Goes My Beautiful World' By Nick Cave and T he Bad
my marriage healthy. Keeps me trim she \1wls
does. Carly.
J.1smi�e comes on dressed in branches and leaves.
Steve Carly?
\'/,r, holds a sign which says 'The willful destruction of the rainforest'
Businessman Twenty-seven. Blonde. Tits. You know. Tits.
Twenty-seven. LA. Sun. Tits. Blonde. Jesus. \'/,() dances.
Says it all. \'II(> slowly peels off leaves and branches.
Why she goes for me I don't know, well I do, I· 1t>ntually she is left with leaves in the vital places, a la
flash the money a bit, but life's short isn't it so ldam and Eve.
you do what you have to, and my wife
\'/,p picks up a sign
knows, sure she's done the same, my view is,
if it keeps you trotting on, keeps you happy 'Originally, there were six million square miles of tropical rainforest'
and the kids don't know then what's the I nother sign
harm? No you go for it mate. Full speed.
'()nly a third is left'
Steve It's not ...
,\'lie raises her eyebrows.
Businessman Sorry?
\'l,e peels the leaves off her breasts.
Steve It's not an affair.
J11ere are cheers from the crowd.
Businessman Oh. But you let me go on about ...
Flirty eyes.
Steve I didn't feel I could stop you.
Sl,e picks up another sign.
Businessman Always do this. Always end up talking to
strangers on planes. Must be nervous I It says 'Don't leave the world naked'
suppose. Is she goes, leaves fall from the ceiling.
Steve You fly a lot? Freya brings Peter his whisky then lights a cigarette.
Businessman It's bad for you. Peter Hmm. I'm enjoying this. This is good, really
Steve Bad for you? good whisky. Did you buy it?
Freya Peter, if there's going to be an earthquake 'Jorn You invited your sister's husband?
why aren't people scared?
Ju mine I invited my sister. She said she'd come so I
Peter I was in an earthquake once in Tokyo. Me got political, thought she'd like it, but she
and my parents were doing karaoke in this texted at the last minute, said Colin was
room- coming instead. Colin's been around since I
was a kid, he was a banker, lost his job, now
Freya Can you answer I my question please.
he's got time on his hands. Warning: He can
Peter - and the floor started moving and the walls be a bit-
tilted, shook a bit but not like you imagine,
<:olin Brought my shopping!
everything just went ... drunk. Do you
ever feel like that miss, stuck in this flat like Jasmine I can see that.
you are, that the walls are moving and Colin Bit weird. Well done!
everything's becoming dangerous?
tasmine You liked it?
Freya All the time.
<:olin You can really dance.
Freya drinks the whisky.
Jasmine Yeah.
But what can I do?
Colin Haven't seen you perform since school.
Tom and Jasmine are in a bar.
'Ihm And hasn't she grown?
Tom Never seen a stripper before.
<�olin Well ... I ... I suppose so.
Jasmine It wasn't stripping.
.Jasmine This is Tom.
Tom This is a strip club.
Colin Oh right. Hello. Are you her latest ...
Jasmine It's burlesque.
Tom Latest?
Tom You got your tits out.
Jasmine Thanks Colin.
Jasmine You get your tits out in both yeah but in
burlesque they're not the focus.
Tom Her latest?
Colin Squeeze.
Tom They were definitely the focus.
Jasmine Oh God.
Jasmine Well they're not supposed to be.
Tom We've only just met.
Tom There's a man waving.
Colin Well the night's young.
Colin appears and waves. He's still carrying a carrier bag with the
shopping. Jasmine For fuck's sake.
Jasmine It's my sister's husband. -1.n awkward pause.
Colin I thought you made a very good point J 1smine Really.

actually Jasmine.
lom Yeah, I'm quite into the environment.
Tom There was a point? My family from before, they're Eritrean? and
Jasmine The signs? they-
Tom I wasn't really looking at the signs. J,1smine Er sorry to interrupt you but I've had
enough of the environment, hear about it all
Colin The destruction of the rainforest. the fucking time, I only did it for my sister
Tom So that's why you were dressed as a bush. and she didn't even turn up. I'll do a Nazi
one next week probably. They love Nazis.
Jasmine A tree. Have you got any pills? You look like the sort
Tom Certainly looked like a bush from where. I of person that carries drugs around in their
was sitting. pocket.
Awkward. ,-lorn A sort of black person you mean?
Colin Do you want a drink either of you? Jasmine A sort of careless person I mean, who leaves
their coat lying around.
Jasmine No thanks Colin.
�/,f holds them up.
Tom Nah.
Found them earlier.
Colin Right.
\'l,e opens the bag.
Well. Great to ... see you.Jasmine.
Shall I be mother?
I should probably be going ... got some milk
... needs the fridge, asap, don't want it to ... Freya and Peter.
Smell, but really ... Peter I'm spinning.
Well done. l reya
1
I know what you mean. I don't see anyone .
for days, the walls start shaking, so I think
Good work! about going out but it's all shouting and dirt,
Jasmine Good to see you. so I stay in, but then ... I've started singing,
ever since I got back. When I sing I forget
Colin Right.
she's there.
Bye.
Peter Got back from where? Can I have a cigarette?
A pause. He goes.
Freya I don't know what to do.
Jasmine God.
Peter I didn't see anyone for three days once and
Tom Actually I did read the signs. got really paranoid my head was too big for
my body, but it's not, is it? Is it? Is it? Cos I hr• sound of a plane in the distance.
earlier Gary Franks said I looked weird,
I rmnputer screen is projected.
chased me out of school said I was special
needs. \t!lllfone is writing.
Freya You are special needs. Writing 'I feel that I would be right for the position
Not in a bad way, not like those deaf kids you of senior accounts manager as I am both
Peter
spend your time with. strong ...
Freya Don't say that. I fr deletes.
Peter I can do an impression ·of a deaf person. strong both as a team player and a leader.
Freya No. I tl{hts up on Colin, who is typing.
Peter I can, look, it's funny. ' . . . I have demonstrated this on many
occasions, leading my team through many
Freya Don't.
years of excellent service over the last ten
Peter moves closer to Freya - threatening. years. Ten. Years ...'
Peter If you don't give me a cigarette I'll do' an /11(> cursor goes to Google.
impression of a deaf person.
II types.
Freya No!
\/talent
Don't
( :; rls
Here.
f>rn'ty
She throws him the cigarettes, Peter grabs them and stops. A throbbing
beat has begun. Freya's in pain. l',rtures.
Peter I know cigarettes are supposed to be bad for I, images appear the stage becomes full of students dancing in mini
you but apparently if you give up within five ,!< irts, boys with their tops off, grinding up against each other. Dance
years you're pretty much back to normal and 11111sic gets slowly louder. In the middle are Jasmine and Tom. Colin
I'm very young so I think I'll be fine miss. ,lands up, watching, wanting to be involved.
Freya In my head. Freya is now faced away from Peter, leaning against a wall, a
Peter Do you think that's right? t ltrobbing beat in her head.
Miss? Peter is trying to light the cigarette.
Do you think I'm right about that? Peter As you know, I don't really like being
outside, around lots of other people, but do
Miss?
you remember what you said miss? I'd
Miss?! stabbed Luke Reynolds with a compass, and
got detention, and you said I couldn't just sit Sarah That's the sort of thing boring middle-aged
around feeling sorry for myself, I had to get women do.
off my arse and fucking do something. Find
Colin Right.
the good things.
Sarah You don't look like a boring middle-aged
Freya I don't think I used those words.
woman.
Peter You did use those words. You definitely said Colin You do.
fucking do something. I found the honesty
quite bracing. You're one of the only people Sarah's tired of the bickering.
in my life who tells me the truth. Sarai\ Found anything yet?
Freya So you think I should get up and - Sarah goes into the kitchen where the shopping is laid out. Colin,
Peter I don't know, but what with the shaking 1fry quietly sings at the computer.
Freya I was imagining it, the walls can't - Colin shouts through to the kitchen.
Colin You see this is the problem, that's always the
Peter I didn't mean the walls.
first thing you ask, you get in and you don't
Freya Oh. kiss me, touch me, even look at me -
Peter Your hands miss. Look. Sarah What's this?
Her hand is shaking. Sarah is standing in the doorway holding a fruit.
You should pack a bag and get out and see Colin A guava.
what's going on. Find the good things. Sarah No.
Before it's too late.
Colin Right.
They look at each other. He lights the cigarette, smiles and relaxes.
Freya leaves. Determined. Sarah Get the ingredients. That's all I asked. It's
not a guava Colin, it's a plum. Find a job.
Colin watches them dancing. Enjoys it. He then changes the track on That's the problem. Not me. Find a fucking
iTunes to Coldplay - 'Viva La Vida'. The students cheer - enjoying the job. I'll make a sandwich.
cheese.
Sarah goes. Colin keeps on singing to himself, restrained and shy,
Sarah enters. watching the students dance.
Sarah What's this? Steve appears, trying to hide from the wind, and starts knocking on
Colin Coldplay o door. Tom dances with Jasmine, they kiss passionately. Colin
aatches. Sarah makes a sandwich. Peter goes to the CDs and looks
Sarah You bought a Coldplay album? ot them.
Colin In Tesco on the way home yeah. Sarah goes to bed. The door is opened by Mrs Andrews.
Mrs Andrews Yes? Even the eighteens?

Steve I'm here to see Mr Crannock. l•reya If you want.
Mrs Andrews Mr Crannock is in bed. 1 1 , ter Can I drink your whisky and vodka?
Steve I'm Steve Sullivan. Freya Whatever you like. You've got the place to
His daughter's husband? yourself for a couple of days. Okay?
Mrs Andrews sighs. ) » �ter Okay.
Mrs Andrews Is he expecting you? Freya Right.
Steve No. Okay ...
Mrs Andrews Peter Are you going to be alright miss?
Steve Please. It's very cold. Freya She's kicking. Stop it!
She lets him in. Jasmine and Tom dance. Peter chooses a CD and The good things.
puts it on - the same Coldplay song. Listens. Mouths along. He �ikes
I can't stay here.
it.
Freya opens the door and leaves.
At the next chorus Peter sings loudly like a choirboy. Colin still very
quietly. t•cter stands up and sings.
Freya appears with a bag, hat and coat, ready to go out. /'lte students join in, singing the backing vocals.
Freya You can put the heating on if you like. The Peter sings, the students dance, and Colin sits by his computer
switch is in the hall, 111otionless and sad.
Peter What are you doing? 1 :veryone sings as Freya walks off into the night.
1
Freya There's food in the fridge. !Jghts fade.

Peter I didn't mean you should go now. It's raining Music in the dark.
cats and dogs out there, and you're
Music fades.
pregnant, you probably shouldn't even stand
up for too long, it might fall out or End of Act One.
something.
Freya You can stay here. You won't steal anything
will you?
Peter Can I watch your DVD's?
Freya Yes.
Act Two 41
Act Two Daniel Questions, I think Roy.

Prologue Roy Questions, exactly, about what the effect will
be of all this air travel? With the emissions.
1973 Into the atmosphere.
Technicolour Robert Right.
Robert and two businessmen, Daniel and Roy. Roy f,S smoking. Roy People are starting to get worried.
Roy Good to see you. Have a seat. Daniel Curious.
Robert Thanks. Roy People are starting to become curious about
Roy How's the baby? what burning all that fuel might do. To the
world.
Robert Oh, you - ?
Daniel The environment.
Roy Daniel mentioned there was a baby. A baby
girl. Roy The environment. So we thought we'd get an
expert in who could do a study.
Robert Right, yes.
Look into your crystal ball and tell us what's
Daniel Wonderful. going to happen. So what do you think? Is it
Roy Wonderful. And your wife? possible?
Robert Very happy obviously, well we both are. Robert Well. We'd ... we'd need to model the world
on a scale no one's done before. And ... well
Roy Very happy. You both are. ... I don't want to be rude, but obviously
Daniel Perfect. you're hoping for a negative answer here
aren't you?
Roy Perfect. So. Robert. You're wondering why
you're here? When does the main UK airline Daniel No no.
call in a Cambridge boffin like you? Well, our Roy A what?
bods predict that in thirty years time they'll
be thousands of planes in the sky, flying Daniel He means do we want him to get us the
p eople all over the place, which makes us result which says these fumes are doing no
happy of course, because there's a lot of harm at all? Should he fix it?
money to be made. Roy Ah. No. Robert, you do your science and you
Robert Yes. tell us what you find.
Roy But there are increasing concerns. We won't interfere at all.
Daniel Questions. Robert No interference.
Roy Sorry? Daniel None.
42 Earthquakes in London Act Two 43
Robert Right. Daniel And remember there's potential for a

good deal more of this to come. I would
Roy And this is only the first phase. If this project imagine someone like you, in your position,
seems promising, we're authorised to academic, young family. This could make a
commission further work, over the next ten real difference.
years.
Robert Yes.
Robert Really?
Roy Why don't you take it away and have a good
Roy Absolutely. Because your results might old think?
not just be useful for us, but many similar
organisations. The motor industry, oil
companies. They would all be very
interested in promising results.
Robert What do you mean promising?
Roy Results that seem to be useful.
Daniel Meaningful.
Roy Right. Meaningful. I need a coffee.
Robert Well I'm sure it's possible to achieve a certain
clarity, but this is a very new subject, there's
no real way of knowing how quantifiable in
real terms the ...
Roy This would be the fee.
Robert Right.
He reads it.
That's ... Oh. Yes. That's good. I'm sure we
could make a start with that.
Roy No. Robert.
That's not the budget.
The project will have a separate budget.
That's your fee.
That's for you. To keep.
All The Mothers Sarah picks up the phone. Freya's phone rings. The swimmers look
The present. o nnoyed with Freya.
Hampstead Heath -Early morning. Birdsong. om appears, and Jasmine goes off with him.
Freya is sat by the pond. l1ze swimmers go off

