OTHER PLAYWRIGHTS
Mia Albright
New York based - London affiliated playwright offers original scripts for hire. Powerful, doable roles. Reasonable rental rates and user-friendly rental contract. Available plays by Mia Albright are the whimsical satires: 1 The Strange Case Of The Missing Dr Watson (Storyline: Sherlock Holmes sends Dr Watson to America, to solve it. 2 George Vs George (Storyline: George III and George Washington turn out to be an historical comedy team) and the ironic tragedies: 3 Horse Traders (Storyline: Two enemy soldiers in the American Civil War take each other prisoner to escape the war) and 4 Ghosts At Arms (Storyline: A slaveowner hands his estate over to his gentleman slave, because he is an opium addict).
Email me or write to Mia Albright, PO Box 1348, Madison Square Station, New York, NY 10159, USA to tell me about your plans for performance.
All 4 One - Love, Life, Loyalty
An inspired musical experience that you will never forget - a captivating story, skillfully blended with a tuneful yet dramatic score, which exploits a simple, effective set. Become immersed in D'Artagnan's world - you won't want to leave! All 4 One is D'Artagnan's story as never told before!
From the composer of the award winning The Hunchback of Notre Dame, All 4 One is a fast paced, dramatic new musical story cleverly based around 'The Three Musketeers' and 'The Man in the Iron Mask.' A classic musical format combines with an emotional and yet popular score to tell a unique story, making an unforgettable evening of musical theatre.
"Words and Lyrics are excellent" - Paul Nicholas
"It's inspired" - Ray Jeffrey
Audiences across the globe will relate to each character's journey through life as difficult challenges are faced and loyalties tested to their limits. All 4 One offers an excellent opportunity to perform an exciting new work within the commercial comforts of an established character set and story theme. SIX chorus numbers, fight sequences and so much more to embrace a company of any size!
If you like to be visually impressed and touched to the heart - this is the show for you! Currently a Stage II finalist in the Vivian Ellis Award 2000.
Bookings are now being taken so commence your journey at www.all4onethemusical.com or enquiries@all4onethemusical.com
Award-winning playwright Michael Allen has just published six plays, including the Bouchercon prize-winner Spykiller, on Mightywords.com.
Spykiller won first prize (£1000, about $1500) in the Bouchercon competition for a play with a theme based on crime. The judges were Sir Donald Sinden, playwright Hugh Whitemore, and producer Clare Fox.
Also published is Michael Allen's What's to be done with Algernon?, which is based on the scandalous life of the nineteenth-century poet, Algernon Swinburne. Premiered in 1996, The Stage called it 'a tremendously entertaining play', and added 'the whole evening is spell-binding.'
Another script just published is Mr Beresford, which was produced by the Show of Strength company in Bristol last year.
The latest of Michael Allen's works for the stage is Hook in Bath. This is a prequel to the famous Peter Pan, and tells the story of how Captain Hook first became a pirate.
To find these plays, go to Mightywords.com and type 'Michael Allen' in the search box.
For more information about the author, go to www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~mikel01
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Writing as:
Sarah Friedel for ‘Initially Speaking’. (Full length, 3m 4w)
A gritty adult drama of revenge and murder. For no apparent reason, an entire family seems suddenly destined to die. The plot twists and turns, and a shocking secret emerges before finally the motive and an unlikely killer are revealed. But did an accidental discovery lead to a false assumption? Who was telling the truth?
Published by New Theatre Publications ISBN 1 84094 500 1
Tim Wilding for ‘The Strains of Academia’. (One act, 3m 2w)
A comedy set in a university faculty office, where a succession of hapless secretaries try to unravel the Professor’s alphabet, and his rules for determining how degrees are classified. At the same time, the value of research, educational standards, the role of committees and the usefulness of consultants all receive the comic treatment.
Published by New Theatre Publications ISBN 1 84094 509 5
Michael Anderson for ‘EuroTime’. (One act, 3m 1w)
A comedy about three EU bureaucrats who meet with the head of a think tank, to consider a radical new idea to metricate time. A bizarre solution, nepotism and EU attitudes all emerge as the play unfolds.
Contact Jane for more details about Euro Time.
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Steve Andrews
The Bond
4m 3w A one act play that takes an irreverent look at 'Bonding Sessions' and the way in which they can go sadly wrong. Robert, a Chief Executive, has called his senior managers together for an in depth discussion of their roles and relationships. At first everything goes smoothly - too smoothly! When the group splits into private session old jealousies, loves, frustrations and hatreds are soon apparent. The efforts of the participants to paper over these cracks appear to form the climax of the play - but there is one more twist left…. Written by Steve Andrews and published by Legless Productions web site 01530 416251
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Stuart Ardern
Panto and Plays
New from Lazy Bee Scripts: Dick Whittington and His Cat. Read Stuart Ardern's pantomime script on line (or choose from Aladdin, Snow White, Puss-in-Boots or Cinderella). One-act murder mysteries also available. (And if you ever want to combine pantomime with a murder mystery, try reading "Death in Character" on the Lazy Bee Scripts site.)
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Carlo Ardito
Carlo Ardito is a playwright, adapter and translator whose work has been performed on stage and BBC Radio in Britain and throughout the English-speaking world. His volume of translations: Eduardo de Filippo - Three Plays (Hamish Hamilton 1976 was shortlisted for the Florio Prize. His translations of Grand Magic, Filumena Marturano and The Local Authority are now available in Four Plays by Eduardo de Filippo in the Methuen World Dramatists Series. Seven of his plays, in two volumes, have been published by Amber Lane Press, of which Brief Candle was staged by the New End Threatre in February 1999.
In February 1999 he was awarded the Gold Plaque of the Rudolph Valentino International Prize for his services to the theatre. His version of Grand Magic, directed by Sir Richard Eyre, was staged by the Royal National Theatre in 1995. He lives and works in London.
Plays by Carlo Ardito Brief Candle
A complete worksheet which includes translations, adaptations, performances, broadcasts and casts is available on application direct from the author at carlo.ardito@northwest3.freeserve.co.uk
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David Barrett (Offering Free Scripts)
Author of plays and musicals for schools, colleges and youth theatre.
Musicals include:
When Toad Came Home, Slick, Coppelia, Tagula Suva and Rumpel Stiltskin.
Pantos:
Cinderella, Aladdin, Robin Hood, Ali Baba.
Children's Fantasy:
Escape From Ragna Rock Mountain.
Full details on my website at playsandsongs.com
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Michael Black
Michael Black is 39, and grew up in south Manchester. He was educated at the University of York, and then at Cambridge, where he completed a doctorate on South African anti-apartheid literature and history.
