"What's the benefit?"

“What’s the benefit?”

Scene 1

(The year was 2000. A thick layer of fog covered the streets of Canning Town. The bitter cold of winter had gripped the air. The road was completely deserted apart from a few stray cats and foxes streaking in between parked cars. Tunde slept peacefully in his bed. His feet stuck out from under the covers. He was clearly out growing his bed. However he had no choice as he shared a bunk bed with his younger sister Ola, who had just turned 6 much to his inconvenience.)

Mum: Tunde! Wake up!

(Tunde opens his eyes and turns over to cover his ears with his pillow. Tunde stirred and got up. He sighed as he noticed it was 5.45am. He had at least fifteen minutes of sleep left and he felt like he had been robbed. He walked across to the bathroom, squinting as the bright light hit his eyes. He yawned and stretched his arms above his head.)

Mum: Tunde.

Tunde: Mummy, my alarm was set to 6.00am, I still had fifteen minutes left…

Mum: (Cuts in) don’t be silly I am your alarm clock! When I was a child in Nigeria we didn’t have any alarm clocks! (She laughed.)

(Tunde grits his teeth and enters the bathroom.)

Tunde: (Mumbles under his breath.) Well we are not in Nigeria any more are we.

Mum: Tunde! The hoover is waiting for you by the stairs when you are finished.

(Tunde quickly brushes his teeth and showers. He fumbles in the wardrobe for his school uniform and pulls it on. He sprints downstairs, flicks on the switch and begins hovering. This had been his daily routine for as long as he could remember. His Mum insisted that the house should be spotless before they left it. The front door swung open and slammed shut.)

Dad: Hello Tunde. Good morning.

Tunde: Good morning Dad, how was work?

Dad: Night shift is never easy, but I can’t complain it has to be done. Where is your sister?

Tunde: She is getting ready.

Dad: Haha. Big girl now!

Mum: (Calls out) Breakfast is ready! Come quick!

(Tunde, Ola and Dad come downstairs and sat down at the table to eat.)

Mum: Ola, you need to finish all your food before you leave the table.

Ola: Mummy, I can’t finish it!

(She glares at Ola)

Mum: Tunde are you ready for your GCSE’s?

Tunde: Mum I’m still only in year eight.

Mum: And so? You have to be ready! It was not long ago that I and your father came to settle here from Nigeria! The years are flying by. You need all your qualifications so you can get a job. I don’t want any rif raf in my house please.

Tunde: But Mummy I’m…

Dad: (Laughs) What your mum is saying is that you need to work hard now to maximise your chances of getting into university and getting a good job. Just keep working hard, you won’t regret it.

Mum: I’m off to work (She plants a kiss on Dad’s forehead.)

Dad: Ok darling. I’m off to university later on, I need to hand in my assignments.

(Mum exits the house and walks up the path briskly.)

Dad: Tunde quick, you will miss your early morning tutoring.

(At this Tunde hops up, slides on his bag and jacket and leaves the house.)

End Scene

Scene 2

(The time was 8.15am. Charlie sat half-dressed on the sofa, his eyes were glued to the television. His sisters Tara and Sara jumped on the sofas opposite. They ran around the living room and crawled under the tables. They wore matching pyjamas emblazoned with the power puff girls logo on the front. Charlie’s eyes were completely fixed on the episode of power rangers. His body language was lethargic and completely relaxed.)

Mum: Oi! Charlie come and get your breakfast!

Charlie: Mum! Let me finish watching this episode!

Mum: Alright love, but if your Dad sees it on the table he will eat all your food.

Charlie: Ahh! Fine! (He slams the remote on the table and pushes past his sisters to get to the kitchen.)

Mum: Eat up darling, you’re a growing boy! (She analyses his face closely.)

Charlie: What?

Mum: You have bags under your eyes.

(Charlie shovels some baked beans in his mouth.)

Charlie: Yes I stayed up watching Power Rangers. (Shrugs)

Mum: (Laughs) Cheeky Charlie! You still want to go to school today? Or you want to stay in with mummy? 

(She ruffles his hair.)

Charlie: Urgh! Mum stop it.

Mum: Mummy will be bored at home. (She pulls a sarcastic sad face.)

Charlie: Today we are having fish fingers at lunch. I can’t miss that!

(Mum reaches into her pocket and hands over a folded piece of paper.)

Mum: You just reminded me clever clogs. This is the letter for your free school meals.

(Charlie grabs the paper and kisses it.)

Dad: Morning all!

Charlie: Hi Dad.

Mum: Are the triplets still asleep?

Dad: They are sleeping like angels, meanwhile Sara and Tara are being devils in my living room. Oi Charlie! You alright my boy?

Charlie: Yes Dad.

(Dad stands up straight and extends his hand out.)

Dad. Mr. Whatever your bloody name is. I stayed up last night analysing the Power Rangers for media studies. Can I get an A for that?