A number of male swimmers are in the ponds, swimming. They have She answers.
similar swimming hats and swimming costumes. One by one they come Sarah I missed your call.
and stand in the fresh morning air. Birds fly past, a clear blue sky.
Freya I thought we could meet up?
Freya watches them for a while.
Sarah I can hear birds.
One of the swimmers starts to play ukulele.
l;reya I'm on the heath.
Freya starts singing along to 'Deep Water' by Portishead. The first
swimmer is surprised, but interested. Three other swimmers stand in a 'arah Hampstead Heath?
line and act as backing singers.
Freya Yeah, by the ponds. I packed a bag, left early.
Freya I'm drifting in deep waters
Sarah You don't live anywhere near Hampstead
Alone with my self-doubting again
I try not to struggle this time Heath.
For I will weather the storm Freya Very early. Apparently there's a view where
Sarah gets to her desk, piled with papers. It's first thing, but she's you can see the whole city.
exhausted -she sits down and makes a start. Sarah Parliament Hill .
Jasmine sits on the end of the bed, waits, upset. Freya I think I'm looking for that. So are we going
I gotta remember to meet then?
( Gotta remember) I could do Thursday?
Sarah
Don't fight it
(Don't fight it) Freya I meant today really.
Even if I
'arah I'm busy Freya.
(Even if I
Don't like it Freya You're always busy Freya, but Steve's not
(Don't like it) here and I couldn't get hold of Jasmine, I so
Somehow turn me around I thought we could -
(Somehow turn me around)
arah Don't ask Jasmine, you called Jasmine?
No matter how far I drift
Freya You have got time, I know you have.
Deep waters
(Deep waters) 11 beautiful perfect woman dressed in black with black sunglasses,
Won't scare me tonight jJUshing a pram goes past.
Sarah Get here, to the department, for one o clock. Steve I'm sorry?
We'll have twenty minutes. Well, ten. Come Mrs Andrews If you'd called ahead, we could've made
to the desk and tell them who you are. arrangements.
Freya Thanks.
Steve What do you mean?
Sarah Right. Mrs Andrews When your wife visited, I stayed at my
Sarah hangs up. The mother accidentally drops a leaflet from the sister's.
pram. Freya picks it up and reads it. Steve Oh -you ... Freya called ahead?
Freya A picnic, on Parliament Hill. Do you two not talk about these things? Now,
Mr�Andrews
Perfect. Mr Crannock has got up and gone out. He
starts very early, and won't be disturbed.
Excuse me. You've never met I understand?
Freya follows the woman, off through the Heath
Steve No.
Mr Crannock's House.
Mrs Andrews No, well if he trusts you you'll get a drink,
Steve is asleep on the sofa. Mrs Andrews clatters in, open ·the if he likes you, he'll talk all night. He'll
curtains. be back to the house later this afternoon,
Mrs Andrews Are you not awake yet? as will I.
Steve wakes up. Steve What am I supposed to do until then? You've

got no television, I didn't bring my
How did you sleep? computer, there's no reception on my
Steve · How do you think? phone.
Steve stands up in just his boxer shorts, woozy. Mrs Andrews You'll have to occupy yourself I suppose.
The sofa's too short, so I tried the floor, but Steve With what?
there was a draught. Mrs Andrews looks at him.
Mrs Andrews Mr Sullivan ... Mrs Andrews There's a radio.
Steve What? Mrs Andrews goes.
Mrs Andrews You're not at your best. Freya sees an Old Woman laying flowers at a war memorial. The
Steve Oh. Old Woman wears a coat and headscarf
He puts his jeans on. Then a t-shirt. Freya Excuse me.
Isn't there a spare room? ld Woman Alright dear?
Mrs Andrews There's my room. Freya I like your flowers.
Old Woman Thank you dear. Freya What for?

The Old Woman smiles. They both look ot t!,,· 11lf't11orial. Old Woman The silver lining. Soon it'll all be over.
Was it ... your husbandr' They .look at the memorial.
Old Woman Dunkirk. Simon enters Sarah's office.
Freya And you still miss him? Simon Your sister's at the front desk.
Old Woman I miss what went with him. I low it was, when Now?
Sarah
we were together.
Simon Now.
Freya Did you have childr '11?
Sarah I said one o'clock.
Old Woman It was a different country then. England was
made of wood and m ·tal. Not plastic, like Simon hands Sarah an envelope.
this. You know what I'm saying?
What's this?
Freya Nol-
Simon Not sure. It just arrived. What about your
Old Woman It had teacakes, cricket whites, cut grass. Yes? sister?
Blitz spirit, rooms full or smoke.
Sarah Send her up, and get me a Starbucks.
Freya Okay. Yeah I suppose it I must've been
Simon Skinny?
Old Woman Short trousers, dinner jackets, tea dances.
Sarah No. Fat. Really fucking ... fat.
Freya I always wanted to go to a -
Simon goes. Freya is with the Old Woman
Old Woman Devonshire cream, Coventry steel, the home
guard, the muffin man, the post man, Freya I'm looking I'm really looking for something
larders in the kitchen, fires in the living good, happening now, but you're saying
room, the damp smell of gravel in outdoor things are only getting worse.
toilets. You don't know what I'm talking Religious intolerance, economic collapse,
Old Woman
about. tsunamis, riots ... it's the perfect conditions.
Freya No.
Freya I don't understand.
Old Woman That was our England. All gone now of
Old Woman Is it a boy?
course. Things move so fast. The cars, the
internet. Yes we had children, but I never see Freya A girl.
them. Always got something b tter to do.
Old Woman A little girl. Well. I hope she can fight.
So instead, I come to the heath.
A young man in a Second World War uniform comes on. He takes the
And wait . Old Woman's arm and kisses her.
Freya What? Sarah Thought you were dancing last night.
Old Woman There's a gathering storm Jasmine After that. It was a porn star party, we all
He takes off her headscarf and she stands upright - a young couple dressed as porn stars you know
from the 1940s. Sarah Not really.
Freya How do you know? And I went back with Tom. We fucked and
Jasmine
Old Woman Old people can predict the weather ... stuff, and he was taking pictures on his
phone I thought for fun yeah?
The man opens an umbrella and it starts to rain.
Sarah Yep.
You see?
Jasmine And then today this morning when I'm a bit
Freya She can fight. I've felt her kicking. morning-ey, just woken up, he tells me that
Old Woman Haven't you got anyone to take you home? his family in Africa are being affected by
climate change and that you aren't doing
Freya No. He's ... anything so his family are going to die.
Gone. Apparently you're making this big statement
about 'airport expansion'.
The Old Woman goes with her husband, just as a mother comes past
with her pram. Freya goes off after her. Sarah Next week, that's right.
Jasmine enters Sarah's office with Tom. Jasmine So he says why don't we go and see your
sister and get a commitment.
Jasmine I've got a problem.
Sarah Sarah And you said.
Where's Freya?
Jasmine Jasmine There's no way I could change her mind she
Where she normally is, probably - at home,
doesn't listen to a word I say.
eating crisps.
Sarah Who's this? Sarah Absolutely right.
Jasmine He's the problem. Jasmine But then he said he's only gone with me, he's
only done any of it, so that he could
Sarah Does he have a name? blackmail you. He's part of some group or
Jasmine Tom. whatever. He says if he doesn't get an
assurance, he'll send the pictures to the
Sarah takes them in for a second. paper.
Sarah Okay. I'm going to look over my letters but I Sarah What were they of?
am listening.
Jasmine The pictures? Drinking, puking. Us in his
Jasmine Last night, I was at a party. room fucking.
Sarah Nothing illegal? Sarah You can guess absolutely you can have a wild
Jasmine stab in the dark but you don't know.
Nothing in the pictures.
Sarah I want you to understand a couple of things
Does he speak?
Tom. Firstly my sister's a student. She has
Tom This is happening, right now, to people like sex. So what? You think the public are going
me, to my family. And if you don't believe to be interested? I'm not interested.
me ...
Secondly, in this country you elect your
He gets papers out of his bag. government, and then we consult and make
decisions based on what is right for the
Letters, photographs, measurements. people. We take into account different
Rainfall, crop growth, all from my family in factors - environmental, economic, social.
Eritrea. Now, I realise you probably don't It's complicated because we have to consider
even know where Eritrea is but - everything. Transport means investment.
Sarah Borders in the west, in the south, and in the Investment means greater employment.
southeast ... Greater employment means less poverty,
which presumably you're in favour of?
Tom Yeah okay, yeah, exactly, and they're That's why you have people like me, to make
struggling to - a judgement. So what are you doing , Tom?
Sarah The population's an estimated five million? Blackmail? Of a democratically elected
The capital is - I assume you're going to tell member of parliament?
me about the current and tangible effects of Tom slams his papers on her desk.
climate change on the agriculture, on the
villages, your family. Tom It's a protest.
Tom You're aware of all that. Sarah Good. There. You've protested. It's over.
Now delete the photos, get out of my office,
Sarah That's sort of my job. stop wasting my time.
Tom Then it's worse. You know what's going on Tom Are you going to read all this?
and you still allow runways and flight paths.
You don't listen, we've raised petitions, Sarah I'm certainly going to file it.
spoken to our MPs, all you say is you
Tom You can't dismiss me.
'appreciate our view', you 'encourage the
debate' - but nothing happens. Sarah This isn't the student union Tom. We're the
fucking government. Go away.
Sarah You don't know what we're going to
announce. Tom turns to go. Jasmine turns as well.
Tom I can guess. Not you.
Tom stares at Sarah for a moment. 11,rn '"' . Sarah Let you? You're nineteen. He's a shit
Jasmine, if you don't believe me, yes please
Jasmine I only came here f o, 11111 s.,kt•.
give him a call instead. Or you could talk to
Sarah You didn't want yo111 .11,,; i,, Iii<-' Daily Mail. some friends about all your problems - you
never do that either do you? For some
Jasmine Wouldn't be the firsr fi111c. reason you never have friends to turn to.
Sarah What? You ever wonder why you're always being
Jasmine fucked over like this?
When I run out of toilt·r paper the Daily
Mail'sjust what I need. Jasmine I'm not being -
Sarah You have absolutely no id<'a how hard I'm Sarah Again and again I think you are, clearly you
working, do you? How many meetings I are, you ever thought why?
have, the paperwork - Jasmine You're jealous.
Jasmine Yeah, Colin said you're ,1lways here. Jasmine, when you want to know, just ask.
Sarah
Sarah It's public office Jasmine. It's the most I've got a whole thing ready to go, I know
important thing in my lifr, I can't - exactly what your problem is.
Jasmine He'll leave you. Jasmine
Sarah What? Sarah You want to hear it?
Jasmine Colin. Surprised he hasn't already. Jasmine is upset. Simon enters, interrupting.
Sarah Simon One fat coffee.
Jasmine Jasmine goes. Simon gives the coffee to Sarah, as Sarah makes a
phone call.
Sarah You have no idea.
Sarah Call John Carter. Tell him I got the letter,
Jasmine I know what men want. And I bet you're not and I want to meet, this afternoon.
giving it to him. Fucking ice woman, frosty
the snowbitch think you're all big and clever Simon You don't have time.
power tights and shoulder pads, fucking Sarah I'll make time.
Thatcher look at you. I'd have been better
Simon goes. Freya is on Parliament Hill looking for mothers. She
off with Dad probably. answers the call.
Sarah Be careful Jasmine.
Freya Do you know where Parliament Hill is?
Jasmine He can't have been worse than you. I'm sorry?
Sarah
Sarah You've never met him.
Freya T here's this big event, this afternoon. Why
Jasmine You've never let me. don't you come here?
Sarah Freya- She gives it to him.

Freya A picnic. T here's si.dl , .111d :1 band. T he Young Man Bless you love. Bless you.
sun's out. I'm going 1111111 011H· sandwiches. .The Young Man runs off, ecstatic.
Ice cream.
Freya Good luck!
Sarah Can you listen. l'v<' l1.1d 111 move things
around, I can't meet '011 .111 1111or '. The sky gets darker.
Freya You said you'd makc 1i111<. Freya feels a sharp kick.
Sarah I know but things ch;111gc· :111cl ou're alright Freya Ow!
aren't you? Your ... pi<'11i<.
Clutches her stomach.
A Young Man, dirty and sweaty, runs up to Fn·ya l!,mbs her arm.
Jasmine is in the street, unhappy, in the rain. Tom is fallowing her.
Young Man Please! Please. Please. J > ll':1st',
Jasmine It was basically rape.
Sarah Everything's just gone a l>if 111:id here.
Tom What?
Young Man My kid. My kid's in tro11l>l<'
Jasmine What you did. Bit like rape or something.
Freya Yeah, everything's gone a hit 1n;1d here too.
Sarah Got to go. Tom No it wasn't, you had a good time. I didn't
plan it like-
She hangs up.
Jasmine So you took the pictures because-
Young Man He's in hospital, I've just fo11ncl out, I need
the bus fare to get down the road, I don't Tom You took the pictures. You suggested it. I was
have any ... change ... I'm sorry, I'm really just hoping to persuade you to talk to your
in a hurry. Shit. Shit. sister, but then when you wouldn't and I had
the pictures on my phone -
Freya How old is he?
Jasmine Nol no no
Young Man What?
Tom I realised I could do something.
Freya Your kid.
Young Man Seven. He fell over at school I think, I- Jasmine Have you ever even been there?
Freya And you dropped everything and ran. Tom What?
Young Man Yeah- Jasmine To ... You know.

She reaches in her pocket - pulls out the fiver. Tom Eritrea.
Freya It's all I've got. I was going to get lunch. Jasmine Yeah. You ever actually been there?
Here. Tom I want to but I'd have to fly so-

Jasmine Right so, your family? Sh11t up. Never met Mrs Andrews Aye.
them. Are you so, 1· ? What you did Steve You know why?
to me?
Mrs Andrews I stay out of his business. You'd best talk to
Tom I tried three times to talk you about it him. If you're sensible, and you might be,
instead, but you just sliout<.'cl m down, get you might not be, I don't know, but if you
another drink, walk away. So no I'm not are, you'll not cross him.
sorry, you didn't leave 111c a choice.
Steve Why not?
She pushes him away and storms off, leaving him i11 llifi street.
Mrs Andrews takes a towel and begins unfolding it.
Mrs Andrews is sorting through table cloths. Steve tolhs to her. The
clock strikes four o'clock. Mrs Andrews Because, Mr Sullivan, while I'll admit you
don't look stupid, whilst I'll concede you
Steve How much longer is he going to he? seem to have some kind of brain, you're no
Mrs Andrews He'll be home soon. gemus.
Steve I could help if you like? With that? Steve And he is?
Mrs Andrews Go and stand over there. Mrs Andrews Yes.
Steve does as he's told. Steve A genius?
Steve You were here when my wife visited. Mrs Andrews Aye.
Steve What does that even mean?
Mrs Andrews In the day, yes.
The door bursts open and Robert Crannock enters. A seventy-year
Steve What was she like?
old man, in a raincoat, and holding a small wind turbine.
Mrs Andrews I don't know. She was polite, she was like a Robert A person of extraordinary intellect and
young lady. I hope you know bett<. r than me. talent.
Beat. A person who has great influence over
Steve T hey talked. another. Take this.
Mrs Andrews All night I believe. He gives the turbine to Steve.
Steve Whal about? A wise man. A shaman. A prophet.
Mrs Andrews You think I was in there listening? I stayed at Mrs Andrews shuts the door and gives him the towel on cue.
my sister's. Mrs Andrews Mr Crannock.
A pause. Steve I'm sorry to just -
Steve You know he hasn't seen his t hildren in Robert Shh. I've had the data, had that for a while,
years. but now you're here in person, now I'm
no l\:11 tliquakcs in London Act Two 61
looking at you ... you don't work too hard, Steve Not really.
that's clear, a sense of humour but nothing
Robert Not really? You arc or you're not.Where did
with edge. You used to be a sportsman.
you sleep?
Cricket?
Steve On the sofa.
Skvc Football.
Robert Robert We don't have a spare bed do we?
Football.Ha! But that's been dropped.Your
shirt's a bit tight round th side , you've put Mrs Andrews No.
on weight recently. You like things to be Robert Flirting! Look at her.There isn't a bed, there
simple . Fish fingers and chips . Don't like
you have it, straight from the horse's mouth
posh food . You're that sort of man. Yes?
- no offence Mrs A - and you didn't call
Chicken nuggets and pizza . Ketchup.Beans.
ahead, so it looks like you're on the sofa
Children's food. You haven't cut your
again tonight .
fingernails properly, tells me you're self
employed . Yes? Good . Steve If we can just talk now I can get going, I
So? Me? don't-
Robert I work hard, you can see this I work all day
Come on Steve. Who am Iii /\111 I what you
expected? I've got things to do. I'm very busy.
Steve You're lonely. But I knew tli:1t :ilr<'ady. Steve I've come all the way here -
Robert Oooh. Killer. But no actu;dl . 1101 so lonely. Robert So make the most of it there's hotels -
Mrs Andrews keeps me (0111p.1ny. She's a scenery.A loch nearby, a castle.
blessing . Problem is.She low� 111<'. Steve I'm here because of Freya .
Mrs Andrews Robert I know Steve, I know why you're here .
Robert Those eyes. I tell her, Mrs /\11d It ws, it's not Steve She said this about you .
you, it's your age. It's proliil>ii i t'. I know
why you're here. Robert What?
Steve Good . Steve That you get angry quickly.
Robert And I'm not interested, crnild'v(' told you Robert She told me about you too.
over I he phone. Now this ... Steve Did she?
Robert pours himsel/o dm1h. Robert About the problems .
Is :i <'1 fine single malt. 'l1011lcl I be Steve What problems?
chi11ki11g al my age, at tl1i 1i111t· in the
Robert Exactly.
af't<-1 110011, you're thinki11g \,111'1c not a
whis , , d, inker are you S1t·v,? Have you made up your mind?
Steve What about? Jasmine Two please.

