One-Act plays available from Lazy Bee Scripts: http://www.lazybeescripts.co.uk
Custard and Disinfectant
Albert’s a terror in the old folks’ home, making improper suggestions and using bad language. But when he’s found dead with an ornate dagger in his chest and sleeping pills under his chair, the problem isn’t whodunit, but who DIDN’T…
The Exit Poll
Three candidates are contesting a by-election, but they all have secrets, most of which come to light before the results are revealed. Can any of them really claim the victory?
The Wrong Ladder
The Longhurst Ladders business is struggling, and Arthur Longhurst needs to land a big contract to save his company. He’s not helped by his awkward secretary, his grasping ex-wife, a lazy son or spendthrift daughter. Perhaps a spiritual retreat to Tibet is what he needs? Will Arthur choose the right ladder to find peace of mind and happiness?
A Second Chance:
A one act thriller where customers and staff are put through psychological torment as a man with a bomb holds them hostage, but all but one of them benefit from the experience.
The Clever Clogs Gang:
A one act play with an unusual scientific theme. A team of research scientists find they’re in line for a research grant, but find that they may be out of a job shortly thereafter. Should they take the money and run, or apply themselves to producing some results before their time is up?
The Melting Sands
A one act murder thriller with a single (beach house) set. The tables are turned as two seemingly innocent and unconnected women seek revenge. The one on her philandering bank robber husband, the other on her scheming daughter and her new husband. All the while the menace of the melting sand hovers in the background.
Where’s Nigel
A group of friends meet for a party at Nigel and Stephanie’s house. Events take an unusual turn as the services of a doctor and the police are needed as identities become confused and people are not who they seem.
The Frinton Fryer
Brenda is going for the ‘Silver Star Show’ audition, but Doris thinks she should try a more modern look, name, and song. Despite practice and good advice, Brenda sings as Brenda – and in the process she brings many new customers to the Fish ‘n’ Chip shop. But does her friend’s advice help her or hinder her quest for fame?
The Politics of Bendy
A grand country house owned by Godfrey Nichols MP is the setting for this political farce in which adultery and murder plots are just two of the ingredients. Godfrey’s ambitious wife, Harriet, plans the death of their guest, Charles Horncastle MP, who is standing in the way of her husband’s political career. However, she finds her devious plans are affected by the unexpected arrival of Henry Bannerman, a CIA man, who is an old romantic acquaintance of hers. An altercation between the officers protecting Horncastle and Bannerman and a furtive romance in the house that night lead to unexpected outcomes for everyone.
Losing Purpose
Having abandoned his car in a multi-storey car park, a man is desperate to find someone who can direct him through the town’s tortuous one way system and back on the road to London. Everyone is willing to stop and talk, but no one seems to have the help he needs.
The Pagan Priests:
A one act farce with a single setting in a church sacristy where the Bishop’s attempts to overhaul the management of a parish go drastically off the rails.
Something for the Weekend
Charlie Spicer the owner of a ladies hairdressing salon wants to, not only change the business into ‘unisex,’ but he has plans to introduce a massage parlour as well. The female stylists are not happy, especially when he says that he expects them to sell condoms to the male clients. When the new venture is raided by the police, they find nothing, but later a dead body turns up in the massage parlour and Charlie’s problems multiply.
Ferndale’s Folly
In this crime caper, set between the wars, it appears that Lady Ferndale’s valuable jewels have been stolen. Inspector Swann is investigating with the help of Constable Wilkins. However, the ailing Lord Ferndale seems to be more concerned about the folly where he intends to be laid to rest. Lady Ferndale was planning a big society wedding for their daughter but this is now in doubt. As the police enquiry proceeds various suspects are questioned and it transpires that the Ferndale family is not quite as honest or genteel as they appear and a further crime is revealed that surprises everyone.
The Cabbage Consortium
A disparate group of pub regulars join forces to develop Harry’s sure fire money making scheme involving the cabbage futures market. Things go well until the Russian Mafia get wind of the machinations and the amateur consortium find themselves in difficulties with a dangerous enemy.
The Quantum Mechanics
Marty and Jacko run a backstreet garage using some dishonest practices. Then a new apprentice arrives in the form of, Frankie, a very well spoken and educated daughter of garage owner. She convinces the two young men to make some big changes to the enterprise. Unfortunately the father sees a profit in selling the business so the battle of wits begins to ultimately to convince Marty and Jacko that honesty is the best policy.
All illustrations by Dale French
Published by Lazy Bee Scripts.
www.lazybeescripts.co.uk
The Exit Poll
Roles Minimum Male roles = 3. Minimum Female roles = 2. Minimum total with doubling = 5. Minimum total without doubling = 6. No chorus
Run Time Around 25 minutes. [Estimated!]
Music None
Style The farcical comedy of politics. Simple sets. Contains mild swearing.
Synopsis Three candidates are contesting a by-election, but they all have secrets, most of which come to light before the results are revealed. Can any of them really claim the victory?
Custard and Disinfectant
Roles Minimum Male roles = 5. Minimum Female roles = 4. Minimum total with doubling = 9. Minimum total without doubling = 9. No chorus.
Run Time Around 30 minutes. [Estimated!]
Music None.
Style Murder mystery with a darkly comic edge. Includes swearing.
