The One That Got Away
Characters: FISHERMAN.
Props: A chair, and a mobile phone. A giant fish is optional ... the fish never
actually has to be seen, the fisherman only has to react to its immense size.
A boat. A fisherman wrestles with his line in a titanic struggle ‘twixt man and fish.
FISHERMAN: I’ve got you now, you brute … you’re mine!
More heaving on the line.
FISHERMAN: I’ll see you chunked and canned, by God – you are not getting away from me!
One last tug and the fish is landed. He looks in awe at his catch.
FISHERMAN: That’s enormous … that’s … that’s record-breaking! I’ll be famous!
He pulls out a mobile telephone.
FISHERMAN: Charlotte! My love! We’re rich!
(pause)
I’m on the boat, my love ...
(excited)
This fish! It’s colossal! It’s a record! We’ll be famous!
(pause)
Found someone else?
(incredulous)
Been gone too long?
(a longer pause, as she hangs up)
He stares at the telephone in disbelief, then sinks to his seat. Stares at the floor for a
moment, then looks around him. A shrug.
Standing, he heaves the catch back over the side.
FISHERMAN: Oh well. Plenty more fish in the sea.
lights fade