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A spooky Scottish house silhouetted on a hill against a moonlit sky in poster style - a couple of bats and an overhanging tree frame the poster

A Very Scottish Play

John Waterhouse

Genre: Comedy

Cast size: 6

Duration:

John Waterhouse | Comedy | Full Length | 3m, 3f

Short synopsis

Terry decides to go away with his wife for a few day’s complete rest on a remote Scottish island but soon finds out that the island has a host of natural hazards as well as numerous dangers from animals and insects. Things only get worse when a ghost appears nightly at the window, a flamboyant American film producer arrives looking for set locations, and a clairvoyant staying at the guesthouse believes that the ghost is giving dire warnings.

Terry, a highly stressed businessman, decides to go away with his wife for some rest and relaxation on a remote Scottish island. Soon after arriving, he discovers the idyllic looking cottage in the brochure is actually very uncomfortable and has a strange atmosphere. To make matters worse, Sid, the landlord, who is also the local undertaker, describes a host of natural hazards on the island, from sudden fog to quicksand and this is in addition to numerous dangers from local animals and insects.

Terry’s wife, Angela, is determined that they will enjoy their holiday and they venture off to a local pub, only to fall into bogs whilst a mysterious woman in black arrives and just stares at them. Sid believes that they have seen the ghost of the ‘dark lady’ and this is confirmed by Valerie, a curious clairvoyant who checks into the guest house that evening. The ghost is seen pointing at Terry and this is interpreted by Valerie as a warning. Then Gerald a flamboyant American film producer arrives looking for set locations, accompanied by his girlfriend Fenella. The old guesthouse is exactly what he needs for his latest film.

The ghost of the dark lady makes further appearances and Terry believes that his life is in danger. Sid knows of a reclusive medium called Gertie who lives on a remote island, who can exorcise the spirit that is tormenting Terry, for a fee. Gerald is fascinated in the ghostly background to the guesthouse and hopes to film the dark lady’s next appearance.

Valerie emerges as a lady of many talents and Gerald puts her in his film, finding her surprisingly athletic for a clairvoyant and arousing jealousy from Fenella, who is the star of the film.

Will Terry and Angela be freed from the attentions of the ghost? Is Valerie really just a clairvoyant writer? What is Sid really up to?  And why is this island the focus of paranormal activity?

3m, 3f

  • Terry Fusspot - 40s, a London businessman, on the edge of a nervous breakdown brought on by stress and overwork
  • Angela Fusspot - 40s, Terry’s wife, very much wears the trousers in the relationship, organised and determined
  • Sid Didler - 50s, the owner of a small Scottish guest house, originally from London, gregarious rogue always on the lookout for ways to make money or amorous encounters
  • Valerie Goodthighs - 30s, a bizarre and eccentric writer on the occult who either looks like a gypsy fortune teller or else is surprisingly at home in outdoors and sporting outfits
  • Gerald Grubenstein, the second - 50s, flamboyant film director from America who will let nothing stand in the way of his new film
  • Fenella Roberts - 30s, attractive young starlet who’s rise as a film actress is in no small way helped by the fact she is going out with Gerald Grubenstein

"A lovely welcome at tonight’s outing
of ‘A Very Scottish Play’. A very funny tale with an eclectic mix of characters
and a lot of strange goings on at Sids “hotel” where a very stressed out couple
Terry and Angela try to relax with great difficulty. 

A great script with lots of humour
delivered effortlessly by a small but perfectly cast company at Monifieth Theatre. 

Also great to see the youth taking
the reins of the sound and lighting. Congratulations to All Involved. Great night, Thank you for the invite.

Donna, NODA District 2 - Scotland

Free

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A Very Scottish Play

Free
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