Category Archives: Plays

Plays

COACH (a short play)

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Cast 

Angelique (f): 

A teenaged girl who has found herself in trouble.  

Madame (f):  

Angelique’s grandmother. A stern, older woman who is dedicated to her family. She has an air of aristocracy about her. She should speak in a French accent, but that’s not entirely necessary. 

Ambrose (m):  

Angelique’s older cousin and Madame’s grandson. A gruff-looking young man.  

Carlos (m) 

The coach of Angelique’s football team.  

Location 

A small hospital room. 

Time 

Takes place in an unknown time, but with some modern styling.  

SETTING: A small hospital room  

AT RISE: ANGELIQUE is seated, dressed in a hospital gown. There is a newborn baby in a cot next to her that she has recently given birth to. MADAME arrives, accompanied by AMBROSE. ANGELIQUE looks up and smiles as she sees them. MADAME takes a look at the baby.  

MADAME 

Let’s see her then!  

[cooing over the child] 

AMBROSE  

How are you feeling? 

ANGELIQUE  

I’m tired. She’s here now though and doctors say she’s as healthy as they come. I’ve decided to name her Charmaine.  

AMBROSE  

After your mum? She would be pleased.  

ANGELIQUE  

[Calling to MADAME]  

Grandma? They will let us go home soon. The doctor said they’ve never seen a healthier baby. 

MADAME 

[smiling at the infant] 

She is precious.  

AMBROSE  

You’re still so young Angé. You’re going to have to take care of her. It’s a big responsibility. You’ve not finished school yet. Your football career could be over. 

ANGELIQUE  

[Shaking her head]  

I’ll think of something.  

AMBROSE  

Start by telling me who the father is. I’ll make sure he plays his part. It’s his responsibility too.  

ANGELIQUE  

Just leave it.  

AMBROSE  

Who is he Angé? Some little dickhead in your class? Does he even know.  

MADAME  

[Chastising her grandson] 

Enough! She needs to rest. As long as mother and baby are healthy that’s all that matters right now. Everything else, we’ll figure out.  

AMBROSE  

[Taking in the infant in the cot] 

She’s a real bonny one.  

[A knock signifies someone is joining them in the hospital room. Enter CARLOS – an older man dressed in a football coach outfit.] 

CARLOS  

I heard the new arrival made it safely.  

AMBROSE  

She’s still a bairn herself, coach. She’s got a tough road ahead of her.  

CARLOS  

At least she’s still young enough to have the energy to run after a kid.  

AMBROSE  

Just last year she was using that energy on the football pitch. Don’t get me wrong, we’re here to support her. It’s just, I don’t think she realises what she’s gotten herself into.  

CARLOS  

There’s plenty of time to worry about that. 

MADAME  

Would you like to see her? 

CARLOS 

[Taking a look at the infant. He shows his admiration.]  

Beautiful. Just like her mum. I just stopped by to see if you needed anything. I still feel the need to look out for my best player. 

AMBROSE  

Once she’s recovered, do you think she can get back on the team again?   

ANGELIQUE  

I don’t want to. 

AMBROSE  

[Seeming to not hear his cousin’s protests.] 

She was always one of the best. She lived for football and so was really close to going professional.  

ANGELIQUE 

I said I didn’t want to!  

[The others take notice of her frustration. MADAME draws herself away from the baby.] 

CARLOS  

[Smiling a little awkwardly.] 

We can discuss that later. You have other priorities right now. 

MADAME 

You need rest. Come Ambrose. We’ll find a doctor and see when she’ll be ready to go home.  

[AMBROSE and MADAME exit. CARLOS lingers behind.] 

CARLOS 

You didn’t tell them then? 

ANGELIQUE  

I promised I wouldn’t. 

CARLOS 

Good girl. You know I’d get into a lot of trouble if anyone found out. More than that, it would ruin lives, including your own. You want to have a future, don’t you? Don’t have me ruin it for you. Don’t have everyone looking at you like you’re the team slut. You know you wanted it.  

ANGELIQUE  

I … It doesn’t matter. I just want to go home.  

