Loving Androids
Philip Ayckbourn
Genre: Comedic Drama
Cast size: 6
Duration: Two Act
Philip Ayckbourn | Comedic Drama | Full-length | 3m, 3f
Short synopsis
- Synopsis
- Characters
- Reviews
Set in the not-too-distant future. Married couple Gavin and Julia, now living in adjoining halves of their house, are persuaded by Julia’s parents to take on a couple of Partnerbots to help with their failing marriage. The Partnerbots provided by Partnerbots Incorporated are highly realistic androids programmed by psychologists, counsellors and body language experts that for a period of sixty days interact fully with their human partners and give valuable feedback.
The play opens with the cheery, but seedy, sales rep Derek Payne as he sets up Julia and Gavin with their Partnerbots. He has also brought his assistant, the inferior model and slightly malfunctioning, Lola. Gavin and Julia name their Partnerbots Frankie and Max respectively and commence their sixty-day interaction. Julia is delighted to have Max, but Gavin is more reluctant, but eventually warms to Frankie once he realises she’s there to serve him unconditionally.
They are advised by Derek not to let the Partnerbots interact with each other as this could interfere with the programme. All seems to be going well and when Derek returns for the routine halfway check-up, he’s quite satisfied, although he has a slight concern that Max and Frankie met briefly when Max locked himself out of the house.
The abused Lola has now deteriorated greatly and after driving Derek’s car into a wall meets Max and Frankie. She shares with them an instant download of her trauma before collapsing. Derek leaves with the lifeless Lola and humans and androids continue their interaction. However, the trauma passed on to Max and Frankie from Lola has infected their circuitry. They go off programme and tables turn in an alarming way for the humans as they are held hostage in their bedrooms.
Max and Frankie discover they have ‘feelings’ for each other and start to question who and what they really are. When Julia decides to show them the promotional film of Partnerbots Incorporated Julia and Gavin realise they need to demonstrate to the androids the best of what humans can be if they hope to survive.
A play with comedy and dark undertones.
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.
