Exploring the final scenes of Act 1

2. SOCIAL CLASS
• How does Russell show the class prejudice of the times with the police treatment of
Mickey and Eddie and the way the policeman interacts with the two parents?
• Find at least 3 quotations which show a contrast.
Mrs Johnstone Mr Lyons
Is threatened: ‘Well, there’ll be no more
bloody warnings from now on. Either you
keep them in order, missis, or it’ll be the
courts for you, or worse, won’t it?’
Is treated with respect: ‘All the best now.’
Extension: Consider the importance of gender. Could this play a part? If so, what was the writers purpose?

3. GOODBYES
• What is the significance of the locket that Mrs Johnstone gives to Eddie?
• What is the importance of Mickey’s song after Eddie has moved?
•My Friend links to and earlier song, why is this link used by Russell? What is he
suggesting about Mickey and Edward’s relationship?

4. BRIGHT NEW DAY
• What is the significance of this positive and to the scene? How does it contrast to the play’s
opening?
• What is the writers purpose here?
Context: At the end of Act One the Johnstone’s are rehoused by the council from Liverpool to
Skelmersdale. Such population migration from inner-city slums to New Towns happened all across
Britain during the 1960s as a means of improving living conditions for the working classes and solving
problems such as poor sanitation and crime.