by Peter Shaffer
The sensitive and inexperienced Bob has asked a girl out for the first time. He asks his worldly-wise friend Ted to help him to make a good impression on her – a disastrous idea, which leads to a heart-rending tangle of misunderstandings, hurt emotions, and lost hopes.
Photos of 'The Private Ear'
Extract from the script 'The Private Ear'
| Doreen: | I'm not too early? |
| Bob: | No, just right. [Bob shuts the door] Actually, it's only just half past. You're very punctual. |
| Doreen: | Unpunctuality's the thief of time, as my dad says. |
| Bob: | To coin a phrase. |
| Doreen: | Pardon? |
| Bob: | Let me take your coat. |
| Doreen: | Thank you. [She slips it off.] |
| Bob: | [Taking the coat]: That's pretty. |
| Doreen: | D'you like it? |
| Bob: | I do, yes. Is it real? I mean real leopard. |
| Doreen: | It's ocelot. |
| Bob: | Oh! [Imitating Ted] Very chic. |
| Doreen: | Pardon? |