What Goes On In A Coffee Shop
This play was written by young women who participate in the Clondalkin Traveller Development Group in June 2026.
Characters
Michelle AKA Shelly, 21, brown hair, a country aesthetic, originates from Carlow, goes to UCD Dublin to study nursing, works in a bar as a waiter, she is late on rent.
Sarah, 23, blonde hair, posh, was reared in Dublin 2. She is studying music culture at UCD, Dublin.
Scene One
The Vibe Coffee shop in Dublin City in 2025.
Sarah
What do you want to drink?
Michelle AKA Shelly
A shot of espresso.
Sarah
Oh My God!!! I just heard you on the radio.
Michelle AKA Shelly
No you didn’t!
Sarah
Are you being for real right now?
Michelle AKA Shelly
It wasn’t me.
Sarah
I literally heard you!!
Michelle AKA Shelly
Maybe it was someone that sounded like me.
Sarah
Are you trying to gaslight me right now?
Michelle AKA Shelly
No. Why would I lie about that?
Sarah
I don’t know but I heard you talking and I heard your name.
Awkward silence.
Sarah
You know I wanted to go to see Zach Bryan.
Michelle AKA Shelly
Just because you introduced me to his music, doesn’t mean I have to invite you.
Sarah
Thats’ what best friends do.
Michelle AKA Shelly
Maybe we shouldn’t be best friends then!
Sarah
Bitch!!!
Michelle AKA Shelly
I don’t have to explain myself to you!!
Sarah
Jeez I’m only asking you don’t have to get your knickers in a twist.
Michelle AKA Shelly
Do you even ask if I’m going to the concert?
Sarah
What do you mean?
Michelle AKA Shelly (Shouts)
I’m not going to the concert, I’m selling the f**kin tickets!!!
Sarah
Why the f**k would sell the tickets?
Michelle AKA Shelly
Unlike you I need the money. Some of us have to work for our money.
Sarah
What do you mean by that?
Michelle AKA Shelly (Screams)
Daddy’s money!
Sarah
As least I have one.
Michelle AKA Shelly
You know I have been going through a lot since my Dad died.
Sarah
You go low and I go lower but not as low as your Dad.
Michelle AKA Shelly grabs Sarah from across the table.
Michelle AKA Shelly
Don’t talk about my Dad like that!
Sarah
I’m your sister. He’s my Dad too.
Michelle AKA Shelly
You sick bitch.
Sarah
I didn’t know how to tell you.
Michelle AKA Shelly
You didn’t know how to tell me?
Sarah
I didn’t know how to tell you.
Michelle AKA Shelly
How long have you known that?
Sarah
I found out when he died. Mam told me after the funeral.
Michelle AKA Shelly
The reason why I’m so broke is because of my Dad’s funeral was 15 grand.
Sarah
Jesus Shelly you should have told me sooner.
Michelle AKA Shelly
It was just something I didn’t to talk about.
Sarah
Shelly you don’t have to sell the tickets.
Michelle AKA Shelly
I do. I’m late on my rent.
Sarah
I can help you out.
Michelle AKA Shelly
I don’t want your help.
Sarah
Well it’s not my help. It’s Mam and she has money from my Step-Dad.
Michelle AKA Shelly
She’s not my Mam.
Sarah
She may have not raised you but she is your Mam.
Michelle AKA Shelly
Sarah, what nonsense are you talking?
Sarah
I saw a photo of us when we were kids, we have the same parents.
Michelle AKA Shelly is in shock.
Sarah
I’m your sister Shelly and I can help you.
Michelle AKA Shelly leaves the coffee shop in a state of shock.
To be continued.
