Joey’s Monologue from Precious Little Talent by Ella Hickson
"It's a movement, isn't it? That's what they call it. When people feel the same thing in their soul at the same time..."
Overview of Precious Little Talent
Precious Little Talent by Ella Hickson is a heartfelt exploration of generational divides, cultural differences, and personal growth. Joey’s monologue captures a moment of reflection, grappling with themes of hope, belonging, and identity. It’s a nuanced and layered piece that allows actors to explore a blend of nostalgia, optimism, and quiet determination.
Character Breakdown: Joey
Name: Joey
Age: Early 20s
Background: Joey is an introspective young woman navigating the complexities of familial relationships, cultural differences, and her own sense of purpose. Her sharp observations and emotional honesty reveal a deep yearning to find her place in the world.
Who the Character is Talking To in This Moment: Joey is speaking to the audience, reflecting on her experiences with her father, Sam, and her observations of American idealism.
What’s Just Happened: Joey recounts moments with her father, her romantic connection with Sam, and her experience witnessing Obama’s inauguration, reflecting on how these experiences have shaped her understanding of belief and belonging.
The Monologue
It's a movement, isn't it? That's what they call it. When people feel the same thing in their soul at the same time – they call it a movement. I've always been jealous that I never got to ban the bomb, or burn my bras, jealous of people that lived through the war because, well, they had a common enemy and that'd make you want to fight and it'd make it clear what you were fighting for and it might even allow for a hero or two. I said this to Sam, who, it transpired, one got used to over time – sure there were differences; sex, for example. I liked the British kind, angsty, passionate but essentially joyless and for him, well it was sort of like going to the Oscars, lots of tears and thank-yous and I felt he struggled with an overwhelming urge to clap at the end.We sat with Dad, and played board games and talked and – Sam would take over when Dad forgot things, or when I found dirty plates in the cupboard or his shaving stuff in the cutlery drawer, or once when he struggled for my name – Sam stepped in at times when I just couldn't really stop myself from finding it all horribly sad. In January Sam took me away for the weekend – and when we got to Washington, strangers were high-fiving each other and smiling and everyone seemed so – excited. It was that same feeling I'd had, on that rooftop on Christmas Day, right in the pit of my stomach, looking at all those tiny lights holding tiny lives and knowing that they were part of something – but that something was bigger than them – and it was good. And when it came to it, with the sun peeking itself out behind the Washington Monument, and looking down The Mall and seeing two million people waiting, exercising the muscle of – faith – well, I thought that it didn't really matter what you believed in – just as long as you knew how to believe.And just as he appeared and all the flags started waving and young kids started whooping and older men and women shed some quieter tears, Sam turned to me and he wrapped me right up in his scarf and he said – 'Now, you've got to believe in this – right?' And I looked at him, and he had this stupid smile on his face, grinning ear to fucking ear, and suddenly I realised what kind of balls it takes just to think that the world isn't such a bad place.But of course, Sam, Dad, even that new President of theirs, they weren't really mine to believe in, not for ever anyway. No, us British, English – well, me – I'm not like them, I'm not flying the flag of revolution, I don't have fire in my belly or idealism on my tongue and I'm not singing the song of change and why? Because I don't know the words yet; but I will, we will. I won't be forgotten.
BROKEN DOWN
"It's a movement, isn't it? That's what they call it. When people feel the same thing in their soul at the same time – they call it a movement."
Commentary: Joey’s opening is contemplative, setting the tone for a reflective and introspective piece. Actors should deliver this with a quiet curiosity that invites the audience into her thought process.
"I've always been jealous that I never got to ban the bomb, or burn my bras, jealous of people that lived through the war..."
Commentary: Joey’s wistfulness highlights her longing for a clear purpose or cause. Actors should balance the humor in her observations with the underlying seriousness of her yearning.
"We sat with Dad, and played board games and talked and – Sam would take over when Dad forgot things..."
Commentary: This section shifts to Joey’s relationship with her father, revealing her sadness and vulnerability. Actors should let her affection for her father shine through while acknowledging the pain of his decline.
"In January Sam took me away for the weekend – and when we got to Washington, strangers were high-fiving each other and smiling..."
Commentary: The monologue builds to a moment of collective optimism as Joey reflects on witnessing Obama’s inauguration. Actors should convey a sense of wonder and hope, contrasting it with Joey’s own reserved nature.
"No, us British, English – well, me – I'm not like them, I'm not flying the flag of revolution, I don't have fire in my belly or idealism on my tongue..."
Commentary: Joey’s self-awareness and sense of cultural identity come to the forefront here. Deliver this with quiet resolve, as Joey begins to embrace her individuality.
"Because I don't know the words yet; but I will, we will. I won't be forgotten."
Commentary: The monologue concludes with Joey’s determination to find her voice and make her mark. Actors should deliver this line with a quiet but firm conviction, leaving the audience with a sense of hope.
Suggested New Thoughts Chunking / Paragraphing
Opening Reflection: Joey introduces her thoughts on movements and her longing for purpose.
Nostalgia for Heroes: She reflects on generational differences and the clarity of past struggles.
Moments with Dad: Joey’s relationship with her father reveals her vulnerability and love.
Collective Optimism: Her experience in Washington highlights a moment of unity and hope.
Cultural and Personal Identity: Joey acknowledges her differences and resolves to find her own voice.
Journey Keypoints
Hook: Joey’s opening musings on movements immediately engage the audience with her reflective tone.
Turning Point: Her observations of American idealism juxtaposed with her own cultural reservations deepen the emotional complexity.
Climax: The vivid imagery of the inauguration and Joey’s realization of Sam’s optimism mark the emotional peak of the monologue.
Resolution: Joey’s final lines reflect her quiet determination to find her purpose, leaving the audience with a sense of hope.
Performance Tips
Balance Reflection and Emotion: Joey’s monologue is introspective, but moments of humor, sadness, and optimism give it emotional depth. Explore these shifts fully.
Embrace Cultural Nuance: Highlight Joey’s British perspective, contrasting it with her observations of American idealism.
Build Toward Optimism: Let the monologue crescendo with Joey’s awe at the collective hope of the inauguration, contrasting with her earlier wistfulness.
Ground the Closing Resolve: Joey’s final determination to find her voice should feel grounded and genuine, leaving the audience with a sense of her growth.
Learn with Acting Coach Scotland
Joey’s monologue from Precious Little Talent is a rich exploration of identity, hope, and cultural contrasts. At Acting Coach Scotland, we help actors unlock the nuance and emotional depth needed for pieces like this, ensuring powerful and resonant performances.
