The Blunt End The school midsummer pageant goes awry as Miss Blunt, the headmistress from hell makes much ado about nothing and is found dead among the daisies. First performed in 2005, this play was written for a cast of secondary school pupils. The play is set in the present day and all action takes place on stage and backstage in an open air theatre in a park.

(7 Male, 8 Female and other performers)


ProCastps
Extract
A Show To Die For Our local amateur dramatics society presents... er... well... decide for yourself as this cabaret evening goes from bad to worse. First performed in 2002. The play is set in the present day. All action takes place on stage and backstage of an amateur cabaret night performance.

(4 Female, 3 Male and 3 other performers)

Cast
Props
Extract
Bad Fortune Helen's party takes a turn for the worse when the guest fortune teller Madam Rosa is found dead. First performed in 1998. The play is set in the present day. All action takes place in the home of Helen and Richard Myers.

(5 Female, 1 Male)



 Cast
Props
Extract
Bat In The Belfry A chain of disasters ruins this village wedding - the locked belltower, the deejaying vicar and the mysteriously absent photographer. First performed in 2000. The play is set in the present day. All action takes place at a wedding evening party at the Abbey Arms Hotel in the market town of Dedleigh.

(5 Female, 4 Male, 3 teenagers (2 must be girls))

 Cast
Props
Extract
Bride and Doom The staff from the Waxworks of Horrors wax museum are back (less one) and this time hosting a wedding reception to remember. First performed in 2005, this play is set in the present day. All action takes place in the reception of the museum.

(3 Female, 4 Male)

 Cast
Props
Extract
Bringing Down the House The time has come to say goodbye to the old church hall, much to the alarm of the janitor, the cleaners, the am dram director... the list is endless. Will Trinny find a new home for her brownies? Could there be something suspicious in the cellar? And is the vicar as innocent as she seems? First performed in 2006, this play is set in the present day. All action takes place in a church hall.

(4 Male, 5 Female)

 		Cast
Props
Extract
Hens

Rachel and Maria have planned Serena's hen weekend to the 'enth degree. There's the holiday cottage, the pamper session, the presents. What can possibly go wrong? First performed in 2007, this play is set in the present day. All action takes place in the living area of the cottage.

(7 Female including 1 teenager)

 Cast
Props
Extract
Murder at Hallgarth Mill

Based on an actual murder that took place in 1830, this short play was written to be performed in the local area. Originally written for a teenage cast, this play does not include a question time for the actors but does have a verdict and a narrator script. First performed in 2006, action takes place in the mill living area and the area in front of the cottage.

(3 Female, 7 Male including 1 boy)

 Cast
Props
Extract
On Her Way Out There's nothing quite like a nice bracing weekend at an outward bound centre to bring the team together - or is there? First performed in 2000. The play is set in the present day. All action takes place at the Dedleigh Woods Outward Bound Centre near the market town of Dedleigh.

(5 Female, 2 Male)

 Cast
Props
Extract
Slay Bells

FULL LENGTH PLAY

Doreen wins a sleuthing competition. The prize is Christmas in a luxury lodge with her family. There’s a butler, a cook, even a chauffeur but tempers fray as the family comes together and more than one secret will be revealed in this seasonal murder mystery. First performed in 2006.

(8 Female, 7 Male)

 Cast
Props
Extract
The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestickmaker Set during the second world war, a series of mystifying events at Fibbleys Bank leads to a double murder First performed in 1999. The play is set during the second world war. All action takes place in Fibbleys Bank in the market town of Dedleigh.

(5 Female, 4 Male, a girl and 2 or 3 customers)

 Cast
Props
Extract
The Crossed Swords Set in the 1960s, the peace and quiet of a Yorkshire country tavern is ripped to shreds by the murder of a most unlikeable and professionally nosey character. First performed in 1999. The play is set in 1962. All action takes place in the Crossed Swords Tavern, near the market town of Dedleigh.

(5 Female, 4 Male)

 Cast
Props
Extract
The Tangled Web Set in the 1950s, a collection of questionable characters gather in a country hotel, all of them known to our murder victim, Private Detective Dick Sly.

