Synopsis

The play is set in a fictional ‘alternate present’ and takes place in an apartment suite that is somewhere between an airport lounge and a budget hotel.

In the recent past, the powers-that-be have taken the view that the institution of marriage, which is viewed as the bedrock of a stable society, has been marginalised and needs to be stabilised. Recognising that ‘as long as you both shall live’ is, in the modern world, an unrealistic expectation for married couples, it has been ordained that marriage licenses will be issued for a limited periods of time: one year, five years or ten years. Once the licence expires, couples may choose either to renew their licence or allow it to expire. On the day before they make the decision, couples are invited to a ministry-approved hospitality facility to reflect on the state of their marriage and discuss the future of their relationship.

The play introduces three couples at very different stages of their lives, each with contrasting outlooks and challenges.

Following an unresolved tragedy, it appears that Kate and Tom are reaching the end of the road. By contrast, Annie and Bev are only beginning their journey and, although there may be problems ahead, the future looks positive. Jim and Sarah, an elderly couple, are desperate to continue their lives together but officialdom has thrown up what looks like an insurmountable obstacle.

Meanwhile the less-than-competent Gillie, performs her duties as hospitality manager and Registrar, but it becomes increasingly obvious that she has tricky personal challenges of her own.

The overall tone of the play is light with episodes of comedy, absurdity and pathos, but it raises thought-provoking questions about social regulation, individual freedom, the nature of relationships and the future of marriage. Easily staged, with seven good parts for a range of ages, the play will entertain and intrigue, providing the audience with plenty of talking-points after the curtain comes down.

Characters