This morning, I stumbled across a short sketch from a Scottish based comedy show (Limmy’s World, to be precise).
I remember watching it years ago. It had the same impact me today, as it did when I first viewed it.
Limmy is in a train station ticket office and approaches the lady behind the counter. He passes over a photograph and asks her; “how do I get to there?” The lady looks at the photograph and the camera hones in. It is a photograph of a seaside town front, with lots of shops. She looks closer and notices one of the shops has signage. The signage says ‘Millport Cafe’.
“Ah, you want to go to Millport” is the response. “Well, you get a train to Largs, then from there you take the ferry across to Millport”, the lady helpfully informs Limmy.
“No”, says Limmy. “I know how to get to Millport, can you tell me how to get to there?”, pointing at the photograph.
“But that is Millport”, returns the lady. “Sorry, but you are confusing me now, where is it you want to go?”
Limmy then takes the photograph in his hand. He pauses as he stares intently at it. He tells the lady he took the photograph when he was 16. He then goes on to warmly describe the time he spent there with his pals, not a care in the world. Just pals, hanging out together, having fun, exploring, enjoying each other’s company. Living for the day, not worrying about tomorrow or the day after thant; living in the moment. The lady listens intently, confused at first but then the penny drops.
“I want to go back there”, says Limmy.
Yes, he is referring to Millport. But he is specifically referring to those happy times, that particular moment in time. He wants to return to those days, experience them once again. He shares, “I want to be there, rather than here. Can you tell me how I can get there?”
The lady pauses, looks at Limmy and with care and consideration replies, “You can’t do that, I am sorry.”
Watching a comedy show, one is traditionally hoping to laugh and chuckle their way through it; but the poignancy of the sketch is there for all to see. The sketch is delivered beautifully. There is simplicity, yet deep meaning. It is immensely thought provoking.
Do you ever feel like that?
Do you ever look at a photograph and wish you could return and experience that moment again? And if so, where would you go?
Me? There are a few times and places I would love to catapult myself back to. A Saturday night at my gran and papa’s house. There is warmth in the house; we have just finished tea and settling down to watch Starsky and Hutch, then Hi-De-Hi, followed by the Generation Game.
Or sitting in the football dressing room, post-match, with my teammates. Camaraderie, youth on our side, friends enjoying each other’s company, planning the night ahead – just like Limmy.
If you are intrigued to view the sketch, simply add ‘Limmy’s Show Millport’ to your search engine. It is a lovely 3 minutes or so. There is a punchline at the end of the sketch, as, after all, it is a comedy.
And, as you have now finished reading this blog, may I encourage you to take a minute and think – “Where would you like to take yourself back to?”
I just have.