Robert Are you a drink<'I' of \ •Id (' ? Barman One for you and one for ...
Steve Alright. Jasmine The sheer hell of it. Come on ...
Robert You are? She reads his name badge.
Steve Yeah, I'll have rnic. Paul.
Paul! This is urgent.
Robert Good. I need to get off my face ...
Steve
Jas�ine hits the bar suddenly.
Robert Good boy. Bettt·,·. Come on!
Doing better. The Barman pours Jasmine her shots. Freya follows the two mothers
He pours one. Gives it to Steve. to a picnic, listening to 'Happiness' by Goldfrapp. The sky is clouding
over, getting darker.
There.
Meanwhile, Carter is waiting in the street. Sarah approaches him,
They drink. windswept, and unhappy.
Steve It's good. I'm late I kno w. Long day. Where are we
Sarah
Robert Mine is. You've got the cheap stuff. going?
It is late and overcast now. Dark. Wi11dy. Carter Don't you have an umbrella?
Jasmine arrives at a bar. A Barman comes over: Sarah Clearly not.
Jasmine I want the strongest drink. Carter This way.
Barman I'm sorry? They go off, under his umbrella.
Jasmine The most alcoholic drink you sell. The group of mothers in black with black prams and sunglasses appear
again. They dance and sing, holding their wrapped up babies,
Barman Look, it's only five. showing them to each other, drinking their coffee and ignoring Freya.
Jasmine Are you a clock? They sing and dance to 'Happiness' by Goldfrapp.
Barman What? Freya watches them, and tries to take part.
Jasmine Cos you look like a barman, you work in a After a while Freya takes a headphone out and speaks to them.
bar, but you're telling me the time. It's quite
simple, I want to get as drunk as I can, as Freya Excuse me?
quickly as possible, so - Mothers Yes?
Barman Absinthe. Freya I'm here for the picnic.
The Mothers look her up and down. S1111!(1 111 ,, /ollf way. Mothers We do what we can.
Mothers Not being fun ny but - Freya Yes but-
Freya Okay. Mothers Charity work. Every T hursday. Primrose
Hill. We carbon offset holidays.
Mothers Yeah.
Freya My baby's kicking. You know.
Freya But that's not enough, an d if it's not enough,
Mothers How sweet!
then what's the point.
Freya Not in a good way.
Aaaahhh!
Mothers Ahhhh.
She clutches her belly again. They look at her for a moment, more
Freya Do you worry about the future? serious now, almost threatening. They stand, wielding their children,
Mothers Not really. almost like weapons.
Freya What might happen ? Freya (over singing) Call me an ambulance.
Mothers No. Please.
Freya What might happen to your children? Please!
Mothers Hen ry's very bright, he's already readin g. The singing continues.
He'll go in to hedge funds Then they slowly encircle her.
Or a surgeon . She is scared but has nowhere to go.
Somethin g like that.
The women throw the babies up in the air.
Freya How was the birth?
They explode into black powder, like soot or dust, that covers
Mothers Natural. everyone, and is blown about by the wind.
Freya How do you manage with it all? The music continues as the women disappear, Freya falls to the floor,
Mothers Easily. and the lights fade.
Freya Non e of you got down about it? End of Act Two.
None of you felt your child was a ...
Mothers A?
Freya A mistake?
Mothers No. God. No.
Freya And what about people who are poorer
than you?
Act Three 67
Act Three Robert Quite a lot actually. If you do this sort of

work it's clear that releasing huge quantities
Prologue of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere at
1973 such a high altitude will cause heat to be
reflected rather than released, potentially
Roy, Daniel and Robert.
causing rising temperatures and -
Roy and Daniel are looking through a few sheets of paper. Roy is
Roy No.
smoking.
Robert.
Robert It's just a preliminary document.To give you Hang on.
some idea of the way it's going. With respect.
All that you've just said, that tells you a lot.
Roy We understand what it is. It tells us very little.
Robert So you know where it's headed. I thought it We wondered if there was any way you
would be good to get your ... views. could make them meaningful to us.
At this stage. Robert
Roy You think this is what will be in the final· Roy If there was a way the report could focus on
report. something that we can understand. Because
if there was. A clearer focus.
Robert The way it's going yes.
T his could be the start of a very fruitful
Roy You can't imagine that they'll be any ... relationship.
surprises.
Robert Yes but this is -
Daniel New factors.
Roy As we spoke about.
Roy New factors yes, still to come.
Robert Right.
Robert I can't see how there would be no.
Roy Perhaps it's a question of how you present
Roy Right. Can't see how there would be. it.
Daniel Hmm. Perhaps it's as simple as that?
Roy Because the thing is, these aren't really the Robert
results we were expecting. Daniel Or maybe you need some more resources.
Daniel They're not meaningful. To see things clearly.
Is that what we're talking about?
Roy Meaningful. Are we talking about resources?
Exactly. Or should we discuss the fee?
What do they tell us? Robert It's not about money ...
68 Earthquakes in London Act Three 69
Daniel Of course. Mad Bitch

Daniel writes on a piece of paper. The evening. Dark.
He passes it across. Robert reads it. . Freya is at the reception of a hospital. She meets Maryna, a Polish
I think you should keep going. There's six cleaner, who is playing 'I Am Not A Robot' on a tinny radio.
months before the final report. That's a long Freya You have to help me.
time. Anything could happen.
Maryna Nie potrafie mowie po angielsku (I don't
understand English).
Freya It's hurting. It's really - Ow!
A Receptionist comes over.
Maryna J estem tulko sprazatacza, I idz ee znajdz
lekarza (I'm just the cleaner, go I and talk
to a doctor.)
Freya This is a hospital you have I to help me.
Receptionist Alright . ..
Maryna She says it hurts.
Receptionist I can see that.
Maryna looks Freya in the eyes.
Maryna Po burzy zawsze slonce przychodzi (After
the storm, the sun always comes).
Receptionist Thank you Maryna, I'll deal with it.
Maryna picks up her mop and watches.
Now what's your name?
Freya I'm not telling you my name.
Receptionist You can't be treated until we I have some
information -
Freya I'm pregnant. You have to treat me.
Receptionist Let's just start with a I name, can you give
me a
Freya I pay my taxes, the whole point is you treat Jasmine Never is these days. She's got a reception till
me so treat me I don't want to talk to you, nine, then a late meeting, checked with her
where's the doctor? secretary, went over, had an argument today,
Receptionist You will see a doctor, I'm just trying to get so I know.
some details. How I long have you been - Colin You went to her work?
Freya I'm not telling you anything, I don't like you, Jasmine I'm not interested in her anyway that's not
I'm in pain. It's kicking so hard. Ow! why I'm here.
Receptionist How many weeks? She looks at the house.
Freya I hated it when you moved. That was my
house. I loved that place. But this is so ...
Receptionist How many weeks? House and Garden. Yeah ... none of my
Freya Let me in! mates are around got exams or whatever so
I thought you'll be on your own and you
Dr Tim comes in. could probably do with a laugh so I brought
Dr Tim Is there a problem? a bottle of tequila. And a spliff or two, or
three.
Maryna I think you should let her in.
Colin I don't really smoke illegal drugs, it's sort of
Jasmine is knocking on Colin's front door. frowned on for -
Colin Alright! Jasmine You should.
As the receptionist takes Freya into the hospital, Maryna watches, Colin For husbands of government ministers.
then walks away. Jasmine You should, given everything that's
A baby is crying somewhere. The rhythmic sound of a heart beat. happened to you.
Colin answers the door. Colin A drug habit? Right.
Jasmine I'm wet as fuck. Jasmine You lost your job.
Colin It's not a good time. Colin I'll find something else.
Jasmine Jasmine To take?

Can I come in or what?
Colin Colin A job.
What?
Jasmine You probably wanted kids but she's past it
Jasmine Funny. now.
She walks past him into the house. Colin' Not really.
Colin She's not back till late. Jasmine No she is, well past it, trust me.
Colin I mean we don't want kids. She pours two shots of tequila.
Jasmine The house must feel empty, with you here, Bad things are happening. Let's stick our
on your own all day. heads in the sand.
She lights a cigarette. They drink.
Colin You can't smoke inside, you know that. Sarah is in a restaurant with Carter.
Jasmine She isn't here. Carter For me, a restaurant is never about who will
be here, but who certainly won't. And there
So. Why can't you get a job? Too old is it?
are a lot of people who certainly won't be
Colin In their terms, and I've never been one of here. The wine's excellent, the meat isn't
the city boys really. Never done that stuff. local which in London is a good thing, the
service is eight out of ten. The cheese. Well,
Jasmine What stuff?
the cheese is something to write home about.
Colin Cars, booze, coke. Dear mother I have just tasted the most
delightful cambozolla -
Jasmine Strippers.
She gives him the sheets of paper.
Colin Exactly. Strippers. God.
Oh.
A moment.
Straight to business. Thank you.
And you're right, it's not been the easiest of
months for her either, so she tends to take it Sarah Why don't you tell me what they are?
out on ... well ...
Carter Well. They are ... results. Of some tests.
Jasmine You. Photocopies of the originals I think. It's a
preliminary report by Robert Crannock ...
Colin People. your father yes?
Jasmine You. It's all got a bit bleak recently, hasn't it? Sarah Why did you send them?
Colin Why are you here? Carter Me?
Jasmine I'm your fairy godmother. No I didn't send them. I don't know
She offers him a cigarette. anything about them.
Colin I don't smoke. The waiter comes over and pours some wine. Sarah drinks straight
away.
Jasmine If you're gonna have a mid life crisis, better
have a fucking good one. It won't kill you. Sarah Alright well, why might someone ...
He takes one. She lights it. Carter Why might someone have sent them?
7'1 l\arthquakes in London Act Three 75
Sarah Exactly, yes, let's irnagilu'. Sarah smiles.

Carter Well these are signed by your father, the Sarah Yes.
results of a project he did for the largest
airline in the UK, oh hang on that's my .Carter Yes?
company isn't it? Yes I remember this, a Sarah You're right. The public should know. I'll
project over twenty years to investigate give the report to the press in the morning.
whether emissions from aircraft would have
any lasting impact on the environment. Now Carter You will.
this report seems to suggest that clearly, yes. Sar�h Absolutely. And thank you, because th.is is a
Yes. lovely restaurant, the wine is delicious, and
A huge impact . especially for this, because I think my father
deserves whatever he gets.
These emissions would prove disastrous, for
the world. Carter Really?
Sarah Right. That's what he thinks. Sarah You should've done your research. I hate
him.
Carter But that wasn't his conclusion Sarah. Not at I'm more than happy to disown him publicly.
the time . Any excuse.
For twenty years, his public reports said the
So sorry, John - no more runways.
opposite. That burning fuel, and carbon
emissions, would have little or no effect. It was She drinks frorn the wine.
one of the main factors in the expansion of
the industry. So the question we ... sorry. Carter I like the way you hold the glass. By the
Not me. The question you have to ask stem.
yourself is why would he do that? For twenty It's impressive. You're wasted.
years. Sarah Not yet.
When he knew the truth. Why would he lie? Carter In politics, I meant.
Of course, everyone makes mistakes, we Carter takes the papers off her.
don't mind it took him twenty years to work
it out, but if it were revealed that he knew all You'll forgive the attempt? This sort of thing
the tirne ... in green circles he's a god ... if normally works on politicians. They get
this came out, his reputation would collapse. scared. Because most politicians are geeks, as
you know Sarah. That's why they're so ugly.
And you're his daughter. Perhaps it would
rub off on you. The waiter arrives again.
I presume he was paid. I wonder how much? But you.
You're not ugly at all. You're ... striking. Or wait till it was born and hide it or bury it
Intelligent. So what arc you doing? or something. Maybe I will. I thought this
was civilised. I thought I had rights.
What do you want?
Tim We are civilised. You do have rights. But at
Sarah What do I want?
this stage, so does your daughter. Is
Carter To eat. someone picking you up?
Sarah Oh. Freya I'm on my own. There isn't anyone. I'm
staying here. I need to stay here.
Carter I've done my best. It didn't work.
So, let's relax now, eat, drink. Tim We don't have room.
Freya Sign a piece of paper and it's done - what?
Enjoy ourselves. Make a night of it.
Let's talk like men do. Tim What's really the matter?
The sound of a baby in the womb. Freya I keep on telling you, there's something
wrong.
A young doctor, Tim, is standing with Freya.
Tim Not with the baby?
Tim We've run all the tests. I'm pleased to say,
it's perfectly healthy. Freya I was out all day, I saw so many people and
none of them cared. Are you a good doctor?
Freya I've been smoking. And drinking. I fell
over in the bath. Tim Are you a good patient?
Tim She's fine. Freya Good patients would tell you their names.
Freya Other mothers aren't like this. Tim I'm Tim.