(5 Female, 4 Male, waiter or waitress)

 Cast
Props
Extract
The Waxworks of Horror There's something fishy going on at the waxworks museum. Takings are down, one of the exhibits has been tampered with and the security man's gone missing. First performed in 2002. The play is set in the present day. All action takes place in the reception area of the Waxworks of Horror museum.

(2 Female, 3 Male and a female customer)

 Cast
Props
Extract

 

The Blunt End

The school midsummer pageant goes awry as Miss Blunt, the headmistress from hell makes much ado about nothing and is found dead among the daisies. First performed in 2005, this play was written for a cast of secondary school pupils. The play is set in the present day and all action takes place on stage and backstage in an open air theatre in a park.

(7 Male, 8 Female and other performers)

Character List


The Gardener Male A gardener
Jessica Lavender Female Ambitious mum
Robert Lavender Male Jessica's son - a schoolboy
Rosemary Blunt Female Headmistress
Melody Mint Female Music teacher
Basil Llewellyn Male Sports teacher
Violet Mellerby Female English teacher
Mustardseed Female Schoolgirl
Mote Female Schoolgirl
Cobweb Female Schoolgirl
Peaseblossom Female Schoolgirl
4 x Gnomes Male Schoolboys
Additional performers Male or Female Schoolchildren

Set Furniture and Props

Forest backdrop
Sign reading ‘exit’ or ‘no smoking’
Several chairs
Donkey head/mask
Clipboard & A4 sheets of paper
Tissues & handkerchief
Unidentified prop
Drink
Large pair of garden shears

Extract


Violet

Oh dear, I knew this would happen.

 

Basil Llewellyn, sports teacher enters stage left dressed as Oberon. Basil is athletic and cheerful.

Basil

Evening Violet.

 

Violet is surprised by his words and lets out a yelp, jumping round to face him.

Basil

Steady there, Violet.

Violet

Oh Basil. I didn't hear you come in. Oh dear.

Basil

I know this costume is rather over the top but I don't look that scary.

Violet

No, of course you don't. I'm sure you look quite fetching, really. I just thought we'd have more of an audience tonight. Parents, siblings, you know. Rosemary will be ever so bad tempered if we don't get sufficient bums on seats.

Basil

Face it, Violet. Rosemary is always bad tempered. And the only reason she wants a good turn-out is so she can show off.

Violet

Don't be like that, Basil. (Leaning closer) She might hear you.

Basil

I don't care if she does hear me. And another thing-

 

Jessica and Robert Lavender enter stage left. Jessica is well dressed if rather fussy in her appearance, and in her thirties. Lagging behind, her son Robert is dressed in a shiny Puck outfit.

Jessica

Now don't forget what I said, Robert.

Robert

No, Mum.

Jessica

You must do your very best. Do you hear me?

Robert

Yes, Mum.

Jessica

Speak up when you're on stage. Look out at the audience. Eyes and teeth.

Robert

(sighing) Yes, Mum.

Jessica

Now what did I just say?

Robert

Eyes and teeth.

Jessica

That's right. (She plants a kiss on his cheek then rubs off the lipstick with a tissue.) There.

Written by Fiona J Roberton and Paul Phillips

 

A Show To Die For

Our local amateur dramatics society presents... er... well... decide for yourself as this cabaret evening goes from bad to worse. First performed in 2002. The play is set in the present day. All action takes place on stage and backstage of an amateur cabaret night performance.

(4 Female, 3 Male and 3 other performers)

Character List


Dougal Dower Male A gentleman drama queen
Frances Dower Female Dougal's Sister and wardrobe mistress
Alexandria Bantam Female Caustic prima donna
Brian Bantam Male Alexandria's husband and backstage assistant
Florence Fulsome Female Alexandria's Mother
Andy Carpenter Male Stage manager
Amy Bloom Female Pregnant performer
3 x Misc Male or Female Performers

Set Furniture and Props

Cabaret backdrop
Exit sign
Black cane
Feather duster
Chair
Christmas tree lights
Large out of context prop
Waste paper basket/bin
Flip-top bin
Bucket
Stage blood

Extract


Dougal

Well? Where is my bucket? Haven't you found it yet?