CARLOS  

You have a baby to look after. If you just keep quiet and get on with it you could be back on the team. We were really rooting for you going pro. Just keep quiet and I can open a lot of doors for you.  

ANGELIQUE  

I don’t want to play anymore. 

[AMBROSE returns looking a little rushed. He is smiling.] 

AMBROSE  

It’s good news. The doctor said she’s happy for you to go home now.  

CARLOS  

Isn’t that exciting. So it begins.  

[He makes his way to take another look at the baby.] 

ANGELIQUE  

Leave her!  

AMBROSE  

[A little uneasy at his cousin’s outburst.] 

Take it easy Angé.  

CARLOS  

She’s tired. She should get home and rest. It was nice seeing you folks.  

[CARLOS exits. ANGELIQUE makes her way to the baby. AMBROSE watches intently after CARLOS] 

CURTAIN 

Plays

Servant

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Cast

 

Countess (f):

A noble lady of late forties to fifties perhaps late fifties. She is stern seeming.

 

Servant (m or f):

A long-suffering member of the countess’ household. They are one of the countess’ confidantes.

 

Location

A hall in the countess’ castle.

Time

Takes place in an unknown time. It is a medieval looking setting, but with some modern styling.

 

SETTING: A hall in the countess’ castle.

AT RISE:COUNTESS is alone on stage. She is pacing nervously. She carries herself with a regal air. She appears anxious and frustrated. Eventually she is joined by SERVANT.

 

COUNTESS

Is it here yet?

 

SERVANT

It is Madame Countess.

 

COUNTESS

[keeping her back to the servant, gazing off in

contemplation.]

And what was it?

 

SERVANT

A girl, madame.

 

COUNTESS

[Smiling an unkind smile.]

You can tell the mother she is free to go. The child stays here though.

 

SERVANT

Madame, I’m afraid the mother died. She didn’t make it.

 

[COUNTESS smiles again. This time it seems like it is good news she is receiving.]

 

COUNTESS

Isn’t that fortunate for her.

 

SERVANT

About the girl, madame. Might I suggest finding a family for her? With the mother gone there is really no reason to keep her here. She has no place amongst us.

 

[COUNTESS finally turns to SERVANT]

 

COUNTESS

She has the perfect place here. That disgusting child will be forever a living, breathing reminder of my husband’s infidelity. His betrayal of our vows for some serving girl whore.

 

SERVANT

Even more reason to have her as far away from here as possible. Perhaps send her oversees?

 

COUNTESS

Absolutely not. She stays here with me. She will live and grow, but she will never leave. She will serve my household as her mother did and I will watch her closely.

 

SERVANT

The girl is innocent, madame. The count’s betrayal is nothing to do with she who has only just started to take breath.

 

COUNTESS

[Glaring at SERVANT for a few moments]

Bring the child to me. I should like to see her.

 

SERVANT

As you wish, madame.

 

Plays

I CAN DO IT (monologue)

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Character: Heather Webb 

Age: Late teens/ early twenties 

Heather is a socialite. Her family own a fishing corporation. Both of her parents are deceased, so her trust is in the hands of her elder brother, Hugo. She has a younger brother, Fergie, whom she is close to. She feels trapped in her life as Hugo can be demanding and controlling.  

[As though speaking to a friend.] 