Tim Women often go through many feelings, Freya Hello.
but when you give birth - Tim Hello Freya.
Freya You should get rid of it. The baby. Before Oh, you know.
Freya
it's too late. Ow!
Tim Found your wallet in your bag. Now all we
Tim It's not possible. need is an address.
Freya You do it all the time. Good hands.
Freya
Tim Not in these circumstances. She's too
Tim Thanks.
advanced.
Freya I bet you keep your girlfriend happy.
Freya If I was a cave woman, I could do it myself.
Punch myself in the stomach. Tim Boyfriend actually.
Freya Boyfriend right, I b t you wouldn't leave These are the questions.
him by himself if he was having a baby. Point is, you don't know.
What do you do Steve?
Tim Hard to say.
· Steve I'm sure she mentioned it.
Freya I'm not very happy at the moment. Brave
face, but I'm struggling. You should let me Robert Of course, but - I want you to be proud of
stay. it, Steve. I want you to declare it.
Tim Freya I can't unless you're in for a ... Do you Steve I'm a writer.
want to see her? You're a writer. Good. Of?
Robert
Freya Who?
Steve Books. Sort of trivia books.
Tim Your daughter. Sort of trivia books. That's right. What sort
Robert
Freya No. of trivia books?
Tim If you see her, you can stay the night. That's Steve For the Christmas market mainly, they're like
the deal. stocking fillers.
Tim smiles. Robert And what do they like, fill the stocking with.
What are they called?
Freya You're just like my husband.
Steve The latest one was 'Fifty Shit Things About
Tim In what way? Britain'.
Freya He's always smiling too, like nothing's Robert Fifty Shit Things About Britain. Wow.
wrong. Steve. Wow. That's what you think? That
She winces with pain. Britain's shit.
Steve looks, very seriously, at Robert. Steve Yeah, nothing to be proud of really.
Steve It's a nice house. Robert Well I don't know, there's always your book.
Robert Jealous. Steve We're working on a sequel actually, for this

year.
Steve Not really.
Robert Another Fifty Shit Things About Britain?
Robert Small flat you've got. She finds it
claustrophobic. Steve Fifty Shitter Things About Britain.
Steve Is that what she said? They sell very well.

The first bought the flat.
Robert What do you think? Is she happy? With the
house? Is she happy? With you? This one's for Emily.
80 Earthquak s in London Act Three 81
Robert Emily? Steve Okay.

Steve Robert Good. Now, tell me why Britain's so shit.
Robert Tell me some of your shi1 things. Jasmine and Colin have wine and are quite stoned.
Steve Look, this isn't the point, I'm not here to Jasmine I feel so fucking aimless Colin, I want to go
chat- where I want, do what I like, spend money,
Robert I want to shout all the time. Cos it's bullshit,
Why not? Are you staying? Tonight?
just everyone, isn't it? Pushing emails
Steve You said a hotel. around, shall we meet? Shall we have a pre
Robert meet? How about Thursday? I'm busy
There isn't one, and it's terrible anyway. Stay
T hursday, well how about we meet to work
here.
out when's good, let's pencil that in, fucking
Steve No. about on facebook, events, messages,
Robert Why not? Scared? profiles, pretending to have friends, and I
don't mind but none of it's achieving
Steve It doesn't feel right. anything, it's one big 'general meeting', just
Robert chatter, and when it all fucks up, which it
What does that mean, 'doesn't feel right'?
will, just statistically, historically, when it all
Steve To stay under your roof. goes pear shaped, they'll be full of regrets. 'I
Robert You don't know me. should've slept with him, I should've gone
there, done that while I had the chance'.
Steve I know what you did to them. And I never want regrets Colin so while I still
Robert can I'm gonna fuck some shit up.
What I did to them. I didn't do anything. I
said things. I told them the truth. Did Colin I've never done that.
something, sounds like you're implying I hit
them. Jasmine What?
Steve No. Colin Fucking ... shit ... or ...
Robert Or fucked them something like that. You're Jasmine Oh Colin.

not implying something like that are you? Colin I've found for the sake of dignity it's better to
Steve stay away from the ... shit.
Of course not.
Robert Jasmine We have to sort you out.
Then watch your fucking language.
Colin lets out a long strange depressing sigh.
Choose better words.
Sarah and Carter in a bar - more relaxed now.
Stay.And we'll talk.We'll find the time. Later
on. Yes? Cocktails and a night time view over London.
Sarah I have a fundamental belief in the role of But alright o quality of life, that's not a
government. I'm very clear about that. factor either, because there are important
Carter Sarah, it's wonderful your clarity. things you care about. I understand. Targets,
limits, carbon trading, an international
Sarah And we're very different you and me. agreement. How's all that going by the way?
Carter Cos these days I don't hear so much about it.
Different in many ways, I'm not denying
that, I'm simply saying that with your skills, Sarah There's a lot of momentum to get something
contacts, your background, you don't know done.
how much you're worth. Carter Momentum.
Sarah I'm not interested in money. Yes... . I know I know alright.
Sarah
Carter A thousand a day, possibly more. Sarah grabs a waiter.
Sarah It's not what motivates me. Can I get another Mojito?
Carter I know I know, okay, but the improved He goes.
quality of life that's something else. I spend. Carter Come on Sarah, you like things to happen.
my evenings with my children. Do you You know really that the solution will lie
spend your evenings with your children? in utilising the market. Technology and
Sarah I don't have any children. innovation.
Carter You don't have any children alright, do you Sarah Carbon ingesting algae you mean?
see much of your husband? Carter Carbon-
Sarah Enough. Sarah An orbiting umbrella.
Carter Enough? Carter Sarah, you're being I naughty.
He smiles - you see? Sarah No no, my favourite-turning the moon into
a huge solar panel.
Sarah We're going through a ... thing at the
moment it's not ... oh. Carter That's kind of how innovation works. It's new?
If people will pay, the world will change, fast.
Carter This is what I mean. The internet existed for ten years, no one
Sarah Fuck. What am I doing? I'm telling you had it, but as soon as it could do adverts it
about my marriage why am I telling you went in every home.
about that? Jesus. Shut up Sarah. Sarah The environment is longer term, less
Carter We're just talking. quantifiable, without government incentivising
industry there won't I be any commercial
Sarah drinks her Mojito. activity.
Carter Sarah, Sarah! You cou Id be doing so much Sarah You mean ...
more than incentivising. This is what I'm
saying. There aren't many people around Carter Come to us in the new year.
like you. If you were in business you could Sarah I thought we were talking theoretically.
solve environmental issues right now, you
could save lives and build economies and Carter No.
you could do it quickly. And then after work Sarah You want me to work for you.
you'd go home to your big house, your
happy husband, and do what you like. Carter Well actually Sarah, if you came across, I
Concerts, painting, cooking. would be working for you.
Sarah I used to like cooking. She looks at him.
Carter What's your husband's name? Proper salary, resources, investment,
whatever you want. An expense account.
Sarah Colin. Leading the field. Clean up the industry,
Carter Colin? Right. Colin? from the inside. You tell us what to do.
They both smile. Sarah This is an offer?
Right. Carter A great big offer. You get what you want.
Sarah He's an amazing man. Sarah Yes.
Carter I'm sure he is. Carter And so do we.
Sarah But when I come in these days he just looks They look at each other.
at me.
Sarah You're a clever boy.
Carter Because you're killing yourself with this half
arsed government when you're capable of so She drinks. This is the deal.
much more. He knows it. I know it. Carter The things you could do Sarah. So much
Sarah Well ... bigger than planes and runways.
We'll have to wait and see. Robert, Steve and Mrs Andrews are having dinner.
Carter Wait for what? Robert Did you fly here Steve?
Sarah The next election, see where we are. Steve I didn't have much choice.
Carter That could be three years. Robert looks at him.
Sarah Slowly slowly - Robert You haven't read my books have you?
Carter Why wait? Steve I had a look today, while I was waiting.
H(i Earthquakes in London Act Three 87
Robert You had a look? that if he needs to do that then there's much
Steve bigger issues at stake.
A skim, yes.
Robert Steve Like what?
They aren't difficult, even Mrs Andrews
managed them. Robert Like not what I said to her.
Steve Your books aren't why I'm here. Steve Okay.
Robert Mrs Andrews, let me explain. Steve is Robert But why she won't talk to you. Why you're
worried about his wife. Now I haven't sneaking up here without telling her.
spoken to any of my daughters for twenty Steye I need to know what's happening.
years. They don't like me, they're doing their
own things - My eldest is the environment Robert I'm in two minds as to what to say, Mrs
secretary. My youngest. is at university. And Andrews. Steve's come all this way. But do I
Freya. What she does I don't know. She's betray the trust of my daughter, and get
pregnant, does that count? involved or do I keep my mouth shut, for
once?
Steve She's a teaching assistant.
They look at each other.
Robert Yes, she helps deaf children or something,
but quite strangely one evening, Steve got The problem is Steve, that it is, in fact, all
home and found his wife had gone. Where? about my books. If you want an answer,
Well he eventually discovered that she had you'll have to understand some science.
got on a train and come up to Scotland, to You'll have to listen. And it won't be
humorous. It's very interesting, but there
talk to her dad. And yes. We spoke. You gave
aren't any laughs. Can you deal with that?
her fruit cake.
Mrs Andrews Aye. Steve Go on.
Robert Everything in the planet is co-dependent. It
Robert Very appropriate in retrospect, because after
exists in ever changing, ever evolving
she got home, she wouldn't tell her husband
balance much like a gigantic organism itself.
what we spoke about. He knew where she'd
Did you get that far with the books?
been, but Freya refused to talk. She wouldn't
even say why she went in the first place. I Steve Yes I I did.
presume she's become unhappy. Confused. Robert Species live and die and evolve and the
Steve She hardly leaves the flat anymore, she cries planet evolves too through cycles of hot and
at night. cold and responding to the demands of life,
and life responds to the demands of the
Robert Right, so then even more strangely, Steve planet. But the problem is I
decides to fake a business trip and come and
talk to me himself. Not realising of course Mrs Andrews Global warming.
Robert You see, there's a keen brain under all that switches on the heating. She brings in new
Global warming, yes. You know how that material to eat or drink, and she removes the
works. Of course you do. You've seen Blue waste when I'm done. She cleans the air and
Peter. And people draw their graphs, they the ground and she regulates my life, don't
show the rise in temperature, they show a you? We are symbiotic, she would not exist
small but steady rise, they say it can be without me. I couldn't live without her.
limited, you know by how much? Steve Right.
Steve A couple of degrees? Robert But she's very unhappy at the moment
Robert Two degrees yes, as long as we recycle, do Steve. Because when the population is
you recycle Steve? doubled like this, her systems are stretched.
The house gets hotter, quicker, food and
Steve Yes. drink are consumed at twice the rate, the
Robert And insulate our homes, I expect you've floor is twice as dirty. She's under pressure,
done that too. but is there a steady increase in her
anger? Can you detect a slow rise in her
Steve Looked into it -
temperament? No. She's stable, she's
Robert Of course you have I'm sure you've got a bag holding it together. But there will come a
for life, and all that makes you feel better I day, if you stay too long Steve, when the
know but it's a complete waste of time system's been stretched too far, and she'll
because the global climate has never been snap. Suddenly she'll take away your sofa,
interested in two degree anything. If we look she'll hide the food, leave the heating on,
at geological records of historical climate steal your phone and spit in your drink,
change, the onset of the last ice age for she'll do everything in her power to remove
instance, we see there is no steady climb, no the problem. To remove you. And she'll
year-by-year increase. There is in fact a succeed Steve, you'll be gone, because she's
relatively stable climate system, and then stronger than any of us.
something happens, the system is stretched We were part of system, a relationship, and
and in a moment, it collapses and changes, we abused it. The world will be fine in the
in hundreds not thousands of years. You end, and it knows what it wants. It wants to
understand? get rid of us.
Steve Mrs Andrews The end of humanity.
Robert Let's imagine this house is a planet. What Steve looks at them.
regulates the climate?
Steve Can we get back to Freya?
Steve The thermostat?
Robert ' You don't believe me?
Robert Mrs Andrews. When the house is too hot
she opens windows, when it's too cold she Steve I don't see how it's relevant.
Robert The end of humanity not relevant? She pokes him.

Steve To what we're talking about, no. Pokes him again.
Robert Mrs Andrews. He doesn't believe me. .Keeps on poking him.
You think I'm a strange old man. Poke poke.
A pause. He looks at her.
Robert stands up, goes to Steve, grabs him. Then he stands up.
Robert Up. What?
Steve What?
What?
Robert We're going .
Have I pissed you off now?
Steve Where?
Goes to the CD player. Picks a CD. Puts it on.
Robert The end of humanity. We're going to see it.
What are you doing?
Jasmine and Colin are smoking a spliff
The Arcade Fire - 'Rebellion (Lies)'. It plays.
Jasmine I'm not wearing underwear.
What's this?
I never do.
Colin Arcade Fire.
Colin Uncomfortable.
Jasmine Okay, yeah I remember them.
Jasmine It makes life that bit more exciting. You
should try it. Colin is standing moving a bit.
Colin I don't think it's the same with men. Colin Freya gave it to me one Christmas.
Colin stares. Axed. Empty. Used to play it in the car.
Nothing for a moment. Colin starts to dance to it, very awkwardly. He knows the words, but
Jasmine looks at him. is not used to moving his body.
He's blank. Jasmine Oh.

Jasmine Colin! My.
What's gonna change? God.
She pokes him. Colin You like it?
Come on!!! Jasmine Er ... I ...
What's happening!? Jasmine is amazed.
Colin dances. Every time you close your eyes

