A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens adapted by James Reynard(Min: 3m, 2f) An adaptation of the famous Christmas tale, designed for small touring company, but could be played by a large cast. The audience are invited to take part if they wish as human sound effects either singly or in groups which adds to the ‘experience’! The production can also be performed using more actors and recorded sound effects without audience involvement or a mixture of both. |
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After The Dream by Bev Clark(3m, 4f) Twenty years ago, four young people were holidaying in Greece when something ‘magical’ happened. Now, the two couples are celebrating their anniversaries and experiencing married life very differently. The arrival of three new-age travellers brings a little more magic into their lives but this time with disastrous consequences. What happens when a spell is broken? Drawing on Shakespeare’s original text, this full length play is a modern sequel to 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream' and blends comedy and pathos, bringing a new twist to an old tale. |
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Breaking The Circle by Philip Ayckbourn(4m, 3f) Two couples take a holiday in Wiltshire in a soon-to-be inherited property. The holiday starts ‘relatively’ trouble free, but when two young travellers are invited in they not only become the catalysts for the couples’ supressed longings, but one of them reveals himself to be more than just a passing stranger. A play with comedy and dark undertones. |
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Cocoa And Cuddles by Jane Lockyer Willis(3m, 4f) Frank and his sister Polly thought their just dead 86 year old mother, Edith, was irascible, unkind and spiteful, and their own relationship suffered badly as a result. However, the members of Edith's Folk Dancing Club thought she was wonderful; quite the life and soul of the party. What secrets did Edith keep to herself that made her relationship with Frank and Polly so tortured? The two of them each know something hitherto undisclosed about the other which, when both are revealed, serve to reconcile them both as they rediscover their sibling love for each other. Funny and sad, this play deals with love, loss, jealousy and regret. |
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Deep Secret by Colin Barrow(2m, 5f, 1m/f) A play, that gives light humour and drama by telling the story of Brenda Drummond during her final nine months of life. Humour is delivered in many forms as well as drama with deep emotion. She’s supported by friends, who see her through her final stages of life. The title suggests many thoughts. And so, there are red herrings filtered into the script, confusing the viewer as to what actually is, the Deep Secret or secrets? |
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Funny Turns by David HampshireDerek Fowlds ('Yes Minister', 'Heartbeat') said of this play: "I really loved the play. I recognised all the characters and it made me laugh and cry. Congratulations’’ (5m, 3f, 1m/f) A comedy set in a theatrical boarding house in 1935. Struggling comedian Norman Tate passes his time rehearsing his act with Sally, the love-struck daughter of his landlady, Alice. Four stories inter-weave involving Alice and Sally, Norman’s best pal Victor (a conjurer), Charlie (a song and dance man), Arthur (an eccentric pianist), Laurence (an actor) and Harold Chance (an impresario). When Norman’s ex-wife Nellie Price moves into his digs Norman’s life changes dramatically. A tale of humour, heartbreak and eventual redemption which demonstrates that life is indeed full of ‘funny turns’. |
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Hanging In There by Geoff Saunders(min: 4m, 3f with doubling, or max cast size: 5m, 6f, 4m/f) Jack Jackson discovers a lump on his testicle. It’s cancer, and his once-cosy life is in turmoil. The play follows Jack from diagnosis, through treatment, to recovery and shows how his relationships with his wife, Anna, and his friends become increasingly difficult. Two actors play Jack ("because one can be lonely") in this comedy drama written in support of Orchid: Fighting Male Cancer. |
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Hoovering on The Edge by Hilary Spiers(1m, 7f) Discover the unlikely friendships that develop between seven very different women, tutored by one hapless male, on a summer writing holiday. Sun, sangria and story-telling, what could possibly go wrong! Meet Moira the tactless hypochondriac, Clare the dippy yoga teacher, and feisty Rita, to name but a few, as the women embark on a voyage of discovery about themselves, their hopes and their dreams… and uncover some surprising home truths. |
