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Edward, Mrs Simpson and Freda Dudley-Ward

Edward, Mrs Simpson And Freda

Geoff Buckingham

Genre: Historical Drama

Cast size: 15

Duration: 110 mins approx

Geoff Buckingham | Historical Drama | Full Length | 8m, 7f

Short synopsis

This play explores the events leading to King Edward VIII's 1936 abdication, a moment that still fascinates people today. It delves into the historical facts and personal pressures on key figures, while also revealing the lesser-known story of Freda - another significant love in Edward's life - raising new questions about how history might have changed.

This play is about the events leading up to the Abdication in 1936. An event that  shook the World,  and is still talked about to this day, Edward 8th is still a huge source of intrigue, and provokes much public discussion. 

It not only examines the historical facts, but explores the stresses placed upon the major players at the time. Plus, it adds a major new element...The other big love in Edward's life! Did he meet Wallis Simpson on the rebound? Would history have changed immensely if Freda had not turned him down?

It is a great opportunity for drama groups to showcase their talents portraying major political and royal figures of that time, such as Edward 8th, Wallis Simpson, King George, Queen Mary, Stanley Baldwin, Plus, of course, the gorgeous socialite, Freda Dudley-Ward!

And for the public to make up their minds about Edward and Wallis Simpson... 

Opportunities too, for wonderful music of the era, featuring songs with enduring popularity. This play can be memorable to perform. And can put lots of bums on seats!

Characters 8m. 7f 
Principals 5m, 4f; Support 3m, 3f

  • Ivy – was friends with Freda Dudley-Ward in the 1930’s, 60-70s (f)
  • Liz – a friend of Ivy’s any age 30s-70s (f)
  • A Soldier from Edward’s regiment, early 20s (m)
  • Edward VIII, formerly The Prince of Wales (known
    as David) (m)
  • Freda Dudley-Ward (Freddie) - Edward's (f)
  • King George V (m)
  • Fruity Metcalfe – close friend to Edward (m)
  • Duff Cooper – close friend to Edward (m)
  • Queen Mary (f)
  • Wallis Simpson (f)
  • Aunt Bessie – Wallis’ aunt (f)
  • Neville Chamberlain – an MP at the time (future Prime Minister) (m)
  • Stanley Baldwin – The Prime Minister (m)
  • Winston Churchill – an MP at the time (future Prime Minister) (m)
  • Mrs Baldwin – Stanley’s wife (f)
Type
Free

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Edward, Mrs Simpson And Freda

Free
More information

Versatile staging is recommended to allow for swift movement between scenes, a forestage or platform for narrators and a collection of 1920's and 1930's popular music. Set in 1972 with flashes back to the 1930s.

Edward, Mrs Simpson and Freda was previously performed as a Radio Play on Zoom during the pandemic. It played a crucial role in keeping local amdram alive during those difficult days for drama groups.

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

Frequently asked questions

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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.

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