Susie’s Monologue from Pramkicker by Sadie Hasler
"OK. FINE. Growing up with her was … challenging. There. Being eight years behind her was like being the tail of a bloody kite..."
Overview of Pramkicker
Pramkicker by Sadie Hasler is a sharp and darkly humorous play exploring sisterhood, identity, and the pressures of societal expectations. Susie’s monologue delves into her relationship with her older sister, blending humor, nostalgia, and vulnerability. It’s a compelling piece for actors seeking to showcase emotional depth and the complexities of familial love.
Character Breakdown: Susie
Name: Susie
Age: Late 20s to early 30s
Background: Susie is the younger of two sisters, living in the shadow of her older sibling. She is introspective, witty, and fiercely loyal, though her humor often masks deep-seated insecurities and fears.
Who the Character is Talking To in This Moment: Susie is likely addressing the audience or a close confidant, reflecting on a formative memory that captures her dynamic with her sister.
What’s Just Happened: Susie is recounting a childhood memory that symbolizes both her admiration for and frustration with her older sister, highlighting the emotional intensity of their bond.
The Monologue
OK. FINE. Growing up with her was … challenging. There. Being eight years behind her was like being the tail of a bloody kite, just bouncing along behind. She was the centre of everything in my universe, it all orbited her, and I was just … me. The invisible satellite. The little sister. But I thought she was just amazing. She taught me to swim. In the sea. Said I didn't need the baby pool because it wasn't real. She let me bob in her arms for hours at a time until I was ready to paddle off on my own. She'd always swim out to the crowstone, then go way past it like she was trying to get to Kent, which I thought was France, like a dick.I'd try and keep up, but I couldn't. One day she kept on going and I thought that's it, she's in France and I'll never see her again.And I could see her, laughing with men in berets with loads of onions and fancy ladies in fur coats with cigarettes on sticks, and I was so scared. I kept swimming but she was nowhere; I couldn't find her.Then the waves got big, and the back of my head kept smacking hard against them as I tried to keep my chin out of the water and my mouth was filling with solid chugs of salt and I Thought I was drowning.I was probably close, but I wasn't afraid of dying. I was afraid of not being with her.I called out, hoping I could make my voice carry to France.
BROKEN DOWN
"OK. FINE. Growing up with her was … challenging. There. Being eight years behind her was like being the tail of a bloody kite, just bouncing along behind."
Commentary: Susie’s opening line sets a humorous tone, immediately engaging the audience. Actors should convey her mix of exasperation and fondness.
"She let me bob in her arms for hours at a time until I was ready to paddle off on my own."
Commentary: This tender memory showcases Susie’s deep admiration for her sister. Actors should highlight the warmth and nostalgia in this moment.
"One day she kept on going and I thought that's it, she's in France and I'll never see her again."
Commentary: Susie’s imaginative fear is both funny and poignant, reflecting the intensity of her emotional reliance on her sister. Play up the humor while letting the underlying vulnerability shine through.
"Then the waves got big, and the back of my head kept smacking hard against them as I tried to keep my chin out of the water and my mouth was filling with solid chugs of salt and I thought I was drowning."
Commentary: This section builds tension, capturing Susie’s sense of panic and helplessness. Actors should shift to a more urgent and vulnerable delivery here.
"I was probably close, but I wasn't afraid of dying. I was afraid of not being with her."
Commentary: This line is the emotional climax of the monologue. Deliver it with sincerity and depth, highlighting the strength of Susie’s love and dependence on her sister.
"I called out, hoping I could make my voice carry to France."
Commentary: The monologue concludes with a mix of humor and poignancy, encapsulating Susie’s loyalty and fear of separation. Actors should end on a reflective and heartfelt note.
Suggested New Thoughts Chunking / Paragraphing
Opening Humor: Susie sets the stage with humor, reflecting on the challenges of growing up with her sister.
Nostalgic Admiration: She recounts tender moments of being taught to swim, highlighting her sister’s importance in her life.
Imaginative Fear: Susie’s humorous fear of her sister disappearing to “France” adds levity and depth to the memory.
Drowning Panic: The tension builds as Susie describes her near-drowning experience, revealing her vulnerability.
Emotional Climax: Her declaration of being more afraid of losing her sister than of dying is the emotional high point.
Reflective Closing: Susie concludes with a mix of humor and affection, underscoring the complexity of her feelings.
Journey Keypoints
Hook: Susie’s humorous and relatable opening draws the audience into her world.
Turning Point: Her admiration for her sister becomes overshadowed by fear as the story unfolds.
Climax: Susie’s near-drowning and emotional confession reveal the depth of her love and dependence.
Resolution: The monologue ends with humor and reflection, leaving a lasting impression of Susie’s layered emotions.
Performance Tips
Balance Humor and Vulnerability: Susie’s monologue blends wit with heartfelt emotion. Let both shine, creating a nuanced and dynamic performance.
Build the Tension: Gradually increase the emotional intensity as the story shifts from humor to fear.
Embody the Memory: Use physicality and vocal shifts to bring the childhood memory to life, from the joy of swimming to the panic of the waves.
End with Sincerity: Conclude with a reflective and heartfelt tone, capturing the depth of Susie’s feelings for her sister.
Learn with Acting Coach Scotland
Susie’s monologue from Pramkicker is a beautifully layered piece that challenges actors to explore humor, nostalgia, and vulnerability. At Acting Coach Scotland, we help actors unlock the emotional truth in pieces like this, delivering performances that resonate deeply with audiences.
