A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE

Before the Party

Full-Length Play, Dramatic Comedy  /  6w, 1m

Rodney Ackland, W. Somerset Maugham

"But darling what will people think if the sister's wearing mourning and the widow's dressed in pink?"

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Before the Party

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    6w, 1m
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Adaptation (Literature)
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Senior, Teen (Age 14-18)

Details

Summary

"But darling what will people think if the sister's wearing mourning and the widow's dressed in pink?"

The war is over and the Skinner family are trying to return to normal. If only the blasted Government weren't such a nuisance about the rations and Cooke could get some more of those delicious delicacies. With daughter Laura returned from Africa, widowed but not alone, they prepare for the latest social gathering.

Amidst the never-ending whirl of hats and dresses and below-stairs skirmishes, Laura reveals a shocking secret that threatens to ruin more than one party on the climb to social success.

History

First performed at the St Martin's Theatre, London on 26th Octover 1949

Keywords
  • Time Period 1930s
  • Setting

    Laura's room in the Skinner's house in Surrey

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £70 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

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Authors

Rodney Ackland

Rodney Ackland
Rodney Ackland (5/18/1908 – 12/6/1991) was an English playwright, actor, theatre director and screenwriter. He was educated at Balham Grammar School in London. In his 16th year he made his first stage appearance at the Gate Theatre Studio, playing Medvedieff in Gorky's The Lo ...
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