HEATHER  

I swear it’s getting worse. It’s like being in a prison in that house. Every time I step inside the door he quizzes me on where I’ve been. Whenever I go anywhere he asks me who I’ll be with. He demands that I text him on the hour whenever I’m away from him. He checks my phone. He chooses how I am to dress. It’s disgusting. He says it’s because he’s my brother and he needs to look after me but it’s smothering. There’s nothing I can do about it. He controls our money, he controls what we eat and he is the one who tells us where to be and when. If he doesn’t like my friends he calls them and tells them to stay away from me. I’ve started gathering a bit of a reputation because of it. Noone wants to know. I can deal with that. That doesn’t bother me so much. What really frustrates me is the way he treats our little brother, Fergie. He should be enjoying his life right now and instead it’s all mapped out in front of him. I know Fergie is scared of him. I suppose I can be a bit too. Hugo can be a real monster sometimes. It can be difficult to tell what mood you’ll find him in. Just the other day he lashed out at Fergie. He beat him terribly. Even if he could fight back he wouldn’t. Hugo says he’s just trying to protect us and keep us together. Fergie and I already have a plan. As soon as we can gather enough money we’re going to get out of there. We’re going get as far away from him as possible. It’s not easy though. He’s still our brother. Hugo can be nasty. There are times when he can be so kind too. When he says he’s just doing what is necessary to keep us together I believe him. After our parents died he didn’t have to stick around. He could have gone anywhere. He chose to take care of us and we should be grateful for that I suppose. We should be thanking him every day he didn’t abandon us.  

He’s not always possessive. There are times when he is so charming and loving. When we were younger Hugo was the best big brother. He hated to see either of us upset. He would always go out of his way to make us laugh. He doesn’t seem much like it these days but he does have a really great sense of humour. Whenever we were down he would say, ‘cheer up little ones,’ in such a kindly way it would always make us smile. Maybe I’ve just made it that way in my head. Reality can be quite different when you look at it from the outside. We’re grown ups now and he still calls us ‘little’. We thought it was sweet before. Now it just sounds patronising. We’re grown ups. We’re not little. Fergie’s seventeen now. Hugo will always see him as a baby. It’s how he sees both of us. 

He makes me doubt myself. He makes me wonder if I am even capable of looking after myself. I’ve never held a real job. I’ve lived off my trust my whole life, at least what Hugo allows from it. I don’t know where I would even start. I could do it though. I know I could do it because Fergie would be relying on me. I could do it for my little brother. I’m the middle child so it seems only fitting I have to be strong for one brother against the other. It’s such a long road ahead. Someone once told me you will never get any further if you never take those first steps. I can do it. I know I can do it … 

©VivikaWidow2023 

http://www.vivikawidow.com 

Plays

Never Going Back

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Extract from Loyal – a play by Vivika Widow

ACT 1

Scene 1

SETTING: Small kitchen. Late evening. 

AT RISE: A young boy in his mid teens, BENNY, is seated at a rickety, small table center stage. A bowl with a single apple sits in the middle. He is wearing an old threadbare shirt. He is busy rolling a cigarette. He already has another clenched between his lips. A door can be heard closing as another young man, late teens, JAMIE, enters. JAMIE removes the Harvester coat he is wearing and drops it over his chair at the table. BENNY throws him a cigarette and JAMIE leans back as though he has had a long day. 

BENNY

Let it all out. 

JAMIE

[Looking at his brother he smiles]

Just the same old same old at the factory. What did you do?

BENNY

I found some really nice watches. I took them to pawn and got a hundred for them. 

JAMIE

[Looks at his brother a little suspiciously]

Where did you find them?

BENNY

Someone threw them away at Waldens. You know? The wine bar?

JAMIE

Just threw them away, did they? 

BENNY

You know the hoity toity types that go there. They have more money than sense. They must have just not wanted them anymore. One hundred is nothing to them. It means everything to us though. 

JAMIE

People don’t just throw watches away. 

BENNY

[Unable to keep the rouse continuing]

They were drunk. It was only lunchtime too. They came staggering out of Waldens and the watches were practically falling off their wrists.

JAMIE

[Becoming a little irate] 

We’ve talked about this! You shouldn’t have done that.

BENNY

I needed to do something. You’re out all day at that factory busting your nuts for us. I wanted to help. I wanted to play my part.

JAMIE

Damnit Benny! We promised no more stealing.

BENNY

It was just a couple of watches. I just wanted to help. You are always tired. The factory is draining the life out of you. One hundred isn’t to be sneezed at, is it? 

JAMIE

I don’t mind the factory. I work there to get us out of this place. I bust my nuts so we don’t have to steal. What were you doing hanging around Walden’s anyway? Shouldn’t you have been in class?

BENNY

[Looking a little shy.]