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Lady Susan by Jane Austen adapted by Kathryn Attwood(6m, 6f) Lady Susan Vernon is not your typical Austen heroine. The original merry widow, she flirts her way through Regency society, hapless teenage daughter in tow, gaining lovers and a reputation as “the most accomplished coquette in England”. Penniless and reliant on the charity of reluctant friends and estranged family she needs to marry again – and soon! Jane Austen’s lesser-known comic novel was written entirely in the form of letters but makes a seamless and very funny transition to the stage as this fully scripted adaptation shows. |
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Late by Stephen Lee Rees(2m, 3f) A contemporary psychological thriller set in the heart of the home; the kitchen, during the dark period of social renovation where change is inevitable but not always for the best. Phone calls fill the grubby little kitchen as Jenny waits anxiously for her husband, Josh, to return home from work. He doesn't but a number of Jenny's friends and relatives do. Tensions quickly mount as they uncover the truth behind Josh's disappearance, and Jenny realises just how much he meant to her… but is it too late? |
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Le Grand Return by Alan Stockdill(3m, 1f) Prize WinnerIt’s 1994 and the 50th anniversary of D-Day looms. Tommy, Alf and Edwin are incarcerated in Coldrick Nursing Home and, despite of his ever-worsening heart condition, D-Day veteran Tommy is determined to break out and re-join his old comrades on the Normandy beaches. But how will they all get out… and what will happen along the way? This gentle comedy drama is about love, remembrance, war and peace. |
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Loving Androids by Philip Ayckbourn(3m, 3f) Set in the not-too-distant future. Gavin and Julia take on two personal and carefully programmed androids (Partnerbots) to help rescue their failing marriage. A breakdown in the AI’s programming, no thanks to the intervention of dubious sales rep Derek and his mistreatment of his own Partnerbot, leads both humans and androids to ask some deep questions of themselves. A play with comedy and dark undertones. |
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Moving In And Taking Over by Dougie BlaxlandWinner: The Pomegranate Theatre New Play Festival, Best New Play, 2004(2m, 2f) Set in a northern English town, the play tells the story of Luigi Martello an Italian born cafe owner who refuses to sell his premises which are central to a global corporation’s expansion scheme. In spite of support from a local newspaper reporter the demise of Luigi’s business seems inevitable when the self-seeking Chairman of The Council throws his weight behind the corporation’s plans. The discovery of a Roman Villa beneath the foundations of Luigi’s cafe, however, brings an unexpected turn of events and raises serious questions about heritage, empire and ownership. |
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Mr Bennet's Bride by Emma Wood(4m, 6f but can be reduced to 4m, 4f) An original period comedy, based on Mr and Mrs Bennet from Jane Austen’s 'Pride and Prejudice', exploring how this ill-matched couple met and married twenty-five years before the novel’s opening. In the late eighteenth century, marriage was more a business transaction than a love affair; pressure mounts on the young Mr Bennet to find a suitable match, but his refusal to play by the rules sets in motion a series of events that are both comic and moving. |
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Murder At The Rehearsal by Colin Barrow(2m, 5f, 2m/f) After the arrival of all, the director attempts to start the first rehearsal of a play. This rehearsal comes to an abrupt end when Mary dies. The mystery of Mary’s death becomes apparent that she was poisoned. As other members of the cast are murdered, the police investigation goes on. This becomes a real brain teaser for Detective Shaw. The play ends with everyone including the Detective dead! Or are they? |
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Murder Becomes Easy by Colin Barrow(4m, 3f, 1m/f) Katie Denver has a scheme to get her hands on as much money as possible from her remaining three relatives. Once having some light refreshments Mary, a friend of Katie, suddenly dies. This is followed by the unexpected death of Katie. After which, unexplained spooky, ghostly and frightening happenings begin. As the remaining family are killed off one by one, but who will be left to inherit? |
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No Smoke Without Fire by Colin Barrow(4m, 3f) Diane is involved with Martin, who wants her for his own pleasures. The more she wants to end it all, the more pressure of control he delivers. The family becomes aware of the problem after Diane has talked to her brother, Eric. Hilary (Diane’s grandmother) takes charge and sets up a trap which brings unexpected humour to the whimpering Martin who has a taste of his own medicine. |