Brian

What bucket?

Dougal

Are you completely incompetent? You said you were looking for it! We'll be going on soon. Are you trying to make a fool of me?

Florence

I daresay you won't need any help in that department, Dougal. Leave Brian alone.

Brian

Oh the bucket!

Florence

Don't you worry about that, Brian. (She turns on Dougal.) Find your own blasted bucket!

Dougal

He's a grown man for god's sake. He can stand up for himself. Brian-

Florence

Not everyone has an ego the size of a football pitch!

Dougal

You'd think that you were his mother rather than Alexandria's. But then you always did have a weakness for young men.

Florence

Why don't you just leave, Dougal! I'm sure you must be depriving some village somewhere of it's idiot!

Dougal

It's no wonder you're always down the bookie. Trying to win it all back are you? Florence, with you I always have the last laugh.

Florence

As they say: he who laughs last thinks slowest.

Dougal

How dare you!

Florence

Most men are idiots, Dougal but you wear the crown. You've been like this ever since John Devlin came to the village. What's wrong? Afraid that John will steal your limelight, that you won't be the star of the drama group anymore? Well, let me tell you, Dougal that you should have no fears there because you never were the star of the group, only an annoying little growth on the bottom of the am dram barrel.

Dougal

I'm not staying here to be insulted like this!

Florence

Fine, go somewhere else to be insulted then!

Written by Fiona J Roberton and Paul Phillips

 

Bad Fortune

Helen's party takes a turn for the worse when the guest fortune teller Madam Rosa is found dead. First performed in 1998. The play is set in the present day. All action takes place in the home of Helen and Richard Myers.

(5 Female, 1 Male)

Character List


Helen Myers Female Our hostess
Richard Myers Male Helen's husband
Angela Simms Female Helen's younger Sister
Gabby Lightfoot Female One of Helen's oldest friends
Betty Sparrow Female Helen and Richard's next door neighbour
Madam Rosa Female The fortune teller

Set Furniture and Props

Settee
2 armchairs
Coffee table
Sideboard/table
Table and 2 chairs (for fortune teller)
Crystal ball
Sewing basket
String of chunky beads
Holdall bag
Bunch of flowers
Bottles of alcohol and mixers, glasses
Bottle of wine
Man's shirt
Newspaper
TV remote control
Handbag
Photograph

Extract


Betty

Helen, Helen, guess what I've heard. (She sees Gabby.) Oh, morning.

Gabby

Good morning, Betty.

Betty

Helen, I must tell you my news.

Helen

Can't it wait, Betty? I really don't feel like-

Betty

It's that Madam Rosa.

Helen

What about her?

Betty

She's been murdered.

Helen

What?

Betty

They found her this morning in her hotel room.

Helen

But how-

Betty

It was old Mrs Mannering that told me. She found out from her daughter Tracey who's going out with that boy who works there. I can never remember his name. I know it begins with a T. Now is it Tom or Tim? I do get mixed up.

Helen

What happened to Madam Rosa?

Betty

Ooh it was awful. She was strangled. They think it was done with something like a row of beads. Wasn't she wearing some chunky beads when she was here?

Helen

Yes, she was.

Betty

And they can tell what time she was murdered too.

Gabby

How?

Written by Fiona J Roberton and Janet Kilgallon-Brook

 

Bat In The Belfry

A chain of disasters ruins this village wedding - the locked belltower, the deejaying vicar and the mysteriously absent photographer. First performed in 2000. The play is set in the present day. All action takes place at a wedding evening party at the Abbey Arms Hotel in the market town of Dedleigh.

