Liam's Story The Dumping Ground

I used to be in care at The Dumping Ground.

Ha! Look at me now.

We're number one in the US, France and Germany.

Number two in New Zealand.

-Number two?

-Yes, sir.

You're fired.

Before you go, grab me a water and make sure it's...

It's chilled to 21 degrees. Yes, sir.

Now you've got it.

You're going to be late for college... Again.

-I'm leaving in five minutes.

-Oh, man!

My name is Liam O'Donovan.

Now, some people like to write stuff down.

Me, I'm going to record it all on here.

Now, one day you're going to want to know how I started

and where I'm from.

Well, this is it. This is my story so far.

-Right, guys...

-I've been living with my brother for a few years now.

-I'm at college trying to be a plumber.

-Liam.

-His idea, not mine.

-He's talking to you.

I want you to come up here and show everyone how to replace this washer.

Now, is there anything you need to do in preparation?

No, it's cool. I've got this.

SQUEAKING

The first rule of plumbing. When fixing a leak...

First turn the water off.

Yeah, well... What did you expect?

Do I look like a plumber to you?

So, this is my college and, well... I'm the most popular guy here.

Why do you bother?

-Back off, Stevie, yeah?

-The only reason you're here

is because Dave's mates with your brother.

-I'm actually going places.

-HE SNIGGERS

See, this time next year I'm...

Unemployed and sponging off your brother.

BELL RINGS

DISTANT SINGING

HE SIGHS

GIRL'S VOICE SINGS SOOTHINGLY

# Is someone getting the best

# The best, the best, the best of you

# Are you gone and onto someone new?

# I needed somewhere to hang my head

# Without your noose

# You gave me something that I didn't have

# But had no use... #

Hearing her voice... It just took me to another world.

CAMERA BLEEPS

-So, come on, spill.

-What you going on about?

I haven't heard a peep out of you since yesterday.

-It's nothing.

-So what's her name?

What makes you think it's a girl?

It's always a girl.

Give me it back! Give me it back, man!

Don't forget your plumbing coursework's due in today.

Yeah, yeah, I know. Can I have it back now?

# To hang my head without your noose...#

Who's this?

-Her name is Poppy.

-And?

-And that's all I know.

-So what are you going to say to her?

I haven't figured it out yet. Well, it can't be hard, can it?

With this face, all I need to do is give her the O'Donovan charm.

Something you lack, son.

THE GIRLS LAUGH

Sorry, man.

GENTLE LAUGHTER

See you later.

STRUMMING ON GUITAR

Are you using this space?

No, no. It's all yours.

You don't have to go.

It's Liam, isn't it?

Look, I'm sorry about earlier. I'm so embarrassed.

Don't worry about it.

I heard you singing yesterday.

-Was I terrible?

-No, you was amazing!

Every time I watch back it gets better and better.

I was just, like... Oh, man!

Watching me back?

Yeah, I filmed it... No, not in a stalker way. Like...

Let's pretend this conversation never happened, yeah?

The answer's yes.

I will go out with you.

And there you have it. The day everything changed.

With the right management you can really go places, you know.

Where would I find a manager?

Now let me introduce myself.

Liam O'Donovan, talent scout, agent, manager and all-round entrepreneur.

Look, with your voice, my brains, we'll be

selling out Wembley by the end of the year.

-Are you serious?

-Yeah.

I mean, Adele, Jessie J, One Direction.

They'd all be busking in the street if it weren't for me.

All right, that's a lie,

but everyone's got to start somewhere, haven't we?

I'll think about it.

BELL RINGS

I'll have my assistant draw up a contract, yeah?

I can't help it if I've got bigger ambitions than plumbing.

If I work hard at it, then why can't I give music a shot?

TAPS QUICKLY AT KEYBOARD

A college talent competition! That's just the break we need.

SHOUTING AND JOSTLING

Will you get out of the way?

FIRE ALARM GOES OFF

Fire!

Result!

Come in.

So, I got your message. What was so urgent?

-Who is it, Liam?

-It's for me.

-You must be Poppy.

-That's right.

Liam hasn't shut up about you.

-Ignore him.

-Bless him! He's gone all shy.

Look, we're going out.

-No, you don't.

-But...

-You've got practical tomorrow.

Do me a favour, yeah, talk some sense into this one.

He needs to learn a trade if he wants to get on in the world.

-He's right, you know.

-Not you as well.

I think me and you are going to be good friends, Poppy.

Five minutes.

So what was so urgent?

This is the big break we've been waiting for.

It's a college talent competition.

-You want to get noticed, don't you?

-What about your brother?

You heard what he said,

I need a trade if I want to get on in the world.

Well, this is my trade.

-So are you in or not?

-I'm in.

Poppy and me, we're heading right to the top.

Next stop, private jets and limousines!

-What time's your practical?

-Four o'clock.

Are you nervous?

-You've been putting the work in, haven't you?

-Of course.

Then how about I take you out tonight, to celebrate?

I don't want to let my brother down

but me and Poppy, we're chasing the dream.

-Is that all right?

-Yeah, that's good.

You don't talk about your mum and dad much.

