Matthew Parris Matthew Parris

Another Voice | 11 October 2008

Sit back and enjoy the world economic crisis in three minutes

issue 11 October 2008

Dramatis personae:

Joe Citizen                    (a citizen)
Jack and Jill Jones        (Joe’s neighbours)
Mr Whatam-Ibid            (a surveyor)
Mr Ballpark-Estimate    (a valuer)
Ms Dreamhomes            (an estate agent)
Mr Moneybags                (a small banker)
Mr Dollarsacks                (a global fund manager)
Mr Brown                        (a prime minister)
(voices off)                    (depositors; taxpayers)
Stage props:                 two bricks: one large, one small








The stage is empty against the backdrop of a blue sky and scudding clouds. ENTER: Joe Citizen carrying a small brick, and Jack and Jill Jones carrying a large one…

Joe Citizen (to the Joneses): That’s a nice big brick you own.

The Joneses: It’s for sale. The kids have flown the nest and we’re downsizing. We’d take £10 for our brick. What are you asking for your smaller one?

Joe Citizen (to himself): £10? Pricey for a brick, but I guess mine must be worth more than I realised too.

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