A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE

They Call It Murder

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  4w, 3m

Bettine Manktelow

They Call It Murder
by Bettine Manktelow

Despite his lowly origins Mr Dalrymple has done well, and now that he is elderly and ailing speculation inevitably arises as to the disposal of his money among his three granddaughters. One, Peggy, neurotic and inhibited, is driven to take drastic st…

They Call It Murder

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    4w, 3m
  • Duration
    Duration
    105 Minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Not Applicable
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Appropriate for all audiences

Details

Summary
They Call It Murder is a play for three men and four women. Despite his lowly origins Mr Dalrymple has done quite well for himself, and now that he is nearly ninety and ailing speculation arises as to the disposal of his money among his three daughters. Peggy, neurotic and inhibited, unlike her sisters, and uncertain as to her future with her fiance, is driven to taking dramatic steps to secure the money: but becomes involved fatally with the old man's self-seeking male nurse, Julian. Julian guesses that Peggy took a hand in Mr Dairymple's death and turns the knowledge to his advantage. Peggy's misdeeds rebound on her with a vengeance, and the end of the drama is tragic, eerie and savagely ironic.
History

First presented by Howard Theatre Productions at the Leas Pavilion, Folkestone, Kent in July 1976

Keywords
Performing Groups

Peggy Strange:  3s, a bank clerk and the elder sister of the three.  Good looking but quietly dressed, has a worried, preoccupied air.  She is mature beyond her years.

Babs Strange:  20s.  a nurse, the middle sister, a happy hedonist, attractive, extravert and good-humoured.

Julie Strange:   18.  the youngest sister, pretty and clever, on her way to university.

Howard Pierce:   Peggy's fiancee, 30-40.  Amiable and easy-going. 

Julian Fudge:    A male nurse, personality plus,  effeminate and sinister.  late 20s.

Mrs Moore:  The home-help and neighbour.  Warm-hearted,kind and gossipy.  50s

  • Time Period Contemporary, 1970s
  • Setting A living-room, comfortable but shabby.  Two doors, one window.
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Additional Features Not Applicable
  • Duration 105 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: £55 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

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Authors

Bettine Manktelow

Bettine Manktelow
Bettine Manktelow was born Bettine Stratton in Gillingham in Kent, and is the middle daughter of three.She became stage-struck at an early age andworked in a repertory company atChatham Theatre Royalat the age of sixteen as an assistant stage-manager, learning stage craft fro ...
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