Michael has been awarded three Arts Council of England Theatre Writing
Bursaries, and his plays have been performed in London, Cardiff, Manchester, York and Edinburgh at home, and Timisoara and Bucharest, amongst others abroad. Some of Michael's work increasingly explores the notion of nascent European identity.
Michael is also co-founder of an occasional company, Hostage Productions, who have mounted several European theatre productions over the years, including Vaclav Havel's The Increased Difficulty Of Concentration in London, and Urma Scapa Turma, with the National Theatre Of Romania. Michael is also attempting to raise money for future theatre productions through StageInvest.com. A reading of Michael's play Panharmonicon is taking place at the Nottingham Playhouse in the early spring 2002.
For more information about Michael, visit his web site
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Nottingham Playwright - finalist in Pittsburgh 2,000 New Play Festival with "My Brother's Keeper" 2f 2m & 2n/s m. Free reading copies from web site or email
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Comedy/Adventure. By Mark Brown from the novel by Jules Verne.
"Witty in the extreme." —Los Angeles Times
""Ingeniously adapted…a wildly whacky,
unbelievably creative, 90-miles-an-hour,
hilarious journey! A ton of fun for
all ages." —The Tolucan Times
"High-spirited."
"Flat-out hilarious."
"Ingenious and imaginative."
—Ithaca Times
"Action and hilarity to spare."
—Boston Globe
Cast: 4m., 1w., may be expanded to up to 39 actors.
Stampeding elephants! Raging Typhoons! Runaway Trains! Unabashedly Slapstick! Hold onto your seats for the original amazing race! Join fearless adventurer Phileas Fogg and his faithful manservant as they race to beat the clock! Phileas Fogg has agreed to an outrageous wager that puts his fortune and his life at risk. With his resourceful servant Passepartout, Fogg sets out to circle the globe in an unheard-of 80 days. But his every step is dogged by a detective who thinks he's a robber on the run. Danger, romance, and comic surprises abound in this whirlwind of a show as five actors portraying 39 characters traverse seven continents in Mark Brown's new adaptation of one of the great adventures of all time.
Single set. Approximate running time: 2 hours.
The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge
Comedy. By Mark Brown.
"A delightful new holiday tradition."
—Talkin' Broadway
"Exhilarating entertainment."
—Orlando Sentinel
"A sequel worthy of Dickens' approval."
—The Seattle Times
Cast: 6m., 2w., or 8m., 5w.
The Trial of the Century!
A year after his miraculous transformation, Ebenezer Scrooge is back to his old ways and is suing Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future for breaking and entering, kidnapping, slander, pain and suffering, attempted murder and the intentional infliction of emotional distress.
In this hilarious yet poignant play, all of your favorite characters (including the Ghosts) from the Dickens classic take the witness stand to tell their side of the story. Part sequel, part adaptation, "The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge" will be a family favorite for years to come.
One int. set. Approximate running time: 2 hours.
Mark Brown is an award-winning writer and actor. His plays include Around the World in 80 Days; The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge; China, The Whole Enchilada; Poe: Deep Into That Darkness Peering (co-written with Mark Rector); and The Little Prince (co-written with Paul Kiernen). As an actor He has appeared on stage, screen and TV and worked with such people as Tom Hanks, George Clooney, Dick Van Dyke, Jeff Goldblum and the Rally Monkey. Brown lives in New York City with his wife, daughter, and dog and dreams of living in a chateau in France.
Dramatic Publishing
P.O. Box 129
Woodstock, IL 60098-0129
Phone: 1-815-338-7170
Fax: 1-815-338-8981
www.dramaticpublishing.com or email
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CCL Publications
CCL Publications offer a number of highly successful plays and sketches particularly suited for amateur dramatic society productions.
Visit http://www.cclpublications.co.uk to see production photos and cast lists, read extracts from the scripts or to hire the manuscripts online.
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Nicholas Corder
Nigel's Wrist
Winner of the Congleton Players' 1-Act Play Festival 2001.
It's hard to perform when there's an audience watching.
Nigel needs money for a night on the town and has chosen to donate sperm to
do so. Unfortunately, the spirit is willing, but the flesh ...
Badgered by an unsympathetic nurse, Nigel embarks on a series of increasingly
ludicrous fantasies as he attempts to make up for his lack of performance.
This is an adult comedy in the tradition of Rabelais and Joe Orton.
Nigel's Wrist is a 1-Act Play, which runs for approximately 30 minutes, for 1
male and 1 female character.
Please email me for more details.
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Mary Druce
One Foot in the Gravy
Synopsis
The pantomime includes all the traditional elements: hissing and booing, plenty of conversation with the audience, easy singalong songs to familiar tunes, comic cooking routines, sweet giveaways, and happy ever after. Scope is given for topical insertions and mention of local football teams etc. The modern touch has been achieved by the introduction of Bonnie, the Internet Genie and a GI-type chanting march performed by the goblins. The author has taken familiar aspects of several different children's tales to weave her plot - Snow White, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Simple Simon, Aladdin.
One foot in the gravy is the story of a turkey destined for the Christmas table, who manages, by fair means or 'fowl', to beat the system.
The Local is, predictably, a fairly light-hearted look at life and the regulars in a village pub. Pub entertainments (such as a quiz, and the local 'lads' performing a 'Full Monty') provide not only parts for extras but a licence for a bit of OTT lunacy. The play's one set (the bar) should endear it to amateur groups. The prologue is a funeral, at which the audience, briefly, becomes the congregation. But whose funeral? A neat little twist at the end of the play, and all is revealed.
UNCLE SID
a new one-act play
Cast 1m, 1 f, 2 children (1m, 1f) One set. The play is set in the mid 1950s.
Auntie Glad has died suddenly, and Uncle Sid is totally at sea, without a clue how to look after himself. His only relative is his nephew, Jack, Jack's wife Kay and their two children, Wendy and Philip. Uncle Sid is an unlovable, cantankerous old cuss, and the family are not keen to have him to live permanently with them. Clearly something needs to be done, so Uncle Sid is shipped off to a residential home. Problem solved. Well, one would think so . . .
Please ring 01235 200826 for script and more information or contact Mary for further details.
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Jon Dwyer
Sleeping Beauty, a pantomime in two acts by Jon Dwyer, featuring slapstick, mayhem, monarchists, fairies, heroes, villains and even a dancing bear. Read the script on line.
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Jon Elbourne (Australia)
Author Jon Elbourne has the following plays available for performance by amateur or professional companies.
