Somewhere in London

Season 9 already!  And Helen is getting back to 'normal' life, performing a poem live at a meeting of the Good and Deadly Poetry Society of South London. But those pesky Greek Gods can't leave her alone for long.

The cast is:
Henry - Tayo Aluko
Raven - Frances Broudie Oldridge
Helen - Flloyd Kennedy
Cyllene - Sarah Golding.

Music courtesy of John T La Barbera, from his album "In the Labyrinth".
Editing, sound design and production by Flloyd Kennedy.

SFX: Freesound.org
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You'll also find us at
https://facebook.com/amIoldyetpodcast
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https://twitter.com/amIoldyet2

Transcript

0:00

SOUND OF THUNDER Thunder's Mouth Theatre presentsÑ Am I old yet? A seriously silly screwball comedy in which an elderly woman approaches her 80th year with degree of apprehension, shall we say. And this podcast approaches its fourth year with a lot of joy. So I'm delighted to bring you Season 9, in which we have some new actors have joined the team, and I do hope you'll check out the crowdfunding campaign to see if we can maybe throw some pennies in their buckets. In the meantime. Here we are in Episode 1 of Season 9, in which Helen picks up her poetry writing career and goes back to an open mic somewhere in London, at which she is joined by an unexpected visitor, which kind of happens to her a lot. APPLAUSE AND LAUGHTER

HENRY: 0:04

Thank you, Raven. As usual, you always get us to see the funny side. Maybe there is something to be said for hearing aids that sprout Bonsai trees. LAUGHTER Not sure I'd be up for volunteering to wear the mushroom flavoured t-shirt though. MURMERED AGREEMENT. Right. Well, it's now time to welcome our honoured guest. She's been a regular of the Good and Deadly Poetry Society back in the day - what? 5 years ago? Three? Before the pandemic, wasn't it? I've lost track.

HELEN: 0:09

Yes. Early 2020 was the last time I was here.

HENRY: 0:10

Well ! We're very happy to have you back with us. For those of you who don't know her, Helen Docherty is Australian, but she's made her home here in England. She a published poet, her work mainly focuses on the natural world, With, I would like to say, a lightly comic touch? Am I allowed to say that?

HELEN: 0:11

You can say whatever you like, Henry!

RAVEN: 0:12

As long as you say it kindly. LAUGHTER

HENRY: 0:14

Ah, you got me there Raven. That's a reference to a poem I read last week, Helen.

RAVEN:: 0:15

It was a rant, Henry. No mistake about it.

HENRY: 0:16

You are right again Raven. It was a rant.

HELEN: 0:17

I love a good rant.

HENRY: 0:18

I think you'd have enjoyed it. But that's enough about me. Tonight, it's over to you. I've invited Helen to come along this evening to share some of her gorgeous poetry. Come on everybody, big welcome to Helen Docherty. APPLAUSE AND WHOOPING

HELEN: 0:20

Thank you. Thanks very much. OK. I'm going to start with an Ode. First one I ever wrote. I'll attempt to read it with some sense of the structure defined for you, hopefully without losing the sense. So... Here it is. It's called And still you grow. Ê Tiny spider plant A gift, gently snipped from Your mother's outstretched arm, Hastily wrapped in wet cotton wool, Popped into a poly bag, and transported home in my backpack. Ê Modestly at first, nestling into the Company of a kindly Kalinchoe, You reached downwards, roots Thickening, searching for the dark brown Safety of soil. Ê Slowly, your lime and jade striped points Sloped their length upwards, seeking sun; Sensing the power of meagre light through Dark winter days. Ê Greedily, you guzzled the water soaking Sweetly past your spikey leaves. Insidiously, their tips inched higher, Wider, subtly spreading into the space Conceded by your florid friend. Ê Suddenly, one solo spike, thin and reed-like, Secreted shyly among the foliage Escaped its hiding place, a scape Whose inflorescence dandles Miniature plantlets, inspiring each other To softly flutter into the spring warmth. Ê Mightily, you embark upon motherhood, Bearing your babies with bravado As the earth turns, and life yearns To repeat itself, freshening the air I breathe, a gift indeed, Ê And still you grow. Thank you. APPLAUSE INTO CHATTER WITH CROCKERY. BUZZ OF CONVERSATION IN THE ROOM SCENE 2

RAVEN : 1:04

and I just loved the one about the spider plant, so poignant, so clever how you made it about motherhood--(in the end

HELEN: 1:05

Thank you. Glad you liked it...

RAVEN : 1:06

I think it's just wonderful that you keep on writing like you do, coming up with new stuff.

HELEN: 1:07

Oh, I don't know about that--

RAVEN: 1:08

And so funny! I didn't think older people could make jokes, the way you do.

HELEN: 1:09

Really?

RAVEN: 1:10

No! My gran never cracked a joke. She was always so serious, she just didn't get younger people, you know.

HELEN: 1:11

Oh, well that's a shame.

HENRY: 1:12

[IN THE BACKGROUND]. Raven? Has anyone seen Raven?

RAVEN: 1:13

Yes, she didn't understand how difficult it is these days, why we have to make fun of things, just to stay sane, you know?

HELEN: 1:14

Oh... Right. So difficult for you, these days. Who knew?

