The Visitors

Still looking rough Benjamin ENTERS the pub and sits at the bar.  A BARMAN comes over to him.

BARMAN
What'll it be?  A Guinness?

BENJAMIN
You read my mind.

The Barman goes away.  Benjamin then watches as it as the Barman prepares it in the two-part pour.  The Guinness comes out of the tap and fills the glass with inky blackness.  Hungover Benjamin watches it settle.

Finally he is served and he snaps out of his daydream.  He takes a drink.

BENJAMIN
Delicious.

The Barman makes no response.  Benjamin looks around.  The bar is empty but then Benjamin recognizes the Older Man who was in the play the previous night is sitting reading a NEWSPAPER.  This is JOSEPH.  Benjamin smiles and raises his glass.

BENJAMIN
Hey how's it going?  You did a great job last night.

Joseph looks up.

JOSEPH
Oh you were at the play were you?  Thanks very much.  You enjoyed it you did?

BENJAMIN
Yeah it was terrific.  Can I buy you a drink?

JOSEPH

Cheers.
(turns to Barman)
Pint of Harp there Alan thanks.

BARMAN
Sure thing.

Benjamin takes some MONEY out of his wallet and pays the Barman and then turns back to Joseph.

BENJAMIN
So how's it going?

JOSEPH
Good thanks.  Tipping away.

BENJAMIN
Sure.  It must be great to live here.  Beautiful scenery, lovely people...such a strong sense of community.  I'm jealous.

JOSEPH
Ah I don't live here at here.  It would be some bollocks.  I just do the play for a few weeks in the Summer.  I work in construction.

BENJAMIN
Oh really?

JOSEPH
Yeah.

BENJAMIN
Oh right...

JOSEPH
Haven't even seen the film to tell you the truth.
(beat)

Cheers for the drink though.

Joseph goes back to his paper.  Benjamin nods and then frowns obviously unimpressed and slowly finishes his own drink.  The Barman comes over.

BARMAN
Another Guinness?

BENJAMIN
You know what, get me a Budweiser.