Floor 3 at Nottingham Central Library has a collection of play sets that drama groups and individuals can borrow. A list of previous play reviews is available on-line.Here are the latest to be added to the collection.
NEW PLAYS REVIEW - SERIES 2, NO. 16 JUNE 2008
FULL LENGTH MIXED CAST
Lesley BRUCE
MY OWN SHOW (2 Acts, 1m 4f)
Fay, host of TV Chat Show ‘Frankly Fay’ fears her career is on the wane. She is horrified to be reunited with Caroline, an old schoolfriend she’s avoided for years, on ‘This Is Your Life’. Caroline is recently widowed, and Fay thinks her ratings might benefit from a guest appearance, but Caroline is a sensation and is soon given her own show ‘Caroline Chats’. Here is a hilarious look at the foibles of fame and friendship.
Peter GORDON
DEATH BY FATAL MURDER (2 Acts, 4m 4f)
Another mystery for Inspector Pratt at Bagshot House, and things aren’t going any better for the hapless detective, even though he is aided by Miss Maple and Constable Thomkins. This is another treat for actors and audiences alike.
Richard HARRIS
GOING STRAIGHT (2 Acts, 2m 3f)
Michael and Ray used to be East End villains, but now Michael is very comfortable indeed in Spain while Ray is struggling back in England. When Michael invites his old partner to visit, Ray is delighted – but what are Michael’s true motives? Treachery and double-cross abound in this thriller.
Roger LEACH & Colin WAKEFIELD
AUDIENCE WITH MURDER (2 Acts, 2m 2f + 1m voice only
A great, multi-layered, witty thriller. It moves from a domestic playreading, through a murder mystery then on to terrifying and violent finale.
David LEWIS
MONKEY’S UNCLE (3 Acts, 4m 3f)
The great farce writer Feydeau is struggling to cope with deadlines, wife, mistresses and an organ grinder’s monkey. Feydeau, I’m sure, would have loved this farcical version of part of his life.
Betty MANKTELOW
DEATH WALKED IN (2 Acts, 3m 4f)
Celia is struggling to run her small country hotel, hindered by rakish step-son Rex. Love and jealousy lead to a suicide – or is it murder? Well, of course it is! An early play from a popular writer.
J. D. ROBINS
DELIVER US FROM EVIL (2 Acts, 3m 4f)
Ben Seaton is the new rector and slowly gaining acceptance with the locals, but his wife Diana feels less happy. Strange and nasty things are happening in the village, like vandalism and a swastika displayed in the graveyard; then the unthinkable happens – a murder at the rectory. A good solid thriller.
Gordon STEEL
ALBERT NOBBS (2 Acts, 1m 2f)
Albert finds retirement isn’t what he was expecting, especially with the incessant nagging of Connie. When Connie dies in a road accident however, Albert struggles to carry on – until Connie returns as a ghost. Delightful if occasionally painful, this play has been described as ‘Blithe Spirit’ for the working class. Wonderful!
Richard STOCKWELL
BAD BLOOD (2 Acts, 3m 2f)
Be careful what you wish for – you might just get it! Tom had an affair, years ago, but now is married and childless. His wish to be a father is unexpectedly fulfilled when the daughter of that affair turns up. Tom has now to deal with deception and murder; and there is one final irony in store. A savage and fast-moving modern thriller.
ONE ACT MIXED CAST
Enda WALSH
CHATROOM (3m 3f)
Six teenagers never meet each other, they just chat online about subjects as diverse as Britney Spears, Willy Wonka and suicide. This play tackles some of the issues of today’s teenagers with humour and compassion
Nick WARBURTON
PURVIS (1m 1f)
When uptight, downtrodden Rachel, the vicar’s wife, meets recently-widowed Mr Purvis, she finds herself offering him the job of Church Health and Safety Officer. Purvis is keen, but unfortunately causes more problems than he solves, especially for the vicar. Rachel is exasperated but she finds her self-confidence grows as their friendship deepens. A comedy that is touching and appealing.
WOMEN’S PLAYS
No new titles
SKETCHES
No new titles
PANTOMIMES
Tony EDWARDS
BABES IN THE WOOD (1 Act, 4m 3f)
The Queen Mother Miserella has a wicked scheme to kill the Babes (children of Richard the Lionheart) so John can be King instead, but Robin Hood is at hand to save the day. An OK panto that gains by being short and of local interest.
Eric FOWLER
JACK AND THE OGRE, AND THE QUEEN OF HEARTS (1 Act, 8 parts)
Jack and the Ogre has Jack defeating the wicked ogre and getting the princess; lasts 40 mins with dialogue only, 60 mins with songs. The Queen of Hearts has the Crooked Woman trying to steal the Queen’s magic recipe; lasts 45 mins or 60 mins with songs – this panto has an all female cast.
Both plays include production notes, song suggestions, ideas for costumes and design etc.
Eric FOWLER
TWO MORE SHORT PANTOS (1 Act)
SLEEPING BEAUTY (9 parts) is the traditional story and lasts 35 mins with dialogue only + 15 mins with songs.
PUSS IN BOOTS (8 parts) is also the traditional story and takes 50 minutes + 15 minutes with songs.
Both pantos have production notes, song suggestions, props and costume ideas etc.
Christine HALL & Martin COLES
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK: A PANTOMIME
(3 Acts, 8 Main Characters and extras)
This, despite having three acts, is very short and has very simple text, which makes it ideal for children to play if desired. Jack has to sell Claribelle the Cow to pay the rent, but gives her to an old woman in exchange for some beans. The text is illustrated with lots of colourful pictures.
Jo SMITH
CINDERELDER: a mini-pantomime (1 Act, 9 parts)
Prince Charming gets a bit fed up with Cinderella after 20 years, and is now looking for a new wife. This is in verse format.
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