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A clown integrates with a homeless woman and a businessman in a cafe

The Reluctant Witnesses

Les Clarke

Genre: Comedic Drama

Cast size: 6

Duration: 50 mins approx

Les Clarke | Comedic Drama | One Act | 4m, 1f, 1m/f

Short synopsis

Comedy drama set in an interview room at a police station following a terrorist incident. A number of witnesses are thrown together whilst waiting to be interviewed and a more mixed bag of people it would be hard to imagine – a man late for his date, a consultant, a bag lady, a shouty yob, and bizarrely, a clown. Tension is high and tempers are frayed.

 

Following a terrorist attack, the police assemble a group of witnesses for questioning amid a chaotic and tense atmosphere. Robert, caught up in the event after stepping out for a sandwich, grows impatient as he awaits his fiancée. Ruthie, a homeless woman, is brought in and shares her story during her questioning. Jeffrey, a consultant, joins the discussion, updating Robert on the unfolding situation. Patrick James Carter, an irate individual upset over business disruption, soon arrives and confronts the police. Tensions rise when Happy Harry, an unconventional clown, is introduced, provoking Carter’s hostility. As the witnesses are interviewed, only Carter and Harry remain, and conflict seems imminent until the police return to arrest Carter due to outstanding warrants—relieving his fear of being left alone with the clown.

 

(4m, 1f, 1m/f)

  • Robert Craig - 20s, smartly dressed in suit and tie, a reasonable person
  • Ruthie - 50s/60s, street-wise, dressed in layers of mismatched old clothing, she has missing teeth, carries a carrier-bag
  • Patrick James Carter - 18-22, jogging bottoms, trainers, hoodie, baseball cap aggressive, abusive
  • Jeffrey Mount – mid 50s, smartly dressed, suit and tie, reasonable, firm and calm
  • Happy Harry - early/mid 30s, a clown, red afro wig, big white eyes, big red mouth and a bright suit, underneath there is a hard side to the man
  • PC Stanley – 30s, reasonable, understanding, very firm when needs arise (m/f)

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The Reluctant Witnesses

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