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Dino Mahoney

A sister dresses up as her brother to go on a date with his girlfriend. This is the amazing story of tonight's Songbirds drama on RTHK Radio 4 (97.6 FM), Brother-Sister, Sister-Brother.

In tonight's drama at 9.30pm, Christine agrees to dress up as her brother Chris and go on a date with Michelle.  Things go very well - it seems that Michelle and Christine have a lot in common. Next day, Michelle speaks to her best friend Serena about the date and, for various reasons, Serena becomes suspicious of Chris.

Below is a part of tonight's Songbirds drama for you to read either before or after listening to the programme.

Michelle: I think that was the best film I've ever seen! Who was your favourite character, Chris?

Christine: I think Orlando Bloom is really ... (remembering that she is supposed to be a boy) ... a very good actor.

Michelle: He's my favourite, too. He's so good-looking. He's a bit like you in a way, Chris.

Christine: Like me? How?

Michelle: He's strong, but he's sensitive.

Christine: Oh, right.

Michelle: You are sensitive, Chris.

Christine: Yes, yes, I suppose I am.

Michelle: Not many boys are.

Christine: Really?

Michelle: How many boys would have cried at the end the way you did?

Christine: I didn't cry!

Michelle: You pulled your hat down, but I saw you.

Christine: Oh.

Michelle: Don't be embarrassed. I thought it was lovely. I hate rough boys. You're sweet, Chris ... I'm glad you asked me out.

Christine: Chris is a sweet boy.

Michelle: (Laughing) I love the way you refer to yourself as 'Chris' ... it makes me laugh.

Christine: Oh, I see. Yes. It's a habit. I do sometimes refer to myself as Chris.

Michelle: Thank you for taking me to see the

film, Chris.

Christine: You're welcome, Michelle. Shall we go home now?

Michelle: Home?

Christine: Well, the film lasted such a long time ... you must be tired.

Michelle: But it's Saturday ... no school tomorrow.

Christine: True, true. So, what shall we do?

Michelle: I don't mind.

Christine: Well, we could see if the food hall is still open and have a late-night snack ... a mango pudding or something?

Michelle: How did you know I like mango pudding?

Christine: I didn't ... I just guessed.

Michelle: Mmm ... I'd love a mango pudding.

Christine: Let's go then.

(Music is being played)

Michelle: That mango pudding was delicious.

Christine: It was a good one. It had a nice natural taste. Some mango puddings taste a bit too artificial, as if they were made from powder.

Michelle: I know what you mean.

Christine: I make a nice mango pudding.

Michelle: You do?

Christine: Um ... yes.

Michelle: You like cooking?

Christine: Um ... some cooking.

Michelle: That's fantastic! So many boys pretend they can't cook, or that cooking is only for girls.

Christine: I know what you mean.

Michelle: Oh, Chris, tell me how you make mango pudding.

Christine: You really want to know?

Michelle: Yes, I do.

Christine: Well, first I add the gelatin and sugar to some hot water, then mix it up till it dissolves. Then I blend the mango puree, evaporated milk and ice cubes. When I've done that, I pour the gelatin mixture into the mango mixture and stir until the ice cubes melt. Then I pour the mixture into a jelly mould and chill it until it sets ... takes about three hours.

Michelle: Fantastic!

Christine: I do make a nice mango pudding, but anyone can, as long as you use fresh, ripe mangoes.

Michelle: A boy who can cook! Oh, Chris, you are so special.

Now listen to the rest of the Songbirds drama and answer these questions:

1. What is the answer to Michelle's question (below) to Chris (who is in fact Christine)?

Michelle: Do you wear your sports cap all the time?

Chris(tine): ..............................

a) I take it off when I go to sleep.

b) I take it off when I have a shower.

c) I never take it off.

d) I wear it all the time.

2. Why is Michelle's friend Serena suspicious of Chris(tine)?

Because ..........................................

a) Serena is jealous

b) he was late for the date

c) he cried in the film

d) he met Michelle in the lift

e) he knows the recipe for mango pudding

f) they saw the film that he wanted to see

g) he didn't kiss Michelle

h) he liked the film too much

i) he didn't hold hands with Michelle

You can read the full text of this and previous Songbirds drama episodes by visiting the RTHK website at www.rthk.org.hk and clicking on 'Radio 4' and 'Songbirds'.  Tonight's Songbirds will be repeated on Saturday at 5.30pm.

Answers: 1. b; 2. c, e, g, i



Date stirs suspicions