From This Day Forward
Nicolas Ridley
Genre: Drama
Cast size: 7
Duration: 100 mins approx
Nicolas Ridley | Drama | Full-length | 2m, 5f
Short synopsis
- Synopsis
- Characters
The play is set in a fictional ‘alternate present’ and takes place in an apartment suite that is somewhere between an airport lounge and a budget hotel.
In the recent past, the powers-that-be have taken the view that the institution of marriage, which is viewed as the bedrock of a stable society, has been marginalised and needs to be stabilised. Recognising that ‘as long as you both shall live’ is, in the modern world, an unrealistic expectation for married couples, it has been ordained that marriage licenses will be issued for a limited periods of time: one year, five years or ten years. Once the licence expires, couples may choose either to renew their licence or allow it to expire. On the day before they make the decision, couples are invited to a ministry-approved hospitality facility to reflect on the state of their marriage and discuss the future of their relationship.
The play introduces three couples at very different stages of their lives, each with contrasting outlooks and challenges.
Following an unresolved tragedy, it appears that Kate and Tom are reaching the end of the road. By contrast, Annie and Bev are only beginning their journey and, although there may be problems ahead, the future looks positive. Jim and Sarah, an elderly couple, are desperate to continue their lives together but officialdom has thrown up what looks like an insurmountable obstacle.
Meanwhile the less-than-competent Gillie, performs her duties as hospitality manager and Registrar, but it becomes increasingly obvious that she has tricky personal challenges of her own.
The overall tone of the play is light with episodes of comedy, absurdity and pathos, but it raises thought-provoking questions about social regulation, individual freedom, the nature of relationships and the future of marriage. Easily staged, with seven good parts for a range of ages, the play will entertain and intrigue, providing the audience with plenty of talking-points after the curtain comes down.
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.
More information
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.
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.
