As its name suggests, this book contains a valuable collection of original short comedy pieces, thirty-seven in all. They include solos and monologues; duologues; pieces for choral speaking; sketches and one-acts; plus an Appendix of pieces written especially for older actors.

This book will be appreciated by Festival Adjudicators and organisers everywhere, as well as drama teachers (both private and within schools), as a welcome relief from the standard but over-used pieces performed daily. It offers a refreshing and wicked humour, often in the form of parody or 'tribute', which may inspire an informative examination of the original. It will appeal equally to both amateur theatre companies and individuals who are interested in short items for solo or small group performance, or to armchair readers of drama who enjoy a reminiscent chuckle.

Much of the material is especially suitable for all-women groups or for older actors.

Pip Parry, now in his eighties, has been writing sketches for various amateur drama groups since his schooldays, but never dreamed of publishing any. when he formed the Third-Age Players in 1997 (a sub-group of Milton Keynes University of the Third Age) the new company were charmed by the wealth of material he put before them. A retired editor saw the potential for publication and secretly began compiling the pieces into a coherent volume. Pip took a lot of convincing, but meanwhile kept producing new material too good to be left out!

Please Note : We do not grant Performing Rights for these short plays and sketches. The book contains a tear-out form to send directly to the Rights Holders.