Original subtitles

Congrats on the promotion. Thank you, Cressida.

Yes, Daphne? LEO: Their name's Dee now.

You just deadnamed them, Miss! I think you should apologise.

Out of my way, chav! I heard your son is queer.

Surely you agree representation matters?

LEO: They won't say anything. Good.

It won't do us any favours if they do.

It's a petition to remove you as Head of Drama.

She's struggling this year. They. Oh, God, don't you start.

No. It's important, Hel.

'Names matter. Pronouns matter.' God!

You push me, I push back.

That's enough!

I don't think your parents will take your call either.

Not since you decided you weren't their precious little girl any more.

'You might as well kill yourself now

'because it doesn't get any easier from here.'

How did I miss this?

How am I gonna face their parents?

And I... Don't.

I couldn't make any... Don't. Don't!

Don't go down that hole. What can we be doing?

OK, we... we need to cancel classes, yeah?

Yeah, I'll...

Maybe I'll go and talk to the kids.

Where's Dee?

What's going on?

Erm... What's going on?

Oh, Leo...

I'm so sorry.

No. I'm so sorry.

Thank you, all of you, for, erm...

..gathering at this heartbreaking time.

The last few hours have been deeply...

..deeply harrowing, to say the least.

I know that some of you were personally close to Dee.

This will take some time to process,

but the authorities will want to speak to all of you.

Particularly about the pills that Dee took.

It's imperative that we find out who or what drove them to this

and that it does not happen to anyone else.

So we need to identify and monitor the most vulnerable students.

I think we should all keep a close eye on Leo Dalton,

Dee's best friend.

Leo's in my form group.

I'll touch base with him and report back.

Thank you.

At this devastating moment, we have a duty of care to these children.

They need our support at this fragile time.

We're working with the police to discover how and why this happened.

Helen, DS O'Brien would like to speak to you first.

Leo? KNOCKING ON DOOR

You in there?

SOBS

Leo. Leo, I just heard about...

I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do?

LEO SOBS

Right, well, I'm staying here, OK, for as long as you need me.

LEO CRIES

We're trying to paint a picture of who Dee was.

Anything that might go some way

of explaining why they took their own life.

Well, she was bright as a button.

You could say a bit quiet, but nothing out of the ordinary.

How about their school work, exam pressure, any areas of concern?

She missed the mark on her last essay,

but it's nothing I was overly concerned about.

And what about the drugs found in Dee's room,

did they have a reputation for that?

No. I wouldn't... Dee wasn't like that.

Personally, I found her a pleasure to teach.

I notice your use of female pronouns.

We understand that Dee identified as non-binary.

Yeah. Sorry. Force of habit.

This wasn't a source of conflict between the two of you, was it?

No. They hated conflict.

You covered detention with Dee yesterday, am I correct?

What was the reason for that?

Late homework.

You were the last teacher to have any interaction with Dee

before they overdosed.

May I ask how they seemed?

They were right as rain.

As far as I could tell.

Was anything said that might give you cause for concern?

Anything that might shed some light on the events that followed?

It was a...

..bog-standard detention.

I did some marking, they sat in silence.

And when Dee left, any signs of unease, distress?

Not that I clocked.

No.

Thank you, you may go.

I've got your back.

So just stay strong, and don't say anything to anyone.

We'll be all right.

Cressida?

I, erm...

I just wanted to check that you're OK?

SCOFFS

Oh, are you serious?

Because I'm... I'm worried about you.

You mean you're worried I'm gonna grass on you for what you said?

No. No.

Look, I... I just feel that after this dreadful thing that's happened,

we all need time to process.

CRESSIDA SCOFFS

Yeah, sure (!)

Well, I'm not going to say anything anyway.

I don't need to.

I've got your whole tirade recorded.

'..one in your corner. You are alone.

'And if you can't handle that,

'you might as well kill yourself now because it doesn't...'

I... That's not... I didn't mean that.

But you said it.

Well, you're not entirely innocent in this.

Time after time, they asked you to stop causing chaos.

How do you know it wasn't your little fight

that tipped them over the edge?

