The Third Floor at Nottingham Central Library has a collection of play sets that you can borrow. Whether you are in an amateur dramatic group, a play-reading group, a church or youth club or even just a family that enjoys going to the theatre, come and browse through the collection.
Plays included range from old favourites like Shakespeare and East Lynne to modern works by Alan Ayckbourn and John Godber; serious works by writers such as David Mamet and David Hare, and fun pantos and music hall sketches and monologues. Most groups can borrow sets free of charge.
So whether you see yourself as Macbeth, Stanley Holloway or the back end of a pantomime horse, come and look at the Playset Collection in the Central Library. If you need help with your choice, contact a member of staff on the Third Floor.
Now you can even research choices for your group from the comfort of your own home, or on our free public computers in every City library. Wilson Play Index allows you to search for plays by title, author, subject (eg. culture conflict, marriage, etc.), style (eg. symbolism, experimental theatre, etc.), genre (comedy, melodrama, musical, etc.), cast type and more. You can limit your results to plays with a specific number of male and/or female roles, or size of total cast.
When you have found the play you are looking for, check our on-line library catalogue to see if we have copies available - see our page about playsets for further information.
New plays are continually being added to our stock. Click here for the list.
Previous Play Reviews (includes plays added to stock since 2004)
FULL LENGTH MIXED CAST PLAYS
Rick ABBOT
JUNE GROOM
(3 Acts, 3m 6f)
The author of such popular plays as ‘Play On’ and ‘Sing On’ has concocted a farcical comedy about couples (preparing for marriage, pretending to be married, and switching partners), promises and millionaires. The play is set in New York but the American aspect does not detract.
Ron ALDRIDGE
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE
(2 Acts, 4m 2f)
Susan Shaw aged 58 suddenly finds herself alone, her husband having left her for a younger woman, and lost, never having had to work. She makes some unexpected choices in the belief that it’s never too late. This funny, heartwarming and uplifting play includes some mild swearing and some sexy underwear!
Alan AYCKBOURN
THE CHAMPION OF PARIBANOU
(2 Acts, 10m 4f)
The Sultan decides that the perfect solution to his problems with the neighbouring kingdom is to marry one of his sons to the Princess. Unfortunately, neither party is remotely interested in marriage. A tale of jealousy, good and evil told by a master storyteller which is suitable for both adults and children.
Alan AYCKBOURN
IMPROBABLE FICTION (3m 4f, 2 Acts)
Six aspiring authors are meeting to discuss their work. Some have problems such as writer’s block. The Chairman suggests they try collaborating which is not popular. However, as the class ends there is a thunder-clap and blackout – then the story they would have written is acted out before his eyes. Affectionate satire and sharp comedy feature in this imaginative play.
Derek BENFIELD
FIRST THINGS FIRST (3m 3f, 2 Acts)
Pete and George are really good friends, in fact George has been best man at both of Pete’s weddings. Pete is appalled when George arrives with news that his first wife isn’t dead as they thought, but is alive and wants to get back together. Another riotous farce from this popular dramatist.
Derek BENFIELD
IN AT THE DEEP END
(2 Acts, 3m 3f)
Based on his earlier play ‘A Toe In The Water’, The plot revolves around the highly moral Mr. Potter and his health farm. Mr. Potter is driven to despair as his precious business is invaded by a snob and the 3 ladies in his life, plus an apparently sex-mad window-cleaner.
Derek BENFIELD
OVER MY DEAD BODY
(2 Acts, 2m 4f)
Following his wife’s death, Gerald hopes to spend his time writing his memoirs. Unfortunately his wife’s‘ forward planning’ leads to a series of unexpected events which in turn recall funny and sad memories of the past.
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.
John CHAPMAN
BUSINESS AFFAIRS
(2 Acts, 4m 4f)
Stanley and Norman have hired a suite at a smart hotel To clinch a business deal. When the clients request the Services of ‘ladies of the night’ they are only too happy To oblige. Only the ladies cancel and Stanley and Norman’s wives turn up and….well you can guess the Rest! A rollicking, bawdy farce.
Eric CHAPPELL
DOUBLE VISION
(2 Acts, 2m 2f)
Spinks, a poor and lonely ex-boxer, pretends he has won the lottery, and is suddenly showered with offers of everything including love. A fascinating and engrossing comedy about the important things in life – love, money and lies!
Eric CHAPPELL
FATHER’S DAY (2m 2f, 2 Acts)
A warm and touching comedy based on the TV series ‘Home to Roost’. Henry is enjoying glorious solitude when he is disturbed by son Matthew and his new girlfriend (punk/goth no less) followed by ex-wife Sue. Possible rather dated nowadays.
