Another Joey’s Monologue from Precious Little Talent by Ella Hickson
"What have I got to lose? A shitty unpaid magazine job and a job in a café, a flat that I can't afford..."
Overview of Precious Little Talent
Precious Little Talent by Ella Hickson captures the struggles of young adulthood, exploring themes of ambition, grief, and the tension between idealism and reality. In this monologue, Joey grapples with her inner conflict, weighing the romantic allure of possibility against the harsh realities of everyday life. This piece is ideal for actors who want to explore raw emotion and the quiet resilience of a complex character.
Character Breakdown: Joey
Name: Joey
Age: Early 20s
Background: Joey is a young woman navigating the challenges of adulthood in London while grieving her father’s death. She is determined, practical, and deeply introspective, torn between idealism and the need to find stability.
Who the Character is Talking To in This Moment: Joey is speaking directly to Sam, a significant person in her life, possibly a romantic interest or close confidant.
What’s Just Happened: Joey is responding to Sam’s suggestion to embrace spontaneity and live in the moment, explaining why she cannot afford to lose herself in idealistic dreams.
The Monologue
Sam
Come with me. What have you got to lose?
Joey
What have I got to lose? A shitty unpaid magazine job and a job in a café, a flat that I can't afford, a routine that stops me going mad, three friends that took me six months to make and stopped me feeling so lonely that I thought I was going to break in half, a lifestyle that keeps me busy enough that I don't think about the fact my dad got buried yesterday, Sam – that, that is what I have to lose. So no, I won't go running through London, I won't – dance until dawn – I won't run off to America – because you end up starstruck in a station or on a rooftop – with your mouth open, looking at the world and it feels amazing, it feels like everything is possible and it feels like just believing that, just feeling that, in your stomach is enough – but it's not enough, it's necessary but it's not enough. Because eventually you have to close your mouth, stop staring, get the fuck off the rooftop and go to work and that's what you have to believe in, you have to believe in getting up at dawn, and you have to believe in fourteen-hour shifts, you have to believe being alone is okay, you have to believe that shit magazine job might be the first step to something else. Rooftops, stars, midnight runs – they're just going to make it harder to get up in the morning. I'm not giving up Sam, I'm just getting started.
BROKEN DOWN
"What have I got to lose? A shitty unpaid magazine job and a job in a café, a flat that I can't afford..."
Commentary: Joey opens with raw honesty, painting a vivid picture of her struggles. Actors should deliver this with a mix of frustration and determination, setting the tone for the rest of the monologue.
"Three friends that took me six months to make and stopped me feeling so lonely that I thought I was going to break in half..."
Commentary: This line highlights Joey’s vulnerability and the importance of the small victories that keep her grounded. Emphasize her fear of losing the fragile stability she has built.
"Because you end up starstruck in a station or on a rooftop – with your mouth open, looking at the world and it feels amazing..."
Commentary: This section contrasts Joey’s yearning for something extraordinary with her pragmatic realization that fleeting moments of inspiration are not enough. Actors should balance awe with a sense of disillusionment.
"You have to believe in getting up at dawn, and you have to believe in fourteen-hour shifts, you have to believe being alone is okay..."
Commentary: Joey’s resolute declaration of practicality is the heart of the monologue. Deliver this section with quiet strength, showcasing her determination to move forward.
"Rooftops, stars, midnight runs – they're just going to make it harder to get up in the morning. I'm not giving up Sam, I'm just getting started."
Commentary: The closing lines blend defiance and hope. Actors should convey Joey’s resolve to embrace the grind of life, ending on a powerful note of resilience.
Suggested New Thoughts Chunking / Paragraphing
Opening Frustration: Joey begins by listing what she has to lose, highlighting her fear of instability.
Recognition of Fragility: She reflects on the importance of the small pieces of her life that hold her together.
Tension Between Idealism and Reality: Joey contrasts the allure of romanticized spontaneity with the necessity of practical action.
Declaration of Belief: She firmly asserts the value of persistence, hard work, and self-reliance.
Resolute Closing: Joey ends with a strong, hopeful statement, asserting her determination to move forward.
Journey Keypoints
Hook: Joey’s opening line grabs attention with its raw honesty and sets the stakes for her internal conflict.
Turning Point: She reflects on the appeal of idealism and the fleeting nature of inspirational moments.
Climax: Joey asserts her belief in practical perseverance over fleeting passion, marking the emotional high point of the monologue.
Resolution: The monologue concludes with Joey reclaiming her narrative, choosing resilience over escapism.
Performance Tips
Convey the Inner Conflict: Joey’s monologue is driven by the tension between her longing for inspiration and her need for stability. Explore this duality in your delivery.
Balance Vulnerability and Strength: While Joey’s struggles are evident, her determination and resilience should shine through.
Use Shifts in Tone: Move seamlessly between frustration, nostalgia, awe, and resolve to capture the full emotional range of the piece.
Emphasize the Build-Up: Let the monologue crescendo toward the final declaration, ending on a note of quiet defiance and hope.
Learn with Acting Coach Scotland
Joey’s monologue from Precious Little Talent is a powerful exploration of resilience and self-discovery, offering actors the chance to showcase emotional depth and range. At Acting Coach Scotland, we help actors unlock the truth in moments like this, ensuring a compelling and authentic performance.