(5 Female, 4 Male, 3 teenagers (2 must be girls))

Character List


Jackie Nugent Female The pregnant bride
Leonard Nugent Male Her father
Laura Nugent Female Jackie's teenage sister and bridesmaid
William Cotterill Male The groom
Sheila Cotterill Female William's grandmother
Auntie Narcissus Female Sheila's younger sister
Steve Burton Male Best man
Catherine Burton Female Steve's Wife
Holly Burton Female Steve's teenage sister
Reverend Ernest Goodfellow Male Vicar and resident DJ
Penny Rider Female Captain of the Dedleigh Ladies Cricket Team
Claire Hepworth Female School friend of Laura and Holly

Set Furniture and Props

Tables for buffet and wedding presents and table cloths
Opened wedding presents
Finger buffet food and plates
2 tables and accompanying chairs
Wedding dress
Wallet
Envelope
Newspaper
Glasses for drinks
Raffle tickets

Extract

 

Leonard

And you say his name was Bat?

Ernest

Neville Bat. Apparently, Mrs Cotterill, Sheila that is, hired him through a firm in Leeds.

Steve

Are you all right, Leonard? You look like you've seen a ghost.

Leonard

I'm fine.

Steve

I met him when he visited the stables to take some photographs for one of them country magazines.

Ernest

What did you think of him?

Steve

Not much. Bit too nosey for my liking. Asked a lot of questions.

Leonard

About what?

Steve

Can't really remember. He wanted to know about the Farquhars of course, and how their racing business was doing. He seemed to know a lot already.

Ernest

Talking of the Farquhars, how are you getting on with them now? Have they forgiven you yet for stealing away their daughter?

Steve

Not likely.

Ernest

Catherine was telling me the other day about this new condition they'd put on her inheritance. Something to do with children.

Steve

I asked her not to tell anyone. It's embarrassing enough being her father's paid skivvy without everyone knowing our private business as well.

Ernest

I apologise. Bit ham-fisted of me to mention that. Sorry.

Leonard

So what is it, this inheritance condition?

Steve

If Catherine's parents die, she won't inherit any money until she gives birth to her first child.

Written by Fiona J Roberton and Janet Kilgallon-Brook

 

Bride and Doom

The staff from the Waxworks of Horrors wax museum are back (less one) and this time hosting a wedding reception to remember. First performed in 2005, this play is set in the present day. All action takes place in the reception of the museum.

(3 Female, 4 Male)

Character List


Raving Sadie Female Mad woman
Mental Maud Female Headless ghost
Cursing Cathy Female Evil witch
Bloody Melvin Male Vampire
Stalking Stephen Male Zombie
Hatchet Henry Male Mad axeman
Dave Coulson Male Best man

Set Furniture and Props

Counter & stool or chair
Wedding decorations
Halloween decorations
Piece of paper
2 false feet
Cigarettes & lighter/matches
False hand
False head
Paper napkin
Knife to cut wedding cake

Extract

Dave

(to the audience) Oh right. There you are. Sorry about that. Cold down here, isn’t it? Right, well, Sheila and Margaret, the bride’s mother and grandmother, have asked me in my role as best man to welcome you all to Janet and Brad’s evening wedding dinner and direct you to our dungeon for the night, the er, (he takes a piece of paper from his pocket) oh yes, the Chamber of Disease and Torture where we will be entertained while we eat. So if you’d like to follow me. Oh and do mind the Pit of Tormented Souls. We almost lost Mrs Vickers and her zimmer frame down there earlier this evening. This way.

 

He exits.

STALKING STEPHEN enters, obviously looking for something. He goes behind the counter and bobs down so he can’t be seen, leaving a pair of false feet on the counter.

MENTAL MAUD enters. She looks around to make sure she is alone then lights up a cigarette.

RAVING SADIE enters.

Sadie

So this is where you’ve got to. This is no time to put your feet up. We’ve got innocents to corrupt.

Maud

Innocents? That’s a laugh. Anyway, I’m tired.

Sadie

But we’ve only just started. We haven’t got into the swing of things yet.

Maud

Well, my swing has swung. I hate these special events. (She moves to the counter.) You always get some clever clogs creeping up behind you to make you jump.

STEPHEN stands up as she says this and pokes her with his false hand.

Maud

Stephen! Stop messing about.

Stephen

It was only a joke.

