The Best Man
Ian Cook & Ian Newton
Genre: Comedy
Cast size: 19
Duration: Two Act
Ian Cook & Ian Newton | Musical | Full-length | Principals: 5m, 6f Support: 6m, 2f
Short synopsis
- Synopsis
- Characters
- Reviews
The show begins on the busy streets of London on July 29th 1981, as crowds expectantly await the wedding coach of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.
Later at a street party Cathy, Sharon and Lisa are discussing their idea of the perfect husband. Listening to their conversation is Cathy's mum Vi, her Auntie Pat and her Gran. The ladies tell Cathy and her friends the awful truth about Men! Cathy thinks she has found a Prince in her new boyfriend Tony but he has stood her up... again! Danny, Cathy’s next door neighbour, offers to take her out instead. She declines and goes to wait by the phone. Danny has secretly been in love with Cathy for as long as he can remember.
Tony's father Ron, owner of Majestic Piles, a carpet warehouse where Tony and Danny both work, has arranged to make a TV ad, on the cheap, with the help of his brother in law Charlie. Pat's husband Albert, the long suffering foreman, has been charged with the extra job of choreographer! After the shoot Tony is left in charge. He is visited by Mr Temple and his henchmen Curly and Slim. Tony’s gambling habit has got him into serious trouble and Mr Temple gives him an ultimatum. After he has left Ron tells Tony that he refuses to bail him out any longer.
Back at work in Vi's Salon Cathy isn't feeling too well. She makes her excuses and heads off to Boots to get something for her stomach. Secretly she believes she might be pregnant after her first night alone with Tony.
Cathy is hoping that her Auntie Pat, who is a beautician in Boots, isn't at work. Sadly she's out of luck. Whilst trying to decide what to do Danny appears. She confesses and he offers to go and get the kit for her. Pat is hard at work selling her wares to a shop full of ladies all hoping to hold back the ravages of time. She spots Danny and unsuccessfully flirts with him. He tries to quietly buy the kit and, after much embarrassment and grilling by several shoppers, escapes.
Cathy is waiting for the pregnancy test to work, as she waits she imagines how her life might change depending on the result.
Tony takes Cathy out for a romantic meal so that he can ask her for money from her trust fund but before he can ask her she tells him she is pregnant. Tony decides to propose and suggests a quick marriage knowing that, once they are married, he will have access to her bank account. Cathy agrees and the whole restaurant celebrates.
Cathy tells Vi the news about the baby but swears her to secrecy. Later, When she mentions that Tony wants them to be married within a month, Sharon and Lisa can't see how this can be done. Gran announces that the women of the Price family have faced far greater challenges.
Cathy and Tony have to meet the vicar for a talk about the birds and the bees. After the talk Tony makes his excuses and exits leaving Danny to cover for him at the Wedding rehearsal. Danny asks Cathy if she is sure about the marriage. The ladies all meet at Pat's house for a final fitting before heading out on the Hen night. They discuss Cathy's poor taste in men. Afterwards they have a little surprise in store for Cathy.
Tony, Danny and their workmates meet at Quaffers nightclub. Tony, always on the lookout for a new conquest, bets he can take home two 'posh birds' who are in the club. Danny confronts Tony about his infidelity and learns the truth about his reasons for marrying Cathy. Danny says he cannot be Best Man but Tony blackmails him into going through with it. In the Ladies, Cathy overhears the 'posh birds' discussing Tony. Cathy and Danny are left alone to contemplate their fates.
Danny tries to speak to Cathy to tell her what he has discovered but can’t get to see her. He confides in Gran, who tells him he has to speak out.
Everyone is assembled for the wedding. Danny finally finds the courage to speak and Cathy questions Tony about his true feelings. Tony, realising he has been found out, flees followed by Mr Temple's henchmen. Cathy thanks Danny for saving her from making a big mistake and admits that perhaps there is no Mr Darcy in Dagenham. Danny tells her that she just has to keep looking, but not very far.
Applying and paying for 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.
Songs
Information for Production Administrators
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 in that then you can buy an inexpensive e-script of the entire play (generally costing under half the price of a traditional printed script) which is licensed to you for your personal use. Purchasing a script copying licence allows you to make a just sufficient quantity of copies to support rehearsals and performances.
All our musicals are included in our perusal service. Under 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. (See 'Copyright Questions' below).
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.
