Acting Edition S. Series

Suggested by the author's earlier play, Local Affairs. This is a fast-paced and very funny play set in the back gardens of feuding neighbours. It is the night of Michael's and Roma's fancy dress house-warming party. The evening looks set to be a lively one until a string of hilarious disasters strike, including a distinct lack of guests, a burning garden shed, a marauding Zimmer frame and the prospect of an irate husband on the prowl.4 women, 3 men

Keeping Mum

by Richard Harris

Published 1 April 1991

This poignant monologue sees Pauline sitting at the bedside of her dying mother. As she mulls over her own churning emotions she realizes a love that, it eventually transpires, is now too late to communicate.2 women

Who Goes Bare?

by Richard Harris and Leslie Darbon

Published 31 March 1974

Running a Health and Strength Home in a large and somewhat decaying country mansion can be a hazardous undertaking at any time, as Eddie Manchip knows. When one is further beset by a sinister crook to whom one has signed away the deeds of the house payment of a gambling debt; a complete desertion of the staff except for one half-witted and generally hysterically excited maid; an erring, pompous brother; his suspicious wife; a tennis-player in the nude; a quick-change artist who appears as someone different every ten minutes or so; the tennis player's kilted Scottish husband; and a hearty countrywoman grabbing second-hand clothing - then the result can be, in a word - chaos.4 women, 6 men

Stepping Out

by Richard Harris

Published March 1985

Following the success of the play Stepping Out, Richard Harris has combined the talents of lyricist Mary Stewart-David and composer Denis King to create a heart-warming, toe-tapping new musical following the familiar story of the lives, loves and laughs of a group of women (and one man) attending a weekly tap class in a dingy church hall.-9 women, 1 man

The Maintenance Man

by Richard Harris

Published 1 March 1987

This comedy by the author of Stepping Out is a bitter sweet and perceptive look at the collapse of marriage and the development and decay of an affair. Bob is a do-it-yourself enthusiast kind of guy that longs to be needed. This is why even long after his divorce he continues to visit his former home, despite how much it irritates his new girlfriend, Diana, who doesn't like the competition from his children or his Black and Decker.2 women, 1 man

Double Edge

by Leslie Darbon and P. Whelan

Published September 1976

Two and Two Make Sex

by Richard Harris and Leslie Darbon

Published 1 December 1974

Absurdity, taken with seriousness and decorated with the ridiculous, and logic foundering in bizarre situations these are the farcical formulas well exploited in this play. George is getting into his fifties, his sexual virility nagging at him, one way or another. He is having an affair with twenty year old Jane. His wife, Clare, sensing that something of the kind is going on, fixes up a way of dealing with the situation. Jane has a boy friend, Nick. The quartet play out their charades in a double setting, the living room of George and Clare's home, and Jane's flatlet.-3 women, 3 men

Visiting Hour

by Richard Harris

Published 1 April 1991

Six interlinked plays set in a National Health hospital during visiting hour. Alternately funny and sad - with elements of tragedy and comedy in each - your audience will be reaching for the Kleenex one minute and rolling in the aisles the next!-4 women, 2 men

Is it Something I Said?

by Richard Harris

Published 1 March 1982

Intending to kill himself, Wallace books into an hotel run by Arthur and Stella. Wallace's plans, however, are repeatedly thwarted and his determination wavers. After he and Arthur discuss their hatred for their respective wives, Wallace is fired with new determination to end it all, leaving poor Arthur contemplating a similar approach to escape from the unpleasant Stella.1 woman, 2 men

Outside Edge

by Richard Harris

Published 1 April 1980

Roger has enough trouble assembling his cricket team to play against the British Railways Maintenance Division Reading East, but these complications pall before those occurring among their various wives and girlfriends. As a final catastrophe, rain starts to fall. The play, from the author of Stepping Out, was first seen at the Queen's Theatre, London, starring Julia McKenzie and Maureen Lipman.4 women, 5 men

Large as Life

by Richard Harris and Keith Strachan

Published 3 April 2001

This joyous and exhilarating musical encounters five very different couples and a single woman embarking on an exciting journey -- the women are pregnant. To some this is a welcome surprise, to some a carefully planned event, to others a cause for worry and confusion. When the big delivery night arrives, with joy and with sadness, this musical shines with an understanding of natural development, never forsaking hope!