I didn't tell them to kill themself.

What do you intend to do with that recording?

Ah, Cressida. There you are.

DS O'Brien would like to speak to you, if that's OK.

Yeah, sure.

I think Ms Simpson and I are done talking? Mm-hm.

Do you want to follow me? Yeah.

Right, er, Room C-12 on the Humanities corridor

is going to be your Pupil Support Room.

It'll be open all day with a member of staff available to speak to.

DOOR OPENS

Er, take a seat, Cressida.

I'm just explaining about the protocols

that the school has set in place,

and what the plan is gonna be for the next couple of days.

I know...

HELEN SIGHS ..you may all have questions,

but I just don't have all the answers, so...

Excuse me, Miss, can I say something?

Go ahead.

Er, I've been thinking about the drama final.

I know you had your reasons for choosing Shakespeare, but...

..I was wondering if...

..after what's happened,

you'd reconsider and change things up?

I don't think now is the time to discuss this.

I disagree.

I think it would be great to show our solidarity with Dee

by doing a play that we dedicate to them.

The thing is, the syllabus... I'm thinking Spring Awakening.

It was Dee's favourite play.

Gender expression, sexuality, queer culture, radical.

I don't know about anyone else,

but I think a project like this would help me process my grief.

Miss, I stand with Cressida.

Who votes to ditch Midsummer Night's Dream

and do Spring Awakening for Dee?

Well, if you're willing to put in the extra work, then I suppose so.

You won't regret this.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Something I can help with?

I've seen some video footage I need to discuss with you.

Right. I just... I, erm...

I can't leave the students unsupervised.

Mr Blake's on his way to cover.

A video has been shown to us that we find deeply concerning.

Do you know what I'm referring to?

LAPTOP KEYS CLICKING

OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYS

DEE: 'We're not done! Fucking touch me! Wait!'

'Hey! Hey! Hey!

'You've just earned yourself detention for the next week.

'I'll have to contact your parents and let them know.'

Am I right in saying that this fight is the reason

that you gave Dee and Cressida detention?

Then why didn't you mention it before?

Why did you tell me

that Dee's relationships with other students were fine?

I forgot.

It... It was just a spat that got out of hand.

Hormonal teenagers.

It didn't ring any alarm bells for me.

A fight between two pupils,

one whom committed suicide soon after,

didn't ring any alarm bells?

Obviously... it should have.

I just thought they'd dealt with it,

and by the time we got to the actual detention,

the issue seemed to be resolved.

I'm sorry, this has all been very traumatic.

Is there any more key information that you failed to disclose?

No. I don't think so.

SOMBRE MUSIC PLAYS

Sorry I'm late, love. It's been a hell of a day.

You OK? Yeah.

Hm. Actually, can we talk about something?

Course. Come and sit down.

So, it's... it's about Leo.

Right. OK. Er...

I'm so... I'm... I'm worried about him.

And how he's sort of taken Dee's death.

He's just... He's just... He's beating himself up over it.

And without them, he's gonna be lost,

and I... I just wanna help him, and I don't know how.

I'm sure you being there for him is helping more than you know.

And you... I'll... I'll look out for him, too. OK?

Together, we will get him through this, I promise.

Thank you.

Come here.

SOMBRE MUSIC PLAYS

KNOCK ON DOOR

DOOR OPENS

Hello?

That won't help, and you know it.

God, not now, Terry. I'm not in the mood for a lecture.

Sam called.

I just came to see how you were doing.

Shit. How do you think? Yeah.

Yeah, sounds about right. Sam?

As well as can be expected, I guess.

Oh, don't call him down if he's in his room.

I just...

wanted you both to know that,

you know, I'm here if you need anything.

Thanks. That's...

That's appreciated.

Well, I doubt this has been easy,

something like this in his first term.

I had hoped this new school might make things better for him.

Well, how was I to know this would happen?

You weren't. I'm not...

I'm just trying to... Well, don't.

SHE CHUCKLES

I'm sorry.

I'm here because I give a shit, Hels, about both of you.

Good morning, Ms Simpson.

What can I do for you?

