This one act play which would later form the basis of Sign Of The Times, was Tim’s first professional commission.

Frank, a well-worn Northerner with aspirations to write spy thrillers - plots of which he acts out when alone - has erected signs for a commercial lettering firm for twenty five years. On a ledge of his own firm’s building, assisted by the apparently listless trainee Alan, he attempts to spell the name of his own company.  Scorning help  he is increasingly confused  as the right letters for this simple gig do not appear. Dusk threatens, the building behind him grows cold, shorn of people expected back from lunch - and a dark realisation dawns. Frank's opinion of the casual Alan changes as he learns that, unlike himself, Alan has no ambition but real talent, and what’s more, has a final grand gesture up his sleeve.