Tony’s Monologue: Kiss Me Like You Mean It by Chris Chibnall
"Listen … I need to…Um…say…. I mean…I know we only met earlier…"
This monologue from Kiss Me Like You Mean It captures Tony’s vulnerability and impulsive romanticism as he confesses his immediate and overwhelming feelings for Ruth. The speech highlights his yearning for love, connection, and the possibility of a shared life with her, despite the briefness of their acquaintance.
Synopsis
Tony and Ruth meet at a house party in Manchester, and their chemistry is undeniable. Despite their respective relationships with others, Tony is captivated by Ruth and delivers this heartfelt monologue, expressing his longing for a deeper connection and envisioning a future filled with love and intimacy.
What’s Just Happened Before This Moment That’s Relevant to the Scene?
Tony and Ruth have spent the evening getting to know each other. Although they have only just met, Tony feels an undeniable pull toward Ruth. Overwhelmed by his emotions, he impulsively decides to express his feelings in this candid and emotional speech.
Original Text
*"Listen... I need to... Um... say... I mean... I know we only met earlier... And I know I nearly set you on fire... And we're both going out with other people. Obviously that's quite tricky.
But... Well... You are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on in my entire life. I saw you and my heart leapt. You make me want to change my life. To... participate.
I know it's not possible and that you have a boyfriend and we're not compatible or whatever but... I just... I know it's stupid... But maybe just hear me out for a second and then you can tell me I'm an idiot and we'll both go back in and pretend this never happened but...
I want to travel the world with you. I want to bring the ice cold Amstel to your Greek shore. And sit in silence and sip with you.
I want to go to Tesco's with you of a Sunday. Watch you sleep, scrub your back, suck your toes. I want to write crap poetry about you, lay my coat over puddles for you. I want to get drunk and bore my friends about you, I want them to phone up and moan about how little they see me because I'm spending so much time with you.
I want to feel the tingle of our lips meeting, the lock of our eyes joining, the fizz of our fingertips touching. I want to touch your fat tummy and tell you you look gorgeous in maternity dresses, I want to stand next to you wide-eyed and hold my nose as we open that first used nappy, I want to watch you grow old and love you more and more each day.
I want to fall in love with you. I think I could. And I think it would be good. And I want you to say yes. You might feel the same. Could you? Maybe?"*
Breakdown of Text into ‘New Thought’ Paragraphs
"Listen... I need to... Um... say... I mean... I know we only met earlier... And I know I nearly set you on fire... And we're both going out with other people. Obviously that's quite tricky."
Tony sets the stage for his confession, acknowledging their brief acquaintance and the complications of their existing relationships.
"But... Well... You are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on in my entire life. I saw you and my heart leapt. You make me want to change my life. To... participate."
He confesses the profound impact Ruth has had on him, inspiring him to engage more fully with life.
"I know it's not possible and that you have a boyfriend and we're not compatible or whatever but... I just... I know it's stupid... But maybe just hear me out for a second and then you can tell me I'm an idiot and we'll both go back in and pretend this never happened but..."
Tony acknowledges the improbability of a relationship but pleads for a chance to express his feelings.
"I want to travel the world with you. I want to bring the ice cold Amstel to your Greek shore. And sit in silence and sip with you."
He begins painting a vivid picture of the life he imagines with Ruth, filled with shared adventures and quiet moments.
"I want to go to Tesco's with you of a Sunday. Watch you sleep, scrub your back, suck your toes."
Tony conveys his desire for intimacy and companionship, even in the mundane.
"I want to write crap poetry about you, lay my coat over puddles for you. I want to get drunk and bore my friends about you, I want them to phone up and moan about how little they see me because I'm spending so much time with you."
He humorously highlights his willingness to embrace cliché and sacrifice for love.
"I want to feel the tingle of our lips meeting, the lock of our eyes joining, the fizz of our fingertips touching."
Tony captures the physical and emotional thrill of falling in love.
"I want to touch your fat tummy and tell you you look gorgeous in maternity dresses, I want to stand next to you wide-eyed and hold my nose as we open that first used nappy, I want to watch you grow old and love you more and more each day."
He expresses a longing for a future together, encompassing family life and enduring love.
"I want to fall in love with you. I think I could. And I think it would be good. And I want you to say yes. You might feel the same. Could you? Maybe?"
Tony concludes with a hopeful yet vulnerable plea, asking Ruth to consider the possibility of love between them.
About the Playwright: Chris Chibnall
Chris Chibnall is an accomplished British playwright, screenwriter, and producer. Known for his work on television dramas such as Broadchurch and Doctor Who, Chibnall has a talent for crafting emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships.
Kiss Me Like You Mean It, one of his celebrated plays, showcases his ability to blend humour and pathos. Other notable works include Worst Wedding Ever and Gaffer!
Conclusion
Tony’s monologue is a raw and heartfelt expression of love, offering actors the opportunity to explore vulnerability and passion. If you’re preparing this monologue for an audition, Acting Coach Scotland can help you refine your performance and bring depth to this contemporary gem. Contact us today to start perfecting your craft!
