oneactplays.org.uk
This page lists our plays by category.
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A Change of Subjects by Léon Pepall.
Running time 30 minutes a humorous play for 2m 2w.
Two couples enjoy a summers evening soiree involving copious amounts of alcohol and
only loosely concealed irritation. They have a history as a foursome and have not met up
together for some years which naturally invokes a degree of tension as the ruminations
become a little spicy with barbed comments a plenty. The dialogue is sharp, funny and
and incisive and the ending, well the ending is a basket of illuminating surprise. Engaging
and fun for everyone!
A light hearted comedy for 4f and 1m.
Celebrity footballer Bobby Brown is admitted to hospital after being injured during the course
of a match. Dr. Barbara is in emotion recovery after her boyfriend left upon a mission to the
Himalayas in order to 'find' himself and physio Julie is anxious to help her friend over the
worst and to encourage her to 'get out and get with it!' Bobby has his eye on the distance-
maintaining doctor but predictably receives no encouragement-at least not openly but
unquestionably something is happening somewhere. It is apparent that Barbara is slowly
becoming impressed with Bobby's grasp and knowledge of culture, politics and historical
matters; Julie is similarly impressed with Bobby but her mind in on lower things!
Will any of these relationships blossom or are they destined to whither on a passing
patient/carer vine? Well its good news for one and bad for the other. But who's happy and
who's sad?
A well paced gentle piece the only predictable thing being that the ending is unpredictable
A Faceful of Flannel. By Brian Langtry and Glynis Briscoe
A comedy running time 30 mins. Set in a gym/health club for 3f and 1m
A Faceful of Flannel one act playJules and Kelly are Essex girls through and through. The
play is set in a local health club where the girls spend most of their time idling away in deep
discussion on such crucial matters as the latest celebs, weight and diets, makeup, clothes
and of course men. The momentum is disturbed as Ricky an alleged star entertainer
appears on the scene. Neither Ricky’s presence and purpose nor Jules and Kelly’s turns out
to be quite what it seems!
This is a straight comedy and can be performed as a stand-alone piece or combined with
“Pina Colada in the Orangerie” for a full night.
A NODA Virgin by Tracey Dare.
A monologue for 1w running time 25 minutes.
A hilarious over the shoulder recollection of Rosemary’s first drama summer school. Nervous,
but with a reasonable degree of inner confidence and pertinent expectancy, Rosemary relays
the highs and lows, the ‘lovee’ dramas, the spats, frustrations, the potential late night
liaisons, friendships, general bonhomie and the helpless laughter of this event. Anyone who
has been there will recognise and howl at every anecdote and aside....for those who haven’t
just sit back and howl – loudly!!
The perfect “in house” component for your next ‘one act’ night.
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
Blame it on the Bourbons. By Brian Langtry
A dark comedy with a sting in the tail for 4f and 1m. Running time 40/45 mins.
Set in the lounge of Wysteria Lodge a home for retired ‘gentlewomen of royal lineage.’
Blame it on the Bourbons one act playThis is a story about change, about aging and about
growth and freshly released confidence inspired by the seeming innocuous. Wysteria lodge
is a small residential home with three inhabitants all of whom have minor claims to royal
lineage. Beatrice controls everything ‘for the common good’ and the residents committee are
about to discuss plans for the coming open day. Change is in the air as the home has been
taken over by a corporation and Beatrice is anxious to retain the equilibrium that has been
established and nurtured over the past five years. Albert is presented to a stunned Residents
Committee that sets off a train of events empowering Constance and Leticia leaving Beatrice
vulnerable and fretting about her future position. Beatrice is forced to disclose secrets and to
endeavor to form an alliance with Albert to protect herself from the certain prospect of a loss
of dignity and esteem.
This is a play using the medium of comedy to explore the unpredictable but powerful notion
of change and how in certain situations the retention of dignity can be more important then
death itself
Carrie the Counsellor by Sam Sterling
A one act comedy for 2w 1m running 25 minutes.
Carrie is an upmarket, inept, self obsessed, behaviourally strange private counsellor. In
this the first piece she is unexpectedly consulted by a casual caller with news to impart.
This proves to be a far from straightforward task.
Friends Reunited. By Sam Sterling
A 25 minute play for 1w ages around 35/40 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.