They're abroad, aren't they?

Running a hotel on a beach.

They wanted me to go along, but, you know, college and stuff.

I know you were in care, Liam.

You don't have to lie to me.

We should get these plugged in, eh?

What was it like... In care, I mean?

It was all right.

It must have been hard not having a family.

Oh, I had a family.

There was Mike, he was practically a father figure,

then there was Tracy, she was like a big sister, then there was Frank.

-Who was Frank?

-My brother from another mother!

Better get started on these.

I'm starting to get really nervous now.

Look... There's nothing to be nervous about.

What could go wrong?

SPEAKER FIZZLES

-ANNOUNCER:

-The talent contest will start in one minute.

We've got this in the bag.

I'm going to need an audience member.

WHOOPING AND CHEERING

That's my card. It's Katie.

-ANNOUNCER:

-Would Poppy please come up on stage?

Go and smash it, yeah?

APPLAUSE

Poppy is going to sing Chasing Pavements.

Excuse me, have you got the time, bro?

-Just gone 4.30pm.

-Cheers, thank you.

# I've made up my mind

# Don't need to think it over

# If I'm wrong I am right

# Don't need to look no further

# This ain't lust

# I know this is love

# But if I tell the world

# I'll never say enough

# Cos it was not said to you

# And that's exactly what I need to do

# If I end up with you

# Should I give up... #

I know he's your brother, Jack, but I can't keep pushing him like this.

-I can explain.

-Don't bother.

Jack!

We won!

Sometimes you don't always feel like a winner.

Mmm, that's a nice cup of tea.

If you've got any other problems, Mrs Roberts,

-you just give Liam a call.

-I will.

Biscuits?

Now that's done, you can make a start on her shower.

This is my life now. Jack's slave and all-round skivvy.

The music's on hold and I'm just a dogsbody for hire.

This is all for your benefit, you know.

Just get your head down and keep your eye on the goal, yeah?

This time next year you could be your own boss,

driving around in your own van. How does that sound?

PHOTOCOPIER WHIRRS

Just chill one minute, yeah?

# 12 tiny hours...#

-It's a bit rough around the edges but...

-What is it?

It's our first number one.

-What do you think?

-I love it.

Also, I designed these - look.

If we get gigs we'll attract record companies.

I thought I'd take you out seeing as you'd been working so hard.

-Listen, Jack...

-It turns out you've mugged me off... Again.

More fool me.

Look, why don't you just hear us out, yeah?

Just give me a chance.

FOOTBALL CROWD ROARS ON TV

MOBILE PHONE RINGS

Hello?

Yeah, Liam O'Donovan.

A gig? Tomorrow?

Yeah, we can be there.

All right, sweet.

Yes!

Have you ever found yourself being caught

between a rock and a hard place?

Welcome to my world.

Poppy Ho. Trust me, she's going to be the next big thing.

Get your reporters down there.

Yeah? All right.

You made it, then.

-I told you I wouldn't let you down, didn't I?

-Right.

Well, we'll be splitting you into pairs.

You're going to be working with...

Pass some more sealant.

Now. Now.

Now!

We'll be there in 20 minutes.

What are you talking about, a PA system?

Look, I'm the only one here, how can I...

PHONE GOES DEAD

Look, sometimes I can't do right from doing wrong.

Music or plumbing? Music or plumbing?

There's two back-to-back gigs booked.

There's no way I can cancel that!

# Ever had one of those days

# Slip and trip gotta steady the ship

# Cos if yesterday was grey sky blue

# Took you to that place

# Now yesterday feels a world away

# Cos I've seen your face

# The clock is ticking over 12 tiny hours... #

I hope this place is better than the last.

-What sort of place is this?

-He didn't say.

It's probably one of them underground clubs.

He said all the big names have performed here. You ready?

This is exactly what I was...

Five and two, 52.

Two and five, 25.

Three and five, 35.

Look on the bright side, things can't get any worse, can they?

Hey?

Where you going? We've got a management meeting later.

I can't do this.

Look, sorry I had a few teething troubles.

Next week will be better, I promise.

There's not going to be a next week.

What do you mean?

It's over.

I think you've got some explaining to do.

PHONE RINGS

-'Hi, you've reached Poppy.'

-We're leaving in five minutes.

-Listen, Jack...

-I don't want to hear it,

you're lucky Dave didn't get you nicked for stealing a motor.

Why you got to drive me to college every day?

You behave like a kid, then I'll treat you like a kid.

BRAKES SCREECH

Right!

Get in the car.

This is DS O'Donovan to Control.

Possible TWOC. I'm going to need backup.

SIRENS BLARE

So, this is my brother at work.

Now, today, today's just got interesting.

-Look, is that...

-You didn't see anything.

-But he plays for...

What did I just say?

You shouldn't even be here, so you keep that zipped, all right?

Why can't I go to the building site?

Because you blew your chance.

I'm sorry, Dave. I really am.

You're your own worst enemy.

I mean, me and your brother are just trying to give you a chance.

-To make something of my life?

-Because a kid like you...

Will end up in prison. I know.

That is not what I was going to say, Liam.

