Manny’s Monologue from I Think We Are Alone by Sally Abbott

"My mum always said it was a level playing field to get into Cambridge..."

Overview of I Think We Are Alone

I Think We Are Alone by Sally Abbott is a deeply moving play that explores themes of connection, isolation, and resilience. Manny’s monologue is a raw and heartfelt recount of his experience as a working-class student at Cambridge, revealing the systemic inequalities and personal struggles he faces. This piece offers a powerful exploration of identity, belonging, and the clash of expectations versus reality.

Character Breakdown: Manny

  • Name: Manny

  • Age: Late teens to early 20s

  • Background: Manny is a bright, hardworking young man from a working-class background who has earned a place at Cambridge University. Despite his academic success, he struggles with feelings of alienation and systemic bias.

  • Who the Character is Talking To in This Moment: Manny is addressing the audience or someone close to him, sharing his experiences with a mix of vulnerability, frustration, and defiance.

  • What’s Just Happened: Manny reflects on his transition to Cambridge, recounting specific incidents that highlight the social and cultural barriers he encounters.

The Monologue

"My mum always said it was a level playing field to get into Cambridge. Just work hard, Manny. Get your grades. So, I did, I worked really fucking hard. And I got the grades. Two A-stars and an A. Everyone told me I deserved to be there. Mum, Granddad, my boys. Everyone was made up. The local paper even wrote about it."

  • Commentary: Manny’s opening establishes his pride in his achievements and the support from his family and community. Actors should convey his initial optimism and excitement, contrasting it with the disappointment that follows.

"But Mum and me spent so long thinking about the destination, we didn’t think about what it would be like to actually be there. It ain’t easy. It ain’t easy being me there."

  • Commentary: This transition introduces Manny’s struggle with belonging. Actors can use this moment to shift from pride to vulnerability, foreshadowing the challenges he faces.

"On my first week, one of the other students asked if I’d got there on disadvantage points. That’s a thing now – the disadvantage points. Being in care is one of them, having a state education is another. The actual fact of having a state education is seen as a disadvantage. Read that in the university newspaper. I mean... [WTF?]"

  • Commentary: Manny’s frustration and disbelief at the concept of “disadvantage points” highlights systemic inequality. Actors should emphasize his indignation and the personal impact of being othered.

"I thought I’d meet other people like me. Normal. But I didn’t find any for weeks. It was like they were in hiding. I was surrounded by people from private school. They all knew each other. They weren’t doing this alone."

  • Commentary: This section reveals Manny’s isolation and the stark contrast between his expectations and reality. Actors should convey his growing sense of alienation and disappointment.

"My first week, I went up to a group. Hadn’t realised they all knew each other from school and ski trips. I thought they’d be feeling like me – out of their depth, looking for mates. I went up to them, asked if I could join them? Know the first thing they said? They said they were ‘full’. Their friendship group was full."

  • Commentary: Manny’s recount of this rejection is both heartbreaking and infuriating. Actors should highlight the cruelty and absurdity of the situation, showing his hurt and rising anger.

"I just thought – fuck you. Sorry, no. I tell a lie. That wasn’t the first thing they said to me. The first thing they said was could I clear their plates?"

  • Commentary: The monologue’s conclusion is devastating, exposing the class prejudice Manny faces. This moment should be delivered with a mix of bitterness, humiliation, and defiance, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

Suggested New Thoughts Chunking / Paragraphing

  • Opening Pride: Manny recounts his achievements and the support from his family and community, setting a hopeful tone.

  • Transition to Struggle: He reflects on the challenges of being at Cambridge and the systemic inequalities he encounters.

  • Isolation and Rejection: Manny describes his feelings of alienation and specific incidents that highlight his exclusion.

  • Bitter Conclusion: The monologue ends with a powerful recount of prejudice, showcasing Manny’s frustration and resilience.

Journey Keypoints

  • Hook: Manny’s pride in his achievements and optimism draws the audience into his story.

  • Turning Point: His reflections on systemic bias and alienation reveal the stark reality of his experience.

  • Climax: The rejection from his peers, culminating in the degrading remark about clearing plates, is the emotional high point.

  • Resolution: Manny’s defiance and frustration leave a lasting impression, highlighting the resilience beneath his anger.