Books in the Acting Edition S. series

ComedyCharacters: 10 male, 5 female, plus extrasScenery: Unit setBased on the hugely successful British television series that ran for seven seasons, this uproarious comedy relates the adventures of a hapless cafe owner, Rene, in occupied France. You can see all of your favorite TV characters in the flesh, including Rene''s tone-deaf wife Edith, Major-General von Klinkerhoffen and the Gestapo officer Herr Flick!He and his wife have stashed a priceless portrait stolen by the Nazis in a sausage in their cellar, where two British airmen are also hiding until the Resistance can repatriate them. Communications with London using the wireless that is disguised as a cockatoo add to the many embarrassments this intrepid proprietor endures in the company of his patrons. News that the Fuhrer is scheduled to visit the town inspires tricksters disguised as Hitler to frequent the cafe. Meanwhile Rene summons all the wit he can muster to save his cafe and his life.

Colin must be comforted in his grief over the death of his fiancee so his friends, who never met the girl, arrange a tea party for him. Understandably they are on edge wondering what to say, but there is more to their unease: Diane and Paul, John and Evelyn, and Marge and her husband are perpetually out of circulation with trivial illnesses are all kept together by a mixture of business and cross-marital emotional ties. By the time Colin arrives for tea, their tenseness contrasts dramatically with his air of cheerful relaxation. He is the only happy one among them and his happiness and insensitive analyses of their troubles causes each of them to break down.

Feydeau's hilarious farce Occupe-toi d'Amélie is here translated in a lively new version - seen at the Royal Exchange, Manchester, under the title She's in Your Hands! Marcel will inherit one million francs - on his wedding day. Unwilling to relinquish his bachelorhood, but in dire need of cash, he persuades Amélie, a cocotte, to act as his fiancee for benefit of his godfather. But events don't go according to plan!|5 women, 13 men

"Waiting for Godot" has become one of the most important and enigmatic plays of the past 50 years and a cornerstone of 20th-century drama. The story revolves around two seemingly homeless men waiting for someone--or something--named Godot. The result is a comical wordplay of poetry, dreamscapes, and nonsense, which has been interpreted as mankind's inexhaustible search for meaning.

The world's greatest physicist, Johann Wilhelm Mobius, is in a madhouse, haunted by recurring visions of King Solomon. He is kept company by two other equally deluded scientists: one who thinks he is Einstein, another who believes he is Newton. It soon becomes evident, however, that these three are not as harmlessly lunatic as they appear. Are they, in fact, really mad? Or are they playing some murderous game, with the world as the stake? For Mobius has uncovered the mystery of the universe--and therefore the key to its destruction--and Einstein and Newton are vying for this secret that would enable them to rule the earth.

A professor of Classics becomes obsessed with a female student who challenges the relevance of his course and finally leads him into an overnight affair. Meanwhile, the dean of the department, joining her in the attempt to bring the curriculum up-to-date, has become involved in a sly relationship with the professor's mysterious wife. The play is saved from a tragic ending by a sudden surprising discovery.

The Polden Players have just left the stage after performing in a local drama festival. The production was a disaster and there is plenty of wit and repartee as sparks fly while they vent their feelings about the performance. It is apparent that each is using the theatre to escape from a humdrum life. When the Adjudicator arrives, they are surprised to get their just desserts.|3 women, 4 men

A classic story of four young women who struggle to overcome the trials of keeping up appearences whilst battling poverty and awaiting news of the fate of their father who is fighting the Civil War.

A remote cottage in the woods for a weekend of peace and quiet is just what Geoffrey and his vivacious wife need to get away from London's hectic life. But a chain of eerie events soon turns the long awaited holiday into a nightmare!|5 women, 4 men

Nigel Sheridan's suburban life is, on the surface, idyllic. He has an attractive wife; bright, well-behaved teenage children; a pleasant house; peace and stability ... But for several years Nigel has harboured a secret, and today his wife Eve has discovered it.