Class was cancelled for today. 

[Takes notes from his pocket and places them on the table.]

It’ll help, right? 

JAMIE

[Leans across the table and clasps his brother around the back of his neck affectionately.]

I want us to have a good life. We are going legit. We’re going to do well.

BENNY

If going legit means you working yourself sick then I don’t know if I want it.

JAMIE

You can help by going to class. Get a bit of education in you. You can make it out of here and make something of yourself. 

BENNY

Class was cancelled. 

JAMIE

Will it still be cancelled tomorrow? 

[BENNY scoops up the notes as JAMIE continues watching him.]

You don’t have to worry. We’re not going back. I promise.

BENNY

I can’t even think about that.

JAMIE

You don’t have to. We’re out of it. We’re on our own and we’ll do alright. 

BENNY

I’m sorry about the watches. 

JAMIE

Too late to give them back now, like.

BENNY

I’ll stop. I was just trying to help. 

JAMIE

You have to. We’re never going to get anywhere if we keep stealing. We were desperate before but I’ve got the job at the factory now. We don’t have to do be doing any of that. It’s tough but the work has to be done if we’re going to do well. 

BENNY

The old man said we’d amount to nothing. He called me a no good lowlife. Who was he to judge? 

JAMIE

Then prove him wrong. You can’t steal, little man. Get to class and get some book smarts. 

BENNY

What about you? 

JAMIE

Don’t worry about me. I’m just the dumb big brother, right? I’ve got a job and I’m doing good. You will do even better. Don’t mess it up. 

[Leaning over again he shoves BENNY playfully, causing BENNY to smile warmly]

BENNY

Maybe if I got a job at the factory too you wouldn’t have to do so many hours. 

JAMIE

Not at least until you’ve finished your classes. Then I’ll practically retire and let my brainy little brother take care of me. 

BENNY

[Chuckling merrily.]

If the old man could see us now, huh? He said we’d be back within a week. Calling us no users, throwing us out with nowhere to go. It wasn’t our fault he lost the practice. He was drunk on the job. Who wants to visit a dentist who stinks of booze? No one. 

JAMIE

Alright, Benny, I know. 

BENNY

He lost everything and he blamed us! The old girl didn’t exactly stick up for us either. She took his side. What would she know anyway? Pills, pills, pills all day. It was a wonder she didn’t rattle when she walked.

JAMIE

[sternly]

Enough. We’re out of it now.

BENNY

And we’re never going back. 

JAMIE

There’s no use being bitter then, is there? We’ll do fine but we got to keep straight. If we want to make something of ourselves we can’t do the things we did before. We got into a lot of trouble as kids. We’ll get into even more now if we’re not careful. 

[BENNY nods morosely.] 

Right?

[He picks the apple and rolls it at his young brother. BENNY chuckles, cheered by his brothers playfulness. BENNY takes a bite of the apple.] 

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Plays

Forgive Me

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A play by Vivika Widow 

©VivikaWidow2024

Cast

Dominick (m):

Head of the Church of St Wigan. Sometimes referred to as His Eminence. 

Confessor (m or f): 

An anonymous member of the church who has come to Dominick seeking forgiveness for a grave sin they have committed. Age, gender and race are all open. 

Location

Set in the cultish Church of St Wigan. 

Time

Takes place in an unknown time. It is modern but with some noir, old fashioned elements to the styling. 

SETTING: A church confessional. 

AT RISE: The stage is set with a partition. DOMINICK is already seated on his side. The CONFESSOR takes their place. A blessing in the Wigan fashion is given.

CONFESSOR

I ask for forgiveness. I am a flawed being. I have committed a great many sins. 

DOMINICK

You’ve come to the right place. St Wigan knows we are imperfect. Our imperfections are the reason he wished to embrace us all and bring us closer to God. 

CONFESSOR

Do you believe that no one is beyond redemption?

DOMINICK

We cannot be saved. None of us can. If we repent though, we may be redeemed. 

CONFESSOR

I’m worried I’ve fallen to far. 