Mother Flower or The Witches of Belvoir Castle. Set in Lincoln and Belvoir in 1619, it tells the story of the trial of the Flower family for witchcraft. A full historical recreation of the events
surrounding the trial and the trial itself. Characters include James I, Duke of Buckingham, Earl and Countess of Rutland, Joan, Margaret and Philip Flower. 2 Acts, running time 90 minutes. Cast 20+.
Two modern language versions of Shakespeare, The Tempest and Macbeth. These transcriptions are not academic renderings, but fluid, full-length versions written for the stage by a director with twenty years experience.
The Death of Henry Lawson. A one-act play depicting the last hours Australia's famous author. Has a four-page monologue for a mature woman who plays the part of Henry's housekeeper.
Two men and one woman. Running time 20 minutes.
The Alchymyste. Set in the workshop of a seventeenth- century female Alchemist, the play recreats a grim scenario of magic and double-dealing as various clients consult the Alchymyste. Includes a working crystal ball, details are given of this amazing effect!
6F 2M plus servants. Running time approx. 25 mins.
The author is prepared to assist with set design and production problems. All plays have been performed in Australia by our local players. Fees are negotiable, around 50p. per ticket sold for full-length and 20p. for one act. Companies can contact author at jone@mitmania.net.au or 8 Ferndale St. Colo Vale NSW Australia 2575 ph. 061-48894103 for a free copy of script.
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A teacher of English and Drama for twenty years, founder-member of a much travelled theatre company for another thirty, director and actor (always in the round), I have written plays, for schools, youth and adult companies. They:
a) are mostly in verse, but rely a great deal of movement and energy in performance;
b) are written for the round, and are not suitable for any other kind of staging;
c) are for playing on simple, often bare acting areas;
d) require no special effects, or anything but ordinary room lighting.
e) cost almost nothing to put on.
They are ideal material for amateur and community groups interested in ecological presentation, and the more enlivening actor-audience relationship that the unencumbered round encourages. The plays are timeless but full of contemporary relevance.
My plays are listed and described on www.doollee.com; a catalogue is available from me. Extracts from some of the plays can be read on my website.
Selection of Available Plays
SHORT: (mostly 3-4 characters)
Sex Barrier – experimental – a simple story about infidelity – but all depends on which actor is playing which character.
Saxo – Pod wanted a girl. She got Saxo. Gradually he takes over the house and ends up giving birth to his own parents.
The Meek One – Jeph has been attacked and left for dead. Later he stumbles upon the den where his attacker and the girl he has abducted live. Jeph and the girl kill the brute and then, surprisingly.......
Robin Goodfellow Plays – five seasonal plays, from Summer (One) to Summer(Two) that follow the “green” adventures of Robin and Kate. Comic modern versions of mummers plays – each involving a fight, death and resurrection.
Transformation Plays
Blooming Connie – Connie gets her own back on a brash young local councillor, her would-be seducer;
Salt and Barley – rural tale, using theme of Penelope, the abandoned wife of Ulysses, and the absurdly idealistic behaviour of Gilbert Golightly, a crusading townie.
Baskett’s Chickens – a darker village story featuring Kate – whose job is chopping off chickens’ necks in a food-processing factory.
Gert – with Armour – a crusading woman who finds her home situation difficult to handle
The Dome and the Trees – a short word and movement play involving the destruction of a wood.
FULL-LENGTH (16-30 characters)
Strugnell’s World (sequence)
The Monster – A kind of modern folk-tale the sequence is based on. Quest and Flute come to a mountain dominated by a Monster. They work their way through communities living on the Mountain – Poor, Rich, The Mob, Nomads, Guardians – before they reach the summit. But who or what is the Monster?
Other plays in the sequence: The City, And the Grot, The Wilderness, Flute Below.
The Woman – an enigmatic figure that gets entangled in the hostilities between two tribes. She has powers – but powers for what? Politics and imagination don’t go well together.
Dreamer (all female cast) – a girl goes in search of her real mother; gets into a seedy environment – but not before she enters a strange dreamworld does her search resolve itself.
Zodiac Plays 1 – Aries – Taylor Wakes Up. Another girl in search of herself. Set along the South coast, she meets a kaleidoscope of characters at different levels of reality and ends up far from home.
(A copy of any of these plays can be obtained for free by e-mailing me.)
Royalties by modest agreement.
I also have many textual extracts from my plays and dramatic poems, that can be used for courses and classes given to exploring the exciting territory of language and movement. And I am available for workshops or courses in any of these matters
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Bob Gould
"Lovers"
"Lovers" is an exciting new musical available at present to amateurs royalty free. It examines various aspects of love through the eyes of "lovers" who frequent a chic cafe in New York city - including a scatterbrained, naive young woman; a selfish, immature young artist; a sensitive young gay man; a middle-aged gay man finally finding the courage to "come out"; a philandering husband with a wife who gives a new dimension the the phrase "love is blind"; and an attractive and articulate but emotionally scarred battered wife, desperately searching for a chance to change her life but lacking the self-confidence to try. A pregnancy, an extra-marital affair and a tragic death cause these people to re-examine their lives and some of them emerge with a new found strength that changes their lives forever.
The emotionally powerful and crisp-witted book & lyrics are penned by Robert Gould, a playwright from south Wales, whose new play, "Inside Out" (co-written with Swedish writer, Jimmy Granstrom) will receive its world premiere in Melbourne in January 2003. The music is composed by Ty Kroll, a brilliant young talent from Wisconsin, USA, whose previous work includes musical adaptations of "The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow" and "Brave New World". The score ranges from powerful, dramatic arias through bouncy pop tunes to evocative ballads where the melodies simply soar. This is a challenging new work which amateur groups should grab with both hands.
Please email me for more details.
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"The plot is intriguing! And, just to add frisson to a very unusual, but highly entertaining play, it should be noted that throughout the entire action there is an on-going tennis match being played by the characters!"
Our address is Eclipse Designs, PO 39, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9DB
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Edgar Harrison
"Two For Tea"
Two spoof whodunnits concerning the misadventures of tea-drinking amateur sleuth Lily Punnet, her public school sidekick Rhiannon and the incompetent Inspector Hardy.
The Unfortunate Cup Of Tea - 4m 5f
It's murder and mayhem at Montcalm Manor as Lily attempts to thwart the evil machinations of Baron Xímeca de Chà and save the great British Cuppa from extinction.