Lies, lies!
Yeah.
Every time you close your eyes
Colin sings along, loudly now. Lies, lies!
'Sleeping is giving in, Every time you close your eyes.
no matter what the time is. Jasmine You're mental!
Sleeping is giving in,
so lift those heavy eyelids. Colin Every time you close your eyes.
Every time you close your eyes.
People say that you'll die Every time you close your eyes.'
faster than without water.
But we know it's just a lie, He lets himself go completely.
scare your son, scare your daughter.' Freya and Tim. The music playing underneath.
As he goes he grows in confidence, he starts to let go. There is a kind Freya She's not kicking anymore.
of beauty to it. She seems happy. I think she likes you.
Jasmine is laughing and smoking. She smiles.
Carter pays for the drinks at the bar. Maybe she could be a doctor, do something good.
Carter You look different Sarah. He smiles.
Sarah What? Tim Back in a minute.
Carter You look younger. He goes out.
Sarah smiles. Carter and Sarah are outside in the rain under an umbrella.
Colin dances with things in the room. Bashes around. Starts to go Colin People try and hide the night.
crazy. No ironic moves. He means it. Underneath the covers.
People try and hide the lie.
He pulls Jasmine up. Dances with her, sings to her. She can't believe Underneath the covers.
it.
Come and hug your lovers
'People say that your drearns Underneath the covers.
are the only things that save ya. Come and hug your lovers
Come on baby in our dreams,
we can live on misbehaviour. Underneath the covers.
Every time you close your eyes Hide it from your brothers.
Lies, lies! Underneath the covers.
Every time you close your eyes Come and hug your lovers
Lies, lies! Underneath the covers.
Carter There's a fifty. For the ab. Steve Doesn't feel warm right now.
Sarah It won't be that much. Robert Well exactly, how could you know it was the
Carter Buy something for your husband. air temperature? If you want to understand
these things, you have to look at the entire
Sarah smiles, gets in a cab and drives off through the city. system, the mountains, the animals, the air,
Colin continues to dance and mime along with the words. the sea, it's infinitely complicated Steve, but
that's what I do, I sit in that shed and I try to
Colin 'People say that you'll die
see the future.
faster than without water,
but we know it's just a lie, Steve Just you and your shed.
scare your son, scare your daughter,
Robert Every model suggests things are going to be
Jasmine is going as mad as he is. They dance close worse than anyone imagines. I've seen
Scare your son, scare your daughter. something terrible,
Scare your son, scare your daughter.' Steve You're the only one who's noticed.
She kisses him suddenly. Robert People say they want the truth - facts, and
He stops her. Stands back. figures, but actually they want to be told it
can be avoided, with minimum effort. When
They look at each other as the music continues to play. Neville Chamberlain came back from Hitler.
Jasmine sits. Relights the spliff He said he had a peace treaty, said he could
trust this obviously evil man. Why did he
Colin listens to the music a bit, then fades it down and switches it off believe it? Why did we believe it? Because we
We hear the sound of the storm outside. had to, or we'd be facing untold horrors.
Always Steve, faith will come before truth.
Robert is walking with Steve up to a tree.
That's who we are.
Robert There's a nest in this tree. Redwings,
Steve Freya's read your books, she knows what you
beautiful patterning. They were the reason
think, so why did she come all the way up
I moved here. I found the birds, bought the
house nearby. here?
Steve I'm asking about I Freya. Robert They all know what I think. Best way to
reduce the carbon footprint?
Robert The birds were endangered and climate
Steve What?
change was the cause apparently. So I
thought, they will be my barometer. Like the Robert No foot. You want to be green?
ravens in the tower, when they leave, it's
over. They said rising temperatures were
Steve Okay-
driving them elsewhere. What do you think?
Robert Hold your breath. Th planet can sustain Robert It's a I foetu
about one billion people. We currently have
six billion. So in the next hundred years it Steve We're calling h r Emily and I've no idea
will balance the books. You understand? what's going to happen, but she's there, and
growing, and she's my child too, not just
Steve I don't- Freya's, she's much more important than
Robert Five billion people wiped from the face of your theories ... your fucking birds.
the earth in a single lifetime. Mass migration Robert It's notjust theory I it's
away from the equator, world wars,
starvation ... Steve You had no right. No right to say that to her.
Steve And Freya- Robert It's the truth.
Robert Freya came to ask my advice about children. Steve You listen! To me.
Steve And what did you say? Robert The birds? You want to know about I the
birds?
Robert You have to understand-
Steve For once, you listen. You had no right to say
Steve W hat did you say? that to her. Do you understand?
Robert I told her that her child will regret she was Robert Steve!
ever born. Hate her mother for forcing her
into a terrible world. Steve No-
I told her to do whatever it takes. Robert The birds had gone before I even moved in.
I told her to kill it. Steve moves away, to avoid hitting him.
Steve looks at him. Horrified. Robert It's Weimar time, it's Cabaret, across the
Tim is operating the ultrasound on Freya. world . You feel it, we all do. We know there's
nothing to be done, so we're dancing and
We see a very blurred image. Of something. Faint sound of the womb. drinking as fast as we can. The enemy is on
Tim There. Can you see? its way, but it doesn't have guns and gas this
time, it has wind and rain, storms and
Freya No. earthquakes.
Tim Look. Steve Just shut up. I Shut up.
Freya I can't see anything. This isn't theory. This is death, this is loss and
Robert
Steve and Robert. pain. Freya's not the first to suffer, and she
Steve You told her to kill it. won't be the last.
Robert Yes. Steve She's beautiful and clever, but she's not
strong, she came up here for help. She
Steve Emily. wanted her dad to make her feel better.
Robert Then she came to the wrong person. And then you w ·nt out.
Steve What did she do? Aghh!
What did she do when you told her?
She hates you now.
Robert The world as it is, a disgrace.
The world as it will be, unbearable. On the screen is a very clear image of a foetus.
Steve I have to get back. I couldn't get through to Tim I've had a long day. I'm sorry.
her at home. She's gone somewhere. But look.
There she is.
Robert You can't get back now.
Things'll seem better.
Steve She might be killing my baby, so - She'll make a difference, won't she?
Steve leaves. When she's here.
Robert She had to know the truth. Freya Yes.
It's better it never lived.
She will.
Tim is still trying with the ultrasound.
She will make a difference.
Freya You aren't what you seem.
The foetus is on the screen. Kicking.
Tim I'm sorry?
Its mouth moves and we hear a small voice.
Freya I saw you. Through the glass. Talking to the
nurse. Ow! It's started again. Foetus Mummy?
Tim I just need to find the ... Freya It spoke.
Freya I teach deaf children at school. Part of my Tim What?
job.
Freya It moved its mouth.
Tim Really?
Tim It's just -
Freya Means I lip read.
Freya No. I lip read. It's speaking.
Tim Oh.
Foetus Mummy?
Freya Mad bitch.
Waste of time. Mummy?
Then you both laughed. Help.
Tim It was a joke.
Help me.
Freya No. It's what you think. And it doesn't
Sound of the womb getting louder and louder.
matter except I thought you were the good
thing, you were the last glimmer. Sounds like an earthquake.
100 Earthquakes in London
Mummy? Act Four

Shaking. Prologue
The foetus turns its head to face us and screams. 1991
Blackout. Robert is watching television in the dark, drunk.
End of Act Three. A door opens onto a hall where bags are packed.
Interval. Sarah comes in.
Sarah I've packed enough for a week, for all of us,
but we'll have to come back for the rest at
some point, if you're serious about all this.
There's too much, there's all the baby things,
the nappies, the sheets, the toys, the bottle, I
mean I can't fit the cot in my car, we'll have
to get a van or something, I don't know, if
you're serious.
I don't know if you are serious but if you
mean what you said, I'm going right now.
Robert With you I tried.
Sarah What?
Robert Everyone had said if you have a child you'll
change, you'll know what to do, everything
will fall into place, and so I went into the
hospital on the day you were born and there
was your mum sat in the bed, and she gave
you to me, to hold, and I looked at you, and
I waited.
For that moment when I would feel like a
father.
The moment everyone spoke about, when I
would love you, completely, above anything
else. But it wasn't happening .
I looked over at your mum and she smiled.

It had happened for her.
102 Earthquakes in London Act Four 103
I looked down at you. The baby cries.

Still nothing. Robert Don't have child rcn.
Don't ever bring me grandchildren.
So I looked up at your mum and smiled
back, and right then, I started pretending. A He turns back into the room, facing away from the door.
few years later we had Freya, and Jasmine, We hear the ten-year-old Freya's voice.
and every moment, all the time, I wasn't a
father. I never felt it. Freya Daddy?
But now she's gone, now your mother's Robert Go away.
dead, there's no reason to pretend. She was Freya I found this dress. I think it was Mum's. Can
the one I loved.Just her. Yes. I'm serious. I have it? I like the flowers.
Sarah What work? Robert Don't touch a thing.
Robert What? Freya Daddy?
Sarah You said you had work to do, that you Robert Leave me alone.
needed to focus.
Freya Daddy?
Robert I've got to stop pretending.
Robert No!
Sarah looks at him. Very upset. Holding it in.
Freya I'm pregnant.
Sarah So every time you've hugged me and talked
to me at bedtime, and drove me to university Robert turns. Facing him is thirty-year-old Freya, pregnant, holding
the dress.
Robert Yes. What do I do?
Sarah All the hours we talked, all that was - Growing sound of white noise again, like a rumble, maybe like water,
building up into . . .
Robert You believed it at the time.
That's what mattered.
A baby is crying.
Sarah I left Jasmine with Freya.
Coldly, Sarah goes over and kisses Robert.
Robert You look like your mother. That's what I
can't deal with. You all look just like her.
Sarah exits, leaving the door open.
Thomas Hood Freya is crying, and texting, she IM ns against a wall and sinks down
to her knees. Peter taps her on the shoulder.
Early in the morning.
Peter Hello miss.
Light just on Freya in her hospital bed. She gets out of bed fully
dressed, and puts her bag on. 'Freya Oh/no.
She puts her headphones in and presses play, and sets out. Peter Was that you singing?
Maryna, the Polish cleaner from before, sees Freya and starts singing Freya You're supposed to be at home.
'/ Am Not a Robot' by Marina and the Diamonds. Peter I know but I got bored it's all box sets and
nothing in your flat, led me to a complete
Freya leaves the hospital with Maryna, and passes a group of men
feeling of apathy sat around like that, I see
smoking outside, Freya steals one.
what you meant now, so I thought I'd come
The man steals his cigarette back. and find you, you don't mind do you? You
Freya Oh. look terrible. Not being rude but you look
completely white. Like someone addicted to
Freya walks down the road into the city, with Maryna, and picking heroin. Or someone that's dead. What are
up some other commuters behind her. They walk with her, singing. you doing?
As Freya starts to become happier, the commuters stop and lift her Dark clouds appear. White noise.
up and around, as she sings. Freya Nothing. Leave me alone.
They put her down and they run - into Covent Garden! Various street She gets up and walks off, still texting.
performers appear, including a robot per[armer, a juggler, a few He waits for a moment, then fallows her.
tourists, and some kids. Freya plays with them all, hopscotch, eating
fruit from a stall, dancing with a waiter. The white noise turns into radio in a cab office. Steve is arguing with
Mrs Andrews.
Everyone dances. A marching band appears, some people dressed as
animals. People on TV in shop windows joining in. Everything Mrs Andrews Forty minutes
moving. Signs, shops, the sun! Steve No, I've been here all night, I'm not waiting
Huge lights, glitter from the ceiling, or a newspaper seller throws her any longer.
free papers in the air. Ushers dancing and singing in the audience. Mrs Andrews Well I'm sorry but they said the driver's on
his way and a Ford Focus only goes so fast in
Peter appears, looking for Freya. Everyone starts moving off, going this weather.
about their normal boring business. Maryna goes home.
Steve Ford Focus? Jesus.
The newspaper seller clears up her papers, slightly confused and
leaves. Mrs Andrews It's no bad thing you learn a lesson. You may
be worried, you may want to get home but
Freya starts to text on her phone.
you can't beat nature. You can't hold back
the tide.
I 06 Earthquakes in London Act Four 107
Steve Well we can. Sarah In the commercial sector:. I'll start in the
Mrs Andrews What? new year.
I was. Wrong. Colin.
Steve That's exactly what the Thames Barrier I'm sorry.
does. Stops the tide coming in. We build You come first.
tunnels, we fly, we go to the moon, of course
you can beat nature - Colin smiles.
Steve receives a text message. He reads it. What? That's funny?
We can do what we want, and right now I Colin You're going to work for a company?
want my fucking taxi. So. Sarah A multinational company, position on the
He looks up. board maybe. It pays well, the hours are
better.
Forty minutes, you're sure?
White noise. Colin You used to throw things.
Sarah I ... what?
Sarah has made break/ast in the kitchen.
Colin comes in. Colin You used to throw things through windows.
Sarah Late night? Sarah I'm sorry Colin you're not making sense.
Colin Can you not? Colin You'd bunk off work, go into town and shout
your lungs out. Protesting against whatever
Sarah I made some tea. it was, I'd come and pick you up round the
She puts it on the side. corner.
Colin Shouldn't you have gone by now? Sarah Well thankfully I've grown up so -
Sarah I want to talk. Colin Wearing those dresses, you used to get in the
car, your face would be red with shouting,
Colin I know I know, we made a mess, we'll tidy and your hair down, you'd have thrown
up. Don't worry, go. something at some bank, or the police and
Sarah I've made a decision. you'd jump in the car and say drive - just
Colin drive, and we'd speed off, like a film, in my
A decision?
Volvo.
Sarah I've had an offer.
Sarah You hated all that.
Colin Right ... you're ...
Colin At least we argued about things that
Sarah I'm going to resign. Take a new job. mattered.
Colin Look, I've got a headache. Now you want to be on the board.
Sarah I thought you'd be pleased. I thought Jasmine Dated. Suhsidcrnc, dry rot. Cracks
you'd at least talk to me about it. beginning to show. In desperate need of
Colin Look. redecoration.
Sarah What? ·Sarah I've done everything for you and you're .. .
Colin We hate each other. Jasmine Do you know what comes before part B?
Sarah I don't hate you. Sarah What?
They look at each other. Jasmine Part A!
It'sJasmine. Sarah For Christ's-
Colin No. Jasmine Come on that was funny.
Sarah She's been talking, making you like this, Sarah You're like Dad.Just like him.
while I'm the one mopping up, dealing with Jasmine Wouldn't know would I?
her fucking ...
Sarah Colin can we have a conversation ...
Colin Just fun.
Jasmine We should take you shopping today Colin,
Sarah Her vomit, I take her to the doctor, pay her find you some new clothes, sort you out,
rent, credit cards and - what do you think?
Colin It's notJasmine. Sarah's phone gets a text message. She picks up the phone, looks at it,
A moment. Sarah picks up the tea, offers it. puts it in her pocket - looks at Colin.
Sarah Are you going to drink your tea? Colin Good luck with your job.
Colin You should go.You'll be late. Sarah goes, upset.
Jasmine comes down, in her nightdress, smoking a cigarette. Jasmine We so got it on last night- alright, we didn't
exactly get it on but you were a bit frisky for
Jasmine Tea! Great. a minute or two- alright maybe you weren't
She takes it off Sarah and drinks. a bit frisky, but your heart was going like
bang bang bang, bang bang- alright maybe
Sarah You can put that outJasmine. You know not bang bang bang but-
not to smoke inside.
Colin I nearly told her I wanted a divorce.
Jasmine I'm not smoking.
Jasmine Oh.
Sarah This is my house.
Colin Just now.
Jasmine Yeah, it looks like you.
Jasmine Because of us? Cos you're great Colin but I
Sarah What? don't know if I want a proper relationship.
Colin Don't be stupid Jasmine. Robert Don't you think all f�1thers think this?
I'm serious.
Steve No, not all fathers. No.
Jasmine Robert
Colin So what do you think? Steve And anyway thi isn't the future, she's
Jasmine A divorce? Don't know. already there, thinking, learning. Sucking
her thumb, listening.
Jasmine's phone gets a text. She picks it up. Shrugs.
Robert You like things simple. I understand. Fair
Things change. enough. You don't want to think about it.
A hint of white noise. Jasmine reads her text. Robert laughs, sits down. The taxi beeps.
Steve, tired and unshaven, comes into the living room and picks up Do what you want. Not my problem
his bag. Robert is there. anymore.
Robert Did you call her? Steve picks up his bag, takes out a book and gives it to Robert.
Steve She's texted. She wants to meet. Steve My book.
Robert Good, she wants to meet. Good. Robert Your book.
Steve You're right she'll have a difficult life. Steve There's something on page thirty-seven
you'd recognise. It's about angry old men
Robert Freya? who think they're prophets and stand on
Steve Emily. She'll not have the things we had, street corners with signs, shouting at anyone
maybe. who walks past.
Robert That's right. Robert Fascinating.
Steve The world could be terrible. It could be. Steve They want the world to end when they do.
Robert Yes. Robert Really?
Steve But she'll be clever, like her mum, so that's Steve And they smell.
good, and she'll have a practical attitude Robert What?
which comes from me. An intuition.
Steve Because they're on their own, they smell, a
Robert This isn't the point Steve. bit, of piss.
Steve I think it is. The point. I really think it is. Don't get up.
Even if things do get difficult, really tough,
He leaves. Robert sits in the chair. White noise grows.
like you said, the world'll be better with her
in it. She'll add something special. Tom's phone rings. He's in his underwear, just woken up.
Sarah has arrived at work, and is trying to get through. Freya is walking down the street Jollo11wl by Peter, walking behind
her.
Simon The PM says half an hour this morning but
only if it's important. Peter Did you walk all th way here?
Sarah Say it's vital. Freya Yes.
Simon Are you sure? Peter Like Dick Whittington?
Sarah Use that word when you tell him. Freya What?
Simon I 'Vital'. Peter It's a pantomime.
Tom Hello? Freya I know what it is. I Jesus.
Sarah Peter I saw Dick Whittington at the Hexagon in

Tom. This is the secretary of state for
energy and climate change we spoke Reading.
yesterday, you came to visit. Freya Peter -
Tom How did you get my number? Peter It had Les Dennis in it. It was a bit
embarrassing all round I thought. But
Sarah I've been thinking about what you said and' anyway in that he walks to London and
I wondered if you'd be around for lunch. becomes Mayor. Maybe you'll become Mayor.
Tom Lunch? I've had enough. I want to stop.
Freya
Sarah Yes. Today. Somewhere nice. Or perhaps you're here because of the
Peter
Tom I've only just got up. earthquake.
Sarah That's fine. Get dressed. You've got a tie? She stops.
Tom I'm a student. It's supposed to happen today.
Sarah I'll send a car. He'll bring a tie. Half twelve? Freya I know, I know it's supposed to but -
Tom Peter Right so when it does you'll need a sidekick.