Eric CHAPPELL
FIDDLERS 3
(2 Acts, 4m 2f)
There are 2 self-contained One-Act Plays that can be performed together as Fiddlers 3. Both plays are set in the offices of Multiple Holdings where Rex, Harry and Osborne form a rather uncomfortable alliance against the management as personified by elegant, devious Fletcher.
Eric CHAPPELL
WE’RE STRANGERS HERE
(2 Acts,1m 1f or 2m 2f)
This is based on a TV play which was adapted for the TV Sitcom ‘Duty Free’. In a Spanish hotel in the 1960s 2 couples meet while on holiday. Unfortunately, one wife and the other husband fall for each other, but will they have the nerve to tell their partners? A reasonable comedy from a reliable writer.
Brian CLEMENS
STRICTLY MURDER (2m 3f, 2 Acts)
April 1939 in Provence and Peter and Suzy are, it seems, safe; then Suzy’s life is thrown into turmoil. Is Peter the man she thought or is he a ruthless killer on the run, and the war is closer than she knows. A fast-moving thriller, full of twists and turns and reviewed by The Stage as ‘one of the best murder mysteries I have seen’.
Ray COONEY
CAUGHT IN THE NET
(2 Acts, 4m 3f)
This is a sequel to ‘Run For Your Life’. The bigamist Taxi-driver John Smith is still keeping both his families happy and totally unaware of each other. However a girl from one and a boy from the other have started to chat on the Internet and are determined to meet (well it seems their families have a lot in common!) When John finds out he has to try his hardest to stop this happening – with farcical results. Sheer joy from a master of farce.
Ray and Michael COONEY
TOM, DICK AND HARRY (6m 3f, 2 Acts)
A daft, hilarious farce entailing adoption, smuggling, refugees, dead body parts and the three Kerwood Brothers. Nice to have a farce covering modern topics.
Helen EDMUNDSEN
ANNA KARENINA (2 Acts, 4m 4f)
An excellent adaptation of the novel by Tolstoy, well-written and constructed, building up to a powerful climax. Won a Time Out Award for an Outstanding Theatrical event.
Harvey FIERSTEIN
LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (10m 3f, 2 Acts)
The playscript of the utterly wonderful musical about homosexual lovers whose 20 years of domestic bliss are shattered when a son decides to marry the daughter of a bigoted politician. So over-the-top, so funny, but also such a touching love story.
Tim FIRTH
THE SAFARI PARTY
(3 Acts, 3m 3f)
Three households have decided to hold a ‘safari party’ (a dinner party where each course is served in a different house). This is the setting for a tense, hilarious and fast-moving modern comedy.
John GODBER
IT STARTED WITH A KISS
(2 Acts, 2m 4f)
Set in the 70s. Five students are on a drama teaching course and discover sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll.Babs the tutor tries to help them through their teaching practice with unruly kids, but the student life takes its toll. Typical Godber – a thoughtful play written with and strong language.
John GODBER
PERFECT PITCH
(2 Acts, 2m 3f)
Ron and Yvonne have bought their first caravan and are trying it out. They find the experience strange enough, but when they are joined by young lovers their middle-class lives will be changed for ever. Earthy, especially the language, and reviewed as one of Godber’s best.
John GOODRUM
THE COMEDY OF TERRORS
(2 Acts, 1m 1f)
The 2 actors play a total of 5 characters, and place-names mentioned should be changed to local ones.This is a farce with multiple mistaken identities, too many to go into detail but this looks very intriguing indeed.
Peter GORDON
DEATH BY FATAL MURDER (4m 4f, 2 Acts)
The new adventure with Inspector Pratt (previously seen in ‘Murdered to Death’ and ‘Secondary Causes of Death’.) He meets the new owner of Bagshot House and is soon embroiled in more mystery and chaos. Bound to be as popular as his previous plays.
Peter GORDON
THIRD WEEK IN AUGUST (2 Acts, 2m 4f)
Sue decides to get away on a solo caravanning holiday, little realising she is booked into the caravan site from hell. Entertaining and sure to evoke the odd memory of all those holidays you wanted to forget.
Joe GRAHAM
A FISTFUL OF MONDAYS
(2 Acts, 5m 4f)
Thanks to Ravenshead Theatre Group who recommended this play. It is a romantic comedy about a line-dancing class held in a social club, and involves the weirdest attendees plus a couple of social misfits who just prop up the bar. This looks really entertaining so get practising those dancing skills and give it a try.
Richard HARRIS
A FOOT IN THE DARK (3m 3f, 2 Acts)
May Archer, an elderly widow, is at home. Various salespersons turn up, adopting different personae in the hope of making a sale, but May is more interested in watching TV. A ‘madcap’ comedy by a respected writer.
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.