Sadie

What are you doing behind there?

Stephen

Looking for my hand.

Sadie

I see you’ve already put your foot in it.

Maud

Feet.

Sadie

What?

Maud

There’s a pair. Not one.

Sadie

Who’s been hitting you with the serious stick then?

Written by Fiona J Roberton and Paul Phillips

 

Bringing Down the House

The time has come to say goodbye to the old church hall, much to the alarm of the janitor, the cleaners, the am dram director... the list is endless. Will Trinny find a new home for her brownies? Could there be something suspicious in the cellar? And is the vicar as innocent as she seems? First performed in 2006, this play is set in the present day. All action takes place in a church hall.

(4 Male, 5 Female)

Character List


Arthur Bucket Male Elderly janitor
Ethel Moppe Female Equally elderly cleaner
Tony Trowell Male Building contractor
Anastasia Smith Female Chair and director of the local am dram group
Fred Smith Male Anastasia's brother
Trinny Mort Female Brown Owl
Reverend Penny Pluck Female Vicar
Britney Grimes Female Junior cleaner
Steve Stile Male Property developer

Set Furniture and Props

9 chairs
3 business cards
3 miscellaneous props – 2 large
Brownie paraphernalia
Clipboard & pen
Mobile phone
Table
Drinks, paper cups & a cake

Extract

Ethel

Is that it?

Arthur

That's it. Have you locked up the cellar?

Ethel

Of course I have. Do I look stupid?

Arthur

Don't know. Hand me a mirror - you can check yourself.

Ethel

I always lock the cellar door.

Arthur

We've done too much to get found out now.

Ethel

I know, I know.

 

ANASTASIA, FRED, TRINNY and BRITNEY enter stage left.

Anastasia

I told you I heard voices.

Arthur

Evening.

Anastasia

Trinny , Fred and I have been standing in the cold for ten minutes.

Ethel

Why didn't you come inside?

Arthur

Stupid is as stupid does.

Anastasia

Because someone hadn't unlocked the door.

Arthur

Well, you're in now, aren't you? What's to moan about?

Britney

Good thing I brought my key.

Anastasia

Isn't the vicar here?

Ethel

No.

Anastasia

Well, who is?

Arthur

We are.

Anastasia

Penny called this meeting. She should be here already.

Arthur

Keep your fishnets on. She'll be along soon.

Written by Fiona J Roberton and Paul Phillips

 

Hens

Rachel and Maria have planned Serena's hen weekend to the 'enth degree. There's the holiday cottage, the pamper session, the presents. What can possibly go wrong? First performed in 2007, this play is set in the present day. All action takes place in the living area of the cottage.

(7 Female including 1 teenager)

Character List


Serena Burton Female The bride
Nancy Burton Female Her mother
Katy Burton Female Serena's teenage sister
Audrey Fulshaw Female Mother of the groom
Debra Fulshaw Female Her daughter and bridesmaid
Rachel Thompson Female Serena's friend and bridesmaid
Maria Proctor Female Serena's friend and bridesmaid

Set Furniture and Props

Comfy seating (settees, armchairs) for seven or eight people
Coffee table
Sideboard or table
Phone
Table lamp

Luggage for all the women
Crockery, cutlery and glasses
Four pizza boxes
Bottle of wine
Paint stripper
Paperback book

Extract

 

Rachel

So did we do good?

Serena

More than good. I did have my doubts when your brother turned up with his camper van.

Rachel

It’s your hen weekend. We had to keep you guessing. He’ll come back to pick us up on Monday morning. Can you take my suitcase? I’ve got to get my other bag.

Serena

I hate to ask but is this all clothes?

Rachel

Wait and see, Miss Bride-to-be.

Serena

Okay now I’m scared.

MARIA PROCTOR enters stage right, with a large hold-all. Like the others, she is dressed for outdoors and in her late twenties or early thirties. She is smart and efficient looking.

Maria

I don’t think your mother in law’s too happy, Serena.

Serena

She never is. What is it now?

Maria

She seems to be under the impression that Rachel’s brother is hired help. Wants him to carry her things in.