Approx running time 50 mins
One For The Pot - 4m 5f
Lily's night at the theatre is ruined as flamboyant stage magician Signor Tetera is murdered on stage. Can Inspector Hardy expose the vaudevillian villain before the tea goes cold?
Approx running time 1 hr
Can be performed separately or as a double bill. Available from The Chameleon Players at Cuppatea@tinyworld.co.uk
Tea drinking amateur sleuth Lily Punnet and the incompetent Inspector Hardy encounter ghastly goings on at Grimston Grange as they investigate the ancient relic known as The Cup That Cheers. Can they solve a series of grotesque and implausible murders before the house is overrun by killer whelks?
Approx running time 1hr 45
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Lewis W Heniford(American educator, author, director, playwright, 1928-____) All scripts available in manuscript photocopy from the archives of Department of Dramatic Art, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB# 3230, 105 Graham Memorial, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3230, U.S.A., telephone 919-962-1132; . script/rights available from Lewis W. Heniford, P. O. Box 299, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California 93921, telephone 408-624-6960, fax when alerted 408-624-1164, e-mail.
"It Is the Night," a Christmas drama in English, set in the minister's home, in a small town in the American South, December 24, 1930, 1m3f (+ extras); § Synopsis A young minister faces the local blend of superstition and religion and denominational politics must stand against the interpretation of a Christmas birth. § Themes American South, birth, Christmas, denominational politics, interpretation, ministry, Nativity, religion, superstition. § Themes birth, celebration, Christmas, faith, marriage, religion.
"Love's Light Wings," a drama in English, set in the theatre of a high school in Central California, U.S.A., during the rehearsal of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Act II, scene ii, spring, 1990, 2m2f; § Synopsis Two agents pose as high school students preparing a scene from Othello as part of their plan to trap a double agent. § Comment Part of a trilogy of one-acts integrating Shakespearian scenes into the plot. Written to be staged with "An Odious Damnéd Lie," a drama in English, 1m1f, and "Shrew You; or, Who Hath Need of Men? As Goode Accounte As Anye Knowne Describing How Sweet Shagsper Shuffles Off His Mortal Coil," a fantasy-comedy in English, set in an anteroom to afterlife, April 23, 1616 anno Domini, 2m2f. § Themes acting, agent, double agent, high school, Othello, Shakespeare (William Shakespeare, English poet and playwright, 1564-1616), syndicate, trap, undercover.
"An Odious Damnéd Lie," a drama in English, set on a high school theatre stage, with enough scenery and props for rehearsal of Shakespeare's Othello. Act V, scene ii, spring, 1990, 1m1f; § Synopsis An ambitious young actress involves her boyfriend in a serious deception about child abuse while they rehearse the Act II balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet. § Comment Part of a trilogy of one-acts integrating Shakespearian scenes into the plot. Written to be staged with "Love's Light Wings," a drama in English, 2m2f, and "Shrew You; or, Who Hath Need of Men? As Goode Accounte As Anye Knowne Describing How Sweet Shagsper Shuffles Off His Mortal Coil," a fantasy-comedy in English, set in an anteroom to afterlife, April 23, 1616 anno Domini, 2m2f. § Themes acting as a career, ambition, child abuse, courtship, protection, rehearsal, Romeo and Juliet, scholarship, Shakespeare (William Shakespeare, English poet and playwright, 1564-1616), trust, truth.
"Play for Jimbo," 1m2f; a 20-minute comedy in English, set in the bedroom of a teenage girl, § Synopsis Friends try to arrange a date for a shy lad. § Themes courtship, friendship, matchmaking.
"Shrew You; or, Who Hath Need of Men? As Goode Accounte As Anye Knowne Describing How Sweet Shagsper Shuffles Off His Mortal Coil," a 30-minute fantasy-comedy in English, set in an afterlife anteroom, April 23, anno Domini 1616, and a room in Baptista's house, Padua, Italy, 1592, 2m2f; § Dramatis Personae Madame Mnemosyne (f), 2500-plus, a receptionist and lively mother of nine muses; Wm(ina) Shagsper (m or f), 52, an inter-gender newly-dead author; Petruchio (m), 21 and 45, a suitor then a husband; Katharine (f), 17 and 41, a shrew then a wife. § Synopsis Newly dead, Shagsper arrives at the wrong spiritual processing room. He learns from Madame Mnemosyne, the attendant, that in this experimental afterlife Zeus has all beings remain or become female. Shagsper abhors losing his manhood, even in death. The attendant refers him to Zeus but warns that he must have a good case for any request. To frame a solid case, Shagsper calls up his lovers from The Taming of the Shrew. Petruchio embodies manhood, and certainly Katharine needs him, as the play goes. The two, though somewhat older now, reenact their famous meeting scene. Madame Mnemosyne records it with a crystal ball, and Shagsper is armed with evidence that men are necessary. He thanks the audience for its attention and departs to plead his case to Zeus.
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Graham Holliday
THE END OF YELLOW a musical fantasy
From the author of THE SCOTTISH PLAY - a witty and tuneful show for all the family - available for amateur productions.
THE END OF YELLOW is a rare show, combining a strong, fantastic plot, lots of good characters, and a dozen great songs with witty lyrics and tunes you'll never forget! Minimum cast 13; maximum - how big's your stage? Ideal for Christmas, or for any time you want to put on a children's show that the grown-ups will enjoy just as much.
'It has all the ingredients for a popular children's entertainment... A delicious frothy trifle, appetising to all ages from three to ninety three... The fast-moving script, blending wit and whimsy... the delightful songs.' (THEATRE MAGAZINE)
Enquiries: Phone 020 8977 4632, e-mail or write to 41 Claremont Road, Teddington TW11 8DH.
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Raymond Hopkins
Playwright Raymond Hopkins from Witney has taken the unusual step of donating all the royalties from his play "Love Begins at Fifty" to Multiple Sclerosis Research. This original farce, which has 3 male parts and 6 female parts, broke all box office records during its summer season at Torquay.
Amateur Stage reviewed the play in their January 1999 edition and described it as "frenetically funny" and "a fast and furious farce which provides hilarious opportunities.
The play centres on Anita and Clive Debanks who have been married for 28 years and have led an uneventful life. But all that is about to change. Although in a loveless marriage, Clive has never been unfaithful. However, as preparations for his 50th birthday party are underway, Clive feels that life is passing him by and has a yearning for a final fling.
To this end he chooses three prospective partners from the "Lonely Hearts" column in the local paper. By a strange twist of fate, the same paper is offering a Caribbean cruise, as the first prize, in a competition to find the perfect married couple.