Richard HARRIS
LARGE AS LIFE
(2 Acts, 5m 6f)
First seen on stage as ‘Baby Love’ this joyous and entertaining musical comedy looks at five couples and a single woman, with all the women being pregnant.
Robin HAWDON
PERFECT WEDDING
(2 Acts, 2m 4f)
Bill wakes up on his wedding morning to find himself in bed with an attractive naked girl and no idea how he got there. Of course the bride to be turns up and the best man gets roped in to explain the stranger but makes more problems in this riotous farce.
Mark HEALY
THE COLLECTOR (2 Acts, 1m 1f)
This play is adapted from the well-known novel by JohnFowles. Ever since he first saw her, Frederick has been obsessed with Miranda. He abducts and imprisons her but finds the reality is far from his fantasies. This is nightmarish, gritty, incredibly powerful and also intelligent and enthralling.
Kerry HOOD
MEETING MYSELF COMING BACK
(4 Acts, 1m 3f)
It is Catherine’s 21st birthday. When she revisits her childhood home she is ready to reveal her shocking past of abuse and violence. A tragic and funny play about isolation, identity and the search for a language of survival.
Anthony HOROWITZ
MIND GAME
(2 Acts, 2m 1f)
Here is a thriller that is darkly comic and full of twists and turns. Mark Styler, a writer of true crime books, is trying to interview Easterman who is a notorious serial killer. However at Fairfields Asylum very little is what it should be. An example of an excellent writer who has produced an excellent play.
Charlotte JONES
IN FLAME
(2 Acts, 2m 4f)
The author won the Critic’s Circle Award for Most Promising Playwright in 2000. Scenes switch between 1908 and today in a quirky piece that compares and contrasts the lives of 2 women (played by 1 actress). Set in modern-day London and turn-of-the-century Yorkshire.there is some crude down-to-earth humour, but there are parts that are beautifully written. The writing was praised by major reviewers for its quality, poetry, vigour and irony.
Bryony LAVERY
A WEDDING STORY (2 Acts, 2m 3f)
A comedy about wedding days and lifelong responsibilities,plus scandals and emotional truths. She is becoming a well-known and increasingly popular playwright.
Roger LEACH
AUDIENCE WITH MURDER (2m 2f, 2 Acts)
A ‘Russian doll’ of a play, since it moves from a seemingly innocuous playreading through to a murder mystery on to a terrifying and violent climax. The audience should be utterly surprised by the end. Quite a difficult play but should be a satisfying and successful production.
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.
Jeremy LLOYD and David CROFT
ARE YOU BEING SERVED
(2 Acts, 10m 6f)
Well, what can I say? Totally non PC but a smash hit in the past and it’s being asked for by a lot of groups. The store staff start the play preparing for a sale of German Goods, then depart en masse for a holiday in Spain. I’m sure you can guess the rest.
J. McCONNELL & Miles TRIPP
DEATH IS CATCHING
(2 Acts, 3m 1f)
In this tense psychological thriller, an American businessman seems to have control over an Englishman and 2 French ex-Pats. Are they in danger? The truth will emerge only after 2 people have died.
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.
Bettine MANKTELOW
MURDER WEEKEND
(2 Acts, 3m 6f)
A comedy thriller about a ‘Murder Mystery’ Weekend. Real life intrudes upon the fantasy in this excellent entertainment. Definitely worth trying.
Bettine MANKTELOW
PROSCENOPHOBIA
(2 Acts, 2m 4f)
A theatrical murder mystery: Addie is attempting a comeback and her understudy is lifelong friend Millie. Then Addie becomes unwell, and Millie must take her place on stage only to find death. An exciting drama with suspense right up to Curtain.
Seymour MATTHEWS
WHO DIES WINS
(2 Acts, 5m 4f)
Leon Winter holds the most entertaining dinner parties and is renowned for his practical jokes. So no-one is concerned when the lights go out, but then shots are fired and a nightmare begins. (The audience by the way gets a major clue before anyone else!). Here is a play that is funny, intriguing and exciting.
Simon MAUDSLEY
AUDACITY (2 Acts, 3m 2f)
Philip is going through a messy divorce and needs money and distraction so he devises a scheme to rob a Department Store along with 2 other amateurs. All seems to be going swimmingly until the two wives decide to check out their husbands’ odd behaviour. Interesting with a very good twist at the end.
Pete MEAKIN
TALES OF HANS ANDERSEN
(2 Acts, 57 characters playable by 10 – 100 actors!)
Dramatisations of ‘The Little Match Girl’, ‘The Brave Tin Soldier’ and ‘The Snow Queen’. These are very easy to stage using few props and simple set designs.