I was thinking we could have a creative conversation

about Spring Awakening.

How do we ensure that we're representing the themes

to a modern audience?

Teenagers' complex identities,

representation, reclamation, the power of being seen.

I think that's to be discovered in rehearsals.

OK.

I was also thinking about casting.

I reckon I'd make a great Wendla.

I could use the monologue for my drama school audition.

The police know about your fight with Dee.

I know. I told them.

I thought it was better to be open and honest.

But you didn't talk about the detention?

I'm not sure that's my story to tell.

Is this all just to pimp your uni application? No.

I genuinely think you deserve to pay

for your outdated, problematic opinions

or you'll never learn.

What does that mean?

Wait and see.

Mum. Sorry, miles away.

Are you OK?

Yeah. I was just... I was thinking about Leo. Erm...

Are you busy tonight?

I was thinking I could maybe ask him over, hang out.

I don't think we can get into the habit

of asking other students over to the house.

It is against the rules.

Mum, I really think he needs somebody to talk to.

I don't want you getting too attached to his trauma, you know.

I just thought that maybe away from school,

he might relax and open up a bit,

you know, in, like, a normal home environment.

Please, Mum.

Yeah, I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important.

Yeah, all right, you invite him over tonight. I'll cook.

But this has to stay between the three of us, all right?

Mm-hm. Mm.

Thanks. Yeah. Yeah.

It's the... It's the red circle.

Hmm? Oh, shit, sorry.

Dinner's ready. Hope you like enchiladas.

There you go.

Thanks.

This is delish. Cheers, Ms Simpson.

Not a problem.

Can't compete with campus food, but I do my best.

It's just nice to be away from the sad sympathetic looks.

People don't even say anything.

PHONE CHIMES

They probably just don't know what to say, Leo.

Who... Who is it? Er, Tessa.

I'm sorry, lads, I... I need to nip out.

It's urgent.

Well, where are you going?

I just need to sort something with Tessa. I won't be long.

You two can have some alone time to chat.

Mum, that's...

FOOTSTEPS RETREATING

DOOR OPENS

DOOR CLOSES

Right. Let's go out. Me and you. Let's get shit-faced.

You could've given me a bit more notice.

I've ordered us the deluxe taster menu as a treat.

Really? You shouldn't be drinking that.

So you gave the police the video

of that fight purely to mess with me?

Well, mission accomplished. You happy now?

One of my classmates just passed away,

I'd hardly say that I'm happy.

Come on, you couldn't give a flying fuck about Dee.

You got on that bandwagon to rile me up.

You don't know me.

You're right... I don't.

So tell me.

CLUB MUSIC PLAYS

# Come and dance tonight

# Come and dance tonight... #

I just keep thinking how selfish they are

for abandoning me like this.

They knew I fucking hated Wankerville Cheetham Hall.

It's not easy here, is it?

I mean, I thought it'd be better, too.

It's awful!

But with Dee, it was bearable.

Friends aren't meant to leave each other in the shit.

Look, I know I'm not them, yeah, I'm not tryna be,

but if you wanna try and talk about anything, then...

..I'm here.

I should've known.

After what happened before.

Been such a...

..shit friend.

I just...

I don't think getting wasted's such a great idea right now.

# Come and dance tonight

# Come and dance tonight. #

I got into...

I got into this job

because I believe that theatre can help young people,

that it holds up a mirror to ourselves and the world.

As long as the reflection only represents your narrow view?

No, not necessarily.

Look, believe it or not,

we have more in common than you think.

I understand that since your mum left...

..you feel the need to act independently.

You know nothing about my family. Teachers talk.

I know more than you think.

Well, you're just as bad.

Abandoning your family.

You have no idea the hurt you're causing.

Half the male teachers in our school have left their families.

Why are you gunning for me?

It's a bit anti-feminist, don't you think?

Also, Sam still lives with me,

and I still speak to his father,

so don't compare me to any other women in your life.

CLUB MUSIC PLAYS

REVELLERS CHEERING

Leo? Leo?

Sam. No.

Leo, listen. Hey...

Can you believe...

