A FARMERS HOLIDAY.
FARMER (Neddy) RETURNS HOME LADEN DOWN WITH SUITCASES.
NEDDY:
That's it! That's the last time I ever go on holidays. Too many things are happening. It's just not worth it. I'll have to set up some sort of, I dunno, anti-happening system. I'm going to ring the helpline.
NEDDY LOOKS AT HIS DOG WHO'S LOOKING AT HIM STRANGELY.
NEDDY:
What do you mean what helpline? The only one that works.
NEDDY (ON PHONE):
Hi, my name is Neddy Packjacket, can I be put through to the helpline please....to help me. A line....a helpline....just one line is all I need. One line of help. A helpline if you will. H-E-L-P- Hello!
KATE:
Hi, you're speaking with Kate on the helpline.
NEDDY:
Hi Kate, yeah, I'm in need of help. A lonely farmers post-holiday help.
KATE:
Yes you're through to the correct department, now what is the concern?
NEDDY:
I can't go on holidays anymore.
KATE:
Have you forgotten how?
NEDDY:
No, no I-
KATE:
Oh, you're the farmer who rang the minute he got home from holidays last year to say that his curtains had been poisoned.
NEDDY:
No, that was two years ago. Last year I noticed my dogs walking around on two legs when they thought I wasn't looking.
KATE:
Oh yes, how could we forget. So what is it this year; a camel stole all your shoelaces? Your hens are laying boiled eggs?
NEDDY:
No. I feel an external inner pressure that I need to create a song that can be used to send jockeys to sleep.
KATE:
Oh sweet Jesus! Right! And who do you feel is putting pressure on you?
NEDDY:
Most people I meet; Tom down the road, Betty at the country market, Gerry who repairs the perimeter fence.
KATE:
What do they say?
NEDDY:
It's not so much what they say, it's more of a mental inquisition. They take turns and sit me down mentally and ask me the questions.
KATE:
A mental sit down? This is your best one yet Mr. Packjacket.
NEDDY:
Thank you.
KATE:
It wasn't really a compliment. Now, did you ever hear of things that you think happened not actually having happened at all?
NEDDY:
Yeah?
KATE:
Well I think that's rife here.
NEDDY:
Well then how come it is happening..... Like why do the squirrels dance in unison every time I boil the kettle after a holiday?
KATE:
Alright, let's change tack. Where did you go on holidays?
NEDDY:
Same place I always go, Haiti.
KATE:
Haiti and would you have dabbled in the black arts at all?
NEDDY:
Do you mean cow shit?
KATE:
No, I don't mean cow sh- I mean voodoo.
NEDDY:
How did we get talking about voodoo? I want to know why I feel pressure to create a lullaby for jockeys.
KATE:
Have you ever thought that you might just be imagining it?
NEDDY:
No. I have to say that notion never struck me at all.
KATE:
Well maybe you could consider it now.
NEDDY:
But I don't want to. I want to help send jockeys to sleep.
KATE:
Well if you actually want to do it you don't need my help.
NEDDY:
Hmm, I suppose you're right. I think it should be a gentle number. (SINGING) Oh sweet little jockeys it's time for your nap and yes you can stay in your jodhpurs and cap.
KATE:
Okay, thanks for phoning. Bye now! (Mutters) Idiot.
NEDDYS FACE CONTORTS TO A WICKED DEMEANOUR AND HIS EYES START GLOWING RED.
END.