Park Bench was written by Ellen O’Sullivan as part of the Tenderfoot programme at the Civic Theatre in Tallaght for Transition Year students. The play tells the story of ‘he likes her but she doesn’t like him’…and that doesn’t even begin to consider how the best friend feels. Three pals. Feelings unleashed by teh school production of Romeo & Juliet makse life very complicated.

Louise: Hey, thanks for coming.

Jen: Yeah no problem. Not like I’ve anything better to do

Louise: Thanks Jen. You really know how to make a girl feel special.

Jen: It’s a talent I have. Oh my God did you see Ros na Run last night? Isnt Ríona such an eejit? I mean, the whole village knows about O’Down, even Colín and hes not exactly in the inner circle!

Louise: I dont watch that crap.

Jen: Oh yeah sorry. I forgot you’ve no taste

Louise: Says the girl who watches Murder she Wrote every day!

Jen: Jessica Fletcher is one classy woman Ill have you know!

Louise: Whatever Grandma!

Jen: I refuse to lower myself to your standards and reply to that comment

Louise: Ha! Just ’cause you can’t think of anything to say!

Jen: True! So what did you want me for?

Louise: I need help!

Jen: Is it that maths again? Cause all you have to do is cross multiply to find x.

Louise: Its not the maths.

Jen: Then what’s wrong?

Louise: What’s right?

Jen: Talented and astute as I am, I can’t read minds. Do you want to elaborate?

Louise: Yeah, sorry. Its Adam.

Jen: Shit! Why didn’t you say something earlier? What happened? Is he okay?

Louise: He’s Fine

Jen: Thank God!

Louise: Mmm

Jen: Well if he’s okay then what’s the problem?

Louise: He asked me out..

Jen: Shocked. Wow, that’s..that’s great!

Louise: No..no it’s not! It’s awful! What am I going to do Jen?

Jen: Don’t tell me you were so thick as to turn him down!

Louise: Nope, I said yes….

Jen: Then what’s the problem?

Louise: That’s the problem!

Jen: Hold on.. Maybe I’ve gone stupid but I don’t understand. You just got asked out by the nicest, cutest guy in school and it’s a problem? What’s up with that?

Louise: But I don’t want to go out with him!