Achilles Heel by Peter Lancaster Walker
COMEDY
Lady Eight by Léon Pepall.
An engaging mystery comedy for 6m 3w plus roles for extras. Running time 45 minutes.
Single set the bar of a golf club.
Keen golfer Len is paranoid about an alleged malevolent force he insists is plaguing the 8th
hole. Every time he plays the 8th his meticulously straight drives are discovered off the
fairway and nestling in the remains of an old elm tree. This he insists is a result of
paranormal activity. Understandably fellow club members will have none of it.
The aggrieved Len sets out to prove his point by venturing out onto the course after dark
and after having partaken of several tots of courage improving beverage. In order to keep
his golfing partners in the loop he sets up a phone link so that his every move and utterance
is relayed back to the club house. The elm tree holds a dark secret. A skeleton is uncovered
nestling in the remains of the tree and the police are called in to investigate. Will Inspector
Granger uncover the secret?
A great little story, intriguing and funny
Line Drawing: 2m 1f By Christine Emmert
The things one overhears whilst standing in line can be utterly and compellingly fascinating
and completely impossible to ignore! In this 3-character piece are couple stand in line in
deep conversation relating to the undulations of their relationship. A single man, patiently
waiting and unable not to overhear joins their conversation to offer advice upon their
predicament.
A catchy work layered with humour and relating to a situation with which we can all
identify.
Lucky People By Peter Lancaster Walker.
A 30 minute gentle comedy for 6 female, 3 male and I voice.
The Jackson family win a competition to become the first 'normal people' to spend a long
time in space. They have undertaken a serious training and psychological orientation
regime and we join them in the capsule during the countdown to 'lift-off.' Amid the
excitement and anticipation of the journey we come to understand that, in spite of the
rigorous preparation, cracks in commitment and anxieties about the enormity of the
undertaking begin to surface. These uncertainties are confounded by the discovery of
stowaways and the determination of the feisty reporter Clara Clark who is hell bent on
becoming a participant in the project.
The project does indeed go ahead but with whom?
Stage set- the inside of a space capsule.
Maggie, me, Mary and Bob Dylan. By Brian Langtry
For one male one female note: The linking Bob Dylan songs are best performed live thus a
further male singer guitarist is required. However the play can also be performed using
recorded. Running time approx 45 mins.
Rusty and Maggie celebrate Maggie's birthday fishing on the banks of the canal. Rusty is a
trucker and devotee ofMaggy, me, Mary and Bob Dylan one act play Bob Dylan whom he sees
as the prophet for the 21st century. The life of a trucker is a solitary one Rusty would have us
believe and he is often on the road for two or three weeks at a time. He could not settle to fish
without the tuneful strains of the mighty Bob and this is just one of the elements of a stressful
afternoon that causes their marital trials to surface and come to a head. Amid the comic
dialogue some serious role playing occurs but ultimately the unpredictable ending explains the
reasons for both Rusty and Maggie's behaviour.
Set- On the banks of the canal, fishing basket, rod and equipment, carrier bags with food
drink etc. Two phones and live Bob seated stage side
Pina Coladas in the Orangerie. By Brian Langtry
A comedy with a dramatic sting set 10 years later in the new Orangerie bar. Running time
48 mins for 3f and 1
Pina Coladas in the Orangerie one act playJules and Kelly meet once again after a period of
10 years in the new bar of the health club the home of their youth. Initially the story carries
on from where “Flannel” left off in a light comic vein subsequently to become tense and
arresting as long closed closets are opened. Both Kelly and Jules have been changed by life
and their respective experiences have shaped their current situations. In Kelly’s case a
marriage to Ricky and a continued unfettered lifestyle of possessions and superficiality has
seen her floating on a ship of inconsequence whilst Jules has returned from travel and
education to run a hostel for abused women. Hidden secrets arise for both which culminate
in a dramatic and emotional climax.
Beginning as a comedy the play takes a dramatic twist to finalise the story of Jules and Kelly
and can be utilised as the ‘second act’ to “Flannel” or can stand alone.
Snookered by Tim Kenny.