Rachel

She’ll be lucky. I had to pay him to get him to drive us here. Even then he only agreed ‘cos I said I’d set him up on a date with Maria.

Maria

What?

Rachel

Didn't I mention that?

RACHEL leaves stage right.

Maria

Cheeky cow.

Serena

We all have to make sacrifices.

Maria

There’s self sacrifice and then there’s suicide.

Written by Fiona J Roberton and Paul Phillips

 

Murder at Hallgarth Mill

Based on an actual murder that took place in 1830, this short play was written to be performed in the local area. Originally written for a teenage cast, this play does not include a question time for the actors but does have a verdict and a narrator script. First performed in 2006, action takes place in the mill living area and the area in front of the cottage.

(3 Female, 7 Male including 1 boy)

Character List


The Narrator    
Mrs Oliver Female Cornmill owner
Mary Ann Westerhope Female Servant girl at the mill
Thomas Clarke Male Servant at the mill
Jane Ferrin Female Mary Ann's friend
Phillip Ferrin Male Jane's younger brother
William Leverett Male Travelling dry stone waller
4 youths Male  

Set Furniture and Props

A bunch of field flowers
Table and chairs
A key

Extract

 

Narrator

The year is 1830, the eighth of August to be exact. The place is Hallgarth Mill, a cornmill owned by Stephen Oliver and his wife. The other occupants of the mill are two young servants, Mary Ann Westerhope and Thomas Clarke.

 


 

When they got up this morning, it seemed like just another ‘run of the mill’ day for the people who live here but believe me when I say that this is a day that will go down in history.

THOMAS CLARKE enters.

Narrator

Here comes one of the key players now. (THOMAS stops beside the NARRATOR, unaware of his or her presence.) This is Thomas Clarke. He’s nineteen years old. Some describe him as hard working. Others would disagree. You decide for yourself.

The NARRATOR leaves. MRS OLIVER enters.

Mrs O

Thomas, what are you doing?

Thomas

Nothing.

Mrs O

Same as usual. Where’s Mary Ann got to?

Thomas

She's out delivering milk.

Mrs O

Still? Well, she’d better hurry back soon. We can’t set off until she’s back. I need to talk to you both.

Thomas

What about?

Mrs O

About what you should do while we’re away. I don’t want you two thinking you can just muck around.

Thomas

Can’t you tell me without her? I am the eldest after all.

Mrs O

No, I can’t. You may be the eldest but you’ve no sense, Thomas Clarke. I need to speak to Mary Ann. Well then?

Thomas

What?

Mrs O

Get on with some work. I don't pay you to stand around you know.

Thomas

(to himself) You don't pay me much anyway.

Mrs O

I heard that. (She leaves.)

Written by Fiona J Roberton and Paul Phillips

 

On Her Way Out

There's nothing quite like a nice bracing weekend at an outward bound centre to bring the team together - or is there? First performed in 2000. The play is set in the present day. All action takes place at the Dedleigh Woods Outward Bound Centre near the market town of Dedleigh.

(5 Female, 2 Male)

Character List


Tim Seymour Male Facilities Manager at Frimleys Potato Factory
Celia Bray Female His personal assistant
Winnie Fitz Female Secretary
Patsy Feeley Female Receptionist
Jo Squires Female Office junior
Alice Stone Female Office cleaner
Doug Frith Male Outward bound instructor

Set Furniture and Props

Tunnel
One man tent
3 camper chairs
Rucksack or bumbag holding food
Torch
Hipflask
Plate of food
Cheque book
Brightly coloured bra

Extract

 

Doug

Winnie, can you hear me?

Winnie

Yes, Mr Frith.

Doug

What's the problem?

Winnie

I can't move.

Doug

Why not?

Winnie

There's a spider in here.

Doug

A spider!

Winnie

A very big, hairy spider.

Doug

What do you expect in the countryside? The place is crawling with spiders.

Alice

Don't say that or you'll never get her out.

Doug

Right. (He takes a deep breath and flexes his neck and shoulders in preparation.) There's only one thing for it. I'm going in.