Anita enters the competition, but keeps it secret from Clive. A photographer arrives to take the pictures of the happy couple the night that Anita is away, but Clive is busy entertaining one of his new dates. From that point onwards, things get a little complicated, to say the least.
Copies of this play can be obtained for only £5.95 from Hanbury Plays, Keeper's Lodge, Broughton Green, Droitwich, Worcestershire, WR9 7EE. The ISBN number is 185205 229 5
Since writing the above Raymond has contacted us again with details of another play, this one called "There Goes the Bride" and once again the royalties are going to Multiple Sclerosis Research.
"Jason Taylor, a quiet unassuming person, is one week away from marrying Lucinda, his childhood sweetheart. The overzealous bride's mother, Stella Parsons, has turned the wedding into a personal crusade. No expense has been spared and a year's preparations have all come together to make it the event of the decade. Lucinda, who has always been dominated by her mother, has gone along with the lavish arrangements. As the wedding looms ever closer, everything is on track. That is, until Julie, a girl from the local florists, calls at the Taylors' to make some final arrangements. By a twist of fate, Jason is at home alone. Their inevitable first meeting sparks off that magical chemistry which makes two people fall hopelessly in love. From that point on, the plot twists and turns in a frantic manner, making the wedding a far more memorable occasion than even Stella could have imagined."
There Goes the Bride is also available from Hanbury Plays, Keeper's Lodge, Broughton Green, Droitwich, Worcestershire, WR9 7EE ISBN 185205 250 3 priced at £5.95
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Donal Horgan
Looking for new one-act plays about a new Ireland? Donal Horgan has written five one-act plays that chart various aspects of the economic and social transformation of Ireland in the last twenty years. All the plays are set in mundane work locations and combine humour with a revealing insight into the new Ireland. Full scripts and more details are available from the web site.
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Ian Hornby
I have a variety of scripts available covering all genres - thrillers,
farces, comedies, plays and even pantomimes. Most are full length acting editions, a few are one-act. My daughter, a winner of the Liverpool Everyman WriteNow2000 competition, has a few challenging youth plays available. Contact me for details.
All have been performed in various parts of the UK and some overseas, notably the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
For synopses and licencing details see my web page or new-playwrights' web page
Commission work undertaken. I also have two pilot TV sitcoms available.
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Brian Langtry
Watercolour Weekend
5m 5w The action occurs over the course of a weekend in a country hotel where an unlikely group of painting enthusiasts gather to attend a course tutored by Monsieur Eric Penisse a man, according to M. Penisse, of impeccable artistic eminence and credentials. Hints that all may not be as it seems build throughout the play each character offering clues, some genuine some misleading, of mystery and intrigue. In the end of course all is revealed!! This is a visual and verbal comedy offering strong roles for both male and female parts together with countless opportunities for creative direction. Written by Brian Langtry and dedicated to the memory of Ron Burns and published by Legless Productions web site 01530 416251
Second Spot
5m +3 doubling 2w + 1 doubling. This is the hysterically funny story of club comic Charlie Morris who dies on stage in the middle of his act and has the good sense to make a spiritual return to Earth in order to clear up a few loose ends. As well as tearing at the heart strings this wildly amusing comedy is littered with priceless witty dialogue and visual hilarity as Charlie seeks to ensure that his wife and daughter continue to live their lives as 'he' feels is appropriate!!!! This play runs for 1hr 45 mins, and can be performed as either a straight play or a play with music. As professionally recorded backing tracks are supplied no musicians are necessary!! Written by Brian Langtry & Ron Burns and published by Legless Productions web site 01530 416251
A Cupful of Sugar
4 m 3 w+3 cameo. A musical play set in the Midlands during the middle 1950's. Ten new original 50ish inspired songs and a story which is both humorous and touching. Two families living next door to each other share their experiences and are delighted when a romance occurs. With a wedding in the air deep-rooted secrets concerning adoption surface and an emotional helter-skelter ensues throwing the families into bewilderment, uncertainty and fear. Ultimately there is a happy ending in this work which holds joy, sadness, hilarity and hope. Running time is 2 hours and as professionally recorded backing tapes are supplied no musicians are necessary!!! Written by Brian Langtry & Ron Burns and published by Legless Productions web site 01530 416251
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Andrew Linton
Dan
Hated and despised by the ones he loves, held responsible for the death of his brother Dan, Mike Shaw sets out to change himself, his life and his friends. He tries to help a casual acquaintance, a man he has previously mocked as a fool, who has just won a fortune on the lottery. He attempts to keep away the "friends" who would part the fool from his money, but others misinterpret his motives. The subject is topical and the characters finely drawn - a play of our times.
More information: e-mail editorial@hamilton-and-co.demon.co.uk
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Richard Lovelock
FREE PANTOMIME script - Sleeping Beauty
This is a pantomime in 2 acts, 6 male and 5 female lead characters (plus a Dame !), and also a lot of chorus participation (guards, maids, courtiers and talking trees). This script has been performed in to 11 sell out performances and was viewed by 2500 people. I am not a professional playwright, I am an amdram person, I know that we saved around £700 by not having to pay royalties and script charges, and I would be honoured if any other groups wanted to use my script. I would therefore like to offer its availability to any amdram group, I would be happy to email a copy for their perusal.
Email for more information.
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Make a Cat Laugh Productions have written refreshingly new and highly original pantomimes that can be put on with or without music. Titles so far are: Arthur, Merlin and the Time Machine; Cinderella; Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs; The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
They also provide an after sales service. Visit their web site now.
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James Miller
We are stardust, we are golden (A two act 1hour 50min drama 3f 3m)
Available for performance.
On the morning of April 30th 1975, communist forces captured the Presidential Palace in Saigon thus ending the war and America's involvement in a bloody affair that left two million people dead on both sides.
A new drama by James Miller, 'We are stardust, we are golden' is set in part against the backdrop of the Vietnam war and tells the story of a love story between three people which has become tarnished by secrets and lies
This two act contemporary drama first performed last July is punctuated by six poignant songs and revisits a time when the youth of America were thrown headlong into the turmoil that existed in Indochina.
This play is available from the author with a 'no performance fee' tag.
If you want to know more please email
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Jenny Mullinder
Free script - Outcast
Jenny has made her current script "Outcast" available free to anyone who wants to perform the play. It is about Emma who is being bullied. Sally wants to be her friend, but Emma doesn't trust her. It examines the bullying culture currently within schools. The script is in Word format and can be found here.
Jenny would like to hear from anyone who performs her play and is also willing to write plays on specific issues or stories. Email Jenny for more details.