Bryn and Gwen are happily married. Bryn grows championship roses and tends the grave
of his parents. However, their lives are constantly interrupted by Bryn’s wastrel brother
Ivor and his wife, Betty who is always showing off photos of places they have been. Ivor,
when his permanent ‘bad back’ is not playing him up, is constantly telling jokes that the
family has heard. He is also snooker-mad and aims to win the forthcoming G. Howells’
championship. Betty likes to boast about her promotion, their new Motability car and a
second forthcoming Spanish holiday. Bryn and Gwen’s lives are different: they are worried
about layoffs because of the credit crunch. But then one night all their lives are turned
upside down!
This comedy has four strong parts and is peppered with jokes and humour. It is easy to
stage. Running Time is 37 minutes.
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.
CupidThe 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.
Summer Days and Summer Nights By Peter Lancaster Walker
Minimum 2m and 2w up to 8m and 8w. Running time 15minutes – 1hour 10 minutes.
Summer days and Summer Nights one act playIf only a building could talk? Well here it is!
‘Summer Days and Summer Nights’ is a series on up to 7 vignettes telling the stories of 7
different occupants of this holiday bungalow over the course of one English summer.
The play can be configured to run from 15 minutes through to 1hour 10 minutes
dependant upon how many of the vignettes are used.
The Boyle Family. By Sam Sterling and Dave Steward.
Running time 1hr 25mins: 2m (50 and 30 yrs) and 3w (50,30,70yrs.)
SeagullYou’ve seen The Royal Family now meet the bizarre Boyles! A two-act play, the first
act set in the lounge of the family home the second on the beach at Llandudno, where Dot
Boyle hopes that she and her husband Ivor will rekindle the little things in their marriage
that have been neglected. Nanny is reluctant to consider an old persons home, Sandy is
heavily pregnant, Dot continues to keep things together, Dennis, well, Dennis is just plain
Dennis and the seagulls are- overhead!
An hilarious comedy with loads of scope for innovative direction.
Intro and outro music is supplied on CD.
This play can also be performed as 2 self contained one act works entitled 'The Boyle
Family at Home' by Sam Sterling and 'The Boyle Family Holiday' by William Fisher.
The George and Bertie Trilogy. by Sam Sterling.
Three linked or separate comic sketches featuring two crusty old time toffs. Table set each
segment running around 10 minutes.
1.It's not like it used to be :The brothers are in the dining room after lunch. The muse about
the changed world and lament the standards and familiarities derived from proper
breeding which seem but a distant memory. Mercilously cocooned in their self induced
ramblings they berate and mutter their way through the apres dinner brandy.
2. Nightcap old chap? :They have retired to the bar for a nightcap where with true 'upper
crust' grit they grind their way through further ruminations in their inimitable style
detached from any semblance to reality.
3. Sleep well old boy? :Breakfast and their last day. Has anything changed? Bet your bottom
dollar it has not. More complaining and niggling as they prepare to pack up and depart for
their respective homes after their weekend away which has given them the opportunity to
relive their halcion days of yore.
The sketches are perfect for mix and match as linked fillers within an evening of 2 one act
plays or to sit either side of a single play. George and Bertie are delicious characters to play
and their outrageous insularity provided us with mirth a plenty.
The Glastonbury Tape By John Gregory
35mins. 2 men 2 Women
The Glastonbury Tape is a snappy comedy thematically suggesting that all women are from
Venus and all men are from Mars!
Lucy feels her biological clock ticking and seeks urgent reassurance from James. He,
however is pre-occupied by 'plastic lemons'! Yes that really is 'plastic lemons'. Matters go
somewhat awry when they view the video of their recent outing to The Glastonbury Music
Festival resulting in confusion, suspicion, accusations, recriminations and an outburst of
something a little physical.
The Menopause Monologues
3 monologues focusing upon the dreaded ‘change of life!’ The plays can of course be
performed separately alongside other one act plays or as a complete package of 3
Clubbin’! by Sam Sterling
1m 1w (young, very brief part) An unashamed comedy.
Set outside a club on one of The Costas 47 year old Simon is taking a breather from the
gyrations and exertions of partying! When he is rudely rejected by a slim barely dressed 18
minus something he has cause to ruminate on the middle years and what, if anything, they
mean in his situation.
The Menopause and Mother. By Brian Langtry
1w 1m(mute part) A quirky comedy.
Caroline’s mother has announced an impending visit. Considerations of this leads Caroline
to launch forth into her favourite verbal pastime, the pits and troughs of the menopause. As
she discusses with husband Richard (in reality Richard’s part is solely a non verbal one)
whether or not mom should be put off from coming, we peep into the strange non
interactive marital relationship and bear the full brunt of Caroline’s woes of her time of life.