(They burst into laughter. Dad puts Charlie in a head lock, they continue to chuckle uncontrollably.)

Dad: You still going into school kiddo? Don’t you want to see our latest arrival?

Charlie: What’s that?

Dad: Our new whooping 60 inch TV!

(Charlie fist pumps. He looks at the time and notices it is 8.45am. He doesn’t flinch at his lateness. He puts on his trainers and strolls out of the front door.)

End Scene

Scene 3

(The corridor was heaving with children and teachers. Everybody was trying to reach their lessons early. The time seemed to stand still as the head teacher walked past a group of noisy year sevens. His spectacles could not hide his stern look. He glowered at them, their noisy banter stopped instantly. Tunde stood in silence at the front of the class line.)

Mr Jones: Come on, get into class, the corridor is packed.

(The children hurry into class and sit down. Mr Jones closes the door.)

Mr Jones: Right! Last week we looked at Macbeth! We looked at King Duncan. Wait! Before that I need to collect your homework! This is the fun part.

(Grumbles could be heard around the class room.)

Mr Jones: Tunde, have you got your homework or is that a silly question? Haha.

Tunde: (Smiling) Yes Sir.

Mr Jones: You all had the whole of half term to complete this homework. So I don’t want any excuses. 

Tunde could you collect the homework please.

(As Tunde approached the back on the class he could hear whispers. “Tunde is a prick” “Tunde is a wanker”. He felt someone kick his ankle from under the table. He fought with all his might to stop a tear rolling down his face. He looked across the class and saw two girls scowling at him, another girl stuck her tongue out at him. The class door creaked open. Charlie entered the class casually.)

Mr Jones: Ah Charlie. I was afraid you would miss your best part of the day. Homework submission!

Charlie: I ain’t done it sir.

Mr Jones: I ain’t done it sir is all I’ve heard since September. Get outside my class and get to my office! I 

think it’s time we called your parents in!

(Charlie shrugs his shoulders and strolls out of the class. Tunde stares in shock at Charlie’s casual demeanour.)

End Scene

Scene 4

(The class sit in the changing rooms getting ready for their P.E lesson. The heating in the room was broken causing the cold to be more relentless. The room smelt strongly of surface cleaner and deodorant spray. Charlie and Jamal sat next to each other getting changed.)

Charlie: Parents evening got moved forward to this week init. Do I look bothered?

Jamal: Naah!

Charlie: Never bothered brother.

(Jamal looks down and notices Charlie’s brand new trainers.)

Jamal: Your trainers are so sick! Your parents must have a sick job!

Charlie: Don’t be silly! They don’t work! My Dad always says there is no point in working, the government will tax you anyway. After all the tax you have nothing left. Look at all these teachers getting grey hairs and stressing out. I don’t know why Mr Jones cares about my homework so much. It’s mine not his.

Jamal: Haha

(Tunde walks into the changing rooms and sits opposite Charlie and Jamal.)

Charlie: (Points) Whoa! You have a prefect badge! I thought you can’t be a prefect until year ten!

Tunde: Erm yeah, Ms Walker asked me to.

Charlie: President Tunde! (He stands up and salutes him like a soldier.)

Tunde: (Frowns) Erm thanks.

(Tunde puts on his trainers and shorts. Jamal points to his feet and laughs hysterically.)

Charlie: Why are you laughing mate?

Jamal: Look at his trainers…they have four stripes…they ain’t Addidas.

(Jamal and Charlie both laugh together. People left their benches to see what the fuss was about. Two girls snuck in from the female changing rooms to see what the source of laughter was. The whole room erupted in laughter. Tunde sat on the bench staring at his trainers, he was livid. His Dad told him that these trainers were quality and would last long. A tear trickled down the side of his face. Mr Borris walks into the room.)

Mr Borris: Right! Everybody out in the playground! Give me ten laps!

End Scene

Scene 5

(The time was 7.00pm. The sports hall was filled with students, parents and teachers. The atmosphere was very tense. A mixture of feelings hung over the room. A combination of disappointment, joy and relief. Some parents had fury etched on their faces, whilst some pupils looked wildly confused. The teachers wore their fake smiles like masks. Tunde was sat with his parents opposite Mr Brown.)

Mr Brown: Mr. Oyin I see greatness in your son. I am lucky to have him in my class. He embodies what a student must be like. Attendance, punctuality and work submission is all perfect. He is hungry to learn. You can’t teach that, it comes from within.

(Tunde smiled)

Dad: Thank you sir you are most kind. We always try to encourage hard work and diligence.

Mr Brown: Of course, it is very evident. I hear that you and your wife are working and studying simultaneously. No doubt this encourages him, I commend you.

(Both parents smile radiantly. Mr Brown rises to his feet and shakes both their hands.)

Mr Brown: Farewell. I have no more words to say. Have a good evening Mr and Mrs Oyin.