DOMINICK

Then unburden yourself. Confess to me as St Wigan’s ear and He’ll listen. 

CONFESSOR

I’ve been lustful.

DOMINICK

Haven’t we all …

CONFESSOR

I’ve stolen property that isn’t mine.

DOMINICK

Then you must give it back. 

CONFESSOR

Lies have been on my tongue many times. 

DOMINICK

Then you must learn to speak the truth. 

CONFESSOR

I get jealous and angry.

DOMINICK

Unfortunately, that’s what it means to be human. What did you find yourself coveting? 

CONFESSOR

A perfect life. I knew a woman who seemed to have a perfect life. She was beautiful, bright and she sang with the tones of the waves. She would help anyone. She was loved for it. 

At first I wanted to be near her. Her very presence was comforting. Then I couldn’t be without her. I thought I might have loved her but that wasn’t it. I didn’t love her. I didn’t want to be with her. I wanted to be her. She had everything that I never had. I’ve always been on my own and she had swarms of admirers around her. Her face was fair where I’ve always been the sullen sort. Her body was healthier than mine too. She had it all and she lived a blessed life. The more I thought about it the angrier it made me until eventually I couldn’t look upon her pretty features without wanting to hurt her. She didn’t notice any of this. She still wanted to make me her friend. 

Above all things she had a stepbrother who adored her. I guess that was the thing I coveted the most. 

DOMINICK

What did you do? 

CONFESSOR

I think you already know. 

DOMINICK

They found her body. Her heart was torn out. Her tongue was removed. Her remains were burned as a whore because they claimed she tried to run away from the commune. 

CONFESSOR

I know. I told her you had gone to the city. You had left the church behind. She went looking for you, her precious stepbrother. When we got there I plunged a knife into her chest. 

DOMINICK

Why!?

CONFESSOR

I already told you. I coveted everything she had. She was a light in this world and if I couldn’t have that or be that it might as well be extinguished. We’re only human. You said so yourself. 

(DOMINICK remains quite on his side.)

Can I ask you something? 

(DOMINICK sniffs but doesn’t reply.)

If I tell you I repent, can I still be redeemed?

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Plays

Against the World: A monologue

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TAKEN FROM THE PLAY ‘LOYAL’

Character: Jamie Woodson (m)

Age: Late teens to mid twenties. 

Jamie and his little brother, Benny, have left their abusive home. As the elder brother Jamie has taken the responsibility of protecting his brother and seeing that he provides for him. Despite the difficulties they face Jamie has to explain to social services why they are better off.  

JAMIE

He’s been worried about me working all the hours I can so he’s been looking for ways to help out. I don’t want him stealing or getting into trouble. I’ve told him he needs to finish school. That’s the best way for him to help. He’s agreed with that. He’ll catch up on anything he missed. He’s really smart. He soaks up books like a sponge.

This is just temporary for us. We’re trying to save some money and get ourselves something real nice, like. It’s just these things take time. Just give us some time! We’re on the right track. Benny will stay in school. He’ll stay out of trouble. I’ve got plenty of hours at the factory so we’ll be out of here as soon as we can.  

I can’t let him go back there. It won’t end well. He stands a much better chance with me. Our old lady might be giving the sob story about reconciling. She probably shed a tear or two about her baby boy and how I’m leading him down a bad path but I’m looking out for him which is more than she ever did. She can be convincing. I’ll give her that. I don’t forget she’s the same one that told us to have it away quick and she never wanted to see us again.  Our old lady sided with him. She always did. I had taken the beatings my whole life. It just hit the limit when it landed on Benny. I had to get him out of there. He was left in a real state. 

We’re good. We’re set for life. Some teething problems is all. The Woodson brothers will do well. The boy genius and his dumb, protective older brother – Hah! Can you see it? It’s the Woodson brothers against the world. 

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Plays

Forgive Me (A short play)

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Cast

Dominick (m):

Head of the Church of St Wigan. Sometimes referred to as His Eminence. 

Confessor (m or f): 

An anonymous member of the church who has come to Dominick seeking forgiveness for a grave sin they have commited. Age, gender and race are all open. 

