This site has limited support for your browser. We recommend switching to Edge, Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.

Not sure where to start? Discover all our scripts

Talk to one of our experts here

Thank you for purchasing with Stagescripts

Shopping basket 0

Sorry, looks like we don't have enough of this product.

Products

Need help? Contact our team here

Pair with
Subtotal Free
Shipping, taxes, and discount codes are calculated at checkout
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • Maestro
  • Mastercard
  • Shop Pay
  • Union Pay
  • Visa

Camels And Kings

Martin Paul Roche

Genre: Drama

Cast size: 4

Duration: One Act

By Martin Paul Roche | Drama | One Act | 4f

Short synopsis

Set in England during June 1940, Camels And Kings follows Dorothea Stapleton, a woman shaped by strict family ties and societal expectations. Despite war, her life remains rooted in protecting reputation and upholding tradition, all while hiding a deep secret. When Agnes arrives unexpectedly, their worlds collide, challenging old conventions and revealing how fate can change everything in surprising ways.

England, June 1940. The country may be at war, but for Dorothea Stapleton little has changed in her world in sixty years. She is from an era consumed by family connections, position, standards. Where reputation is all and must be protected - whatever the price. Equally, she is conditioned by ‘The Establishment’ which demands that one must always do the right thing and act for the greater good and sometimes, maintain two histories: that which is known and that which must remain secret. And Dorothea has a secret. During the summer, Agnes unexpectedly arrives in Dorothea’s world of anachronisms, sweeping away convention, oblivious to entitlement.

As they adjust to one another, their lives intertwine and unravel in a most unexpected manner as they both discover that the world can be a very small and unpredictable place.

As Dorothea says, “Fate is a permanent and an unforgiving guest at my table; behaving in a despicable manner when one least expects it.” And that expectation is about to be realised.

4f

  • Dorothea Stapleton: (Elizabeth’s Aunt) She is the epitome of the matriarch. She rules her empire and her subjects. She presents as a woman of breeding, over 60 (but dependent on the age of Elizabeth/ Agnes*). She is from an old and wealthy family; well-connected, controlled and controlling; elegant, always well dressed; articulate, sharp, cutting, distant. Her back-story has made for a complex character which is only revealed at the end of the play. Well spoken, home counties.
  • Elizabeth Heaton: (Dorothea’s Niece) She is warm,
    caring, knows how to handle her aunt and hardly ever rises to the bait when itis presented. 40*. She is educated, articulate, attractive, calm, organised,
    composed. Good humoured, warm, sincere. Extremely close to her friend, Agnes.
    Appears only in act 1. Well spoken, home counties.
  • Agnes Wainwright: (Elizabeth’s friend) Agnes and
    Elizabeth have known each other for four years. She is not ‘from money.’ Brought up in Manchester and now living in London. She is an artist and they met when Agnes was attending an exhibition in London and have been friends ever since.  Opinionated, strong-willed, passionate. Immediately at odds with Dorothea and in resolution, more than her equal. Age to match Elizabeth, 40*. Manchester/Northern accent.
  • Edith Stokes: (Housekeeper) Similar age to
    Dorothea. Warm, caring, honest. Devoted to Elizabeth and also to Dorothea. The voice of reason who quietly maintains the balance between Elizabeth and her Aunt. She has a sharp wit which she uses to good effect to remind all that she is more than the hired help. Northern accent.(
Type
Free

Applying for and paying royalties

To apply for royalties, please complete the form on our apply for royalties page.

To pay for fixed fee royalties having received your Quotation from us, please go to this payment form.

[{"variant_id":"55572494516610" , "metafield_value":""}]

Camels And Kings

Free
More information

DIRECTION NOTES: These are only included as a
suggestion; one take on how the piece might be achieved. They are not essential and are provided for illustrative purposes only. Similarly, for the placement
and suggestions of songs/recordings.

If you require any additional information regarding this script, please don’t hesitate to contact us here.

Frequently asked questions

Can we try before we buy?

Of course! All our plays and pantomimes have a free Preview Script available for download as an A4 pdf file that contains 60-75% of the full script. If you like what you read then you can buy an inexpensive e-script of the entire play (typically less than half the cost of a traditional printed script) which is licensed to you for your personal use. Purchasing a script copying licence allows you to make just enough copies to support rehearsals and performances.

All our musicals are included in our perusal service. Through this, representatives of producing organisations can request a USB Stick of perusal material  which comprise the script/libretto and piano/vocal score as PDF files; a Cast (or Studio) Recording as MP3 files and (where available) an MP4 file video of either the premiere production or of a subsequent production.

Some titles have the facility to read the entire script online on our website.

Do we need a Licence To Perform?

The simple answer is, yes.

Under the international laws of copyright, you must be in possession of a valid, unexpired licence before performing any piece of theatre unless the owner or managers of the copyright has waived their rights.

Why do you insist on providing a formal royalties quotation?

When you request a quotation, it is logged in our system, it forms part of an orderly queue and protects your place in that queue should multiple licensing requests occur for the same show.

Need help?

Contact us

If you need help with our scripts, please contact our customer service team, we would be more than happy to help.

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)

Established for over 25 years

Unearthing future talent


Stagescripts is a trusted licensing company run by theatre professionals with decades of experience on and off stage. Our curated catalogue includes over 1,000 carefully selected plays, musicals, and pantomimes — from fresh, undiscovered writing to well-loved classics.

We’re passionate about helping theatre-makers at every level discover scripts that inspire, challenge, and connect with audiences. Whether you're staging a village hall production or leading a professional company, our team offers expert advice, flexible support, and a responsive, personal service to help your next performance shine.