How do you know where I live?
Dick Whittington had a cat, I can be the cat?
Sarah 44 Lonsdale Road.
She turns away from him.
Tom Yeah but- Freya I'm imagining you. The drink or the pills
Sarah Perfect. Half twelve. See you then. in hospital or some kind of paranoia,
schizophrenia something like that, the blood
She hangs up. rushing to my head.
Simon Minister, what are you doing?
Peter There's a long history of earthquakes in the
Sarah I'm cooking. capital. One in 1580 killed two people and
made everyone think that it was Judgment Jasmine sits with a Liberty Girl, wmlillf{ for Colin.
'Day.
Jasmine I'm not going to steal anything.
Freya Peter ... I shut up.
. Liberty
Peter Another one in 1931 originated in Yorkshire
Jasmine Do you have to wear all that make-up?
but made chimneys fall down in Clapham.
The most recent was in 2008. They happen You must be depressed working in a shop
quite a lot. like this, standing here all the time, you
look really depressed.
Freya You should be interested in girls or
something. Liberty This isn't just a shop.
Peter I am. Jasmine What?
Freya I'm tired. Liberty This is Liberty.
Peter I am interested in girls or I something. Jasmine But how much do you get paid?
Freya Why isn't there ever anywhere to sit down!? Liberty I'm sorry?
She sits down on the ground. Jasmine It's probably not much is it?
They say when you give birth, the pain is Liberty What do you do?
unbearable. That's why women forget. Your
skin tears, there's blood and there's shit and Jasmine shouts through the changing room.
you scream and it feels like you're going to Jasmine Colin! You know how to get dressed right?
die.
No reply.
She scratches at her stomach a bit.
You should break out, come with us, what's
Peter You still got my flower? your name?
She has the flower stuck in her bag. Liberty.
Liberty
Freya I like it. That's the name of the shop I meant what's
Jasmine
Peter You should keep going miss. your name?
Freya Why? Liberty It's my name as well.
Peter I think you're nearly there. Jasmine Coincidence.
That way. Liberty Not really. I wanted to work here from when
I was fourteen. I love this place, the people,
Freya stands and carries on. Peter smiles and follows.
the lighting. Most items cost well over two
Liberty, on Carnaby Street. hundred pounds. I used to come here for
I lG blJ't hquakes in London Act Four 117
hours and walk around and touch things. It means freedom.

Then when I was eighteen I applied for the
job. I put Liberty on the form, as my name. Sarah, Tom and Carter in a restaurant.
I thought it would get their attention. I was Carter How are you feeling today?
right. When I got the job, I applied to deed
poll, so my bank details would match. I wear Sarah I'm feeling really good, thank you.
this amount of make up so my skin tone goes Carter Stronger constitution than the country
exactly with the colour of the walls? And you're running. Not many people can say
you'll notice my clothes co-ordinate with the that. Who's this?
posters, and the sign outside.
Sa.tab This is Tom.
Jasmine Well, Liberty, that's brilliant but we're
drinking Ouzo and you should blow this off, Tom Hi.
come and have a laugh with us. Carter Work experience?
Liberty You and your dad? Sarah Tom's a friend.
Jasmine He's not my dad. We're together, out on the Carter Hi Tom. Nice tie.
town, we're going to have it, what do you'
think? Tom She said we were going somewhere posh.
She looks at Liberty and smiles. Carter Posh? Here? No. This isn't posh.
Liberty Sarah I met Tom yesterday. He has family in

No thanks.
Eritrea. Do you know where that is?
Jasmine Can't believe you're called Liberty. What was
Carter There are so many countries aren't there?
your old name? Africa or something probably? We don't fly
Liberty Nicola. there, I know that.
Jasmine I like Nicola. Tom The crops don't grow anymore. The
temperature is rising year on year. The
Liberty Nicola's shit. Liberty's better. What's your people, my family, they're getting to the
name? point where either they move or they die.
Jasmine Jasmine. Sarah Tom doesn't really approve of your plans.
Liberty Who called you that? Your mum or Carter What are you doing Sarah?
something?
Tom You think your suit looks really good don't
Jasmine you?
Liberty Jasmine doesn't mean anything. Liberty's Carter It's not about what I think, actually, Tom, it's
better. a fact. This suit is really impressive.
Sarah Tom tried to blackmail me. He thought at Carter You did.

.
the time Heathrow wasn't enough he heard
Sarah A total halt to c pansion, guaranteed. No
I was due to make an announcement and he
more runways, control, terminals, nothing,
demanded a complete halt to air travel
right across th ' ·ountry. I said he had to be
expansion. Now, I gave him hell because I
firm, make a la ting decision. I told him a
don't like to be blackmailed. As you know. I
strong message on this would unite the
told him I hadn't made up my mind.
government, and be popular with the
Carter Which turned out to be true. country.
Sarah But spe�king to my husband this morning, Carter And what did he say?
he m�ntioned how I used to throw things at
the wmdows of large corporations like yours. Sarah He's very green. He's got a wind turbine on
his roof. Next week, we announce. It's over.
�s you know we're going through a difficult
time at the moment but he seemed to think Carter smiles at them.
I was more attractive back then, and I could
see what he meant. In Liberty
Carter Oh I get it, you're making a point, she's using Colin comes out from the dressing room. He's wearing a very
you Tom. Well look, Africa's a pretty shit expensive suit, shirt and tie, with new shoes. He's had a hair cut as
place to grow vegetables global warming or well. He looks fantastic.
not, what with the sun and the desert and Jasmine Wow.
the civil war. Maybe your family should
move, get away from it all on one of our nice Colin Is it alright?
big planes, or is that not the point you're Liberty How does it feel?
making?
Colin Not sure. How much is it?
Sarah I was reminded why I went into politics, Tom
and I I aren't so different. Liberty gets out a calculator.
Carter I know a fantastic therapist, Sarah, if that's Liberty Well, with the suit, the shoes, the tie, the
what this is really I about. shirt. T he cuffiinks, the vest, the care cover,
you'll want that, the socks, the laces ...
Sarah So I gave Tom a call, asked him to join us.
Five thousand pounds and forty-four pence.
Carter T his thing with teenagers I it's strange
Colin Oh my god.
Sarah T hen I called the Prime Minister's office to
bring forward the meeting. Liberty Perhaps your girlfriend would like
something of her own?
Carter T he Prime Minister?
Colin She's not my girlfriend.
Sarah I sat down with him and put forward my
case. Liberty Sh said she I was -
Colin Is that what you told her? Tom What's more i111portant, a stag weekend in
Amsterdam or I he en tire nation of Tuvalu
Jasmine No.
sinking underwater? Six flights a year to a
Colin Jasmine! second home, or starving families in Eritrea?
Jasmine Colin! Carter I admire the passion Tom, and clearly you're
Colin She's my wife's sister. a bright boy with huge potential but is this
really what you want to do? You could come
Liberty Oh just your ... well ... that explains it then. with me in a minute, I'll show you round the
Jasmine What? office, I'll pay your university fees, and
Liberty before long you'll be eating in restaurants
Why she's trying so hard.
like this, with beautiful people and respect
A moment. and all the resources you need to protect the
Anyway what do you think? people you love. Or, you could end up
serving in restaurants like this, on the edge,
Shall we put it through? struggling financially, a slow crawl to last
Is it something you think you could own? place. Sarah's just made the wrong decision,
there are so many women like her, lonely,
Sarah, Tom and Carter.
past it, no children but she needs a project,
Carter Tom, do you have a computer? so now we're all her fucking children, stupid
Tom Yeah. and careless and in need of protection, and
that's fine, she's nothing, she'll be forgotten,
Carter Phone? but it's not too late for you Tom, what do you
Tom Of course. think?
Carter You drive a car? Sarah Tom's got what he wanted.
Tom And get to the point? Tom What?
Carter All of them developed for profit. It's how we Sarah T his is a good day for him.
progress. But Sarah thinks we've reached
the first moment in human existence where Tom T his isn't I what I wanted.
we have to stop, and go backwards. She Sarah Like me, he ju st wants things to be fair.
thinks this moment is entirely different to
anything that's ever happened. Carter So you're not enjoying the restaurant Sarah?
Or the bar last n ight( Your big house? I Nice
Tom But the world is I different. It has limits. holidays?
Carter T here will be more air travel Tom. Because Sarah I'm not denying people their lifestyle but-
people want it. People have the right. To be
free, to make their own choices. Tom Why I not?
Sarah There has to be a balance between- is ticking, the in: caps are melting, people are
Carter dying and it's my generation who'll pay the
You should've seen the salary we offered her.
And we never ask twice so- price, long after you're both dead, so I think
this is the turning point. Right now. I'm
Sarah I'd rather eat my own shit than work for you. going to sleep with more sisters of elected
Carter Sort of thing you'd actually do. And politicians, I'm going to handcuff myself to
anyway- railings, I'm going to attack police, issue
bomb threats. Until something is done,
A bit of bread hits Carter. something real, I'm going to add to the long
What. and noble tradition of direct action.
Tom Shut the fuck up. He takes a plate and smashes it onto the floor.
Thrown by Tom, who's standing up. Sarah smiles. There are children dying that shouldn't be
dying. Lifestyle? Fuck your lifestyle.
Sarah Good shot.
He kicks over a chair.
He throws another bit at Sarah.
Cunts. All of you. Are you embarrassed?
Sarah Hey.
You should be.
Tom No.
Tom leaves. Carter smiles. Sarah drinks her wine.
We shouldn't be flying at all.
A busker appears and starts playing.
Carter Ah, now, you see?
Freya is now walking with Peter by the Houses of Parliament.
Sarah Tom.
Freya My dad says, in a few years, they'll look back,
Tom No expansion still means thousands of flights on the ruins of London, when the city's
every single day. You've all had your whole underwater, and the old people will say, do
lives to sort out the planet, and you've done you remember walking down Oxford Street?
precisely nothing. Now, according to the best The view from St Pauls? By that time there'll
scientists, we've got about five years left be heat waves, storms, even this earthquake
before it's too late, so you'll forgive me if I might be caused by us they think. Something
don't wait for the next election, you'll to do with ice sheets crashing into the sea.
understand if I'm impatient. Because while Decreasing amounts of sediment between
you continue to have conversations like this, the tectonic plates.
in London restaurants, in government Peter I think it's God.
lobbies and Notting Hill gardens, while you
show off your little wind turbines, and while Freya What?
you're talking and talking, you're still doing Peter Don't you think if there is a God, he's pissed
absolutely fuck all. And meanwhile, the clock off? Like when you leave a mug in your
room too long and it grows into this rank --Young Man I'm sorry but r11y kid! My kid's in hospital,
horrible green pus. You throw it away when I've just found 0111, l need the bus fare to get
that happens don't you? You get a new one. down the road, I don't have any ... change
Start again. ... I'm sorry, I'm really in a hurry, I'm really
sorry. Shit. Shit.
Steve is in Victoria station, a man in a polar bear costume approaches
him. He is holding a bucket of money. =:Freya You asked me this yesterday.
Steve I'm in a hurry. -Young Man What?
Polar Bear I'm dying. Freya About your kid. I gave you five pounds. You
said exactly the same thing then.
Steve Do you know where the tube is?
Young Man Oh. Right, yeah yeah.
Polar Bear I know my whole habitat is disappearing
down the tube, I know that. Freya You don't ... have a kid, do you?
Steve Right, excuse me. The Young Man looks at her - of course he doesn't. He runs off- the
Polar Bear leaves as well. A rumble.
Polar Bear Melting icebergs, whole eco-systems
eradicated, maybe you could spare a few · Peter Depressing, isn't it?
pounds?
Come on.
Steve I don't have any change.
Freya looks at Peter.
Polar Bear I'll do a dance.
Freya Peter. What's going on?
Steve Can you get out of my way?
Peter What?
Polar Bear It's a good dance.
Freya You don't make sense, following me.
Steve Who are you?
Peter I register very high on the autism spectrum.
The Polar Bear reveals his face. It's the sort of thing I'd do.
Polar Bear It's Rag week. Greenpeace. Freya You're not even that convincing. Shouldn't
Steve Can you just I get out of the - your voice have broken by now?
Polar Bear Cheer up, might never happen. Peter Yes, that's true, it should've broken by now.
Steve struggles with the bear, pushes past and off Freya Right. So. Peter. What's going on?
A Young Man, dirty and sweaty runs up to Freya grabs her arm. Peter I think I have some kind of purpose. Maybe
it's to do with the earthquake. Sometimes
Young Man Please! Please. people imagine a figure who represents
Freya Oh. You ... How was - death, the bringer of bad news, a man who
will guide them from this life into the next. I This is the moment when ... The time has
could be Pete1� at the gates of heaven. come. This is the moment.
Freya My version of death is a sullen fourteen-year Freya The moment?
old boy with behavioural difficulties?
Peter starts to remove his hoodie and his glasses.
Peter He takes many forms.
Peter This is the moment when I ...
Freya walks away, upset.
Who are you thinking of most?
Peter Or I maybe I'm a herald.
The moment when I ...
Freya What am I supposed to do?
Who do you think of all the time?
Peter Peter Rabbit. At the rabbit hole.
Freya I don't-
Freya I don't know why I'm here, or where I am,
I don't want the baby- Peter Who are you thinking of right now?
Peter Miss- Freya Emily.
Freya - but I can't get rid of it, my family hate Peter Emily, yes.
me, not a single friend has called me all Peter lets his hair down.
week.
Now revealed is a sixteen-year-old girl.
Peter Miss-
Emily Hello Mum.
Freya I'm a fuck up, a fuck up, on my own. A
complete fucking MESS. A long pause.
She looks at her belly. They look at each other.
I don't want you! Little fucking ... Freya starts to cry. Horrified. She backs away.
She punches it. Emily Mum-
Peter Miss! I can feel it. Freya I don't ...- Oh god ... you're all grown up.
Oh god.
Freya What?
Emily looks upset.
Peter It's time.
Freya pulls herself together and tries to smile.
Freya Peter, I've had enough!
Freya Sorry.
Peter I'm a carrier signal.
Sorry.
Freya A what?
Your hair.
Peter Someone wants to talk to you and they're
using me to get through. It's a bit like mine.
Emily I've got dad's nose apparently. Colin Fuck it.
Freya Yeah. Jasmine Exactly, you know where we're supposed to
Emily His sense of direction too. be going?
They look at each other. Colin The South Bank. This way.
Freya I look shit to you, probably. A woman walks past and checks Colin out.
Emily Well ... Jasmine Six.
Freya reaches out and touches her on the arm. Colin

She ohases after him.
What are you doing?
Freya Freya and Emily.
Maybe we could, have a coffee. Do you like
coffee? Freya What are you into?
Emily We don't have time. Emily What?
Freya But that's what mums and daughters do. Freya For fun. With your friends.
They have a coffee together.They talk. Don't Emily I ...
have time before what?
Freya ?
Emily No, we should go.
Emily Football.
Freya fallows Emily.
Freya tries to smile.
Jasmine and Colin are walking along the river.
Freya That's good.
Jasmine Five.
Emily Mum I-
Colin Shut up.
Freya Do you have a boyfriend?
Jasmine Five girls so far, checking you out.
Emily Am I gay you mean?
Colin Right.
Freya No. Ijust.
Jasmine How many before today? Emily I play football so I must be gay.
Colin When I was twenty a girl came up to me Freya No. I didn't mean that.
pinched my bum she obviously thought I
looked good from behind but when she Emily Yeah I okay.
turned me round and saw my face she went Freya What do you want to do when you grow up?
urrgh, and walked away.
Emily I'll finish school , get a job somewhere
Jasmine You've had a tough life haven't you? probably, I don't know.
Freya Ambitions ... ? Jogger Why would I go to the theatre?