Elaine. By Tracey Dare
1w. A sad and angry story underpinned by Elaine’s dark humour.
As a result of a motoring accident Elaine is now confined to a wheelchair. Her marriage has
been a disaster, she has lost any self confidence she ever had, she is obsessed with regrets
and anger and holds a distorted, passionate and sad view of the world in general and men
in particular.
A sad tale but beneath the sadness lurks a strand of humour and hope.
Sammy’s Snacks by Sam Sterling.
A hilarious comedy with ‘squishy bits!”
Set: Inside a takeaway café – serving counter diagonally placed across stage, entrance door,
toilet door, cash drawer, kitchen door, menu board, 2/3 chairs. Optional neon sign.
Minimum 2w 2m – main scenarios 9 characters, shorts up to 7 characters.
Running time: Variable dependant upon number of scenarios chosen up to 1 hour 5 mins.
Sammy was raised in the Gorbals district of Glasgow and still has the accent to prove it!
Broad of speech he has a fine eclectic mind and an acerbic wit. Since moving
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!
ONE ACT PLAYS - DRAMA
Tallulah at “Windows” by Brian Langtry.
A one act play running time of 50-55 minutes with 2 female actors. Tallulah aged 42 and a
junior reporter Jocelyn aged 25 -30.
The play opens at a recording of Tallulah`s radio show “ The Big Show” and features a
telephone dualogue, a trademark of her show. The setting then moves to “Windows” her home
of the time where the interview with Jocelyn takes place. We subsequently gain an insight into
the world of this outrageous stage icon learning of her upbringing, her claims to notoriety, her
fascinating psychological persona and on the journey find out about her gentle and seductive
manipulative prowess.
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.
A Dead Loss by Pamela Dalley
Running time 35 -40minutes.
5w 2m.
Southby Amateur Dramatic Society gather for the play reading for a new production. Tempers
teeter, players joust, banter abounds and sub textual relationships tantalisingly slither in and
out of focus as the characters jostle and preen for artistic and centre stage status. And of
course the ending reveals an unexpected surprise!
Anyone Backstage by Stephanie Easton.
4w 1m Running time whole piece 25-30 minutes.
A series of five monologues which can be performed as a collective or split up into one /two or
three separate pieces. Each monologue is a rerun of the final five minutes prior to 'curtain up'
set in the specific backstage domains of the 'Stage Manager', (the link throughout) 'The Make-
up Artist',
'The Prompt', 'The Properties Mistress' and 'The Wardrobe Master'.
The sex of the characters can be changed with minimal adaptation to suit
available cast members.
Great parts with humour and drama set in a scenario that society members
and audiences will readily identify with.
“Conscience Court” by David Adair
A monologue for 1w (30-50 playing age) lasting 35 minutes.
“The Conscience Court is a facility available to those who feel that the legal system has done
them an injustice. The Court has the ability to expunge convictions where it feels that a
moral wrong has been perpetrated by the system upon an individual.
Elana, a shop assistant from Bulgaria, feels she has been un fairly treated by the boss of
the packaging factory where she was employed and puts her case to the Court. Her plea is
to the audience (the Court) relating her story and reasoning as to why the outcome should
rule in her favour.”
Slips are handed to the audience with a “Yes/No” voting choice so that a decision is taken
and a result made known.
A thoroughly engaging monologue with a presentational twist.
Funny how things turn out. By Sam Sterling
A play for 1m lasting 22 minutes. Set in the bar lounge of a pub.
Enjoying a relaxing pint our story teller recounts the humorous, sad, unusual and uplifting
tale of his upbringing in the heart of a mining family and offers us a fleeting glimpse into
how the experience of genetics and social environment has shaped his present situation
and personality. Like most similar situations we are left to ponder some upon a significant
questions.
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.
A great choice for festival performance.
Line Drawing: 2m 1f By Christine Emmert
The things one overhears whilst standing in line can be utterly and compellingly fascinating
and completely impossible to ignore! In this 3-character piece are couple stand in line in
deep conversation relating to the undulations of their relationship. A single man, patiently
waiting and unable not to overhear joins their conversation to offer advice upon their
predicament.
A catchy work layered with humour and relating to a situation with which we can all
identify.
