Synopsis

The action takes place in the staffroom of a small college of Further Education. Marion, an enthusiastic young lecturer, has been newly appointed to the staff. After a short time in the post, she’s determined to foster better communication among the college staff. She enlists the help of her colleague Kath to re-arrange the chairs in the staff-room, hoping it will encourage the lecturers to talk to each other.

Over many years of teaching at the college, long-serving lecturer Mrs Douglas has gradually appropriated one of the chairs for her own personal use. Tessa, another new appointee to the teaching staff, doesn’t realise this and unfortunately sits in this very chair, with the result that she and Mrs Douglas become involved in a feud about where each should sit. Moving the chairs has unforeseen consequences.

Feelings are hurt and tempers rise. Mrs Douglas complains to Head of Department Dorothy Gordon and Marion and Kath are held to account, which Kath resents. When Tessa decides to teach Mrs Douglas a lesson, things boil over. Mrs Douglas has a breakdown. Kath feels compelled to resign.

For some people, insignificant things can have an importance which others don’t always appreciate.

Since the original production with a mixed cast by Glenrothes Theatre Company in 2001, ‘Chairs’ has been revised to suit an all-female group – with the possibility of including a token male.

Duration

Characters