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Written by Agatha Christie
Directed by Claire White-Aldworth
5 – 16 October, 2010
Woking Drama Festival
Rhoda McGaw Theatre, Woking.
Performance Date: Wed October 6th
19 – 23 October, 2010
Spelthorne & Runnymede Drama Festival
Riverside Arts Centre, Lower Sunbury.
Performance Date tbc
Synopsis
It’s a summer’s afternoon in 1962. The scene is Little Slippyng-on-Sea. There are beach huts, sand, sea gulls and sun. There has been a robbery of an emerald necklace from Lady Beckman staying at the Esplanade Hotel. The little group of people are all caught up in the puzzle while enjoying their day at the beach. Inspector Foley appears and inspects the beach huts, and then Percy meets The Beauty…
This short play is a gentle comedy built on some fun, entertaining characters with a twist at the end!
Cast / Characters
| Bob Wheeler | anywhere from 30 to 45 ish (depending on other casting) A terrific wag! Likes fun and laughter, gets on well with Noreen. |
| Noreen Somers | anywhere from 30 to 45 ish (depending on other casting) good looking, vivacious, fun, blowsy. Needs to be ok about wearing a swim costume and changing to her dress on stage (behind a towel) |
| Arthur Somers | 40 to 60 ish (depending on other casting) Wearing an overcoat and scarf and uses a stick. He looks grey and tired. He is older than Noreen. |
| George Crum | age: 50+ He is a placid ‘comfy’ easy going chap who’ll do anything for a quiet life. He is submissive to Mrs Crum though occasionally he mutters in response! Think trousers rolled up and ‘kerchief on the head! |
| Mrs Crum | 50+ She is rather snobby, censorious and negative but thinks she’s perfectly amicable and voicing the general opinion. |
| A Mother | age: 25 + Small part, a shouty mother trying to entertain/control her son. |
| A Young Man | 18 to 30 ish Small part, a healthy, sporty young chap enjoying a seaside holiday. |
| Beach Attendant | 40+ Disgruntled chap who can’t understand why people keep disturbing his peace by coming to the beach when the sun comes out! |
| Mrs Gunner (mum) | age: 40+ (depending on other casting) A selfish controlling woman who manipulates her son into remaining with her rather than allowing him to grow up and be independent. Pretends it’s all for Percy’s own good. She is a possessive old battle axe. |
| Percy Gunner | 18 to 30 ish very submissive, controlled by his mother but wishing he could break free. He is nice but sad, unhappy. |
| The Beauty | 20+ ish (though not essential, needs to look right with Percy) bit of a ‘pin-up’ looks ‘exotic’ needs to be ok with doing a French accent and wearing a bikini. |
| Inspector Foley | 40+ steady, serious but friendly enough. |
Crew
| Director | Claire White-Aldworth |
| Stage Manager | tbc |
| Costume | tbc |
| Set Design & Build | Claire White-Aldworth |
| David Dunlop | |
| & Members of the Players | |
| Lighting | tbc |
| Sound | tbc |
Reviews
