The Whisky Taster

A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

The Whisky Taster

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

James Graham

The Whisky Taster is a contemporary, subtle and witty exploration of feeling and perception in the modern world of advertising. Moving from monochrome to technicolor, James Graham’s dark comedy is about seeing things too clearly in a city that never stands still.

Image: 2010 Bush Theatre Production (Tristram Kenton)

Get the Script

The Whisky Taster

Request licence
Get the Script
  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    1w, 6m
  • Duration
    Duration
    More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Teen (Age 14-18)

Details

Summary

Barney and Nicola are advertising wunderkinds. They dazzle clients with wit, charm, and a secret weapon: Barney’s ability to feel, smell, and taste colors, and to translate these sensations into words. Lately Barney has been finding things far too colorful and wishes his full-throttle London life was more black and white, but Nicola is hell bent on winning accounts at all costs. When the two hire an old Scottish Whisky Taster to help them with a new campaign, the enigmatic and mysterious figure slows the Londoners to a stop, just as the deadline looms. This dark comedy explores perception, sensitivity, and feeling through the neurological condition synaesthesia.

History
The Whisky Taster premiered in London at the Bush Theatre in January 2010. Directed by James Grieve, the production featured Samuel Barnett, Kate O’Flynn, Chris Larkin, Simon Merrells and John Stahl.
Cast Attributes
Keywords
Performing Groups

BARNEY – Male. Mid-late 20s. North Midlands.
NICOLA – Female. Mid-late 20s. South London.
THE WHISKY TASTER – Male. 70s. Scottish.
MALCOLM – Male. 40s. English.
CHRIS – Male. 40s.

SCOTT – (Voice only)

  • Time Period Contemporary
  • Setting

    An advertising agency in central London. The present.

  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Duration More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • Alcohol

Media

“A brilliantly pacey and culturally penetrating new comedy.” – The Independent

“Thought-provoking, observant and emotionally intelligent, this is a superb piece of new writing.” – The Stage

“This fine new play by James Graham is a classic example of the Bush Theatre at its quirky best. It is charming, funny, sad and original, and has much to say about the times in which we live.” – The Telegraph

Videos

  • The Whisky Taster Rehearsal Diary – Bush Theatre (Part 1) youtube thumbnail

    The Whisky Taster Rehearsal Diary – Bush Theatre (Part 1)

  • The Whisky Taster Rehearsal Diary – Bush Theatre (Part 2) youtube thumbnail

    The Whisky Taster Rehearsal Diary – Bush Theatre (Part 2)

Photos

  • The Whisky Taster

    Image: 2010 Bush Theatre Production (Tristram Kenton)

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £85 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

Available Formats:
Get the Script

Add-Ons

Take a look below at how you can enhance your show!

Authors

James Graham

James Graham

James Graham is a playwright and screenwriter.

His recent work includes the play Dear England, commissioned by the National Theatre, about Gareth Southgate’s transformation of the national team. After a sold-out run at the National in 2023, the play transferred to the West End ...

View full profile

Now Playing

Related