Gardening Leave
Nicolas Ridley
Genre: Comedy
Cast size: 3
Duration: 35 mins approx
Nicolas Ridley | Comedy | One Act | 2m, 1f
Short synopsis
- Synopsis
- Characters
Bob is on ‘gardening leave’ and has been since his company ‘let him go’ a few months back. He’s more than a little anxious ‘to get back in the saddle’ as soon as possible because work is Bob’s life.
It must be the right job, of course; not that money isn’t important. Bob’s son is starting boarding school, his daughters are buying ponies and the family has recently moved to a bigger house with a bigger mortgage.
All of this has meant that his wife has had to return to work. Fortunately, her old firm welcomed her back with open arms and ever since it’s been a case of onwards and upwards. Her success is marvellous, of course, but it’s taken a toll on their personal life, which isn’t what it was.
Never mind. A solution seems in sight. Bob has arranged to meet Tom, a friend of a friend, to explore any available opportunities. Can Tom point Bob in the right direction? Better still, does Tom have any openings himself?
The problem is… Well, there are lots of problems. Mistaken identity, crossed purposes, an extraordinary revelation and – finally – a terrible let-down.
Bob’s desperation and lack of self-awareness adds a tinge of tragedy to the piece, and his relationship with Tom, who remains mystified throughout, is in constant flux.
The action of the play takes place in the lounge of West End club. The requirements for set and props are minimal which means that it’s simple to stage.Bob and Tom are contrasting characters who give both actors an ample opportunity to explore their comic talents. Bob’s wife, Fiona, who appears towards the end of the play, is a cameo part that adds enormously to the fun of the piece as a whole.
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