Kathleen MORGAN and Tony MOORE
MURDER AT DOOM MANOR
(2 Acts, 5m 6f)
Which of Celia Carruthers’ three sons will inherit the estate and The Doomstone? Just as they are about to find out, an unexpected body arrives followed by two eccentric detectives. This looks to be a very good comedy thriller.
Ian OGILVYA
SLIGHT HANGOVER
(2 Acts, 4m 2f)
This is Ogilvy’s answer to ‘What happened next?’, after Noel Coward’s ‘Design for Living’ ended. It is 1985 and the 2 men are sharing a house after their beloved Giselle has died. Then Giselle’s daughter Olga and grand-daughter turn up, and the question arises -- who is Olga’s father? Here is a funny and moving play which captures the ‘Master’s’ lightness of touch.
Peter OSWALD
RAMAYANA
(24 scenes, large mixed cast)
A dramatic version of the ancient Hindu epic poem which tells of Rama’s journey to free his wife Sita from the Demon Ravana. Oswald has been the Globe’s Writer in Residence since 1997.
Peter QUILTER
GLORIOUS (2m 4f, 2 Acts)
Here is a play based on the life of Florence Foster Jenkins, the legendary New York heiress, who wanted to be a great operatic diva, despite having one of the worst singing voices in history. Droll, delightful, touching, this looks to be a real winner. By the way – the lead must NOT be able to sing!
Connie RAY
SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN HOMECOMING (4m 3f, 2 Acts)
October 1945 and the gospel-singing Sanders Family Group is together again in this musical comedy. A hilarious and touching story with 25 toe-tapping Bluegrass Gospel favourites.
Hannie RAYSON
LIFE AFTER GEORGE
(2 Acts, 2m 4f)
Peter George, charismatic academic, idealist, lover of life, is dead. His 3 wives and his daughter come together to arrange his funeral. There follows a fascinating retrospective of his life covering 3 decades and charting social change and university life over this period. An uplifting experience.
Yasmina REZA
LIFE X 3
(2 Acts, 2m 2f)
Henri and Sonia are dismayed when Hubert and Irene arrive for lunch – a day earlier than expected. Cruel observations blend with high comedy in an examination of intimacies and private longings.
Norman ROBBINS
AT THE SIGN OF “THE CRIPPLED HARLEQUIN”(3m 5f, 2 Acts)
In a snowbound guest-house in the Peak District, Marjory Pike is wrongly identified as the author of a book condemning certain mediums, one of whom committed suicide. Her son is staying at the house, so is naturally the main suspect when Marjory is found murdered. This play is full of shocks and laughs leading to an unexpected end.
Norman ROBBINS
RECIPE FOR MURDER
(2 Acts, 2m 2f)
Donald is not a well man. Visiting journalist, Kit Kelly, wonders if wife Claire is guilty of more than just negligence – especially as her grandmother and first husband both died in mysterious circumstances. A tightly-plotted, fast-moving thriller with some humour.
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.
Eric ROCKWELL
THE MUSICAL OF MUSICALS (2m 2f, 2 Acts)
In this hilarious satire of musical theatre, one story becomes five musicals each written in the style of a different composer (from Rodgers and Hammerstein to Sondheim). The show can be expanded castwise if wanted. This looks to be original and interesting.
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!
Gordon STEEL
STUDS (2 Acts, 3m 2f)
Writing for the Hull Truck Theatre Company, Gordon Steel has produced this play celebrating Sunday Morning football and the thousands of people who support it. Eston Bank Hotel is one team playing with fire and passion for the County Cup. In their case, winning is the only thing that may save the club. Some bad language but a great play with loads of appeal.
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.
Imogen STUBBS
WE HAPPY FEW
(2 Acts, 2m 8f)
Here is a play inspired by the true wartime history of The Osiris Players. This comedy follows the adventures of a group of women who form a ‘girls only’ theatre company to perform Shakespeare plays around the country. Uplifting, touching, often hilarious, here is a piece that is well worth putting on. Imogen Stubbs by the way is a famous actress from The RSC and National Theatre.
Edward TAYLOR
PORTRAIT OF FEAR (2 Acts, 3m 2f)
A TV team are filming a documentary about ghosts at Renfield House. A technician is injured by a heavy lamp falling from its stand, then blood appears on the portrait of a murdered Victorian beauty. When a séance is held it becomes clear that events of today are mirroring those of yesteryear. The elements of a ghost story are neatly combined with a murder mystery to produce a chilling and exciting thriller.
David TRISTRAM
THE FAT LADY SINGS IN LITTLE GRIMLEY
(2 Acts, 2m 2f)
Hurray! The final play in the trilogy – and having done panto and sex comedy, now it is time for opera. The odds, as always, are stacked against the gallant gang especially as they now have a rival society to contend with who not only can sing but are also producing the same musical. But it’s never over until ……………. Why not consider a Tristram season with this amazingly popular author?