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Terence Mustoo
Terence Mustoo is a professional actor and writer with years of experience in the amateur theatre movement. He has written pantomimes, musicals, children's stories and radio comedies. All his plays are designed to be enjoyable, imaginative, but within the reach of any theatre group. Most have been performed by his home group, The Wesley Players. Scripts available; George and The Dragon, Babes in the Wood, Sinbad's Fantastic Voyage, Mother Goose and The Golden Egg, Sherlock Holmes in the Deerstalker. Commissions gladly undertaken. For further details visit his website. Telephone 01708-222938 or visit the web site
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John H Newmeir
Like so many playwrights before me I started at the grass roots by obtaining LAMDA awards at drama school and gaining much experience through amateur theatre before finally entering the professional stage. Along the way I have acted, directed, produced and been involved in all aspects of backstage activities spanning over twenty five years. More recently I have turned my attention to writing winning the NDFA 'George Taylor Memorial Cup' for 'Calvin' which was voted best original one-play of 1998 (since been re-titled 'Babysitting Calvin' by the publishers). Several of my full length plays are currently on tour and I have found equal success with radio and television scripts. Below are a small variety of my one-act plays now available for production. I can be contacted via email
Published by Samuel French
Interested in having a new play written for your groups specific needs without paying a commission or maybe you've had an idea buzzing around but can't put it on paper. If so contact me on the email below and set me to work on your behalf. I am a professional writer not only in theatre but radio and television as well and will be more than happy to help any amateur group anywhere in the country. I'm also available for lectures and writers workshops. Email for information, John Newmeir
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Julio Caesar, the soon to be Roman Emperor, must marry an Angle princess if he is to inherit the throne of the Caesars, a condition laid down by his late father. Hence, a raiding party heads for Britannicus to kidnap the beautiful Voluptua, aided by a roman spy, Devious Devious (Double D). The kidnap is successfully carried out by Caesar's henchman, Glutious Maximus (a.k.a. Big Bum) but Big Bum also has designs on the Roman throne.
Despite the success of the kidnap, Princess Voluptua's fiancé, Mykindomforanhorse, sets off in pursuit of the kidnappers, aided by his father, Optimistix and his (soon to be) father in law Rule Britanicus. Mayhem follows in Rome, leading to a happy ending.
It is an original script, written in the style of a traditional pantomime. We had great fun performing it ourselves and hope that others will do too.
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An interesting site selling panto scripts for a flat fee - waiving licence fees and copies for one season - and about time too!
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Pantosdirect provides a unique service - pantomimes written to suit your individual company's needs. Versions of all the old favourites are available, as well as more 'off-the-wall' shows, featuring all the classic panto elements, but with a twist. They will be tailor-made to suit the numbers and skills of your performers,usually following a meeting with the playwright. New songs, old songs, borrowed songs, reconditioned songs are available, again to fit your company's requirements. Large or small, we do them all! Check out the website.
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Free-to-perform, off-beat pantos with original scores, animated digital projections, downloadable backing tracks and guide vocals.
Looking for a panto to stage, either at Xmas or Halloween? We've got the complete show solution for you! Whether you're a small company or an all-singing all-dancing cast of thousands, these pantos have proven themselves in front of large audiences, are sure to draw in families, get feet tapping and make people laugh! And they are FREE to perform for amateurs. No strings at all. You can download everything you need from the website.
Choose from Jekyll and Hyde or Dracula. And check back for more news on Quasimodo in 2008.
More information at our website.
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Peter Pitcher
Traditional Pantomimes
If you are looking for a truly traditional pantomime full of slapstick, audience participation and gags by the bucketful I'm your man!
At present I have Aladdin and Cinderella available for performance - Both fully tested in performance and hugely successful, they are bang up to date with topical references such as Pokemon and the internet!
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is now available and I can provide the costumes for the dwarfs and Snow White as well. A new musical version of Peter Pan is almost ready as well and I would be pleased to take enquiries.
I can also supply details of terrific sets around which the scripts are written.
For more details e mail me: Peter.Luvvy@btinternet.com
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The Playwrights Publishing Co
The Playwrights Publishing Company was founded in 1990 and is run by a playwright for playwrights. Amateur groups can find a catalogue of new one-act and full-length plays available at the following web address
http://www.geocities.com/playwrightspublishingco
and free reading copies are available either at county libraries or by sending a deposit cheque by post.
Playwrights can send unsolicited one-act and full-length scripts with a reading fee (£15 for one-acts and £30 for full-length plays) for consideration. Selected scripts are printed and sent to each of the main UK libraries and advertised worldwide and on the net. Would-be authors are asked to send their work with the relevant reading fee to Tony Breeze, The Playwrights Publishing Company, 70 Nottingham Road, Burton Joyce, Notts, NG14 5AL.
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A Fine Time For Wine
Book & Lyrics: Jonathan Posner
Music: Tony Osborne
A stirring tale of bitter rivalry, tender romance – and damn fine wines!
Who should London Society have turned to for advice on wines in the 1920’s?
Was it suave Henry St.Aubyn?
Or feisty socialite Stephanie Mulholland?
This was one rivalry that had to be settled – in the wine-tasting wager to end them all.
It should have been very straightforward; the best cheat wins.
That was until romance got in the way – leading to some very unexpected results.
A Fine Time For Wine is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser:
Press reaction to the performance by the Riverside Players, Old Windsor:
“…this musical was nothing less than total theatrical magic. A delight from beginning to end.”
Roy McKay, Windsor Observer
“To win an audible gasp of pleasure from an early 21st century audience when love conquers all is quite an achievement.”
Francis Batt, Windsor Express
For a reading script and score CD, email Jonathan Posner
Spirit of History
Book & Lyrics: Jonathan Posner
Music: Chris Smellie & John Gauntley
A time-travelling romantic musical adventure with witchcraft, swordfights, comedy – and a great wide-ranging score. From big chorus numbers to power ballads and comedy interludes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
England, 1537.
All Sebastian de Beauvais wanted to do was to drink, hunt, fight and make love.
He didn't reckon on meeting Abby Parker.
Abby was different.
Abby came from the 1990's.
She knew what would happen to him. She knew when. But if she told him, the consequences could be terrifying.
And that was just the start of it.