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.
Round Trip by Melvin Barnes
Running time 50-55 minutes using split stage technique.
4m 2w. or possibly 3m 3w.
Pilot and businessman Nick Winter finds that an airport waiting room holds more than a
few surprises and life changing experiences. Life and death entwine as we jump between
the past, present and future.
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.
The Island of Flowers by Peter Lancaster Walker
A gentle and meaningful drama for 3 female and 2 male running time approx 35-40
minutes.
Teenager Ruth is very poorly in hospital. Pop star Janey pays a reluctant whistle stop
publicity visit to the hospital along with her pushy manager Max. An unexpected bond
develops between Janey and Ruth in which both parties uncover unpredictable facets about
each other and themselves. Ruth's future is uncertain and she has a profound belief in
religion and the after life something to which the modern brash Janey has given little if any
consideration.
The ending is sad, poignant and thought provoking.
Stage set- a side ward in a hospital.
This work would be of particular but by no means exclusive interest to Christian affiliated
groups.
The Waiting Room. By Peter Lancaster Walker
For two women and one man approx running time 25 mins.
Robert and Sue meet in the waiting room as they are both to be interviewed for an
important job. Robert is confident, slightly arrogant and soon decides that the competition
he had initially expected is unlikely to materialise. Sue's deportment and appearance serve
to confuse Robert and his natural assertiveness leads him
to believe that this is a 'no contest' competition. As things turn out he could not
be more wrong but the journey of enlightenment is far from straightforward.
Set- A waiting room, easy chairs , coffee table, magazines, pictures on wall.
Woodstock under new Management: 1m 1f By Christine Emmert
Set in the Reagan years this is the testimony of a Vietnam Veteran struggling to
both recall and to forget his experiences of the War. He is married to a woman of
the Country of the battlefield and it is to her that he relates his remembrance of
the death of his commanding officer as well as his wife’s seemingly relentless
slide into the mediocrity that is ‘the American life.’ As has become his nightly
custom he begs that she brings him the pistol which she keeps hidden. The
drama lives up until the last moment when he seeks a release and a return the
return of his innocence.
A deep and resonating portrayal of one man’s personal nightmare.
Wracked and Ruined: 2m 3f By Christine Emmert
In the spirit of the Hammer movies where the beautiful virgin is the victim and
the corpse. In her tomb awaiting the onset of rigor mortis she ponders the
identity of her slayer. She has assistance in this by way of a series of visiting
mourners each of whom may have been the perpetrator. Things are inevitably
not precisely what they seem but as the body stiffens the answer is revealed.
A mystery/drama with a running veil of black comedy.
Full length plays on Legless Productions
Spend a moment viewing the range of full length works on our sister site “legless
productions”.
Legless Productions works in both the professional and the amateur theatre market and
below are brief details of some of the plays suitable for the amateur market which can be
found on the ‘legless productions’ site www.leglessproductions.co.uk
Musicals.
Clara. A musical fantasy perfect for using local dance schools and other supplementary cast.
Loads of strange characters as Danny enters the virtual world in an attempt to rescue his
game heroine Clara from the clutches of the evil Virus tribe. Cast principles 6m 4w. Original
music supplied on backing CD. Perfect alternative to a panto!
Mack’s Place. Mack’s Cafe, for years a popular hangout for kids, is struggling in the wake of
the opening of the new by pass. The local heavies see a lucrative development opportunity
and are intent on pursuing the opportunity by fair means or foul. A strange and enigmatic
newcomer arrives who appears to have supernatural powers. The kids evolve a plan to
save Mack’s from the clutches of the heavies . Is this desire sufficient to win the day and
how can this young newcomer with his strange power assist?
Principle cast 3m 2w with opportunities to increase for dance/ songs etc. Suggested song
titles.
A Cupful of Sugar. Set in the 1950’s in The Midlands this tells the humorous and poignant
tale of two families and their teenage offspring as they fall in love but possibly not with the
right partners? Good time but contemplative show with original 50s/60s music supplied on
backing tracks.
Principles 4m 4w, supporting 1w 2m +optional extras.
Romeo and Juliet. An edited version of the original Shakespeare script together with
original music supplied on backing track CD. Modern setting Juliet is an aspiring ballet
dancer whilst Romeo is a club DJ.
Comedy.