Synopsis Albert’s a terror in the old folks’ home, making improper suggestions and using bad language. But when he’s found dead with a dagger in his chest and sleeping pills under his chair, the problem isn’t whodunit, but who DIDN’T…
A Performance of this play by Carbost Community Drama came overall second at the Skye Division One Act Drama Festival, 2012
The Wrong Ladder
Roles Minimum Male roles = 5. Minimum Female roles = 2. Minimum total with doubling = 8. Minimum total without doubling = 8. No chorus.
Run Time Around 30 minutes. [Estimated!]
Music None.
Style One-act comedy play (with some dark moments!) Single set split into two acting areas
Synopsis Longhurst Ladders are struggling, and Arthur needs to land a big contract to save his company. He’s not helped by his secretary, his grasping ex-wife, layabout son and spendthrift daughter. Perhaps a spiritual retreat to Tibet is what he needs?
A Second Chance
Roles Minimum Male roles = 6. Minimum Female roles = 2. Minimum total with doubling = 9. Minimum total without doubling = 9. No chorus. One voice is an offstage announcer.
Run Time Around 20 minutes. [Estimated!]
Music None.
Style A one act thriller – single set.
Synopsis Customers and staff are put through psychological torment as a man with a bomb holds them hostage, but all but one of them benefit from the experience.
Where’s Nigel?
Roles Minimum Male roles = 6. Minimum Female roles = 4. Minimum total with doubling = 14. Minimum total without doubling = 14. No chorus. Some non-speaking roles essential to the play.
Run Time Around 28 minutes. [Estimated!]
Music None.
Style A one act farce.
Synopsis A group of friends meet for a party at Nigel and Stephanie’s house. Events take an unusual turn as the services of a doctor and the police are needed as identities become confused and people are not who they seem.
The Frinton Fryer
Roles Minimum Male roles = 13. Minimum Female roles = 2. Minimum total with doubling = 15. Minimum total without doubling = 15. No chorus.
Run Time Around 35 minutes. [Estimated!]
Music Song suggestions for 3 songs are provided with the Producer’s copy of the script. Lazy Bee Scripts does not supply any sheet music with this script.
Style A one act play, with several solo songs.
Synopsis Brenda is going for the ‘Silver Star Show’ audition, but Doris thinks she should try a more modern look, name, and song. Despite practice and good advice, Brenda sings as Brenda – but brings many new customers to the Fish ‘n’ Chip shop.
The Clever Clogs Gang
Roles Minimum Male roles = 8. Minimum Female roles = 1. Minimum total with doubling = 12. Minimum total without doubling = 14. No chorus.
Run Time Around 45 minutes. [Estimated!]
Music None.
Style An unusual scientific theme for a one act play, and the majority of roles are male.
Synopsis A team of research scientists find they’re in line for a research grant, but may be out of a job shortly thereafter. Should they take the money and run, or apply themselves to producing some results before their time is up
The Melting Sands
Roles Minimum Male roles = 4. Minimum Female roles = 3. Minimum total with doubling = 7. Minimum total without doubling = 7. No chorus.
Run Time Around 36 minutes. [Estimated!]
Music None.
Style A one act murder thriller with a single (beach house ) set.
Synopsis Tables are turned as two seemingly innocent and unconnected women seek revenge. The one on her philandering bank robber husband, the other on her scheming daughter and her new husband. All the while the menace of the melting sand hovers in the background.
The Pagan Priests
Roles Minimum Male roles = 5. Minimum Female roles = 2. Minimum total with doubling = 7. Minimum total without doubling = 7. No chorus.
Run Time Around 33 minutes. [Estimated!]
Music None.
Style A one act farce with a single (church sacristy *) setting.
* In other denominations, this may be a vestry.
Synopsis Father Benedict has blotted his copybook in the past and his only hope for a job is Bishop Langley whose plan to appoint him as parish priest at St. Thomas’ is motivated by money. Housekeeper Mrs Humbley is about to be made redundant for the same earthly considerations. Sister Mary Joan throws a spanner in the works and when the press get involved things get really complex for the Bishop.
Losing Purpose
Roles Minimum Male roles = 4. Minimum Female roles = 2. Minimum total with doubling =10. Ten speaking parts, two non-speaking (who could double with other roles). Minimum total without doubling = 12. No chorus.
Run Time Around 11 minutes. [Estimated!]
Music None.
Style A short, light comedy in a single set.
Synopsis Having abandoned his car, a man is desperate to find someone who can direct him through the tortuous one way system and back on the road to London. Everyone is willing to stop and talk, but no one has the help he needs.
The Politics of Bendy
Roles Minimum Male roles = 4. Minimum Female roles = 3. Minimum total with doubling = 7. Minimum total without doubling = 7. No chorus.
Run Time Around 39 minutes. [Estimated!]
Music None.
Style A one-act political farce in a single setting.
Synopsis Godfrey was hoping Charles would hand him the leadership of the opposition, leaving him a dead cert for Prime Minister, but now Charles has decided to hang on and Godfrey’s wife is looking more like Lady Macbeth.
Something for the Weekend
Roles Minimum Male roles = 4. Minimum Female roles = 4. Minimum total with doubling = 8. Minimum total without doubling = 8. No chorus.
Run Time Around 33 minutes. [Estimated!]
Music None.
Style A single-set one-act comedy set in the 1960s in a hairdressing salon.
Synopsis Charlie is desperately trying to breathe new life into his ailing hairdressing business. Much to the disgust of his stylists, Sharon and Maggie his solution is to use the vacant store room as a massage parlour. All goes well until an unfortunate incident brings the police to his door.