The BT Prodigal Son

Cast :	Bob, prodigal son, dad  

Props :	Phone, broom (both optional!)

Notes :	This is a skit on the BT advertising of 94/95 with Bob Hoskins 

[Prodigal son starts stage right sweeping the floor. Enter Bob stage right.]

Bob :	This is John. He's been working here for six months - sweeping the floor, mucking out the stables, feeding the pigs. He's hardly had a good night's sleep, the pay's terrible, he feels ill, yet he can't stop or he'll lose his job. He hasn't eaten for so long, even the pig's food looks good. 

Prodigal: Oooh I feel like I'm going to die...

[Enter dad stage left. Dad paces up and down, Bob walks over to him]

Bob :	This is John's dad. He's been worried sick about John ever since he left home last year. He hasn't heard anything for eight months now, he doesn't even know that he's alive.

Prodigal : This is crazy. When I lived with my dad, why even the servants were better treated than this! Maybe if I went and apologised and begged forgiveness dad would let me work as a stable hand back home...
          
[Prodigal picks up the phone and dials. Dad's phone rings.]

Dad :	Hello?
          
Prodigal : [Tentatively] Um, hello... dad?
          
Dad :	John? Is that you?

Prodigal : Yeah dad, it's me. Look, please don't hang up, I'm really sorry dad. I know I didn't do what you wanted and ran off and everything but I really am sorry. If you'll just have me back, all I want is to work on the farm or something...
          
Dad :	John! Where are you? I've been so worried...

[They continue in lowered tones]

Bob :	You see, it don't matter what you've done, how far you've come, your Dad still cares for you. So do both of you a favour, eh? Pick up the phone and get things straightened out.

Dad :	Look I'll come and pick you up. It's so good to hear from you...

[Dad and John freeze]

Bob :	It's good to talk.

- END -

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