Location

Set in the cultish Church of St Wigan. 

Time

Takes place in an unknown time. It is modern but with some noir, old fashioned elements to the styling. 

SETTING: A church confessional. 

AT RISE: The stage is set with a partition. DOMINICK is already seated on his side. The CONFESSOR takes their place. A blessing in the Wigan fashion is given.

CONFESSOR

I ask for forgiveness. I am a flawed being. I have committed a great many sins. 

DOMINICK

You’ve come to the right place. St Wigan knows we are imperfect. Our imperfections are the reason he wished to embrace us all and bring us closer to God. 

CONFESSOR

Do you believe that no man is beyond redemption?

DOMINICK

We cannot be saved. None of us can. If we repent though, we may be redeemed. 

CONFESSOR

I’m worried I’ve fallen to far. 

DOMINICK

Then unburden yourself. Confess to me as St Wigan’s ear and He’ll listen. 

CONFESSOR

I’ve been lustful.

DOMINICK

Haven’t we all …

CONFESSOR

I’ve stolen property that isn’t mine.

DOMINICK

Then you must give it back. 

CONFESSORS

Lies have been on my tongue many times. 

DOMINICK

Then you must learn to speak the truth. 

CONFESSOR

I get jealous and angry.

DOMINICK

Unfortunately, that’s what it means to be human. What did you find yourself coveting? 

CONFESSOR

A perfect life. I knew a woman who seemed to have a perfect life. She was beautiful, bright and she sang with the tones of the waves. She would help anyone and she was loved for it. 

At first I wanted to be near her. Her very presence was comforting. Then I couldn’t be without her. I thought I might have loved her but that wasn’t it. I didn’t love her. I didn’t want to be with her. I wanted to be her. She had everything that I myself never had. I’ve always been on my own and she had swarms of admirers around her. Her face was fair where I’ve always been the sullen sort. Her body was healthier than mine. She had it all and she lived a blessed life. The more I thought about it the angrier it started to make me until eventually I couldn’t look upon her pretty features without wanting to hurt her. She didn’t notice any of this. She still wanted to make me her friend. 

Above all things she had a stepbrother who adored her. I guess that was the thing I coveted the most. 

DOMINICK

What did you do? 

CONFESSOR

I think you already know. 

DOMINICK

They found her body. Her heart was torn out. Her tongue was removed. She was burned her remains as a whore because they claimed she tried to run away from the commune. 

CONFESSOR

I know. I told her you had gone to the city. You had left the church behind. She went looking for you, her precious stepbrother. When we got there I plunged a knife into her chest. 

DOMINICK

Why!?

CONFESSOR

I already told you. I coveted everything she had. She was a light in this world and if I couldn’t have that or be that it might as well be extinguished. We’re only human. You said so yourself. 

(DOMINICK remains quite on his side.)

Can I ask you something? 

(DOMINICK sniffs but doesn’t reply.)

If I tell you I repent, can I still be redeemed?

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Plays

Once Again – Can someone help me!?

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ACT 1

Scene 1

SETTING: A hallway. Late evening. 

AT RISE: A young man, HUNTER, stands centre. He is in distress and he is holding a phone in his hand. Two doors stand on either side of him. He is dressed in suit trousers but is shirtless with a housecoat around him.

HUNTER 

[Knocks on the left door.]

Lloyd? Lloyd? Wake up. It’s my da. 

[Speaking into the telephone.]

A heart attack? Where did you find him? 

[Knocks on the left door again.]

Lloyd!? Wake up, will you? 

[Speaking to the phone again.]

He’s not been right for a while. He had a heart attack just last year. He was told to take it easy. He must have been busting his nut again. 

[He bangs on the left door with more force.]

Lloyd! 

[He snaps at his younger brother but when he returns to the phone his voice softens again.]

Grazi. I appreciate you calling. I’m just letting my little brother know. Did he suffer? 

[Listens for the callers reply.]

Well, that’s something at least. He had said when I was last at the villa that he was thinking of coming over to the city. I told him it wasn’t worth risking the travel but I guess he wanted to check up on me. Doesn’t matter now, does it? 