Jo

Oh my!

Doug crawls into the tunnel. There is a scream from Winnie and she shoots out of the other end.

Winnie

(Holding her bottom) Mr Frith!

Patsy

Poor Winnie, caught between two big hairy-

Jo

Patsy!

Written by Fiona J Roberton and Janet Kilgallon-Brook

 

Slay Bells

FULL LENGTH PLAY

Doreen wins a sleuthing competition. The prize is Christmas in a luxury lodge with her family. There’s a butler, a cook, even a chauffeur but tempers fray as the family comes together and more than one secret will be revealed in this seasonal murder mystery. First performed in 2006.

(8 Female, 7 Male)

Character List


Doreen Browning Female  
Len Browning Male Her husband
Charlie Browning Male Their eldest son
Gemma Browning Female His heavily pregnant wife
Edward Browning Male Charlie's younger brother
Delia Hart Female Doreen's elder sister
Maurice Hart Male Her husband
Abby Hart Female Maurice's daughter ( a non identical triplet)
Marie Hart Female Maurice's daughter (a non identical triplet)
Frances Hart Female Maurice's daughter (a non identical triplet)
Ruby Ingleworth Female Doreen and Delia's mother
Albert Ingleworth Male Doreen and Delia's father
Jeremy Kent Male The butler
Emily Norris Female The chef
Steve Price Male The chauffeur

Set Furniture and Props

Sofas and armchairs for nine people
Christmas tree and decorations
Sideboard
Telephone
Landscape painting
A newspaper
Walking stick
Luggage for all the family
Hip flask
Table and dining table for twelve people
Crockery, cutlery and glasses
Drinks cabinet
Piano
Two mobile phones
Party popper
Wedding and engagement ring
Tray

Extract

Emily

Should you be doing that?

Jeremy

Don’t see why not.

Emily

They could be here any minute.

Jeremy

Could be. They’re not.

Emily

The agency never said anything about playing hostess. I’m a chef. I should be in the kitchen

Jeremy

So who hired you then?

Emily

The magazine involved contacted the agency. Three of us interviewed and I got it. How about you?

Jeremy

Friend of a friend owns this place.

Emily

I suppose it’s normally a holiday let.

Jeremy

Something like that.

Emily

Lucky lady winning Christmas here. It was a lady, wasn’t it?

Jeremy

Can’t remember. All I know is that there’s twelve of them and they all want feeding and entertaining.

Emily

I’ve never cooked for twelve before. Six, tops. I hope we have enough food in.

Jeremy

Too late now if there isn’t. I can’t see that blizzard letting up.

Emily

Do you think they’ll get here all right? The road up here is a bit steep.

Jeremy

A bit? It’s treacherous

Emily

I hope they have a good driver.

Jeremy

(standing up) If not, we'll have a cosy Christmas to ourselves, won't we?

Emily

I suppose so.

Jeremy

Just you and me.

Emily

I'm sure they'll be fine.

Jeremy

Speak of the devil.

Emily

What?

Jeremy

They're here. Just heard a car door close.

Written by Fiona J Roberton and Paul Phillips

 

The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestickmaker

Set during the second world war, a series of mystifying events at Fibbleys Bank leads to a double murder First performed in 1999. The play is set during the second world war. All action takes place in Fibbleys Bank in the market town of Dedleigh.

(5 Female, 4 Male, a girl and 2 or 3 customers)

Character List


Horatio Swagger Male Recently promoted to bank manager
Margaret Able Female Senior bank cashier
April Applecart Female Bank cashier
Joseph Applecart Male April's Father, baker
Lily Peeker Female Horatio's cleaner
Cissie Pry Female Bank cleaner
Arthur Trotter Male Butcher
Herr Heffler Male German agent
Frau Schmidt Female German agent
Janice Pettel Female Margaret's daughter
  Male or Female 2 or 3 customers

Set Furniture and Props

2 bank counters (or one longer one)
Coat stand
Chair(s)
Horatio's office desk and chair
Telephone
3 handbags and 2 shopping bags (these can be varied - Cissie, Lily and Margaret)
Sparkly earring
Door key
Small safe with key
Apple
2 bundles of letters, one tied with red ribbon
Duster
Briefcase
Bunch of flowers
Box of chocolates
Files and papers
Walking stick
Paper bag of sweet pastries
Man's handkerchief
Cup and saucer
Head scarf (big/long enough to strangle someone with)

 

Extract

 

Cissie

Let's have a look then.

