A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE

Still Life (Coward)

Short Play, Drama  /  5f, 6m

This deeply touching romance was the basis for Brief Encounter. After meeting and falling in love in a suburban rail station, Dr. Harvey and Laura meet weekly before realizing they must part forever.

This title is part of Tonight at 8.30, a cycle of ten one-act plays by Coward consisting of: We Were Dancing, The Astonished Heart, Red Peppers, Hands Across the Sea, Fumed Oak, Shadow Play, Ways and Means, Family Album and Star Chamber.

Still Life (Coward)

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    5f, 6m
  • Duration
    Duration
    45-50 minutes
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Appropriate for All Audiences
Still Life (Coward)

Details

Summary
This short play was the basis for Brief Encounter. In a suburban rail station, Dr. Harvey removes a cinder from Laura's eye and they fall in love. Subsequent weekly meetings over tea, scenes debating respectability or love, and some sentimental moments transpire before they decide they must part forever. He is accepting a faraway post and she must return to a circumspect life. At their last meeting, a chattering friend swoops down and there is no chance for a final goodbye.

This title is part of Tonight at 8.30, a cycle of ten one-act plays by Coward consisting of: We Were Dancing, The Astonished Heart, Red Peppers, Hands Across the Sea, Fumed Oak, Shadow Play, Ways and Means, Family Album and Star Chamber.

History
Still Life was first produced as one of a series of nine one-act plays under the title Tonight At 8.30. The show premiered at the Phoenix Theatre in London in January 1936 under the direction of Noël Coward. The production opened on Broadway at the National Theatre on November 24, 1936.
Performing Groups
  • Time Period 1930s
  • Setting The refreshment room of Milford Junction Station.
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Duration 45-50 minutes

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £40 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

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Scripts

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Authors

Noël Coward

Noël Coward

Noël Peirce Coward was born in 1899 and made his professional stage debut as Prince Mussel in The Goldfish at the age of 12, leading to many child actor appearances over the next few years. His breakthrough in playwriting was the controversial The Vortex (1924), which feature ...

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