Emily No point is there? I mean there's nowhere Steve It doesn't matter.
to go. You don't understand. Look at you.
Jogger It's just like TV. But more expensive. And
Thought when you were younger you'd look
further away.
better.
Freya What have I done? Why are you being like Steve stops and waits.
this? Freya and Emily are walking along Waterloo Bridge.
Emily Are you joking? Emily You know where they've put the London
Freya Eye now?
Emily When you've been drinking, you sit on the Freya No.
sofa and apologise again and again. 'I'm Emily Bath.
sorry, I'm sorry Emily'. Then you fall asleep,
spill it everywhere. I have to put you to bed. Freya Why?
Freya What about your dad? Emily Good question. After the flooding it was
going to go on tour but no one had the
Emily Dad left ages ago. Only see him Saturdays. money so they had a public vote and Bath it
Come on. was instead.
Freya What? You ever been on it? The wheel. I read about
Bath in a book once. Looked nice ...
Emily We don't want to be late.
Emily escorts Freya onwards. Freya No.
Steve is on the South Bank. They stop.
A Jogger jogs past on the way to work. Emily So what have you done?
Steve Excuse me. Freya What?

She comes to a stop. Emily What do you do? Day to day.
I'm meeting someone by the theatre, Freya I ... don't really ... I find it all quite ...
where's the ... theatre? Emily You find it all too much.
Jogger The theatre? I don't know. Freya Yeah.
Steve Oh, okay-
Emily You can't cope.
Jogger I don't go to the theatre.
Freya I've never found it as easy as I think you're
Steve Okay- I just ... supposed to.
Emily is looking out at the view. Get used to it. Breathe. I'm sat inside you.
Warm and happy and I won't know anything
Have we stopped then?
about it. You have my entire support to
Is this where you're taking me? throw yourself off. It's better you do. I
promise.
What am I supposed to do here?
Freya looks out.
Emily You've texted Dad haven't you?
Breathe. And then, imagine there's a step.
Freya Yes but-
Just step out. They say most people die of
Emily And Jasmine, and Sarah. shock before they hit the water.
Freya To meet me. I want to talk to them. A few people gather around, at a distance to watch.
Emily Look where we're standing . Waterloo Emily stands amongst them, disappears in the crowd.
Bridge. Freya Emily?
Freya Passer by 1 Who is she?
Emily You wanted them to watch you. Mum, if you Passer by 2 I don't know she just climbed over, but look
could see what's going to happen. The at her.
buildings and the parks are shanty towns.
Immigrants everywhere, gambling and Passer by 1 Yeah.
drinking, the streets- covered in shit, the air Freya Emily ... ?
thick with smoke, there's disease and
rationing, blackouts and curfews. Every Passer by 2 Just one of those women.
morning when we fetch the water we have to Passer by 1 I Yeah, god.
queue for an hour, and at night you keep a
knife by the side of your bed, just in case. I Freya Emily, please!
hate it. So do you. Everyone has given up. Passer by 1 Why does she keep on shouting?
You're passed out on the chair, but I'm in the
bed, under the covers, desperately trying to Passer by 2 Who knows? Emily! Fuck! Sorry- shouldn't
get a message to you. It's what you tell me. laugh. Has someone called the police?
It's what you say you should've done, for Steve is on the South Bank.
both of us.
Jasmine and Colin arrive.
Freya I'm sorry, I've really been trying.
Steve She texted you too?
Emily It's not too late.Just step over the barrier.
Jasmine Yeah she didn't say you were commg
Freya looks at her. though, could've left you to it.
Then climbs over the barrier. Steve Colin, you look-
Colin Yeah. mid life crisis. He doesn't want a divorce,

Steve She's supposed to be here supposed to be we'rejust-
here by now but- Jasmine Ask him.
Jasmine She gets distracted by bright colours. Don't Sarah I'm not going to ask him.
worry, it's quite normal. She takes her time.
Oh no. Jasmine Ask him.
Sarah appears. Colin I think perhaps we should ...
Sarah Proper family gathering. Steve, she said you Sarah What? Should what?
were away. Coli'n I think perhaps we should.
Steve I was. Yes.
Sarah She's texted everyone. What's happened to Steve Is that ...
you?
Jasmine What?
Colin Right.
Sarah We're, we're not going to talk about it here.
Jasmine Colin's got something I to tell you.
Jasmine You mean on I the-
Sarah So where is she?
Steve I Yeah.
Steve I don't know.
Sarah In front of her and everyone else. We need
Sarah Drags us all out here then doesn't show up to-
herself, I pretty typical.
Colin Sarah.
Steve I hoped she'd be waiting here, but-
Jasmine I fuck, fuck, shut up. Shut up.
Sarah What do you mean Colin's got something /
to tell me? Sarah I'm not doing this now.
Steve Has anyone spoken to her? Sorry. I Has Jasmine On the bridge.
anyone actually spoken to Freya? They all look.
Sarah Colin? A crowd has gathered on the bridge - traffic passes. It is noisy. A
Colin Maybe we should- Police Officer has arrived.
Sarah I didn't take the job. You were right. I Freya In 1844 Waterloo bridge was called the
turned it down. bridge of sighs, there were so many suicides.
Jasmine He wants a divorce. Police Officer I want you to stay calm.
Sarah Oh ... you ... For fuck's sake Jasmine he Freya Thomas Hood wrote a poem about a
buys a new jacket, you think he's having a homeless woman who threw herself off.
Police Officer You're going to be alright. Steve Please don't. Freya. I I know what the
problem is.
Freya One more Unfortunate,
Freya Cold inhumanity, I Burning insanity,
Police Officer Slowly come back/ over the barrier.
Steve Freya. Freya. It's okay. I understand.
Freya Weary of breath, Rashly importunate,
The rumbling is loud now. The earth moving.
Police Officer Help is I on its way.
Freya Steve. I don't know what to do. I don't want
Freya Gone to her death.
the baby, I really can't have a baby.
Passer by 2 I Come on. Fuck's sake, get on with it.
Steve We'll work it out -
The crowd laughs.
Freya There's a noise. It's moving. Shaking. The
Freya Make no deep scrutiny bridge. Everything's moving!
Into her mutiny
Rash and undutiful: Steve Hold on and / just wait or
Freya's phone rings. Freya I don't want to hold on - I can't wait

anymore - It's too late! This is important.
Passer by 2 JUMP JUMP JUMP JUMP ... ! Where have you been! This is it!
Freya Fuck fuck shit ... The earthquake is very loud.
The crowd chants. Freya answers her phone. Freya Oh god oh god, it's the earthquake. Just like
Steve Baby, it's me. I'm here. I can see you. they said.
Freya Steve ... I'm scared. But I can't ... They ... I can't, I can't do anything.
Freya cries. Someone in the crowd starts playing Jump' by Kris Kross. Please please no.
The crowd chant. Emily.
Steve Please. Climb I back down on to the road. It's breaking.
Freya Who was her mother? I I can't hold on! I ... I can't!
Had she a sister?
She slips.
Steve Calm down, listen. I I'm on my way.
Blackout.
There is a rumbling drowning the rest of the noise. The ground shakes.
The sound of destruction.
An earthquake. The bridge is moving.
An earthquake.
Freya In she plunged boldly -
No matter I how coldly End of Act Four.
The rough I river ran -
Act Five 139
Act Five Certain Destruction

Prologue 2525, or possibly a hospital.
As the noise fades, an animation plays. 1- beeping sound.
We see blackboard animation that illustrates the story. The narrator A clean white space.
is old and wise.
Narrator It is said that in the old times, in the early Freya is lying on a single white bed.
years of the twenty-first century, mankind only A Woman appears. She looks like Grace, and wears a white version
thought of himself. The people would steal of the floral dress from the Act One Prologue. She also wears a veil.
from the land and plunder the seas, they
would kill the animals, tear out the minerals Grate Freya.
from the ground and poison the sky. And as Freya?
the earth grew darker, the sun burnt brighter,
and the sea began to rise, the people simply Freya wakes. Tries to sit up.
closed their eyes and drank, and danced, and No, you don't need to move.
attempted to ignore their certain destruction.
Freya I was in the river.
It was then, in mankind's greatest hour of
need, that Solomon came. A young woman, Grace You're safe now.
accompanied only by one faithful companion,
packed her bag, and came to the city of Freya These aren't my clothes ...
London. After three days, walking barefoot, Grace How do you feel?
she arrived on the bridge across the river, at
the centre of the earth, and she spoke. Her Freya Where am I? Where is everyone?
words proclaimed the new enlightenment. Grace It's just me. Try to focus. You've been asleep
She was young, and so full of hope and truth a very long time.
that her speech, her words, the power and the
Freya What do you mean?
light, was relayed, repeated, across the world,
by radio, by television, by powerful rumour Grace You're in the future.
and written instruction to every man and
woman on the planet and slowly slowly, the Freya The future?
tide turned. People listened and people Grace The year Twenty Five, Twenty Five.
changed. Solomon spent the rest of her life
travelling the world, walking a new path, Freya You're joking.
showing us the future, a new way to live. Grace You're alive. You're warm. You're safe. And
And the people of the world were happy. They now you're awake.
were saved and they rejoiced.
The blackboard bleaches to white.
140 Earthquakes in London Act Five 141
Have a drink. Freya is in a hospital bed, on a ventilator, unconscious.

Here.
Steve is watching her.
A glass of water.
He paces.
Freya takes it, and drinks.
Tim enters.
Freya W ho are you?
Tim Mr Sullivan?
Grace I'm Grace.
Steve Yes?
Freya My mum was called Grace.
Tim I was the doctor who treated your wife. They
Grace Yes. said you had some questions.
Freya But she died. There was nothing they could Steve When she came in, didn't you think there
do. It was cancer. was something wrong?
Grace We don't have cancer any more. Tim She was worried about the baby but we tried
to put her mind at rest, we let her stay in
Freya Good. overnight, and then in the morning she
Grace We don't have diseases or pain, we don't' checked herself out. We had no reason to
have suffering or death, we have only peace. think she would ... well.
Peace and life. Steve You just let her go.
Grace strokes Freya's hair. Tim It was out assessment that she would be fine.
Freya She used to stroke my head like that. Steve Just let her walk out the door by herself.
Can I ... Tim She said she didn't have anyone to collect
Freya removes Grace's veil. her.
Mum ... They look at each other.
Grace Steve W hat do you think?

Hello Freya.
Tim I'm sorry-
Freya Mum!
Steve Does she have a chance?
I was so scared! I didn't ... I didn't know
what to do. Tim I'm sorry, it's not my department.
Freya hugs her and cries. Grace hugs her tight. Steve I'm sure you've spoken to your colleagues
before coming in here, you all talk, don't
Grace You're safe. you? You wanted to know the situation
You're safe now. before you confronted the husband. So you
Hospital know the situation, what do you think?
Tim They're conducting ome tests. Grace smiles.
Steve But what do you think? Is that right?
Tim Grace just looks at her.
Steve If there isn't a chance, you should tell me. If Is that what's going on?
there's nothing any of us can do anymore Grace You look better.
and we should all just give up, I'd rather
know. Freya I feel better. I want to have a look round.
The future! Have you got flying cars?
Tim I'm sure there's a chance.
Grace We don't need cars.
Steve
Freya And robots.
Tim You might want to talk to her.
Grace You have no idea.
Steve Why? She's in a coma. Why would I talk to
her? Freya When can I see?
Tim Some people find it helpful. Grace When you're well enough.
Steve Freya I'm fine, look.
Tim Grace We have some questions first.