David TRISTRAM
OPPOSITE SEX (2 Acts, 2m 2f)
A dinner party between 2 couples should be a pleasant social event, but when secrets of the past are revealed the atmosphere becomes thick with insults, black eyes and broken chins. An excellent farce.
Frank VICKERY
PULLIN’ THE WOOL (2 Acts, 4m 4f)
The stage is split into 2 halves. One side shows the Walshes preparing for a dinner party with the Gibbons who have agreed to buy their house. The other side shows the Gibbons (Ray smoking a joint) who have a fake survey so they can knock ten grand off the price. This is a hilarious comedy about buying a house.
Simon WILLIAMS
LAYING THE GHOST
(2 Acts, 3m 5f)
Margot Buchanan is living in a retirement home and trying to forget it is her 70th birthday – impossible when everyone else is celebrating it, even her psychic friend Freda. Margot and ex-husband Leo were famous for their Romeo and Juliet, and Sadie comes visiting because she is about to play the part (and is Leo’s current mistress). Then Leo’s current wife arrives (who caused the break-up of Leo and Margot) followed by Leo himself. Unfortunately Leo then has a heart attack and dies, returning as a ghost only visible to Freda. This is a lovely play with a fantastically right ending.
Simon WILLIAMS
NOBODY’S FOOL (2 Acts, 2m 3f)
A sequel to ‘Nobody’s Perfect’. Lenny writes as the popular novelist Myrtle Banbury. When a TV producer wants to interview Myrtle, Lenny has to find a way to keep his gender secret without appearing on TV in drag. A glorious, brilliant, sharply funny play.
Simon WILLIAMS
NOBODY’S PERFECT (2 Acts, 3m 2f)
Leonard is desperate to be published, but all his manuscripts are returned until he submits one under the name Myrtle Banbury. Accepted by a Harriet, a feminist publisher, Leonard must pretend that Myrtle is his aunt. Eventually Myrtle must appear in the flesh, but meanwhile Leonard has fallen in love with Harriet. A fast-moving and witty comedy with a very funny ending involving mobile phones.
Nicholas WRIGHT
VINCENT IN BRIXTON
(4 Acts, 2m 3f)
Brixton 1873 and Vincent Van Gogh’s years in London are investigated in this brilliant, award winning play.
ONE ACT MIXED CAST PLAYS
Vanessa BROOKS
SWAN SONG
(1m 2f)
A witty, funny but sometimes sad play for 3 mature actors. Donald, a sardonic and weary Chartered Surveyor, is retiring from the company he’s worked for 35 years. He has planned exactly what he wants to do on this, his last day – but his wife has other ideas.
Jimmie CHINN
FROM HERE TO THE LIBRARY
(2m 1f)
This is the touching and often funny account of Beryl whose home life is dominated by her elderly and irascible father. Her only escape is her work at the Library. When she unexpectedly loses her temper at work, her new boss shows her that she has a role and a life in the world outside.
Nicholas CORDER
NIGEL’S WRIST
(1m 1f)
Adult comedy about a man trying to donate to a sperm bank – and failing. Can prim Nurse Rogers help at all? This is funny but very, very rude!
Bridget DERRETTA
LIGHT LUNCH (3m 1f)
Laura and Richard are lunching at their favourite restaurant.Since they argue continuously it comes as no surprise that theyare celebrating their divorce. The meal concludes with Laura leaving with her new lover, but then we learn that Richard is still in love with her and was trying to win her back.
Lorraine FORREST-TURNER
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD (1m 3f)
Susan has to rush home after the death of her father, and, as always, immediately argues with her mother, this time about the funeral arrangements. Interspersed with flashbacks, this is a family drama with reconciliation as a theme.
Michael FOSBROOK
REMEMBERING THINGS
(1m 2f)
Mrs. Weston believes she has been robbed but seems confused; Rosemary, a WPC is trying to investigate , with no help from her difficult male colleague. A sad tale about growing old, and the difficulties faced by the elderly.
Joe GRAHAM
THE WITCHES OF PRESTWICK
(2m 2f)
A raunchy comedy in which 3 Am-Dram actors are rehearsing their roles as the witches in ‘The Scottish Play’ and get rather too involved in their roles. Do they really summon the Devil – or is someone havinga laugh?
Jean McCONNELL
MILLIE’S TALE
(2m 4f)
This won a Highly Commended Award in the Geoffrey Whitworth One-Act Play Competition 2005. Mrs Elms has always provided a happy, caring environment for the residents of her Rest Home, but is now struggling to stay open due to new regulations. When Millie, an elderly helper, dies Mrs Elms is refused any help towards funeral expenses. The local paper gets involved with Millie’s story, and a heart-rending tale unfolds.