[He listens as the caller delivers him more information.]

I’d have to ask my ma. She’d know better what he wanted. I think he’d want to stay where he is but all his family are over here so I don’t really know. 

[Knocks on the left door again with more force.]

Lloyd will you get out your pit? My da’s dead.

[Speaking to the caller in a softer voice.]

You’re lucky you caught any of us. I heard the phone though. When the phone rings at this time it’s rarely good news, is it? My whole body is still shaking. 

[Laughs nervously.]

Sorry. It’s just it wasn’t what I was expecting. He has been sick for a while though. Did I tell you he had a heart attack just last year? Yeah, he had the warning signs. The doctor told him it was a warning. He said he wouldn’t be so lucky next time and I guess he was right. 

[HUNTER knocks on the second door.]

Ma? Ma!? You’re going to need to get up. It’s my da.

[Speaking to the caller again.]

I’ll let you go. I know it’s early. You were a darlin’ for calling. Grazi. Grazi. We’ll make the arrangements. We’ll get over to you as soon as we can. 

[Finally hanging up the phone HUNTER gives a gasp. Emotion builds in him as he comprehends what he has just been told. He knocks on the right door again with a desperate hand.]

Ma! I need you out here. It’s my da. Come on, where are you? Wake up! 

[HUNTER settles between the two doors putting the phone away. He steps forward as the two doors are placed in shadow and the focus takes centre stage. HUNTER addresses the audience.]

He was a tough man, my father. Some say he could be cruel but he just had a way he liked things to be done. He was really particular. As his first-born son he made it his life to make sure I was just like him. That’s where my little brother Lloyd was different. He could do whatever he wanted. We’re the Walden family, purveyors of the finest wine in the city. We’re known for our full-bodied merlot. Over on our vineyards is where my da died. A maid had gone into our villa to clean and there she found him by the pool. He must have been lying there all night. The maid said he was as stiff as a board. 

What worries me is now all of this is on my shoulders. Lloyd won’t care but I have to make sure our family business carries on. Now the vineyards and the warehouses will all be looking to me to tell them where to go. My da was always in the background to keep me right. He never really trusted me; you see. He has to now though, doesn’t he? He has no choice. Better to trust me than my baby brother. Lloyd would rather piss our family name away, filling his nose with powder and taking whatever girl throws herself at him. That’s not the life for me. I just wanted things simple. I just wanted to live. 

[Knocking on the right door HUNTER starts to become distressed again. He is trying to cover it but it is bubbling to the surface.]

Ma!? Are you awake? I really need you out here. 

[Turning to the audience again HUNTER continues.]

My da would be nowhere without my ma. She made his wine what it is and she made him who he was. She took the wine and made it the most sought after. The people liked her. They wanted to deal with her. My da was a horrible bastard but my ma? She could make friends with just about anybody. It doesn’t matter how they were, I suppose. It’s all up to me now … 

[Knocks on both doors. First the right and then the left.]

Will someone come out here and help me!?

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Plays

Amazing!

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ACT 1 

Scene 1 

SETTING: An open street. Early evening. 

AT RISE: [A tall man, ADRIEN – mid thirties and dressed in a vibrant red and blue shirt – stands centre stage. He spreads his arms and projects his voice in the way of a performance.]  

ADRIEN 

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls! Step right up for a truly amazing show. I’m Adrien Stoker and welcome to Stoker Circus!  

You can expect thrills, spills and chills as I tell you the tale of how low people can stoop to protect themselves. You may even shed a tear for your man here when you learn of the hardships I faced. I may not see you on the other side, such are the dangers that are about to unfold before your very eyes. If I don’t return to you at the end of it all know that I departed this great realm of ours doing what I love the most and that is bringing a smile to people’s faces. There is only one rule after all, here at Stoker Circus. That rule is you are not allowed to leave feeling sad.  

The story I am about to tell isn’t all smiles I’m afraid. It is fraught with danger but it is a story you must hear and It is my job to make sure you smile again before the end.  

