Oli’s Monologue from Dark Sublime by Michael Dennis
"Joel? He’s not here? [...] No. He, uh – [...] He, um... (Huh!) No. Um."
Overview of Dark Sublime
Dark Sublime by Michael Dennis is a heartfelt and witty exploration of fandom, friendship, and identity. The play weaves themes of unrequited love and the longing for connection into a celebration of science fiction and its impact on the lives of fans. Oli’s monologue is a raw, relatable confession of romantic rejection and self-doubt, layered with humour and vulnerability.
Character Breakdown: Oli
Name: Oli
Age: Early 20s
Background: Oli is an enthusiastic science fiction fan navigating his feelings for Joel, a close friend who doesn’t reciprocate his romantic feelings. He is introspective, self-aware, and passionate, but also struggles with unrequited love.
Who the Character is Talking To in This Moment: Oli is speaking to a confidant or friend, opening up about his heartbreak and the difficult decision to end his friendship with Joel.
What’s Just Happened: Oli has recently confessed his feelings to Joel, been rejected, and is now grappling with the emotional aftermath. This monologue captures his attempt to process and move forward.
The Monologue
"Joel? He’s not here? [...] No. He, uh – [...] He, um... (Huh!) No. Um. I asked him if he wanted to go out with me. And he, um. Didn’t. [...] He said he’d rather we stayed friends."
Commentary: Oli’s hesitant and fragmented opening sets the tone for the monologue. His nervousness reflects the vulnerability of recounting a painful rejection. Actors should lean into the pauses and self-consciousness to convey his discomfort.
"And I thought, okay. Friends. Right. But... I’ve been thinking about him for, like, the last year. Every day, for the last year. And I’ve been wanting to ask him out since November. Nine months! Well, I’ve been wanting to ask him out since I first saw him but it was around November when I realised, like, I had to. That I couldn’t not any more. So I did."
Commentary: This section reveals the depth of Oli’s feelings and the weight of his decision to confess. Actors should convey a mix of frustration, longing, and the courage it took to take that step.
"And I felt like a twat when he said no. I mean, he didn’t say ‘no’, he said he was flattered and... la la la and... And I did give it a go. I tried, for, like, a week after. I thought, maybe you can do this, you know. Maybe it’s okay. And I realised I couldn’t. Not when – I was just, like, thinking about him. All the time. Last thing at night. First thing in the morning. Every single minute in-between. That’s... You can’t be friends like that, can you?"
Commentary: This is the emotional core of the monologue. Oli’s struggle to maintain a platonic relationship while battling his unrequited love is relatable and heartbreaking. Actors should emphasize his inner turmoil and rising frustration.
"So I’d made up my mind anyway. But then he tells me – this is, like, three weeks later – he’s going on a date with this other lad we know. And, I’m not being funny but – this guy. You wouldn’t look at him twice. I’m not saying I’m all that, but... And he’s into all the same stuff – the same music and... TV, and, like... I mean – he’s just like me! So, you think – well, thanks. You could have had me, you could have had me, who you say you really like and get on with, but instead you choose this weird fucking... parody!"
Commentary: Oli’s jealousy and anger bubble to the surface here. This section blends humour with bitterness, and actors should embrace the sarcasm while letting the hurt seep through.
"Told him. Said we couldn’t be friends. Said I didn’t want to be just his friend. I can’t live my life like that. He’s all I’ve thought about for the last year. He’s all I’ve thought about. I can’t walk round with that inside me. If we’re in my room, watching, like, an episode or something, I’d always be thinking – I want to kiss you. Or, why won’t you hold my hand. I’m not doing that. It’s not fair on me! Life’s too short."
Commentary: This is Oli’s moment of empowerment. Despite his heartbreak, he asserts his need to prioritize his own emotional well-being. Actors should deliver this with conviction, showing Oli’s growth.
"Aw, man. Sorry. Didn’t mean to go on like that. Lame! [...] I mean, I’ve never even touched him and I know for a fact that he’s let Damien Gilbey wank him off. Twice! Sorry. Too much information."
Commentary: Oli closes with a mix of self-deprecating humour and lingering bitterness. This moment lightens the tone slightly, giving the audience a sense of his resilience. Actors can use this to shift from vulnerability to a more conversational tone.
Suggested New Thoughts Chunking / Paragraphing
This monologue can be broken into clear thought sections:
Opening Hesitation: Oli nervously recounts his confession and Joel’s rejection.
Longing and Obsession: He delves into the depth of his feelings for Joel and his inability to move on.
Jealousy and Anger: Oli expresses frustration over Joel’s decision to date someone else.
Empowerment: He asserts his boundaries and explains why he can’t stay friends.
Humorous Close: Oli lightens the mood with self-deprecating humour, ending on a bittersweet note.
Journey Keypoints
Hook: Oli’s hesitant opening draws the audience into his vulnerability and pain.
Turning Point: His jealousy over Joel’s new relationship reveals his insecurities and deep emotional investment.
Climax: Oli asserts his decision to end the friendship, prioritizing his emotional well-being.
Resolution: He closes with humour, showing his resilience despite the heartbreak.
Performance Tips
Embrace Vulnerability:
Oli’s monologue is deeply personal and relatable. Allow his insecurities and longing to shine through to create an authentic performance.
Balance Humour and Pain:
The monologue weaves humour into moments of intense emotion. Use the comedic beats to contrast and highlight the sadness beneath.
Pace the Emotional Journey:
The speech moves from nervous hesitation to longing, anger, empowerment, and humour. Honour each shift to keep the performance dynamic.
Engage the Listener:
Oli is speaking to a trusted confidant. Use direct eye contact and a conversational tone to create intimacy and connection with the audience.
Learn with Acting Coach Scotland
Oli’s monologue is a relatable and nuanced piece that requires emotional versatility and strong comedic timing. At Acting Coach Scotland, we specialize in helping actors master challenging material and deliver compelling performances.
