A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE
A Different Way Home
Full-Length Play, Drama / 1f, 1m
A Different Way Home
by Jimmie Chinn
A deeply moving, astutely observed play which consists of two monologues ( Maureen and Lesli e) from a middle-aged estranged brother and sister in a closely-knit, North of England town.
Both monologues may also be licensed and performed separatley under their individual titles.
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Cast Size
1f, 1m -
Duration
90 minutes -
Target Audience
Appropriate for All Audiences
Details
Summary
In this deeply moving and astutely observed play, we hear two monologues from two members of a family in a small, closely-knit, North of England town. In Act 1, Leslie, who has lived with his mother all of his life, narrates the events leading up to her death, unwittingly revealing the extent of his loss and the bitterness towards his sister, Maureen, who lives nearby but is not in touch. In Act 2, we learn from Maureen that Leslie succumbed to his grief and excluded her, and we hear her side of the story - feeling rejected by her family and friends because she married a Jew, she feels betrayed for not being asked to help when needed.
The two voices convey the need for families to communicate, and for love to transcend prejudice.
''A Different Way Home started life as a short radio play. It was subsequently televised by Granada Television in front of a small studio audience. Such was the reaction that it was then extended into a double bill and premiered at the Oldham Repertory Theatre where it received best actor and best new play for the Manchester Evening News Theatre Awards. From this production it then enjoyed a highly successful national tour. I am proud to be associated with the development of this play, and to count Jimmie Chinn as a truly great writer and friend.''
Roy Barraclough - Award Winning Stage, Television and Radio Actor.
History
The part of Leslie was first played on Radio 4 by Bernard Cribbins on the 13th July 1988.
Leslie was later performed by Roy Barraclough on Granada Television.
In the production at the Coliseum Theatre, Oldham, directed by Kenneth Alan Taylor, both parts were played by a single actor, Roy Barraclough. However the parts can obviously be played by a man and a woman.
Keywords
Performing Groups
- Time Period Contemporary
- Setting A living-room
- Additional Features Not Applicable
- Duration 90 minutes
- Cautions
- No Special Cautions
Music
- Musical Style N/A (Not a musical)
- Vocal DemandsN/A (Not a musical)
- Chorus Size N/A (Not a musical)
Licensing & Materials
- Minimum Fee: £70 per performance plus VAT when applicable.