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One Day I'll Fly Away by Janet Shaw(1m, 5f) One young woman, one old lady. Their paths should never have crossed but fate took a hand and threw them together in a care home in which the old lady had broken her hip and the young woman had received community service. They were more alike than anyone could begin to imagine. Both women had battled adversities beyond comprehension and in this very funny and poignant story we follow the ups and downs of their lives as mutual dislike and mistrust turns into an unusual and heart-warming friendship. |
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Pecking Order by Hilary Spiers(1m, 5f) The bride, two friends, the mother and mother-in-law gather at a luxury spa for a very upmarket hen weekend. But jealousies, unrequited love, accidents and misunderstandings result in battle lines being drawn as Kate, the bride, finally takes control of her own destiny. A fast-moving, contemporary comedy drama, with five strong parts for women – and one very energetic man. |
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Plonk! by Colin Barrow(4m, 3f, 1m/f) Heather Watson hatches a plan that in her final few years of life, she’ll have some fun promising various people sole beneficiary of the farm and vineyard for a reduction in their wages providing they keep it a secret. After her murder, all realise they have same false promise of inheritance. Whilst the story unfolds, revelations of a secret romance are discovered along with the true identity of the beneficiary. But which one of them is the murderer? |
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Prince Of Hearts by Rosalind Adler(4m, 4f) An unpopular Prince of Wales in 2066, Stephen refuses to join the world and is having his wife chosen for him via Reality TV. We are down to the final three... Railing against this indignity he is surprised by the revelation of a new world, new friendship in the most unlikely places, the discovery of true love and a new view of the world he'd despised. But fate has a cruel trick in store and all is not as it seems even when Stephen and his wife ascend the throne. The monarchy's future has been secured but at what price? |
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Secrets, Lies & Blackmail by David Challenger(2m, 4f) These women will resort to desperate measures to preserve the things they love, especially their lifestyle. The family business is on the brink of collapse due to a rash decision made by Ben, the youngest of four brothers who run the company. The resulting hostilities threaten not only the company but the stability of the family. Jo who is married to James, the MD, decides to take matters into her own hands to try and save the business, with the help of the other wives using the only weapon they have… sexual blackmail, with unforeseen results. |
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Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure At Sir Arthur Sullivan's by Tim Heath(3m, 2f) Holmes and Watson meet a friend of the composer Sir Arthur Sullivan outside the Opera House, Covent Garden, and are invited to recount some of their adventures on stage at a charity gala. The two stories that they choose to perform are Conan Doyle’s 'A Scandal in Bohemia' and 'Charles Augustus Milverton'. But why those stories, and why were they asked to perform in the first place? "I know an optical illusion when I see one," quips the great detective. But does he? |
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Something Tells Me by Ed TascaFinalist - Eugene O'Neill Theatre (Waterford, CT; USA), National Playwright's Competition : 2014 (2m, 2f) Marsha lives with her sister Bess, with Marsha providing the income and Bess the house. When Bess invites her ex, Ray, to come and join them temporarily, a tension rises over who may or may not be after Ray. The narrative explores the tensions we create between our conscious and subconscious drives, and how, in either case, we manipulate those around us. |
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Stuck! In The Back Of Beyond by Colin Barrow(2m, 5f) On a cold snowy February day, a taxi with four passengers who have just disembarked from a cruise liner, have been forced to take a diversion due to a sudden heavy snow fall. The road becomes impassable and have to take shelter in an unoccupied semi derelict house. Suspicions are heightened hearing the news broadcast that Lady Morricone, one of the last to disembark the ship, has discovered that the famous Morricone diamonds have been stolen! |
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The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde, adapted by James Reynard(Min: 2m, 3f) Oscar Wilde's tale of an American family moving into a British mansion, Canterville Chase, much to the annoyance of its tired ghost. The family, which refuses to believe in the ghost, is in Wilde's way a commentary on the British nobility of the day, and on Americans, too. The tale, like many of Wilde's, is rich with allusion, but ends as sentimental romance. This adaptation, designed primarily for a small touring company, is aimed at audiences over the festive season, and was re-worked to take place at Christmas. It includes carols, which the audience can join in with if they so wish. |
