Ben’s Monologue from Deposit by Matt Hartley
"Why am I acting like such a wanker?!"
Overview of Deposit
Deposit by Matt Harley is a sharp, modern play examining relationships, aspirations, and the tensions of urban living. Set against the backdrop of London’s unaffordable housing market, the play captures the struggles of young professionals trying to balance their dreams with harsh realities. Ben’s monologue is a humorous and poignant reflection on frustration, resentment, and existential dread.
Character Breakdown: Ben
Name: Ben
Age: Late 20s to early 30s
Background: Ben is an articulate, introspective young professional dealing with the pressures of city life and the weight of familial expectations. His monologue reveals his self-awareness, humour, and a deep-seated fear of mediocrity.
Who the Character is Talking To in This Moment: Ben is addressing his partner Mel in a moment of vulnerability and self-deprecating honesty.
What’s Just Happened: Ben has been triggered by a minor disagreement about a clothes horse, which spirals into a larger rant about his personal frustrations and anxieties.
The Monologue
"Why am I acting like such a wanker?! This is not being a wanker, this is about expressing a massive amount of resentment about how you’ve intruded, broken our privacy with a – [...] Yes, yes with a clothes horse. And yes, a clothes horse probably shouldn’t get on my nerves but it does. I mean, it really does."
Commentary: Ben’s opening captures the comedic absurdity of his rant. His frustration over the trivial issue of a clothes horse sets the stage for a broader exploration of his deeper insecurities. Actors should embrace the humour while allowing glimpses of his underlying tension.
"I’ve just, well, I’ve found the last few days rather depressing. Stevenage. Bloody Stevenage. Well, it’s not Stevenage per se. Places like that, Aldershot, Crawley, you know those places you normally go by on a high-speed train and don’t understand why anyone would want to get off there?"
Commentary: This section shifts to a scathing critique of suburban life, reflecting Ben’s fear of stagnation and mediocrity. Actors should convey his disdain while hinting at the deeper personal fears driving his resentment.
"Oh god, the look of them. Flat. Spawning identikit houses for miles. Culturally bereft. Geographically insipid. [...] It’s like, come on, take the hint, even God hates you!"
Commentary: Ben’s exaggerated descriptions of suburbia highlight his wit and frustration. This part provides an opportunity to lean into the comedy, making his fear of conformity relatable and entertaining.
"And the people who live there become zombies. That’s what my brother has become. And my brother, I can’t say it really in any other way, is, was kind of my hero. He played drums in a band and, and years ago when I was sixteen, I visited him when he first moved here and he took me out and sneaked me into clubs and I got really pissed."
Commentary: Ben’s tone becomes more reflective as he transitions to his memories of his brother. This section introduces vulnerability, as he grapples with his brother’s fall from grace and what it symbolizes for him.
"And this sounds really crap, I know, but I held him up on such a pedestal and now, now he desperately wants to but can’t afford a house with space for his two kids anywhere close to what we’d call London."
Commentary: Ben’s admiration for his brother is juxtaposed with his disillusionment. Actors should convey the sadness and helplessness in seeing someone they idolized succumb to circumstances.
"So he moved out to Stevenage and he lives in a house that looks like a piece of Lego. And he just looks so sad. And he knows he does. And he can’t do anything to change that. So he’s become cruel and decided to take it out on me by saying that the same thing will happen to me."
Commentary: This section highlights Ben’s fear that his brother’s fate will become his own. Actors should emphasize the bitterness in his brother’s cruelty and Ben’s recognition of its truth.
"And the truth is beyond all that cruelty he is a hundred per cent right. One hundred per cent."
Commentary: Ben’s monologue ends on a note of resignation and self-awareness. This conclusion should be delivered with a mix of bitterness, defeat, and acceptance, encapsulating his internal conflict.
Suggested New Thoughts Chunking / Paragraphing
Opening Frustration: Ben’s initial rant about the clothes horse reveals his irritability and self-awareness.
Critique of Suburbia: He transitions to a biting commentary on suburban life, highlighting his fear of mediocrity.
Reflecting on His Brother: Ben shifts to memories of his brother, moving from admiration to disillusionment.
Fear of the Future: The monologue builds to Ben’s realization that his brother’s fate could be his own.
Resigned Acceptance: The conclusion reflects Ben’s acknowledgment of the truth in his brother’s warnings.
Journey Keypoints
Hook: Ben’s comedic frustration over a trivial issue draws the audience in with relatability and humour.
Turning Point: His critique of suburbia transitions into a deeper reflection on his brother’s decline.
Climax: Ben acknowledges the parallels between his brother’s life and his own fears of mediocrity.
Resolution: He concludes with resignation, accepting the truth behind his brother’s cruel remarks.
Performance Tips
Embrace the Comedy: The monologue’s humour is key to its relatability. Use the comedic beats to draw the audience in before transitioning to the more vulnerable moments.
Highlight the Shifts in Tone: The monologue moves from frustration to reflection and ultimately to resignation. Honour each transition to create a layered and dynamic performance.
Show Vulnerability Beneath the Wit: Ben’s humour masks deeper fears and insecurities. Let these emotions surface gradually to enhance the complexity of the character.
Connect with the Listener: Whether addressing Mel directly or engaging the audience, maintain a conversational tone to make the monologue feel intimate and personal.
Learn with Acting Coach Scotland
Ben’s monologue from Deposit offers a mix of sharp humour and poignant reflection, making it a compelling choice for actors. At Acting Coach Scotland, we specialize in helping performers unlock the depth and nuance in challenging pieces.