I've agreed to do a fucking speech at the memorial?

What am I supposed to say?

Maybe it's best not to think about that right now, OK?

Here's what I suggest, yeah? Mm.

We call my mum to come pick us up, we go back to mine. Nah.

We find a film, and we just chat shit all night.

Yeah? Hey, why don't you have some water?

Ah! GLASS SMASHES

REVELLERS CHEER

Shit. Sorry. It's fine, Leo, it's just a glass.

I'm sorry. I'm so fucking stupid. I just...

I hurt everyone. No.

I can't have people near me.

Leo. Le... Leo?!

Erm...

So what will it be, then?

Are you going to delete that footage

so we can both move on with our lives?

CHUCKLES Why would I do that?

You do realise that blackmail is a criminal offence?

You do know that your dinosaur opinions

are hurting people?

We tried talking to you...

..but if I don't do something about it, who will?

Don't paint yourself to be some kind of anti-hero, it is pathetic.

Not as pathetic as you, trying to negotiate,

when you've got nothing on me.

I decide how this ends.

She's paying.

BELL RINGS

What do you think you're doing?

Sorry, how exactly were you planning on getting into my phone?

It's Face ID.

This needs to end, Cressida.

Don't think you can go rooting through my stuff,

and then tell me how it's going to be.

What now?

Well, actually, there is something.

I want a copy of the Drama AS exam paper.

No. You know I can't.

The exam papers are kept locked away securely in the exam office.

How would I even gain access to them?

You realise if I got caught...

I'm risking everything.

My whole career. Fine.

I'll just upload the video to socials,

and we can see how that affects your precious career.

OK. Fine.

But this is where I draw the line.

I mean it.

If I get you this paper,

you have to agree to delete that video.

Deal.

PHONE RINGS

Er, excuse me, Simon, I have those reports you asked for.

Yeah. These are good, thank you. Thank you.

Leo?

Leo, I've been looking everywhere for you. What happened?

Leave me alone. No. Leo, come on.

I know everything's a total shit show right now,

but you've gotta tell me what's going on.

Come on.

There we go.

The drugs the police found in Dee's room...

..they were mine.

What?

I was selling them.

And Dee tried them one time...

at the end of term prom.

But when they asked for more the other day, I said no.

But I never moved my stash.

So it's my fault. No. If I hadn't...

No, no, no, none of us knew what was going through their head.

But I should... I should have, though.

Cos I knew they couldn't after last time.

What are you talking about?

Nothing. Nothing. I just...

They wouldn't be, you know, dead... No. No.

LEO SOBS

It's not your fault.

Here. Now we're even.

Even?

Right, you bullied one of my classmates

into taking their own life.

How can we ever be even? We agreed.

I do this, and then that's it. Quits. Done.

We're done when I say we're done.

I just wanted to see how far you'd go.

How dare you!

Every day, I feel sick with guilt about what I said to Dee,

and you don't care, do you?

You would gladly ruin my life!

LAUGHS

OK.

Ugh. LAUGHS

Fine.

If you're that stressed out about it, I'll delete it.

There.

Done.

And, Helen, don't ever talk to me like that again.

SOMBRE MUSIC PLAYS

Hello? Hel?

Sorry. It's just...

seeing all this...

Yeah.

I've been, erm...

liaising with Dee's parents about the memorial.

A few of the students are helping.

Leo's agreed to do a speech. And Cressida's sorting music. Right.

Hey. Are you all right?

Yeah, I... I can't seem to get my head together.

Come on. We can't let this beat us.

The students, they're relying on us to stay strong.

I just feel like I'm, erm...

..like I'm losing control a bit.

I'm so sorry, Hel, but if we crumble,

this'll all go to shit.

You're right. I know. I know.

Thank you. Thanks.

DOOR OPENS

You said you'd keep an eye on him.

What?

Leo. You promised.

I let you invite him for supper. That was already crossing a line.

Oh, the supper that you bailed on and left me alone.

To give you two time to talk.

It was you I wanted him to talk to, Mum.

Why didn't you say that, then?

I shouldn't have to spell it out for you.

