Act One

Setting and Introduction

The entire play unfolds in one single location: the slab room of a carpet factory.
It explores the working conditions and social dynamics of the 1950s and 1960s, providing a gritty but humorous depiction of industrial life in Scotland.
The play begins with Phil and Spanky arriving late to work. They are the primary characters, portraying the rebellious and discontented young working class of the era.

Phil is a mischievous, troubled, and highly creative person, who aspires to attend the Glasgow Art School.
He resents being a slab boy and displays this discontent through his rebellious actions.
Spanky
Spanky is Phil’s best friend and tends to follow Phil’s lead.
He is more content with his current situation in contrast to Phil and is more interested in satisfaction in the present rather than future ambitions.
Mr. Curry
Their superior, Mr. Curry, is a tormented middle manager who is caught between appeasing his superiors (Mr. McCann and Willie Curry) and managing his difficult underlings.

The main dynamic of Act One is established through the contempt and conflict between the slab boys and their superiors.
Conway’s announced retirement initially kindles some hope for change in position and promotion among the slab boys.
Phil’s mishandling of the delivery to the designer’s loft and intentionally damaging Mr. McCann’s car signal his defiance and also enrages his superiors.

The themes of class division, ambition, rebellion, and the struggle for change are introduced in Act One.
There is a constant juxtaposition of the harsh realities of the working class with the high-sprited humour of the characters, setting the tone for the rest of the play.