Reaction to the performance by the Riverside Players, Old Windsor:
"This thought provoking musical had a strong story, excellent songs, both rousing chorus numbers and heart felt ballads; a stimulating new musical." Centre Stage, Windsor
For a reading script and score CD, email Jonathan Posner------------------------------------------
George Riddell
The Beast Of Ghastly Manor
This is the Play Version of what's going to be a Musical Farce. Take a "Cross Dressing" Butler, your typical run of the mill "Mad Scientist" and his side kick "Egor", add a Party of young people, a 10 foot chicken and I think you'll agree, it does sound like Fried Chicken tonight and Scrambled Eggs in the morning at least!
Dr Ghastly's daughter, Tina, is throwing a party at the manor for her chums but unfortunately for them, tonight is the night the Doctor lets loose his creation. His butler Wilson and Egor (who strangely turned up when the Doctor's wife left him for an other man a week ago) are in partnership to try and steal the Doctor's secrets but things just won't go to plan. Tina's guests arrive and then the cat and mouse play starts.
After 2 of the guests go missing during the thunderstorm, the police are called. All eyes turn to the Doctor, his drinking problem and his ethics. So is the Doctor to blame for his "Gin Ethically Modified Genius" or is there a darker plot beneath it all? Well just to confuse matters more, the Doctor's wife turns up, but just as the plot makes sense at last the "Beast Of Ghastly Manor" attacks and there's egg on
everyone's faces.
For more details including a Character List, Detailed Plot, and Set Design, visit my web site and click the "Ghastly" link.
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Ciarán Roche Playwright living in Co Wicklow in Ireland.
Shortlisted for RTE PJ O'Connor Awards for Radio Play in 2005 and his one
act plays have won many awards at local festivals.
Heaven Help Me a comedy for 7 women won the national final of a Drama
Competition run by the Irish Countrywomens Association in 2003
Heaven Help Me F7
Tells the story of a 'not so young' Joan who has met Harry at the doctor's
surgery where she has a part time job. Harry has asked her to marry him( she
thinks!) and being inexperienced in such things seeks help from above. Some
ghosts, who are in fact trainee angels, appear and give her some advice.
Poor Joan ends up more confused than ever!
Cast: Joan 50s; Ghost of Love; Ghost of Lust; Ghost of the New Woman; Ghost
of the Older Woman; Ghost of Reason ; Gabriella
Very good parts for female actresses.
The play was very well received and enjoyed by audiences
His Two Act Drama Tick Tock has just finished a very successful Summer
Dinner Theatre run.
TICK-TOCK
A Play in Two Acts F4 M3
Cast: Joan Bishop 30s a nurse; Tim Johnston a solicitor; Harriet Bishop late
70s/ 50s; Josephine Bishop 20s; Ivan O'Neill 30s; Rita 28 mild learning
disability; Dr John Cusack a psychiatrist.
Joan gets a visit from a solicitor who tells her that her grandmother, from
whom she has been estranged for many years, is dying and wants to see her.
Joan blames her grandmother for her father's death and the loss of her
mother. When she is persuaded to meet her gramdmother she discovers she has
a sister. And so Rita comes into her life and into the elderly Mrs Bishop's
life bringing both of them joy.
Very good, strong male and female parts.
Visit http://www.oneactplays.info for details of all Ciarán's plays.
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Chris Scott Scripts
A variety of one act and full length plays available for use without charge by AMATEUR groups.
Many of these plays have been entered for the Kent One Act Festival. Please note that some of these scripts deal with controversial themes and make use of explicit language but those which fall into these categories are clearly indicated on my website.
A little about my background:
After a brief spell as a professional actor, I wrote my first play in 1970 and have worked on many projects since both alone and in collaboration. Whilst still actively engaged in playwriting, my time recently has been mostly spent in the writing of my first novel which was published last year.
I hope you enjoy these scripts and if you feel your group would like to use any of them feel free to contact me - although there is no charge, I would still obviously like to know when and where any performance is taking place.
You can find more details and full copies of the scripts on the website, which is in the process of construction, and as the plays are typed up I will add them as quickly as possible.
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Jim Sperinck
Hickory Dickory and the Millennium Bug
Celebrations for the new millennium get under way in Nursery Land when the evil Greenwitch Meantime steps in with an impossible demand. When she is refused she gets the Millennium Bug, Virus (who lives on Silicon Chips) and his partner, Seedy Rom, to help her.
Tick and Tock, assistants to the Royal Timekeeper, Hickory Dickory, without whom the clocks will not go, are kidnapped and taken to the Witch's Millennium Dome. All clocks, watches and computers stop.
With the help of Dame Megabite, Mouse, Fairy Sundial and many others, can the New Millennium ever get under way?
More contact info on the Jasper pages.
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P Stanton
Do you need an original play for your amateur company? I can provide it. Here are the details of my latest two pieces;
- "Carmilla", an adaptation of the Sheridan le Fanu story about a female vampire - with a lesbian sub-text - which was performed in Sheffield in 1999. It works!
- "Ipse", a slick black comedy about the life, works and violent death of Christopher Marlowe. It's pacy and dramatic - and did I mention, violent?
E-mail me.
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Lou Stone
"The True Story of Macbeth's Encounter With the Three Witches" or as published "A THANE IN THE ARSE" By Lou Stone.
The plot tells the true story of the three witches and their close encounters of the three kind with Macbeth. Unlike the Shakespeare play to which this play owes so much, the action for the most part takes place in today's suburbia where the three share a flat in Gravesend.....where else? The play (within a play) tells how on the fateful night when all three had an appointment to meet our hero on the now famous Blasted Heath, the third witch was having her own personality crisis and close to breaking point was unable to attend. How the other two get around this problem (or lose their contract) and the mayhem caused is the basic element to the plot. That a ventriloquist dummy features highly might give the game away but the idea might inspire the reader/actor to continue to the end.
Published by "New Theatre Publications" it appears in their ten plus character list although it can be cut down to 6/7 players. It does give great opportunities for three excellent comedy actresses as well as nightmares, sorry, I mean challenges, for the props department!!
Available from the publishers on their website they run a scheme of free reading to any person or company interested in producing their plays. (However, my bank manager would prefer it if you bought it.)
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Keith Trezise
Keith Trezise has written mostly comedies ranging from the fifty-minute-farce "Four Play" to the full-length "Dying To Be Heard", but his published drama "Duplex" won him first prize in the Little Theatre Guild's playwriting competition in 1997. More details can be found on his web site.
Just the Ticket!
Thinking of Christmas 2001? Would you like to stage the World Première of a new play with a Christmas theme from the award-winning authors of Late for the Dentist? This one can feature as many Santas as you like!
Just the Ticket is a farcical comedy set in an ailing girls' school. It features crooks looking for diamonds, policemen learning to be Santas, a prospective parent from hell and teachers pretending to be pupils.