Second Spot. The hilarious tale of comedian Richie Rich who has the misfortune to pass
onto the next world whilst in the middle of his act at a northern club. He is granted a
reprieve and returns as a ghost to try to ensure that his wife and daughter do not fall prey
to any of his dudiously loyal ‘mates’. This proves to be far more difficult than he anticipates
as whilst he can see and talk to himself no one else can either see or hear him!
Can be performed as either a straight play or as a musical using original songs supplied on
backing track CD. Cast 6m 2w.
Mid Air Murders. A group of university business study academics are on their way in a
private airliner to Moscow at the invite of ex KGB and now entrepreneur Colonel Bollockoff
who intends to obtain the contract to establish business study masters degrees in the
Mother Country’s new world of Glasnost. A murder occurs en route, or is it 2. are there
more to follow and who of the 10 passengers could be guilty of such an act.? Act 1 takes
place on the aircraft and Act 2 in a hotel room where the motley group of academics are
under house arrest awaiting a decision as to whether they should be charged with ‘murder
most foul’! Will they escape and if so how?
Great comic murder mystery. Cast 5m 5w.
Watercolour Weekend. An elegant but aging hotel is the setting for a watercolour class
by the infamous Monsieur Pennisse! As the weekend develops it becomes apparent that the
characters are not and how are they connected? Hilarious stuff with the mystery hanging
on until the last page.
Cast 5m 5w.
Are the sprouts organic? A gentle and intriguing comic look at the nuances and peculiarities
of family life, unexpected visitors , frayed tempers, off the wall plans, a pushy Ozzie and oh
how easily things can go astray.
Cast 4m 3w
Leonardo. Medieval painter Leonardo has financial problems and has drifted by necessity
into what he considers is the ‘commercial dross’ of commissioned portrait painting of the
good (for this read rich) lords and ladies of the land. Unfortunately one of his subjects
wishes for a more ‘revealing’ portrayal than would be considered proper.This is a
determined lady with a short tempered and unforgiving husband. Leonardo, along with has
faithful servant have their hands full to avert disaster. Extremely humorous period piece.
Cast 5w 2m
The Boyle Family. Think ‘The Royal Family’ on steroids! Initially we see the family in the
confines of their living room where they go about their daily business in their normal
bizarre way. Mother is becoming tired of the staleness which has enveloped in the marital
relationship and springs a surprise holiday in Llandudno which might hopefully do the
business. No surprise that the beach brings little change to the situation but it does provide
a new setting for continued chaos and confusion.
Cast 3w 2m.
The Pheasant Pluckers Arms. The local village pub comes under threat of development. The
regulars hatch a plan to spike the guns of the local squire whom it is believed is behind the
plot. The new bar maid quickly wins the favour of the early evening crowd but lets little slip
about her background or intentions until such time as she is forced to come clean. Verbal
and visual comedy abounds with touching moments of poignancy; but of course all turns
out well in the end.
Cast 4m 1w. Five strong roles plus some doubling or optional extra cast
Drama
The Cloak Room A tense mouldering story ultimately erupting into a terrifying and
unexpected climax where passions overrun and serious damage lurks. Edie has worked as
the receptionist at the Leisure Centre for more years than she would care to remember. She
use this sanctuary in order to withdraw from her humdrum outside world and to indulge in
study there b y opening up new opportunities for the future. Her safe place is well and truly
shattered by the unexpected arrival of young Daisy announcing that she is the new holiday
relief – holiday? Edie has no plans for a holiday! The relationship between the 2 women is
initially antagonistic but quickly takes on a much more complex and darker hue. A stylish
and enthralling piece.
Cast 2w (one 40ish one late teens early 20’s)
The Pleasure Halls. A deep and rewarding Victorian love story burning with passion, hope,
aspiration and drama.
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Plays
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.
to London he has opened a ‘very’ late night café which caters for a clientele of the
weird, stark raving bonkers and wonderful still wandering South of the River
after midnight.
The play is set inside Sammy’s Snacks where the afore mentioned ‘weird and
wonderful’ drift in to savour the culinary delights on offer.
There are 6 main scenarios (between 6- 15 min each) and a range of 8 shorts
(lasting from 10 seconds to 4 minutes) which can be interspersed at will. The
order can be rearranged at will excepting for the final scenario which must
always finish the play.
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!