Edith in the Dark

EDITH NESBIT – In her forties, Edith is astute and brilliant but unhappy. She’s quick witted and has an eye for a younger man. She’s a very modern woman for the era in which she lives. But almost everything she does is a diversion from her own personal heartbreak and secrets.

MR. GUASTO – Tall, strident and handsome in his late twenties. He arrives uninvited but when he helps Edith with an ailing guest gets more than he bargained for. He’s a huge fan of Edith’s work, but since he has a terrible fear of the grave, is not expecting the night that lies ahead of him.

BIDDY THRICEFOLD – Mid fifties or above. Biddy is a terrible housekeeper and rather too fond of her own home-made spiced punch. She loves Edith and despite the banter the feeling is mutual. She’s more of a companion than a servant, and although the part has been written for an older actor could be played by someone the same age as Edith. The character supplies a lot of the humour in the early part of the play but has a terrible secret of her own that she finally finds a way to share.

All three actors also play the roles featured in the stories within the play regardless of gender or age.

Edith Nesbit
Mr. Guasto
Biddy Thricefold