Carol PARKINSON
THE VOICE OF THE PHOENIX (2m 2f)
Sarah Wilde is a huge fan of the late Gabrielle Leaman, a renowned opera singer. When she meets Gabrielle’s vocal specialist and friend, she is given a very unsavoury view of the singer, and also learns something utterly soul-destroying.
Gillian PLOWMAN
THE WINDOW CLEANER (1m 1f)
Jill has been in prison for killing her husband who abused her. She is now making a new start as a window cleaner. When she disturbs a burglar, an unlikely relationship develops which gives hope for the future. An insightful and compassionate play.
Diana RAFFLE
BLUE SUEDE SHOES
(2m 4f)
A witty and wickedly funny play set in a nursing home. Grace and Lily may be old but Grace is still capable of breaking the boredom by kidnapping of a young Care Assistant. The Ransom? A bottle of gin, a packet of fags and a budgie.
Yasmina REZA
THE UNEXPECTED MAN
(1m 1f)
A series of monologues from a novelist musing on his latest work and the futility of writing, and a woman who greatly admires his work. Translated by Christopher Hampton, this piece is elegant, stimulating and perceptive.
A. S. ROBERTSON
LUCK OF THE DRAW (3m 1f)
The Christmas prize draw for the Shelf Union Social Club has been eagerly awaited. Now, in a locked room, a guest draws the winning ticket, but that winner is a rich man – shouldn’t someone more deserving win the prize hamper? A moral quandary ensues in this slight but quite interesting tale.
Tony RUSHFORTH
SEASCAPE (2m 2f)
This play raises issues about a little known part of British history. 1940 and the Isle of Man is the site of the internment camp at Port Erin. Romance grows between a German internee and an English girl, and also between a woman of Italian descent and a German Jew. Played mostly in duologues and soliloqies, this 50 minute play would be ideal for festivals.
Stephen SMITH
ON LOCATION
(2m 3f)
The zany world of the movie extra is portrayed in this hilarious comedy, which is a companion piece to and can be played as a double bill with ‘Background Artiste’.
Stephen SMITH
PENALTY
(1m 1f)
Howard wakes up with a monster hangover and finds himself being administered to by a ‘sympathetic’ Ministry official from Azerbaijan. She tells him he disgraced himself the previous evening and tries to ‘persuade’ him to rig the international football match that he is to referee that evening
Pam VALENTINE
A DOG’S LIFE
(3m 2f)
4 dogs are in cages in an animal shelter. All are different; there is a tramp’s mongrel, a spoilt poodle, an intimidating German Shepherd and a puppy. When a woman comes to choose a dog, her decision could mean death for one of the 4. The dogs aren’t played in costume, instead they wear clothes that suggest their lives up to now. Different, very appealing but sad.
Pam VALENTINE
ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
(1m 3f)
Recently widowed Anna is visited by her 3 middle-aged children who have decided she must go to a home and that they will sell her house. Anna has her own ideas which involve a future in Florida with a new lover and none of her children. A cheerful story for those of us who are getting on a bit now!
James VOLLMAR
CLEARING THE COLOURS (2m 1f)
Danny is a young snooker player with a brilliant future ahead of him, but also a very painful past. His manager introduces him to Dora who has special healing skills. A touch of sadness is linked with issues of loyalty and betrayal.
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.
Fay WELDON
FLOOD WARNING
(2m 3f)
The local river has burst its banks, flooding the ground floor of Cynthia’s antique shop. Cynthia is laid up with her leg in plaster, so the two daughters arrive to help out; but this results in another flood – this time a flood of family secrets.
WOMEN'S PLAYS
Geraldine ARONMY
BRILLIANT DIVORCE
(1 Act, 1f + recorded voices)
Angela says at the beginning she is 39 but 3 years later we learn she is 51. The actress playing Angela needs to be very versatile as she has to ‘create’ lots of other characters. The story is about Angela’s journey from her divorce to finging a new love. The author is American but the script is adaptable,and be aware there is some bad language and ribald humour.
Simon BRETT
PUTTING THE KETTLE ON – A MONOLOGUE
( 1 Act, 1f)
Kitchen setting; Miggy, a ‘Sloane Ranger’ in her 30s, has been dumped by her boyfriend because she is ‘shallow’ and uncaring about green issues. Miggy tells her story while making a cup of tea. An ironic yet touching piece of drama.
Jeffrey A. LEE
THE DRILLING OF RACHEL WITHERS
(1 Act, 6f)
Rachel the dentist is late and Nurse Ponsonby is trying to hold the fort. However she has problems dealing with impatient clients, mysterious phonecalls and jealous wives. An OK comedy but a bit predictable.
