One Act Plays for Festivals

PLAYS FOR FESTIVALS

The following works can also be found in the appropriate categorisation segments but are also recommended for consideration in respect of one act festivals.

DRAMA

Abide with Me. By Brian Langtry.

Running time 40 minutes 3m (2 in 40’s 1 able to play 17 yrs.)

Two ex Derbyshire miners and bandsmen find themselves in the trenches at Ypres in the early months of World War 1. This was the first time war had become ‘stuck’ with opposing sides facing themselves along long trench lines often separated only by a few yards of dangerous ‘No Man’s land’. They are joined by the under aged, university bound, son of a doctor and all three struggle to find common ground and understanding not only of the futility around them but also of the hardships, experiences and attitudes of their wildly differing backgrounds. There is brutality, fear and finality yet close by nestles the humour and compassion of the human spirit still capable of reaching out amid and across the chaos and hostility of the circumstance.

This is a dark, challenging yet engaging piece with many parallels to today’s world which depicts and exposes the thoughts and attitudes of working men caught up in the fervour and horror of a war the like of which the world had never before seen.

Iseult: 1m 2f By Christine Emmert

A fatal love affair of celebrity status. How do participants in such a scenario view this in retrospect many years later….and from beyond the grave.

Iseult is giving her interview on the subject when the long departed Tristran and Iseult’s lady-in-waiting burst in to add their interpretations of the events of the romance. Even the vestiges of Wagner’s opera come under scrutiny!

King Mark: 2f 1m

The second in a trilogy of plays and companion pice to Iseult.
The celebrated story of Isolde and Tristan leaves out the viewpoint of the wronged husband King Mark who on his deathbed plans to set things straight. He is however thwarted in the course of this by his dead wife Iseult and her handmaid Breganine who may or may not be a witch?

Of the White Hand: 2f 1m

The final play of the trilogy and closing chapter of the story.
Iseult, King Mark and Of the White Hand can be performed as individual one act plays, as a pair or alternatively the complete trilogy. They offer a sometimes dark, thought provoking and enthralling dramatic journey and with delightful but challenging roles.

Madam by Léon Pepall.

1m 1w running time 38 minutes.

Madam lives alone in her large secluded house. A masked face is seen peering through the patio doors. The potential assailant makes his entry. Death lurks in the air, but whose death and what can be the reason? Through the thrust, parry and suspense of their enigmatic, sometime humorous and dark dialogue, we make sense of this seemingly strange confrontation as the secrets drip, drip drip into the open. Once these secrets are set free will it still be necessary for someone to die?

A great festival piece , moody, brimming with intrigue and expectation.

Occupational Hazard. By David Adair

A play with a running time of approx 40 minutes for 2m, 1f playing ages 20-25.

Pete, an unhappy marketing executive and Boomerang - enigmatic and unemployed, - are one evening thrown together outside of the pub. Their discussions lead into the world of human relationships the results leaning towards either an epiphany or further confusion for Pete.
‘Scene 2’ sees Pete implementing his decision to resign from the job and to terminate the relationship with girlfriend Kirsty whom ultimately he holds responsible for his travails.
But of course the best laid plans etc..........?

A sharply humorous and observant piece ideal for one act evenings or festival performance.

The Beam. By Steve Black

One man one woman dark drama running time 30/35 minutes.

This is a very thought provoking and enigmatic piece of theatre. Two total strangers, one man one woman, awaken to find themselves stranded on a single 6 inch beam marooned 4 feet in the air and surrounded by nothing. Neither has any idea how they got there, why they are there or who is responsible. The questions they both have are countless and the art of survival becomes paramount. Can they escape from the beam?

Stage set...One beam. Two full-length black hooded cloaks. One voice over [supplied if required]

The Fox by Tim Kenny

1m, 1m/w running time 25 minutes.

An elderly gentleman sits on the evening beach idly casting pebbles amongst the waves. He is approached by a policeman/woman his absence from the residential home having been notified. He says he is waiting for the foxes to feed upon the fish.

