The Blunt End

| Violet | Oh dear, I knew this would happen. |
| Basil Llewellyn, sports teacher enters stage left dressed as Oberon. Basil is athletic and cheerful. |
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| Basil | Evening Violet. |
| Violet is surprised by his words and lets out a yelp, jumping round to face him. |
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| Basil | Steady there, Violet. |
| Violet | Oh Basil. I didn't hear you come in. Oh dear. |
| Basil | I know this costume is rather over the top but I don't look that scary. |
| Violet | No, of course you don't. I'm sure you look quite fetching, really. I just thought we'd have more of an audience tonight. Parents, siblings, you know. Rosemary will be ever so bad tempered if we don't get sufficient bums on seats. |
| Basil | Face it, Violet. Rosemary is always bad tempered. And the only reason she wants a good turn-out is so she can show off. |
| Violet | Don't be like that, Basil. (Leaning closer) She might hear you. |
| Basil | I don't care if she does hear me. And another thing- |
| Jessica and Robert Lavender enter stage left. Jessica is well dressed if rather fussy in her appearance, and in her thirties. Lagging behind, her son Robert is dressed in a shiny Puck outfit. |
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| Jessica | Now don't forget what I said, Robert. |
| Robert | No, Mum. |
| Jessica | You must do your very best. Do you hear me? |
| Robert | Yes, Mum. |
| Jessica | Speak up when you're on stage. Look out at the audience. Eyes and teeth. |
| Robert | (sighing) Yes, Mum. |
| Jessica | Now what did I just say? |
| Robert | Eyes and teeth. |
| Jessica | That's right. (She plants a kiss on his cheek then rubs off the lipstick with a tissue.) There. |