Monologue Analysis: Standing at the Sky’s Edge by Chris Bush
Character Context
Character: Nikki
Age: Not explicitly specified; likely late 20s to early 30s
Speaking to: Poppy, her ex-partner
Synopsis
Nikki's monologue is a heartfelt confrontation with her ex-partner, Poppy. She expresses the pain of their abrupt separation and the unreciprocated intensity of her love. Nikki reflects on the differences in their emotional capacities and acknowledges her own overwhelming nature. She seeks closure, urging Poppy to find happiness with someone deserving, while subtly revealing her own lingering feelings.
Original Text
I want to talk. Cos we never did – not really. You just packed up and left, more or less overnight. You say you had good reason. Maybe I did too.
No, not a good reason, there can’t be a… But it was hard. It was hard when you couldn’t love me like I loved you.
It was different, wasn’t it? I love you in technicolour. I love you in five dimensions. I love you in this glorious, messy, destructive… It isn’t polite, how I feel about you. It isn’t civilised. But that doesn’t make it lesser. It was never difficult to love you, but it is difficult to be in love with someone who finds your love embarrassing. And you did. I know you did. It’s true. It is.
And I get it. Who would want a lifetime of me? Sure, it’s fun for a while, but till death do us part? It’s a lot. So you started shutting down, shutting me out even more than normal. I was overspilling with all this love and it was too much, because I’m too much, and –
I’m just trying to explain. Just tell me what else do you need.
Okay. Okay, I’ve said what I came here to say, so… And I was wrong about this place – wrong about it being wrong for you. It’s nice, and I’m glad you feel settled here. But you are here by yourself, aren’t you?
Don’t leave it too long. Not because of what I did. I couldn’t bear that. Find someone who deserves you.
Suggested New Thoughts Chunking / Paragraphing
I want to talk. Cos we never did – not really. You just packed up and left, more or less overnight. You say you had good reason. Maybe I did too.
Nikki initiates the conversation, highlighting the abruptness of their breakup and hinting at unresolved issues.
No, not a good reason, there can’t be a… But it was hard. It was hard when you couldn’t love me like I loved you.
She acknowledges her own faults but emphasizes the pain of unreciprocated love.
It was different, wasn’t it? I love you in technicolour. I love you in five dimensions. I love you in this glorious, messy, destructive… It isn’t polite, how I feel about you. It isn’t civilised. But that doesn’t make it lesser. It was never difficult to love you, but it is difficult to be in love with someone who finds your love embarrassing. And you did. I know you did. It’s true. It is.
Nikki contrasts their emotional expressions, describing her love as vibrant and intense, and perceives Poppy's discomfort with it.
And I get it. Who would want a lifetime of me? Sure, it’s fun for a while, but till death do us part? It’s a lot. So you started shutting down, shutting me out even more than normal. I was overspilling with all this love and it was too much, because I’m too much, and –
She self-reflects, admitting her overwhelming nature and how it may have led to Poppy distancing herself.
I’m just trying to explain. Just tell me what else do you need.
Nikki seeks understanding and possibly reconciliation, asking what more Poppy requires.
Okay. Okay, I’ve said what I came here to say, so… And I was wrong about this place – wrong about it being wrong for you. It’s nice, and I’m glad you feel settled here. But you are here by yourself, aren’t you?
She attempts to find closure, expressing contentment for Poppy's new life but subtly questioning her solitude.
Don’t leave it too long. Not because of what I did. I couldn’t bear that. Find someone who deserves you.
Nikki encourages Poppy to move on and find happiness, despite her own lingering feelings of guilt and love.
Journey Keypoints
Hook: Nikki confronts the lack of communication during their breakup, immediately engaging with unresolved tension.
Turning Point: She delves into the disparity in their expressions of love, revealing deep-seated insecurities.
Climax: Nikki admits her own overwhelming nature and acknowledges how it may have pushed Poppy away.
Resolution: She seeks closure, urging Poppy to find someone deserving, while subtly expressing her own enduring affection.
Standing at the Sky’s Edge is a musical that explores the lives of various residents over six decades in Sheffield's Park Hill Estate. Nikki is portrayed as a wisecracking, outgoing Liverpudlian, whose relationship with Poppy reflects the complexities of love and personal growth.
This monologue offers a profound glimpse into Nikki's character, her vulnerabilities, and the dynamics of her relationship with Poppy.