Bettine MANKTELOW
CHARITY BEGINS (4f, 1 Act)
Teresa oversees a women’s charity, smugly pleased that she dispenses invaluable advice to those brave enough to walk in the door. When Melanie turns up as a volunteer she is overwhelmed with this advice, but what happens next is beyond belief. A nice little comedy.
Ros MORUZZI
PARK HOTEL
(1 Act, 8f)
2 elderly bag ladies are struggling to survive another harsh winter. When they meet by chance 2 socialites it provides a perfect opportunity for revenge. A funny and moral tale about ambition and attitudes to towards the less fortunate.
John H. NEWMEIR
SEMBLANCE OF MADNESS
(1 Act, 3f)
Three women in a psychiatric hospital meet for a therapeutic drama lesson. This lesson though is carefully planned to extract information about a gruesome murder. Each of the women maintains that she is the psychiatrist and the other 2 are inmates. Contains violence.
Stewart PERMUTT
ONE LAST CARD TRICK (4f, 2 Acts)
Four women, three of them in their 70s, meet every Tuesday to play cards in a West End synagogue. When they hear that the building is to be sold to a strip-club owner, they take drastic action and barricade themselves in. Several Jewish terms are used, and it is vital the characters are displayed in a realistic way.
Gillian PLOWMAN
THE ALLOTMENT
(1 Act, 5f)
Four women serving community punishment orders are growing vegetables on an allotment. Today is the first morning for Probation Officer Daisy, and she is full of new ideas for rehabilitation but a dreadful event from her past is about to catch up with her.
John RETALLACK
HANNAH AND HANNA
(2 Acts, 2f )
This play personalises the difficulties that young English teenagers face with the arrival of asylum seekers. Hannah is 16; she loves karaoke and her bike, and hates Margate and the Kosovan asylum seekers that have settled there. Important issues are addressed through comedy and music in this significant play.
Amy ROSENTHAL
HENNA NIGHT
(1 Act, 2f)
Judith leaves a message on the answerphone of her ex-boyfriend, saying she is going to slash her wrists or wash her hair and that she may be pregnant. Ros, his new partner hears the message and rushes over to speak to Judith. An evening of emotion and subtle humour follows in this play by an excellent author.
Martin SHERMAN
ROSE
(1 Act, 1f)
This is the story of Rose’s life, beginning in a Russian Village, moving to the Ghettos of Warsaw, then on to America. Rose is a very special Jewish woman who has Lived through some of the major events of the Twentieth century.
CHILDREN'S PLAYS
Tony BRADMAN
DILLY AND THE SCHOOL PLAY
(1 ACT,
10 characters)
Dilly’s class is putting on a play, ‘Dino-rella’ and he wants the star part. He doesn’t get an acting role but he does end up the star of the evening. Very simple, text is in quite large type. Good for Juniors to act for Infants to watch.
Phil PORTER
SMASHED EGGS
(2 Acts, 1m 2f)
This won the ‘Children’s Award’ in 2003, an award given for excellence, inspiration and innovation in children’s theatre writing. Titus lives with mother Angela and orphaned Miranda and their lives are governed by thousands of rules. One day Miranda rebelliously smashes an egg and she and Titus run away, but then things get creepy when they meet a character from Miranda’s nightmares.
John TOWNSEND
A LOT OF OLD CODSWALLOP: 3 short plays for 3 Parts.
(1 Act)
All these plays are easy reading and of general appeal.
WHAT A LOT OF BOTTLE – a toddler finds someone in the bottlebank looking for a winning lottery ticket, but Gran won’t believe him.
COD AND CHIPS TWICE – the shop staff are having a bit of trouble with a customer; contains loads of jokes.
OLD WALLOP AND SON – a teacher arrives at the undertakers looking for Lee, on work experience, who has disappeared. Guess where Lee is and where the teacher will end up! Ghoulish fun!
David WOOD
FANTASTIC MR FOX (adaptation of the book by Roald DAHL)
(2 Acts)
8 major roles plus 5 speaking parts.)
The popular story of clever and attractive Mr Fox outwitting the repulsive farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean. Here is a good opportunity for lots of children to be cast, and enjoy being in what is sure to a popular play.
David WOOD
JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH (adaptation of the book by Roald DAHL)
(2 Acts, 6 major characters and 11 extras)
The wonderful story of how James escapes his dreadful aunts by means of a giant peach and lots of friendly insects. A excellent introduction to the theatre for children.
David WOOD
SPOT’S BIRTHDAY PARTY (2 Acts, 6 main characters)
Lasts 90 minutes, which may be too long for the intended audience. Spot and his friends tell the audience about parties, party games and saying Thank You at the end. Lots of audience participation and songs.