(As they walk out of the hall Tunde spots his friend Marcus entering the hall with his mother. He nods at him, Marcus returns the nod grimly.)

Dad: Well done son, I am proud of you. Keep working hard and you will reap the rewards.

(Mum and Dad both hug Tunde before entering the car.)

(Back in the sports hall Charlie is sat with his parents opposite Ms Blair. Tara and Sara were chasing each other around the hall. The triplets were fast asleep in the pram next to Charlie’s mother. She rocked it gently. Ms Blair’s face was extremely solemn.)

Ms Blair: Your son has ability and potential to excel but his attitude will hold him back if he does not buck up his ideas.

(She reaches behind her and pulls out some paintings.)

Ms Blair: This is some of his art work. It is outstanding. This is an oil painting of The Louvre and another oil painting of the leaning tower of Pisa.

Dad: Huh? The Lou what? Could you speak English please?

Ms Blair: His ability is without question, but his attitude and his attendance are poor. He has been averaging three days a week since September. He is putting himself at risk of not being put into the upper sets next year. Have you got anything to add?

(Mum whispers into Dad’s ear)

Mum: Poor Charlie has a weak immune system that’s why is at home sometimes.

Ms Blair: Erm ok.

(Dad turns around and notices Tara and Sara running around the hall)

Dad: Oi! You two get here now!

(The triplets wake up and let out ear piercing cries. Ms Blair stares in shock.)

Mum: Oh my Bubbas.

Charlie: (Mumbles) Lets go home please.

Mum: We have to go. Sorry I forgot your name.

Ms Blair: Ms Blair.

Mum: Charlie needs to be in bed soon so he can wake up nice and early for school tomorrow.

Ms Blair: Bye Charlie, I hope I see you tomorrow.

(They walk quickly through the corridors out into the car park. Tara and Sara race to the car. The babies are still screaming. Charlie opens the door and sits in the car in silence. He pulls out a scrap book with a collection of drawings. He takes out a pencil and begins sketching. His dad looks into the mirror and notices.)

Dad: What is that? Another famous painting from some poxy place I ain’t heard of? Haha

Charlie: It’s my erm, comic drawings. I made my own.

Dad: Ok Picasso. Haha.

(Charlie looks out the window nervously.)

Dad: Look boy, in this world it’s not the hard workers that do good in life. It’s the people that work smart. I have six beautiful kids, but have I ever worked a day in my life? No! I still clothe and feed them. I just fill in the forms and the money comes in! Like a business man you see.

Mum: (Giggles) Like Richard Branson.

Dad: Bingo! Like Richard bloody Branson. Haha! Work smart Charlie boy!

(Charlie continues to stare into the night sky.)

Dad: Next stop Pizza Hut!

End Scene

Scene 6

(Fifteen years later Tunde is sat in his office in Canary Wharf. He loosens his tie, though he wears a tie every day he has still not got used to it. He strides over to his chair and pulls on his glasses and picks up The Guardian and reads the front page headline. It reads “Couple on £32,000 a year benefits demand bigger council house”. Tunde stares at the headline. He throws his head back and laughs. He shakes his head and turns the page. Someone knocks on the door.)

Tunde: Come in

(The door opens and Barbara walks in.)

Barbara: Hello Tunde. I’ve completed the review and the stocks are up by 50% it’s been a good week. Can I ask, how long have you been in the company?

Tunde: Just over a year.

Barbara: That is incredible. You are a real pro at this. You must share your secrets with the team one day.

Tunde: Just hard work and diligence. A wise man once told me if you focus you will reap the rewards.

Barbara: I would love to meet this wise man. Haha!

Tunde: I’m meeting him after work for dinner. That wise man is my father.

Barbara: (Laughs) Well enjoy! I will see you later.

(She walks out of the office closing the door gently behind her. Tunde gets up to his office window and stares at the water front outside his office.)

(A few miles away just across the water, is Limehouse where Charlie is sat in a Ladbrokes. He held his betting ticket watching the races. The room stank of cigarettes and booze. He sat on the edge of his seat praying for his dog to win the race. One hand on his ticket and one hand rocking the pram.)

Charlie: Come on. Oh oh oh yess yess! Wait no noooo you stupid dog!

Kev: Haha. Sorry mate! How much did you lose? Forty quid? Charlie: I’m pissed off my bird wanted me to get a new CD player for the house.

(He peeks inside the pram. The baby was still fast asleep despite the noise inside the Ladbrokes.)

Kev: Sorry maybe next time yeah.

Charlie: Oh don’t you worry you will definitely see me next week. I got some money from the accumulator last week. Today I get paid as well so I’ll slap down another cheeky bet.

Kev: Paid? I didn’t know you work.

Charlie: Who said I work? Haha. Mr Cameron pays me a healthy sum. (He winks at Kev and pushes the pram outside the shop.)

End Scene