We needed help, yeah, after... after Dee died.

Look, I am not exactly the most qualified

in the emotions department.

I'm not asking you to be his therapist, Mum.

I just needed you to be there. Where even were you?

Look, I've been distracted, all right? I'm sorry.

No, Mum... Look, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry if I let you down. Stop making up excuses, Mum.

I'm not. I'm just... I'm... Yes, you are!

You're trying to swerve blame to avoid responsibility.

Who is the fucking parent 'ere?

I knew moving back in with you would be a mistake.

DOOR SLAMS

DOOR OPENS

It's just me. Thought I'd check in.

Helen?

This Cressida girl sounds like a nasty little rich bitch.

You're not wrong.

What happened to Dee was awful.

Don't make out like you're some kind of an expert

on this whole non-binary, woke thing.

I don't understand any of this pronoun stuff.

But back in our day, we had Annie Lennox and David Bowie,

and they dressed different, and we all just accepted it.

All I'm saying is...

you didn't have to get all uppity about it.

I mean, what happened to live and let live?

Whose side are you on? Yours.

Always yours.

Look, I can call you out if I think you've gone too far,

but I also don't think anyone deserves

what this Cressida girl is doing.

Both things can exist.

You're not perfect. She's a twat.

SHE LAUGHS

You always were fair. Well, one of us had to be.

Ouch.

Leave Helen alone. What?

Your childish games with Helen Simpson, it ends now.

Or what? Or you don't want to fucking know.

Your parents might have shipped you off to boarding school

and forgotten all about you,

but Helen is my family, and I'll protect her no matter what.

Fine. I'm sorry. I'll stop.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Hey.

Do you mind if I come in?

If you're here to convince me to come to the memorial, don't bother.

You don't have to go if you don't want.

You've gotta grieve in your own way.

I know it's weird, but I have their jacket with me,

to try and feel them... close.

I just miss them so much.

Have you written it yet? Your speech, I mean.

It's beautiful.

Dee would've loved it. Yeah. It's all right.

Erm...

What would Dee say, you know, if... if they were here now?

"Get your glad rags on, you slag."

Will you say it?

Please.

Get your glad rags on, you slag.

Erm, I'm sorry. I just... I don't think this is a good idea.

Yeah, no, erm...

With, like, the grief and everything,

you're not in the right headspace, and I just...

Yeah, no, it's cool. Whatever. It's fine.

Er...

Let's just... Let's just go.

Hey. Where have you two been?

Er, sorry, sir, we just...

Er, we weren't feeling up to facing everyone.

All right, well, hurry up, it's starting soon.

You breathe a word, and I'll know.

I'm watching.

What was that about?

Just checking in. The usual.

You ready?

Nope, but I ain't got a choice.

You'll be fine. Come on.

Today, we gather as a school to remember one of our community.

Dee was this creative free-spirit.

They were passionate...

..a much-loved and vital part of Cheetham Hall.

And now, a few words from Dee's close friend, Leo Dalton.

"Dee, you were an icon.

"You were so unafraid to be yourself.

"From the moment we met in Year 4...

"From the moment..."

I, erm...

"From the mo..." COUGHS

Erm...

Sorry.

If you want, I can read it for you,

you can just stand with me, OK?

"Dee...

"..you were an icon.

"From the moment we met in Year 4, I wanted to be your mate.

"You knew who you were and always made me laugh.

"You were the best friend I ever had.

"You're my ride or die..."

'Starved of love because your father would rather ship you off

'to a place like this than spend any actual time with you.'

'Stop it! Just stop! You can't fucking talk to her like that.'

'Or what? Are you gonna threaten me, too?

'Cos I don't think your parents will take your call either.

'Not since you decided you weren't their precious little girl any more.

'It's about time you lot learned to fight your own battles.

'Because out there, in the real world,

'there is no-one in your corner.

'You are alone.

'And if you can't handle that, you might as well kill yourself now

'because it doesn't get any easier from here.'

HUBBUB

OK, that's enough.

MAN: Back to the dorms, please.

INDISTINCT SHOUTING

INAUDIBLE