David WOOD
TOM’S MIDNIGHT GARDEN (adaptation of the book by Philippa PEARCE)
(2 Acts, 9m 6f)
The magical story of Tom discovering a garden that appears only at midnight, and his friendship with Hatty who is older every time he returns. Touching, heart-warming with wonderful possibilities for costumes and sets, here is a magnificent play for a group wanting a challenge.
SKETCHES
RADIOACTIVE DUOLOGUES FOR RADIO, STAGE AND SCREEN
Over 30 extracts from contemporary plays, offering a variety of scenes for actors of all ages and experience. Great for audition pieces. Each selection offers a brief description of the play, the content of the speech and the characters' ages and accents.
VARIOUS AUTHORS
AWARD MONOLOGUES FOR MEN
AWARD MONOLOGUES FOR WOMEN
54 speeches in each book are taken from plays that have won or been nominated for major awards in London and New York, or from a performance by an actor similarly honoured. Each piece includes the author, play title, when first performed in a major city, awards, character’s name and age and the actor who played that character. These are top-class monologues with enormous variety of content and are excellent audition pieces.
PANTOMIMES
Chris DENYS and Chris HARRIS
ALADDIN (2 Acts, 10 main characters, plus a large Chinese dog played by several people – hopefully dancers)
Good traditional style panto that looks exciting and stimulating.
Simon BRETT
SLEEPING BEAUTY (2 Acts, 8 main characters)
The story of Sleeping Beauty slightly amended so that when Prince Florizel awakens Princess Aurora, the evil witch kidnaps her and forces her to work at polluting the world. Slightly different, excellent panto.
Michael BUCHANAN-SMART
TWINKLE, TWINKLE LITTLE STAR (2 Acts, 13 maincharacters)
The world is threatened by the Dark Creeper using his ‘Globe Of Chaos’ but on the side of good are Wizard Maz, Wizzo Gran and many others. Based on the nursery rhyme and including lots of mythological creatures such as unicorns and dragons, this is a lovely panto that can include a larger cast, is a bit different and will be wonderful to costume.
Chris DENYS and Chris HARRIS
CINDERELLA (2 Acts, 10 main characters)
A proper traditional panto with lots of action and comedy and fun. The author allows you to localise jokes and use your own choice of song. A good choice if you are looking for a reliable hit.
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.
Paul REAKES
KING HUMPTY DUMPTY
(2 Acts, 12 major parts)
Bad Fairy Jinxit is overjoyed at the wicked behaviour of obnoxious Humpty, whose selfishness causes havoc among the pleasant people of Eggton-on-Sea. Thank goodness for something that is a bit different but still full of the good things in pantos.
Paul REAKES
LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD
(2 Acts, 11 characters)
Rosie Rumple (aka Red Riding Hood) is rescued from the foul clutches of the awful Count by a handsome visitor who is really the rightful ruler – Prince Rupert. Unfortunately Prince Rupert is cursed and becomes a werewolf every full moon. Will he be killed by the Count’s silver bullet? Here is a panto well worth trying, and the werewolf touch should appeal to older children.
Paul REAKES
ROBINSON CRUSOE AND THE PIRATES (2 Acts, 13 main characters)
Crusoe sets sail with a treasure map and his mother and brother in search of money so the brother can marry his love. After many mishaps, the trio find themselves shipwrecked on the very island they were looking for. Crusoe finds a friend (Man Friday), the treasure is found and all ends happily.
Norman ROBBINS
HANSEL AND GRETEL (2 Acts, 13 main characters)
The Forest Fairy and Attrocia the Witch battle for the children of the village of Pumpernickel. Full of fun and comedy routines.
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.
Doreen VALLIER
TWO MINI PANTOMIMES: Up the Beanstalk and Rumpelstilskin (Each lasts about ¾ hour)
UP THE BEANSTALK (10-14 actors)
The story of Simple Jack, his domineering Mother, a cow and a giant plus a chicken, wizard and a pompous policeman. Looks good fun and very effective with the right props.
RUMPELSTILTSKIN (19 speaking parts but can be cut or expanded)
The beautiful miller’s daughter is told to spin straw into gold and is helped by an anonymous stranger. Good, fast-moving entertainment.
Colin WAKEFIELD and Kate EDGAR
LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD (7 characters, 2 Acts)
3 simple settings with songs specially written for the play. There is no Dame character and it is billed as ‘Not a pantomime.’ It is included here because it sticks to the traditional story and is satisfyingly cheerful, even if a little gruesome in places.
If you require further information, please telephone us on 0115 915 2811 or email us at arts.library@nottinghamcity.gov.uk.
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