The cast lists 14, but with doubling the play could be done with 8 or 9, and you only need two men. It's easy to stage - all the action takes place in the staff room - and there are not many props or effects to manage. We are open-minded with regard to any alterations you may wish to make to suit your company, and would be willing to waive royalties for the first few performances. (We'd like a few free tickets, though!)
Contact us at gareth@azzie.demon.co.uk for a copy to read.
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Roy Vesty (Harvey)
Roy Vesty writing under the pseudonym of 'Harvey' has, to his credit, ten plays finished and several in work - all comedy and ranging in age from kids to granny's - just completed work on a Passion play to be performed at Easter as a community project in Llandrindod Wells Trinity Church. Over forty years experience scripting for film television and theatre - first love theatre -lists of available scripts on email
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Sue Williams
Kelvin and the Tooth Fairy. A New Pantomime
A new story combining classic pantomime traditions with modern ideas. Inspiration for the script came from my son James who spends more time on his playstation than is proper for anyone who wants to keep in touch with the real world. Hence Kelvin is obsessed with playing computer games and tries to boost the fortunes of his families failing restaurant business by wishing for his hero Sara Soft (the pantomime version of Lara Croft) to come out of the computer game. He is helped by Mo Lar, the Chinese tooth-fairy who speaks in limericks and Patsy, the restaurants waitress, and the whole plot unfolds under the watchful eye of our traditional panto Dame, Jean Sweep, a larger than life cleaning lady. Along the way our hero's have to bargain with skeletons, fight with a tribe of angry Indians and journey to the bottom of the sea. The script lasts for approximately 2 hours, and contains 12 original songs written especially for the show, and varying in style from a rap (for Mo Lar), a calypso and a wonderful love duet for the leading characters.
Further scripts available:
Cinderella and the Magic Fiddle - running time approx 1 hour
Rockin' Red Riding Hood - running time approx 2 hours
Snow-White and the Seven Brothers - running time approx 2 hours
A reading script and video of the shows can be supplied. Please contact me.
For more information please e-mail me.
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Peter Wilson
Peter Wilson's collection of otherwise unpublished scripts available free of royalties to amateurs.
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Nick Wood - One Act Plays
FEMALE 29, GSOH
1f/1m - 40 mins. Comedy
For no reason she can explain to herself, places an ad in the lonely hearts. Tom, equally mystified by his behaviour, replies to it. They meet, and the play follows their relationship to its conclusion. Reviewers found it honest, moving at times, and above all funny. Audiences will identify with both characters.
SUSPICIOUS MINDS
2m/1f - 40mins. Comedy
Vernon is an unlikely Elvis impersonator. Frank and Josie are a sharp shooting act. When Vernon is hired to deliver an Elvis a Gram, he finds Frank and Josie in an empty office, waiting for him with revenge on their minds. For what? He has no idea. Gradually Vernon discovers what is in store for him as the play moves to it's unlikely and hilarious conclusion.
SUSPICIOUS MINDS 2 : THE GRACELAND EXPERIENCE
1f/1m - 40mins. Comedy
Commissioned after the success of Suspicious Minds, it can be played as a double bill, or stand alone.
Frank has been killed in a tragic shooting accident, and Vernon and Josie, drawn together in their grief have become a couple. Using Frank's insurance money they have opened an old people's home, and grant Frank's dying wish was to have his ashes scattered at Graceland. The residents, (the audience) are waiting for a slide show of their trip, but unfortunately the slides have been ruined. Josie, against Vernon's wishes, decides they'll put on a re-enactment of their trip, during which a good deal more is revealed, particularly about the circumstances of Frank's death, than she might have liked.
MONDAY IN A ROOM WITH FRANK
2m. 40mns. Comedy
Commissioned to be part of the Bridewell Theatre's birthday tribute to Stephen Sondheim, it follows the progress of Frank and Dennis as they struggle to write the big number for what they hope will be their next successful musical. The plot line of the musical starts to touch upon their personal lives in unexpected ways.
I am a professional writer, currently an associate artist with Nottingham Playhouse where I'm also under commission. I'd be pleased to supply reading copies on line, and the royalties are amazingly reasonable! Nick Wood
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John Wright
"Love and Logic" is the story of Michael Brix, a successful businessman, who decides that he wants to build a gigantic theatre complex and inaugurate it by premiering a musical he's created himself on all the twenty stages of the complex. Journalists in the city love this chance to ridicule what they regard as a megalomaniac on the loose. But one journalist, Mary, falls in love with Michael and the main plot is the relationship between them and how it suffers from Michael's inability to articulate his emotions. He extols the virtues of common sense and cautions against succumbing to whims and emotions. Mary, on the other hand, is naive and easy-going.
There is also a conflict between Michael and a tabloid journalist, Paul, who have a big showdown towards the end. Subplots abound, too, amid some screwball characters at the theatre complex.
There are around ten songs, some solo songs, three duets and a number requiring five voices.
The number of characters is around 15 but that depends on how many you want. Some of the smaller parts can be omitted without making major changes to the script and it is eminently possible to get by with no more than twelve characters. Furthermore, two parts could be performed by the same actor or actress, so you may be able to do it with an ensemble of less than twelve players.
I am prepared to be open-minded about the script in the sense that if I find an ensemble who are willing to perform it, I would be willing to let them make revisions in order to accommodate their unique situation. Email me for further information.
Peter Wright
Stand By Me
A musical based (loosely) on King Lear in much the same way as Return To The Forbidden Planet is based on The Tempest. Written during Shakespeare's northern period and set in Manchester clubland in the sixties (that is nineteen sixties). A cast of 7 men and 4 women not only wrap their tonsils round some fine Shakspearian dialogue but also sing some 27 songs from the sixties such as River Deep Mountain High, Midnight Hour, The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Any More and Waterloo with backing from an on stage band. This musical was written for Romiley Little Theatre who performed it in 1998 to packed houses. A review of the poduction appeared in the August 1998 edition of Amateur Stage which said, "Wright's adaptation paraphrases the original to striking effect with dialogue lifted from not only Lear but also Richard III, Twelfth Night, Macbeth, Romeo & Juliet, Henry V among several...... The whole show is very cleverly put together, the allusions to the several plays totally in context and the musical numbers impel the show along forming the greater part of it. Peter Wright can be well pleased with his ingenuity...... Visually & theatrically it was a stunning piece of Son et Lumiere. By the end of the show the audience, totally involved, were "rocking" as well. Quite a night.
For more information about performing this musical contact: Peter Wright
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