Synopsis

The action takes place on a split set with three acting areas - a simply furnished living-room, a GP’s consulting room, and a hospital lounge.

Schoolteacher John feels he’s a victim in all aspects of his life. At home there are constant arguments with his wife Ellen, in which he accuses her of having affairs with his friends and giving away his secrets. At work, John believes his colleagues and the pupils are plotting against him. His complaints to the Head Teacher receive an unsympathetic response.

The local GP diagnoses John as schizophrenic, but John ‘knows’ there’s nothing wrong with him. He goes to see another Doctor, but she seems baffled by his illness. John refuses to take his medication and eventually ends up in hospital, where his encounters with the doctor become increasingly fraught. He loathes the experience, and a series of incidents reinforce his feelings that the nurses are spying on him and gossiping about him behind his back. His father-in-law, also a doctor, doesn’t believe his accusations. John feels victimised, and begins to hear voices tormenting him.

John discharges himself from hospital, but his troubles continue. He alienates his mother, his relationship with Ellen disintegrates, and eventually their marriage breaks down. Following a series of heated arguments he finally deserts his doctor. Only his friend Jane, also schizophrenic, can understand how he feels. His turbulent and increasingly difficult existence only ends when sudden death releases him from his pain.

Duration

Characters