A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE
But Yesterday
Short Play, Drama / 3w, 2m
But Yesterday
by Jimmie Chinn
A haunting, enigmatic play set in the fifties and before. Prior to leaving on a journey Robert comes back to the garden of his childhood and relives moments from his past, which become mingled with the present.
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Cast Size
3w, 2m -
Duration
40 minutes -
Subgenre
Period -
Target Audience
Appropriate for All Audiences
Details
Summary
But Yesterday is a haunting, enigmatic one act play from the sensitive pen of successful playwright, Jimmie Chinn. Set in a vicarage garden, the time is the fifties and before. Prior to leaving on a journey from which he will not return, Robert comes back to the garden of his childhood and relives moments from the past, which become mingled with the present. Sound and light do much to evoke the atmosphere and we learn something of the sterile family lives played out in the garden, of Robert's gradual desertion from his childhood beliefs and hopes, and of his journey to find honesty and truth. Two men, in shadow, have accompanied him on this last visit - and they escort him to his new life, leaving behind a hurt, bewildered family...
History
The play was first presented by Teddington Theatre Club at Hampton Court Theatre in 1989.
Keywords
Performing Groups
- Time Period 1950s
- Setting A vicarage garden - the 1950s or even before.
- Features Period Costumes
- Additional Features Not Applicable
- Duration 40 minutes
- Cautions
- No Special Cautions
Media
"‘But Yesterday’ by Jimmie Chinn is a moving and slowly unwinding play that gradually conveys the realisation that Robert has come back to say good bye to the vicarage garden in which he grew up. We eventually gather that he has betrayed his country and that, in addition, there are other secrets." - Parlour Players News
'' A true examination of the human condition - and the changes of conviction.'' Richmond and Twickenham Times
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: £30 per performance plus VAT when applicable.
Authors
Jimmie Chinn
James 'Jimmie' Chinn was born in Middleton, Lancashire on March 30th 1940 - the only son of his beloved mother, Edie. His early years, although not always easy, were to shape his writing in the future, and this often difficult time compounded his determination to achieve grea ...