Is there anything else I can do?
Freya What about?
Steve Her family are outside. Can you ... make
sure they have what they want, tell them Grace Freya, the date of your preservation is of vital
what's going on, get them whatever they historical significance. It is said, that this was
need. the turning point. The moment you fell, the
place it happened, Legend has it that it was
And keep them out. from that place at that time that the speech
I don't want them coming in here. was made. From the bridge. From that
Tim goes. moment. The tide turned. The world
became better, and better until we solved the
2525 problems. All the problems. And we
The music plays again. Grace enters. survived.
Freya is sat on the edge of the bed. So. Did you hear it? Did you hear the
speech? Is that why you were there?
Freya So - Dad bought into one of those cryogenic
Freya No. I don't know anything about it.
things and we've all been frozen at the point
of death, you as well, revitalised only when Grace This is important, you were on the bridge,
medical science has the power to heal us. in that time.
Freya Yes but- They drink.
Grace Why were you on the bridge, if not to hear Sarah Do you remember the jacket you wore at
the Solomon's speech? Suzie's party?
Freya Solomon? Colin What?
Grace Yes. Sarah I just thought of it. You remember? It had
Freya Solomon on the bridge? shoulder pads.
Grace Solomon, the greatest woman in the world, Colin Yes.

she walked to London, stood at the centre of Sarah It was far too big.
the earth and changed everything.
Colin My lucky jacket.
Freya Solomon ... Mum. It's not Solomon. It's ·
Sarah Well, that's what you used to call it -
Sullivan.
Colin Yeah.
Grace What?
Sarah Lucky in what way exactly?
Freya It's me. I walked all the way to the bridge,.I
stood in the centre of the earth. Colin It got attention.
Grace But Freya ... Sarah You looked stupid.
Freya I'm Solomon. I changed the world. Colin Like I said, attention.
Grace Freya you can't be. Sarah Well ...
Freya Yes! Why not? Colin From the birds.
Grace Because you died. Sarah Birds.Jesus.
And Solomon ... Colin Got your attention.
Solomon lived.
Sarah You used to roll up the sleeves.
Sarah and Colin are in the hospital cafe. Sarah brings back two
Colin Nothing wrong with that, not in the
coffees.
eighties.
Sarah There.
He rolls up the sleeves of his jacket.
Colin Thanks.
See?
They drink.
She smiles.
Colin How are you? Good look.
Sarah shrugs. He unrolls them.
Sarah Probably just ruined it. Sarah
Colin What? Sarah reaches to him.
Sarah That jacket. H� moves away.
Colin What do you mean? Sarah Do you even like me?
Sarah Just ... that it ... looks expensive, you I mean.
probably shouldn't - You say you've fallen out of love with me
and
Colin Not your problem now is it? that's ... fine ... that's ...
Sarah Colin ... You don't want to see me any more.
Colin What? Colin
Sarah I was trying to - Sarah But do you think I'm a nice person?
Because, with what everyone's said.
Colin What? With Freya.
Sarah And what Jasmine says.
Colin We shouldn't talk about this now. I don't have anyone else.
Sarah When you lost your job yes I probably So this is kind of crucial.
thought I should compensate in some way. I Colin?
know things aren't like they were, I know
I'm different these days. But I don't think it's Do you like me?
too late. Colin You live in a million pound house with two
I'll change. cars. You're a Liberal Democrat minister in a
Tory government. Then you tell me you
Or something. want to join the board of a multinational
Colin Do you like this suit? airline. It's not that I don't like you Sarah. I
hardly know you.
Sarah Yeah, I mean ...
Jasmine was right.
Colin Honestly.
Sarah Jasmine's never been right about anything.
Sarah
Colin
I don't think it's very ... It's not who you are.
Sarah What did she say?
Colin I love it. I really do.
It is absolutely, who I am. Colin Things change.
It absolutely is. They look at each other.
2525. Freya is on her feet now. I've only seen you. There should be
Freya hundreds of people wanting to talk to me,
Then ... then I have to go back and do
I'm historically important remember.
what I was supposed to do.
Grace Back? Freya you can't go back. That world · Grace I'm your closest relative and carer, of course
crumbled to dust hundreds of years ago. I'm the one to look after you and if you give
This is all that exists now. it time you '11 -
Freya But I was supposed to say something. Freya There's something going on.
That's why Peter was there. And Emily. I Grace
wasn't supposed to fall, I was supposed to
speak. The crowd was there, ready to Freya Please. Mum. Don't lie to me.
listen, I was supposed to give them the Grace looks at her.
message.
I always knew when something was wrong.
Grace Freya come and sit down.
Freya Grace Have you got a headache?
But I messed it up. There must be
something you can do. Freya How did you know?
Grace It's too late. Grace Sit down, with me, on the bed, and I'll
Freya Mum! explain.
Grace Sit down! Jasmine is in the waiting room.
Freya No. I'm getting out. I've got to find someone Robert enters.
who can help. Jasmine Er. This is a private room?
I ...
Oh. Robert Really?
Where's the door? There isn't a door. Jasmine We've paid for it.
Grace No. Robert I'm sure you have.
Freya How do you get in and out? Jasmine Family only yeah?
Grace Freya. She looks at him properly.
Freya What?
Oh. Shit. Shit.
Grace You don't need to go anywhere. Everything's
good here. Everything's perfect. Shit, didn't recognise you. Jesus. Seen
pictures but they must be from a while back.
Freya And where is everyone? You keep on saying You look . . . old. Shame we haven't met
we think this, and we're very interested, but before something like this, isn't it?
l[,O l\:111IH111.1kt·s in London Act Five 151
Robert You look ... really - Robert Stop being so fucking petulant.
Jasmine What? Here you go, they said you like to Jasmine Christ they said you got nasty quickly I
answer back, okay yeah, I've been up all thought they meant hours not minutes look
night, I'm not my best. What? I look like at you, big red face.
what?
Robert Sit down.
Robert Like your mother.
Jasmine I'm not the one getting angry Gandalf,
Jasmine Do I? you're shouting, I don't think you're allowed
Robert When she was your age. to do that I might call security.
She's floored. Rolfort I hate planes. I'm shattered. Fine. You're
nineteen. I'm seventy. Sit down, and shut up.
Jasmine Yeah right well done. Good tactic. I look like What are you wearing?
my mum, put me off my - That must freak
you out then. Sarah says Mum was never Jasmine Whatever the fuck I want.
happy, often crying she said, looks like Freya
Robert You look like prostitute.
got those genes.
Robert Look, I know there's a lot to talk I about but Jasmine You talk like this to everyone?
Robert Yes. You?
Jasmine And I got yours, apparently I've got a mouth
Jasmine Yes.
on me reminds Sarah of you, yeah there's a
fuck of a lot to talk about where do you want A moment of respect.
to start?
Robert Good.
Robert This isn't the time.
He sits.
Jasmine Never is, is it? Never is the fucking time by
the sound of it. She reluctantly sits as well.
Robert Jasmine - Jasmine Read your books.
Jasmine Such a lonely old fucking - look at you - Robert And?
Robert You're not a teenager so - Jasmine Bit dry.
Jasmine Actually I am. He smiles.
Robert Can you stop - You told her to get rid of it.
Jasmine Technically I am? Nineteen, if you're I told her the truth yes.
Robert
counting, which you're probably not, so -
stop what? Jasmine Probably regret that now.
A moment. Jasmine Right.

Robert I could do with a drink. Robert But she had your hair. Your hands.
Jasmine takes a bottle out of her bag. Gives it to Robert. Jasmine What else?
What's this? Robert
Jasmine Ouzo. Jasmine What's in the bag?
Robert Oh. Robert One of your mother's dresses. Freya liked it,
wanted it, years ago. I wouldn't let her. I
He drinks from the bottle. It's awful. thought maybe I could ...
You want some? Jasmine Bit fucking late now.
She takes the bottle. Drinks. They continue to share it. Robert You're not like the other two.
Robert I should've put my work first, from the Jasmine No. You would've liked me.
beginning. That's what I regret.
Robert Yes.
Jasmine Even though Freya's nearly dead.
Sarah's a fuck up, getting divorced. I think I would.
And me ... well ... look. Sarah enters
Even given all that?
Sarah You're here.
Robert Because of all that exactly.
Robert lam.
I should never have had any of you in the
first place. Sarah You've met.
Jasmine So why have you come now? Robert We have.
Robert To say goodbye. Jasmine Where's Colin?
Jasmine She's not- Sarah Colin's gone.
Robert Yes. From what I understand she doesn't As the next scene continues, Sarah sits with them and drinks the Ouzo.
have much of a chance. 2525.
Jasmine No fuck off you don't know if anything had Grace When you fell in the river, Freya, you hit
happened Steve would've told us, you don't your head. You did some damage. And
know shit. Fuck's sake. Thought you'd have sometimes, when that happens, people
big eyes actually. We've all got big eyes. become unable to see a distinction between
Suppose it must've been Mum. their own particles and those around them.
Robert Yes. They can't see the edges of their body
anymore - where they stop and the world Steve doesn't know how to react.
begins. They can instead understand
Doctor Harris It's a matter of when to say goodbye. It
instinctively that we are all just different
should be soon.
recycled pieces of a larger, older creature. We
are simply earthquakes ourselves, wonderful Steve Alright. Yes.
irregularities in an evolving system. We die
Doctor Harris Alright then.
and the earth uses us for something new.
And what about the family? I know they're
loung Robert enters, dressed in white, and wheels in a cot.
outside.
Yes Freya, this is the future, and I am your
Steve
mother. But this is also the past and the
present, and I am your father, your sisters, Doctor Harris Will they want to be here?
your friends, your husband, the table; the
Steve
bed, the ground, we are everyone that is,
was, and everything that will be. I'm nature Doctor Harris Or would you rather it was just you?
all in one. So are you.
Steve Let them in.
Freya This isn't real.
The farnily goes through.
Grace Your brain is doing what it always does. The Nurse sits in a chair, exhausted. Turns on the radio. Music plays.
Making sense of what it receives. Combining
imagination, memory, information. A hyrn n.
Freya I'm dreaming. 2525
Grace You're on your way. The worlds beginning to rnerge.
Freya Where? Freya frantic.
Grace We're here to help you. Freya Wake me up ... please.
Young Robert Freya. Look. Grace No.
The sound of a baby crying. Freya goes and looks in the cot. She picks Freya Please. I need to go back. I can't stay here.
up the baby. Emily's alive. I can hear her. She's calling for
me.
Freya Emily.
Grace Freya. You can't.
Doctor Harris is with Steve, who sits on the bed.
Freya I made a mistake. I need to go back.
Doctor Harris I'm sorry. Her condition is worsening.
Tell them all. Give the speech. Walk the
Steve I ... earth.
Grace No. Epilogue

Freya You can't stop me. This isn't real. I need to The kitchen of a large house in the west Oxfordshire countryside.
wake up and tell them what's going to Night. On the table there is food out.
happen, or the world doesn't change. The
world stays as it is! It is sixteen years later.
Darling! Emily is packing food into a backpack.

Some of it doesn't fit. In the rearranging, we see a map, a torch.
She puts Emily back in the cot.
A knock on the door.
I'm going to be with you. I'm going to wake
up. Emiiy goes and opens it.
Freya goes to the bed, lies down and shuts her eyes. Tom enters, now thirty-five, a man, rather than a boy. He is dressed
much better, ready for a long walk. He is sure of himself.
Grace Freya. I'm sorry.
Emily Shhh -/ Dad's asleep -you look nervous.
Freya Now!
Tom You've barely left the town on your own
Yes! before, you don't know what it's like.
Now! Emily I've done my research.
Grace It's over. Tom You should let me come with you.
The music continues, the worlds blurring. The family gathered around She smiles. 1buches his arm.
the bed, Grace stood slightly apart.
Emily I'll be fine.
We can't hear what's happening- the music plays.
Tom And what are you wearing?
Doctor Harris stands close by. Steve sits on the bed with Freya, Do you like it? Before she died, Mum told
Emily
holding Emily. Dad it was her favourite dress. Dad gave it to
One by one the family say goodbye. Robert stands back and watches. me this afternoon, for my birthday. I like the
pattern. How about you? Did you get me a
Steve gives Emily to Sarah, and then lifts Freya and hugs her. present?
Crying.
Tom gives her a small bag.
Some distance away ... during this, Emily enters, sixteen, very
different to how we saw her before. Bright, optimistic, intelligent. Tom Papers, ID, map, new phone.
She wears the floral dress worn by Grace in the Part One prologue. Emily Good.
And she carries a back pack. Tom All in the bag, as ordered.
Emily Perfect. I'm thinking maybe I should go
barefoot...
Tom It's a long way. Tom Emily Sullivan.

Emily It is, and people should notice. Magnificent.
She takes her shoes off She smiles.
Definitely barefoot. He smiles too.
Tom You'll call me if you get into trouble? She looks at him, goes to the kitchen blackboard, and writes, in large
letters.
Emily There won't be trouble.
Tom There might be, maybe we should tell your 'Gone to London'
dad what you're doing. If he wakes up and As she'goes on her way, Steve finally lets go of Freya, and she dies.
you're gone -
Blackout.
Emily When did you care what he thought?
End of Play.
Tom This is different.
Emily I've told them for years, over and over, when
I'm sixteen, this is what happens. At dawn,
I'll be on my way. Not my fault if they never
believed me.
Tom At least leave a note -
Emily Right. Toothbrush, bag, towel.
She puts the backpack on.
Tom Speech?
Emily Don't need a speech. It's all up here ... Tom!
I'm half your age and you look petrified.
Tom It's· ridiculous.
Emily You know what I can do?
Tom Yes.
Emily And you trust me?
Tom Of course.
Emily Then smile. It'll be fine. Now, how do I look?
He looks at her, takes her in.

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Earthquakes in London was first performed in the Cottesloe

Theatre at the National Theatre on 4 August 2010, in a

Marina Lucy May Barker

All other parts played by members of the Company.

This version of Earthquakes in London was first performed at

Simon I Roy I WWII Officer I

Robert No. Grace Right.

Grace And? Grace No, Robert, you've raised a very important

Robert Well ... Proper Coffee

Colin I'm sorry? Tom You don't look like a menace.

Freya Don't be sorry. Steve There's not.

Steve I meant the baby. Steve She's nineteen.

Steve Freya- Steve I love you.

miss, but most people do that's why they Sarah Yes.

Colin I thought you made a very good point J 1smine Really.

Freya Don't say that. I fr deletes.

Mrs Andrews Yes? Even the eighteens?

Freya There's food in the fridge. !Jghts fade.

Act Two Daniel Questions, I think Roy.

Robert Right. Daniel And remember there's potential for a

Freya is sat by the pond. l1ze swimmers go off

Steve wakes up. Steve What am I supposed to do until then? You've

Old Woman Thank you dear. Freya What for?

Sarah Freya- She gives it to him.

Freya And you dropped everything and ran. Tom What?

Young Man Yeah- Jasmine To ... You know.

Here. Tom I want to but I'd have to fly so-

Mrs Andrews Go and stand over there. Mrs Andrews Yes.

Steve does as he's told. Steve A genius?

Steve What about? Jasmine Two please.

Freya What might happen ? Freya (over singing) Call me an ambulance.

Mothers No. Please.

Freya What might happen to your children? Please!

Act Three Robert Quite a lot actually. If you do this sort of

Daniel Of course. Mad Bitch

Jasmine Jasmine To take?

Sarah Exactly, yes, let's irnagilu'. Sarah smiles.

Freya Other mothers aren't like this. Tim I'm Tim.

Robert Jealous. Steve We're working on a sequel actually, for this

Steve Is that what she said? They sell very well.

Robert Emily? Steve Okay.

Steve No. Colin Fucking ... shit ... or ...

Robert Or fucked them something like that. You're Jasmine Oh Colin.

Robert The end of humanity not relevant? She pokes him.

He's blank. Jasmine Oh.

Colin dances. Every time you close your eyes

Mummy? Act Four

I looked over at your mum and she smiled.

I looked down at you. The baby cries.

Robert Yes. What do I do?

Robert Yes. Robert Really?

Sarah Peter I saw Dick Whittington at the Hexagon in

Tom Peter Right so when it does you'll need a sidekick.

hours and walk around and touch things. It means freedom.

Liberty Sarah I met Tom yesterday. He has family in

Sarah Tom tried to blackmail me. He thought at Carter You did.

Peter Miss- Freya Emily.

Freya reaches out and touches her on the arm. Colin

Freya Ambitions ... ? Jogger Why would I go to the theatre?