It is 1930 and in a roadside inn outside Berlin Pavel Alexandrovich sits reading - keeping very much to himself. A salesman, Liszt, arrives in search of lodgings. He engages Pavel in conversation about the war period. Reluctant at first, Pavel eventually recounts how he assisted in the execution of Tsar Nicholas. It has haunted him ever since. His story leads to the perennial mystery of Anastasia's fate. Surprisingly, Pavel suspects that a prostitute at the inn could be the Russian princess. The denouement is even more surprising - but by then Pavel is too sunk in alcoholic oblivion to realise it.|3 women, 3 men

Conflicting emotions of love, hate, jealousy and guilt are unleashed as the party progresses. The sisters recall their childhood and reflect on the impact David has had on their lives.  As the party draws to a close, the relationships between everyone present will never be the same.|2 women, 3 men

In this compelling, thought provoking play about the continuing effects of the Second World War, Dr. Kirshner, head of a sanatorium in Germany, has to make a decision on whether or not Bauermann can be released into society after spending a year in her care.|3 women, 3 men

As David¿s Italian penpal, Mario, is coming to stay, his wife Kate goes to her mother¿s so that they can practise their languages in peace. When the penpal turns out to be a shapely brunette named Maria David is in big trouble, not least because Maria has smuggled in a packet of diamonds. The flat is soon besieged with assorted gangsters, a lady plumber, a curate, the police and an angry Kate!|5 women, 6 men

Set on Guy Fawkes night, this thriller has all the ingredients for a spectacular e~ening, full of surprises for everyone - including the guy! The plot centres on Rod, a master at an exclusive girls' boarding school, and his wife Marian. Immersed in preparations for the firework display they are visited by a man who accuses Rod of seducing his daughter. Intent on revenge he attempts to kill Rod, but gets shot himself. In the ensuing panic Marian substitutes the body for the guy and it is now that the twists and turns begin. The body disappears and it is only much later, in flashback, that we learn the full events of the evening. Two prefects perceive more than they reveal and there are several more shocks in store. The arrival of the dead man's brother with his niece's diary seems to provide the motive the Inspector needs - but does it?

Henry Fielding's novel (which started out as a skit on Richardson's Pamela), recounting the adventures and misadventures of the handsome footman and the simple, loveable parson, is dramatized for a simple-to-stage production, requiring a minimum of props and settings. Robbers, grasping innkeepers, love, jealousy, female rivalry, personal misunderstandings, surprise revelations of unexpected relationships - all find their places in the exuberant story. Period - about 1740.|11 women, 7 men

The apples gather for a ceremonious party, Rosie is ready to be picked from the tree and united with her loving parents, Mr and Mrs Russet. But amongst the guests are Bad Apples who send the party into disarray, then the dastardly Pieman arrives looking for fresh apples and the hunt is on.

Specially written for those who want to build their own show. The traditional story is told in modern prose dialogue and provision is made for the inclusion of local and topical material, songs and musical numbers. At the same time the pantomime is complete as published, and can be performed, if desired, without any alteration.|Large flexible cast

NODDY AND THE NOAH¿S ARK involves most of the familiar book characters, including Big Ears, Whiskers the Cat (a puppet), Bumpy Dog, Tessie Bear, Mr. Plod, Sam and Sally Skittle and the goblins, Sly and Goblin. Mr. Noah needs financial support to keep his animals fed. Tessie Bear and Noddy collect sixpences for the cause. But the collecting box is stolen by the goblins. In NODDY AND THE TOOTLE, Noddy and the other familiar characters meet the Great Tootle, a travelling magician, who is able to make people dance by playing his penny whistle.|Large flexible cast

The Tinsley family's package holiday in Spain proves to be an even greater change from Blackpool than expected. To start with, it seems young Ron had persuaded his father to book the same hotel as Gloria, the girl Ron loves despite the disapproval of her mother, who also turns up. Everyone becomes involved in general misunderstandings, and a final surprise shatters everyone.

Set '60s, this psychological thriller moves from a room in a vicarage to the living room of Dark Lucy's cottage. Set over three acts the suspense andtension will have the audience gripped with a horrid fascination of the reveal.

The infamous banker Silas Snaker and his clerk Bowler have contrived to rob old Captain Noble out of his savings. The Captain expires from the shock, leaving the lovely Miss Lucy in dire straights. When Bowler sees her plight, he repents and compels the villain to pay back all of the money. This delightful melodrama must be played in the grand manner.|2 women, 5 men

About the Suffragette movement activities in 1908 where alderman's family and staff are involved.|9 women, 5 men

A female professor has been teaching a course on the literature of love with a younger male colleague.