You will meet people who make revolting a part of their personality. You will encounter the cruel, the wicked and the nasty. I have no right to judge, some would say. I am a bit of double dealing swine myself. At least I was. You see, I stand before you, ladies and gentlemen, a man so different from before. I saw things that made me realise the most important thing in life is the impression you leave on others. I’m not too shy to admit there was a time I stole and deceived. That’s what some would remember me for. The world around me became a dreadful place. It made me realise I wanted people to smile and cheer more than anything. I was forced to change my ways and there is no greater wake up call than the crash of bombs falling, destroying everything around you. What had my life mattered? It had mattered very little but it wasn’t the end. My life is a reminder that no matter how appalling people can be or how ghastly things get there are always going to be places you cannot leave sad. That is the legacy I wanted. That is what I would be remembered for. It wasn’t easy but then again things worth doing rarely are.  

We are so pleased to have you here at Stoker Circus. Sit back, relax and allow me to take you to where it all began.  

Hunter Walden finds himself overwhelmed when his family’s wine empire is left in his hands. Luckily a lovely stranger, Raquel, arrives in time to help. Hunter has always been a bit of a chump and once again he finds himself in trouble because he just can’t see she has ulterior motives.

A play by Vivika Widow

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Plays, Purple Ribbon

I Am What I Am

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A short play adapted from the novel Purple Ribbon

SCENE 1

Church yard. Day time.

Standing outside the Church of St Wigan, FATHER VERGER is greeting his congregates as they leave. He is approached by DELORES and her daughter TAWNY. DELORES Is dressed in a sombre black dress with a Wigan pin on her chest. TAWNY is dressed in a cheerful red dress with white polka dots.

DELORES

It was a beautiful service Father.

VERGER

Thank you Mrs McInney. I trust you are keeping well?

Turning his attention to TAWNY.

I would have thought you would have worn a more mournful outfit on account of your father.

TAWNY

Smiling warmly.

Pa hated to see people glum.

VERGER

Still, show a little respect.

TAWNY

Not paying much attention to the priest her focus is caught by someone waving to her from offstage.

Hi honey! It’s good to see ye. When did you get back?

Speaking to Delores.

Excuse me, ma.

TAWNY exits the stage.

DELORES

Shaking her head

I’m sorry Father. I thought with Reuben’s passing she would pray with me. Every week is a struggle to get her to come along.

VERGER

Looking over in TAWNY’S direction.

She needs the church’s guidance now more than ever. As her mother it is up to you to take care of her. Her immortal soul is at stake. St Wigan will impart the strength you need to correct her.

DELORES

I don’t want to lose her.

They both look towards offstage where TAWNY has just exited.

VERGER

Praise Wigan.

DELORES

Still looking after TAWNY.

Praise Wigan…

SCENE 2

Delores’ lounge. Evening.

DELORES is sat at home. The home appears draughty and uncomfortable. She is seated at a table centre stage where lighting is focused on a single empty plate and a Wigan book. DELORES is holding her Wigan pin in her hand. TAWNY is not present but her voice can be heard off stage in a dream like sound as DELORES reflects on her words.

TAWNY

Sounding as though she was in some pain when the words were spoken.

I am who I am!

DELORES

Rests her hand on the Wigan book.

I was worried about you. You were my daughter and you were putting yourself in mortal danger. I wish you could understand. If you turned to the Church maybe you could find forgiveness.

TAWNY

Crying.

Why can’t ye just love me for who I am?!

DELORES

Sighing she sniffs back the emotion.

I do love you. You’re my daughter. You wouldn’t listen to me and you made me angry. I was losing you and I had to do something. Ye were embarrassing yerself night after night like a wanton hussy.

TAWNY

If your church is asking you do this what kind of religion is it! Help me Ma!

DELORES raises a napkin to her lips.

DELORES

it was for your own good.

She sniffs again and composes herself.

You cannot be saved …

When Tabitha is sent to Hathfield Bay to meet her estranged grandma, she is given an inside look at the Cult of Wigan of which granny is a member.