Lily

Well I don't know if I should. Mr Swagger might not like me discussing his private goings-on behind his back. Everyone has their secrets after all.

Cissie

Oh go on with you, Lily Peeker. If he'd wanted a private life he'd never have hired you to clean for him.

Lily

Cissie Pry! I've never been so insulted-

Cissie

Course you have. Now hand it over.

Lily begrudgingly removes a sparkly earring from her pocket and dangles it enticingly before Cissie's face.

Lily

See. I said it was something.

Cissie

Ooh Lily, love.

 

She reaches for it but Lily snatches it away and puts it back in her pocket.

Lily

Of course it can't possibly belong to Joe Applecart's girl. It's much too expensive and tasteful.

Cissie

But I tell you, they've been stepping out together. If you could call it stepping out, more like staying in, if you ask me.

Lily

You've a filthy mind, Cissie.

Cissie

I'm just saying.

Lily

And I'm saying you're wrong. April could never afford something expensive like that.

Cissie

She might not have to.

Lily

What are you getting at?

Written by Fiona J Roberton and Janet Kilgallon-Brook

 

The Crossed Swords

Set in the 1960s, the peace and quiet of a Yorkshire country tavern is ripped to shreds by the murder of a most unlikeable and professionally nosey character. First performed in 1999. The play is set in 1962. All action takes place in the Crossed Swords Tavern, near the market town of Dedleigh.

(5 Female, 4 Male)

Character List


Bella (Isabella) Nightingale Female Proprietor of the Crossed Swords Tavern
Rodney Nightingale Male Bella's son and general skivvy
Duane Benton Male Newlywed
Rosie Benton Female Duane's new wife
Cybill Ackroyd Female Rosie's Mother
Albert Moss Male Elderly handyman, a frequent visitor to the Crossed Swords
PC Howard Pratt Male Local bobby and Bella's love interest
Jocelyn Thorn Female Journalist
Audrey Miller Female Jocelyn's younger sister

Set Furniture and Props

Bar, bottles and glasses
2 tables and accompanying chairs
6 chairs/armchairs (one armchair has a broken base so that the sitter sinks through it)
2 coffee tables
Small table with telephone
2 clean tablecloths and 1 identical tablecloth stained with blood
Note pad and pen for Jocelyn
Note pad and pencil for Howard
Small handbag
3 suitcases
Large painting
Several keys
Dishcloth and duster
Handkerchief
2 swords
Large gaudy engagement ring
Book
Rollers and hairnets

Extract

 

Rosie

It's all right, Mum. We're here now.

Cybill

I told you that car was a waste of money but you wouldn't listen to me.

Rosie

Don't, Mum.

Cybill

Well, I'm just saying.

Rosie

Yes, Mum.

Duane Benton enters stage right. He is overloaded with suitcases.

Duane

(putting the cases down) We only just made it, Rosie. A minute later and we'd have been soaked to the skin.

Rosie

Yes, Duane love.

Cybill

Well, if you'd listened to me in the first place.

Rosie

Yes, all right, Mum.

Cybill

I see. My opinion is of no consequence.

Rosie

Of course it is.

Cybill

And don't you go helping him with those cases, my girl. This is your honeymoon. You're supposed to be cherished by the man you marry, not run after him like an unpaid skivvy.

Duane

Fat chance.

Cybill

What did you say?

Written by Fiona J Roberton and Janet Kilgallon-Brook

 

The Tangled Web

Set in the 1950s, a collection of questionable characters gather in a country hotel, all of them known to our murder victim, Private Detective Dick Sly.

(5 Female, 4 Male, waiter or waitress)

Character List