You didn't have to.

# Cos if yesterday was grey sky too... #

-It's already had 500 hits.

-Are you serious?

All we need to do now is get a few tracks,

record companies will be fighting to sign you up. I mean, us.

But a recording studio costs money.

-Sorted it.

-How?

I'm your manager, aren't I? It's my job to sort everything.

So... We back on?

I've got to get to class, are you coming?

No. I'll call you when it's sorted, yeah?

'Now, what is it that they say? Oh, yeah.

'You've got to speculate to accumulate.'

So, I've got six hours,

26 minutes and 44 seconds

to pay for a recording studio.

For a hustler like me,

it's just too easy.

Good afternoon, sir, madam.

This is a charity, it's called The O'Donovan Foundation.

Basically, it's for ex-care kids trying to break into show business.

We just need a little bit of support. No?

# Back beat, the word is on the street

# That the fire in your heart is out... #

Oh, yes. City tours, this way.

All the sights that you want to see and just £20 a head.

"£20 a head?"

I mean, you can't go wrong for that, can you?

You know what that includes? A photo with yours truly.

But, oh, I'm going to leave.

This one's my colleague.

You have a great day.

-Jack...

-No!

I ain't even asked yet.

The answer's still no.

Oh, come on, I need a little, little loan.

-Just a small one.

-Then it's definitely no.

Oh, come on. It's 200 quid tops.

-200?!

-It's important.

It always is with you, Liam.

'So, this is my brother at work.'

HE DIALS

PHONE RINGS

'Now, today, today's just got interesting.'

'News desk.'

Yeah, I'm Liam O'Donovan.

I've got an interesting story for you. It's big.

'Don't look at me like that. You'd do the same if you was in my shoes.'

180, 200.

You've got one hour.

Oh!

Now, this is what I'm talking about.

I was meant to be.

Then we've got the effects here.

'Hi, you've reached Poppy, you know what to do.'

Poppy, I'm at the studio. It's been half hour now.

Have you forgot about it or something?

-'Hi, you've reached Poppy.'

-Where are you?

Give me a call when you can, yeah?

You've got 15 minutes left.

She's not coming.

Well, then, you've just wasted 200 quid.

I'm so sorry, I had to stay behind at college.

You better fire up the mixing decks!

MUSIC PLAYS

# 12 tiny hours

# You ever had one of those days

# You slip, you trip

# Got to steady the ship

# Well, the sun is out and shining down on you

# And takes you to that place

# And now my troubles are all gone

# Cos I've seen your face

# The clock is ticking on those

# 12 tiny hours

# My heart is beating...#

-Not bad.

-Are you joking?

-She's going to be the next big thing. Trust me.

-And who are you?

The brains behind the whole operation.

Look. Liam O'Donovan.

Agent to the stars. Nice to meet you, brother.

MAN LAUGHS

# You ever had one of those days you

# You fly, you soar

# You're ready to roar

# Cos the sun is out and shining down on you... #

-It was amazing.

-15 minutes, as well.

High-five me on 15 minute.

So, what happens now?

-We get the track to as many record companies as we can.

-And then what?

Then there'll probably be a bidding war or something.

Look, all you've got to do is leave it all to...

-Read all about it.

-What is it?

Nothing.

'There it is in black and white.

'The day I sold my soul.'

-You want some?

-No, you're all right.

Might take a bit of time off next week.

Take the bike down to the coast. What do you reckon?

Yeah, maybe.

Don't sound too excited!

'Disappointing night for football fans, as news comes in that...'

I was listening to that.

Why don't we go now?

I've got work in an hour, graveyard shift.

PHONE RINGS

I'll get it, shall I?

Hello?

I didn't know anything about it, I swear.

I'll be there first thing.

Who was that?

How much did the papers pay you, Liam?

What you talking about?

Don't deny it!

Look, I was desperate, yeah?

And I'm looking at a disciplinary.

I'll call them up, I'll explain everything.

It's too late.

I'm sorry.

I'm your brother.

Or does that not mean anything to you?

Course it does.

All I've ever done is try and do my best by you.

Yeah, and I appreciate it. I really do.

You've got a funny way of showing it.

Please, Jack.

Just get out of my sight.

# Save me

# Save me from myself... #

'The football world has been shamed by the news that David Mason

'has been caught drink-driving and has now been suspended by his club.'

# You said you'd always

# Fall for the underdog

# Oh, oh, oh

# Oh

# Well I've been dreaming of jet streams

# And kicking up dust

# A 37,000 foot wanderlust

# And with skyline number nine

# Ticked off in my mind

# Oh, can you hear me screaming out now

# Through the telephone lines

# Oh, please save me... #

KNOCKING ON DOOR

# Save me from myself... #

-Can I help you?

-Where's Frank?

He's gone with Johnny to the cinema.

How long's he going to be?

A couple of hours. Why?

Doesn't matter.

I can go and get Mike, if you want.

No!

No, no. It's fine, yeah?

What's your name?

Nobody.

# Save me

# Save me... #

'So, that's me. Liam O'Donovan.

'Dreamer, schemer and agent to the stars.'