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The Invisible Man by HG Wells adapted by Derek Webb(3m) The thought of invisibility, and the advantages it could bring to someone, is one which has captured the imagination of millions since the classic HG Wells’ story was first published in 1897. 'The Invisible Man' has been adapted many times for the screen, but rarely for the stage. This brand new, fast-moving, very funny adaptation has all parts from a vicar, to a pub landlady, to a tramp and to the Invisible Man himself - fifteen characters in total, played by just three actors. |
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The Lady Vanishes by Ethel Lina White adapted by Derek Webb(6m, 9f, 2m/f : doubling possible) On a train headed for England are a mixed a group of travellers, one of which, young Iris, befriends elderly Miss Froy. Iris falls asleep after luncheon, and wakes to find the old woman has disappeared. The other passengers ominously deny Miss Froy ever existed, so Iris begins to investigate with another traveller, and, as the pair try to find answers to the mysterious disappearance, romantic sparks fly. The play is based on the original book, but aficionados of the 1938 Hitchcock film will find this play version just as gripping. |
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The Magnificent Seven by Catherine O'Reilly & Tim Churchill(6m, 5f, 1m/f or larger version available 5m, 6f, 1m/f, 2m junior, 1f junior)It’s 1994 and a dramatic discovery prompts seven WW2 veterans to journey to the beaches of Normandy for the 50th anniversary of D-Day. However, first they must plan their greatest escape yet to go behind enemy lines and spring themselves from their nursing home. Join Bill, Betty, Flo, Reg, Brian, Sid and Ron on an unforgettable adventure of Honour, love, loss, official secrets, balaclavas, biscuits and Ninja Turtles. “You’re never too old to be a superhero……..”
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The Third Act by Emma Wood(2m, 5f) Sue’s daughter is getting married. While Lara brims over with excitement, Sue grits her teeth and wonders how she will endure it. The wedding will force her to come to terms with her own, very different circumstances: the end of her long marriage, her estranged husband and his new partner and questions she has tried very hard to push away. Can she find the strength to face very a different future than she imagined? |
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The Watsons by Jane Austen adapted by Kathryn Attwood(6m, 7f) Emma Watson, one-time heiress, comes down to earth with a bump when forced to join her hilariously unsuccessful sisters in their hunt for husbands. Jane Austen’s early, unfinished novel is here completed as a highly comic stage play with a wealth of character parts for both sexes. Jane Austen abandoned her novel The Watsons in 1805, possibly due to the death of her father that year. This completed stage version received its premiere in 2017, to mark the bicentenary of the author’s death. |
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Transylvanian Red by Phil Mansell(6m, 7f) When happily married couple Will and Cathy entertain Felix, a neurotic friend who wants to introduce them to the latest in a long line of unsuitable girlfriends, they know the evening will probably not go well. Especially as this one, Lucrezia, a mature student who creates weird works of conceptual art, drives a car that falls apart en route. When she finally arrives, bringing with her an abandoned supermarket trolley and assorted traffic cones for her latest masterpiece, she makes it clear that she fancies Will as much as she likes gulping down the Transylvanian red wine. Felix, meanwhile, realises that more than ever, he is in love with Cathy. |
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Waiting For Elvis by Philip Goulding(2m, 2f) 1960. Elvis Presley will touch down in Scotland on his way home from National Service in Germany. It’ll be the only time the Hillbilly Cat sets foot on British soil. The news somehow gets out, so Tony, Jean, and Sylvia, commandeer a car and head North, hoping to catch a glimpse of their hero. Our gang will encounter an array of comic characters as, in a race against time, they progress to Prestwick and a potential date with Elvis. |
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Whatever Happened To Billy Bignell? by Les Clarke(5m, 4f) Multi award winning play. The play is set in an old folk’s home where Billy Bignall, who allegedly was a comedian in the grand old days of the Music Hall, continues to regale his fellow residents with tales from 'the Good Old Days'. No one believes him and he appears to be the object of ridicule from some of the residents, then a change of management results in the new manager wanting to put on a variety show by the residents for the residents. This is Billy’s big chance to prove to everyone that he was who he says he was but Billy refuses point blank to take part. The question is, why? |
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