This is a poignant, moving and uplifting work based upon true facts in which the constable and the old man form a bond that touchingly reaches across the void of a generation and the foxes really do feed on the fish. They share experiences and preconceptions each imparting warmth, learning and humanity to the other.

COMEDY

Speed Dating: By Brian Langtry.

Running time 40-45 mins or to suit – see below.

12 characters 7w 5m but only 2 on stage at any one time therefore ‘doubling’ opportunities abound. 1w character (the organiser/link role)

7 scenarios – all self contained and thus some can be missed if time does not permit full play.

Cupid The sleepy village of Frumpton hosts it’s very first speed dating event. The residents are an odd bunch and the organiser Felicity is so keen to ensure the success of the event to the extent that she is a little too liberal with her intake of local scrumpy.

The characters all offer great scope comic roles within a minimal stage set. A very funny light hearted look at one of our more bizarre pastimes with a group of over sexualised, repressive, self absorbed, attention seeking, plain dotty bunch of people.

One Night with Bobby Burns. By Steve Black.

A comedy running 25 mins for 2f.

Very posh ‘totty’ discuss a prized conquest.

A Rainy Day in Cromer. By Brian Langtry

A black comedy monologue for 1m. Running time 25 minutes. Set inside a TV screen

Two young people purchase a caravan in Cromer. On a wet and windy afternoon they play a video which they had previously found stuffed at the back of a cupboard in the caravan. The play is a re-run of a life video, made by confirmed accountant Bernard and is a story of disappointment, lost love, sadness, hopelessness, hope humour and death. It is a funny and touching look at one man’s experience of life which poses a juxtaposition of questions and answers.

Friends Reunited. By Sam Sterling

A 25 minute play for two women aged around 35 years.

Rosemary and Sandra (now know as Cindy) meet in a wine bar in Brighton brought together through the web. They were close friends at school but as with many such relationships they lost touch. Rosemary is homely, domestic with the traditional children, reliable husband and suburban contentment. Cindy has made a career for herself in Hollywood and has become 'americanized' in manner, accent and attitude.
She is brash, self assured, clearly focused and single! As they talk and learn of their respective experiences Cindy becomes strangely unsettled by her calm, understanding, contented and married companion. Is this a life changing moment inspired by the net or will they simply say goodbye and return to their respective environments?

Set- wine bar, table two stools, glasses and drinks.

Jacuzzi Suzi. By Steve Black.

25 minute comedy for 3f

Three friends discover some amazing things about themselves in the invigorating environment of the Jacuzzi….!

Uncle Sid By Mary Druce

2w (one youth 16yrs) 2m (one youth 12/13 yrs) running time 45 mins. 1 set living room.

A delightful comedy set in the 1950's. Auntie Gladys has passed away suddenly and Uncle Sid is cast adrift with little idea of how to look after himself and moves in with his nephew Jack, Jack's wife Kay and their two offspring Wendy (16/17yrs) and Philip (12/13yrs). Sid is the cantankerous sort and the new living arrangement is far from ideal. Something must be done and Sid is shipped off to a residential home. End of story.......far from it!

Caught in the Slips. By Steve Black.

A 25 minute play for 4f

Some enthusiastic, and not so enthusiastic women, meet in the village hall to discuss setting up a womens cricket team!

Kitty Kingsley’s Poem. By Steve Black.

30 minute comedy for 3f 2m

A small and unlikely poetry group meet to read their latest poetic masterpieces with unexpected and strange consequences.

L.B.W. By Steve Black.

Running 25 mins 1m 1f.

The perennial battle between summer Saturday cricket and staying at home with the wife!

Who Is Millbank Milly? By Leon Pépall.

A play for 5 f running time 35/40 mins.

Is she a witch or just a harmless old biddy? Is she a highly intelligent but dangerous psychopath or a philanthropist with a desire is to help those in need?
Whoever she is it is clear that Millbank Milly is no ordinary bag lady. Her mysterious appearances in a public park create a wide range of emotions, some of them quite violent, and the people who cross her path have varying opinions about who and what she is.

This is an enthralling and stimulating piece. It will intrigue audiences whilst simultaneously inviting them to provide the answers. Perfect for that elusive festival entry!


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