MONOLOGUES
THE SINGER
by Philip Jamieson
Suitable for Grade 3
Stage directions
Briar is a famous singer who is being interviewed by a journalist. Each time a slight pause is indicated, we imagine the journalist asking Briar a question. You might place two chairs on stage – one for the performer and the other for where the imaginary journalist might be sitting.
Excerpt
Briar
Nodding as if understanding the question
Well, when I’m singing, I’m expressing my thoughts. My songs are like pages from my own personal journal. They’re very private and show my true feelings. They’re feelings that belong to me alone. They’re undiluted. Pure.
I know loads of people in the music business who just want to make money. But, you can’t just write for cash. There’s got to be heart in there. If you’re churning out song after song without heart, your fans will sense your insincerity. My first agent tried to get me to do that and I fired her straight away. My first duty is to be true to myself and my second is to be honest with my millions of fans. Those fans made me famous. I owe them. I…No. Sorry. I interrupted you. What did want to ask me?
Pause as Briar listens to a question.
Oh, Yes. You were asking me about my new recording deal. Yes. Of course. It does mean a lot of money for me. I can’t deny that. Next question.
Pause as Briar listens to a question.
Hints & tips
- This monologue is ideal for Grade 3 exams – but can also be used at other levels.
- The character Briar can be male or female.
- Pace the gradual change of emotion through this monologue.
- You will need to plan your abrupt exit from the stage at the end carefully.
- Try to make it look as though you are actively listening as you hear the questions early on in the piece.
- As the monologue develops make it really clear that you are interrupting and cutting off the interviewer before the questions have finished.