RAVEN: 1:15

I'm sorry?

CYLLENE: 1:16

Excuse me. Oh I am sorry to interrupt--

HELEN: 1:17

Yes? Oh! Do I know you? You look familiar...

CYLLENE: 1:18

We have not met before. I am Cyllene. But you know some people in my family. May I speak with you?

HELEN: 1:19

Of course. Oh - uh - I'm so sorry Raven. It's been lovely to meet you.That's very kind of you to say such sweet things. Would you excuse us a moment please? I'll see you later.

RAVEN : 1:20

[MOVING AWAY] Oh, not at all. Henry!

HENRY: 1:21

There you are!

HELEN: 1:22

Cyllene you said? Now who do you remind me of?

CYLLENE: 1:23

Perhaps I look like my half sisters, or my aunt? I believe they spoke to you, mmm. Perhaps a year or so ago? About the ... situation... when one is One is chosen?

HELEN: 1:24

When one is... Oh, you mean The Chosen One?

CYLLENE: 1:25

I believe so. I'm sorry to interrupt your evening, but I need to speak with you. It is important.

HELEN: 1:26

Now, you're not from here, exactly, are you?

CYLLENE: 1:27

No. I am from Greece - originally.

HELEN: 1:28

And your Aunt, she came to see me with her daughter, Seffi?

CYLLENE: 1:29

That is so.

HELEN: 1:30

Ok. So what on earth are you doing here? Is anything wrong?

CYLLENE: 1:31

Well, no. And - possibly yes. We are not sure. I've been asked to deputise for Persephone. She has to spend some time in the underworld, or - you know - no winter. But we wanted to be sure that you are alright? Are you alright?

HELEN: 1:32

I'm fine. Why do you ask?

CYLLENE: 1:33

Because we heard - we heard that my parents were looking for you--

HELEN: 1:34

Oh! Are they really? Gosh! CYLLENE They want to stop you from using your powers. HELEN Oh! Is that all?

CYLLENE: 1:37

Absolutely. Just that. They want all interference with the 'natural course of things' or - something along those lines to cease. Would you agree?

HELEN: 1:38

What do you think?

CYLLENE: 1:39

I think not. From what I hear, you are very brave person. And wise.

HELEN: 1:40

Well, not so much, really. But stubborn. I'll admit to that.

CYLLENE: 1:41

So what are you going to do?

HELEN: 1:42

I do think your parents have a very good point. What is the use of interfering? There are always unintended consequences.

CYLLENE: 1:43

This is true.

HELEN: 1:44

Then what? If there's nothing we can do to reverse the damage to the weather systems, and we can't stop humanity from adding to the problem, what is the point of trying?

CYLLENE: 1:45

I agree, in principal. But we think--we believe--

HELEN: 1:46

We?

CYLLENE: 1:47

er... Demeter, and Artemis, and ... er... Hermes...

HELEN: 1:48

Ah... Hermes...

CYLLENE: 1:49

And we agree that there are possibilities. For making a difference.... On a much, much smaller scale.

HELEN: 1:50

Well, that is good to hear. And I agree.

HENRY: 1:51

[COMING INTO THE ROOM] Helen? We're about to start up again.

CYLLENE: 1:52

I have to go now. Will you agree to meet with me again? Perhaps your favourite coffee shop?

HELEN: 1:53

Of course? When?

CYLLENE: 1:54

Tomorrow. Lunch time. And if you see my parents

HELEN: 1:55

Not a word. Don't worry.

HENRY: 1:56

Helen! Oh. Oh hello,.. I'm Henry. I don't think you've been here before have you?

CYLLENE: 1:57

No. First time. Very interesting... er.

HELEN: 1:58

[WHISPERING] Poetry.

CYLLENE: 1:59

Poetry. Thank you. Enjoy the rest of your evening. Good bye.

HENRY: 2:00

Wha--? Oh! You're leaving? Oh. That's a shame. Wow. Beautiful woman. Just... beautiful. Don't you think, Helen? Wow. Friend of yours?

HELEN: 2:01

I know her family. And yes, she is. But still, she reminds me of someone...can't quite place it...

HENRY: 2:02

Oh, I do hope she comes back next month...

HELEN: 2:03

Hmuh. Not likely. But you never, never know.

HENRY: 2:04

No, you don't.

RAVEN: 2:05

Henry! It's time!!

HENRY: 2:06

Right. Mmmm. Right! Helen! Are you ready for the next set? Loads of questions for you. Ooh.

HELEN: 2:07

Oh goodie. MUSIC That was episode 1 of season 9 of "Am I Old Yet?" The cast was as follows. Henry was played by Tayo Aluko, Raven by Frances Broudie Oldridge, Helen by me, Flloyd Kennedy, and Cyllene by Sarah Golding. The music throughout is from John T La Barbera's album "In the Labyrinth". I do hope you'll share the links to the podcast and tell your friends about itÑif you're enjoying it, and if you're not, don't. And of course, if you have any pennies to spare to drop into our bucket, our crowdfunding bucket (links are in the Show Notes) so that we can pay the actors and buy that other brand new microphone that I am lusting after so that we can start recording together in the same room rather than on Zoom, even when people are just down the road. Thanks for listening.-1-