Full length plays

The Big K by Ian Harris BLACK COMEDY

1950's black comedy. When naive radio man Jack Rock finds himself in the company of soon to be executed ex-starlet, Irma KasKade (the Big K of the title), he finds himself seriously out of his depth. Bullied and cajoled by the insane and increasingly fearful Ms KasKade into listening to her pathetic story, Jack eventually conquers his doubts and discovers himself drawn to a woman who was born to be a star (even a somewhat faded one). Originally played by Ali Troughton in the RSC's OtherPlace, Irma is apart to kill for!!

Casting: 1m, 1f. ISBN : 1-904232-11-6

devil present. by Ian Harris BLACK COMEDY

devil present is a dark comedy and anti-war play that explores the causes of conflict. It examines the consequences for those who do the fighting and those who are left behind. More than that, devil present looks at the corruption that is so often behind the death and destruction of the battlefield.

Cast. 8 m. 3 f. (Some parts could be doubled) ISBN: 1 904232-12-4

Hallmarks by Reg Mitchell PERIOD DRAMA

An unconventional play, in which two people tell of certain events in their twenty-five years of marriage. Doctor John Hall reminisces about his past life, particularly his relationship with his wife, Susanna, the elder of William Shakespeares daughters. Many episodes from his past, some happy, others less so, are brought to light. But how far was he prepared to go to prevent his wife being branded an adulteress and his practice threatened? Meanwhile, Susanna gives her version of their marriage, letting us into the secrets of her own relationships with her family, her lovers and of her association with her revered poetic father, and the tenderness of his final moments.

Performed at the Shakespeare Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon for the 1998 birthday celebrations. "Superb in production, it was quite exceptional" (Stratford Standard) "Entertaining and thought provoking" (Stratford Herald)

Casting: 1m, 1f. Performing time: approx 2 hours inc. interval. ISBN : 1-094232-00-0

The Quiney Affair by Reg Mitchell PERIOD DRAMA

The match between Judith Shakepeare and Thomas Quiney was arranged by Judith's sister, Susanna, and her husband, Doctor John Hall, in the hope of providing the ailing poet with a grandson to inherit the estate on his death. After the match was agreed, Thomass servant, Margaret Wheeler, confessed to him that she was pregnant with his child. Attempts to lose the baby failed and Thomas decided to tell Judith so that she could call off the wedding. Judith, however, had no such intention. She was determined to marry, come what may.

Performed at the Royal Shakespeare Companys Fringe Festival, 1997, and a winner in the 1999 West Midland Arts New Writing Festival: "A highly accomplished work ... virtually faultless ... provides three substantial roles for women, much more challenging than are found in modern stage drama." The Soho Theatre reviewer: "incredibly absorbing and entertaining. Warm and unexpectedly moving. Wonderful play, credible characters and dialogue with a very emotional ending out of the blue."

Casting: 5M, 6F (Doubling possible). Performing time: Approx 2 hours plus interval. ISBN : 1-094232-01-9

By Royal Command by Reg Mitchell PERIOD COMEDY

Returning to their local inn from a performance at Court of Henry IV, the players, led by Dick Burbage, are arguing about their performance, when they are approached by their patron, the Lord Chamberlain. He tells them that the Queen has commanded that Will Shakespeare is to write a play about his great comic creation, Sir John Falstaff, in love. The catch is, that it is to be performed in two weeks time following the great feast of the Garter Ceremony - which happens to coincide with Will's 34th birthday. As Will panics at the news, Ben Jonson arrives to lend a hand, but when every boy actor in the company goes down with the measles, all seems lost. A lost bear, a stage-struck wife of a jealous husband, a hen-pecked friend, a vocal Mistress - and many others - add to the chaos.

Commissioned by the Millennium Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations Committee and first performed in Stratford-upon-Avon on April 25th 2000. "[They] have every reason to feel highly delighted with the outcome of their commission ... Reg Mitchell has produced a rollicking pageant for the town. Very funny - packed with every conceivable Shakespeare legend and countless puns on the plays." (Stratford Standard.)

Casting: 15M (doubling possible), 6F, 1Boy & 8 children. Performing time 2½ hours inc interval. ISBN : 1-904232-02-7

Love Letters in Four Acts. by Reg Mitchell PERIOD ROMANCE

The play looks at the inspiration behind Chekhovs last two great masterpieces, and explores the relationships between him, his wife, Olga Knipper, and his sister, Masha. Can deception, exploitation and cruel subterfuge be excused when their outcome is two of the greatest masterpieces written for the theatre - though vilified by the critics of the day - by the person deceived? Songs by the brilliant young composer, Sergei Rachmaninov - who is later to be similarly treated by the critics - whklst not edssential, are intended to be sung live, providing a counterpoint to the unfolding passions in the play.

First performed in Stratford-upon-Avon. Nominated for Best Plays 2000 - an accomplished piece; dialogue is particularly strong and the play is intelligently and sensitively written. Also by West Midlands Arts script service: very intelligent and stylish. Characters are drawn very vividly ... the dialogue is very strong; the use of language witty, passionate and there is a good sense of period ... Accessible to a modern audience. A sparkling gem ... A very masterly, if racy, work. (Stratford Standard)

Playing time: 125 mins plus interval. Casting: 3m, 3f. New Theatre Publications. 72pp