Books in the Acting Edition S. series

When three Brooklyn-born Jewish women - Sara, Pfeni and Gorgeous meet up to celebrate Sara's 54th birthday, reawakened familial bonds cause them to confront the past and her future. But the reunion is interupted by Merv, a furrier who takes a shine to Sara.

When the Harrisons arrive with an unexpected guest, Mary Dickinson, with whom Tom had a passionate affair three years previously, Tom has trouble putting her out of his mind. Will Tom and Alice's marriage survive the seductive onslaught of Mary who seems determined to get Tom to herself at last?

"Wally" Wallis, an old sea-dog, is by no means the perfect retirement home resident. When his room-mate, Potts, dies and is replaced with the staid George, war is instantly declared. This play is a celebration of the resilience of older people who are determined not to give in without a fight.

When Rachel takes up rowing as a hobby, her husband Victor never suspects that she is meeting another man in her friend, Georgina's house. Why should he? He is himself secretly meeting Georgina, while her husband, Henry, an actor, is at the theatre. But one day Henry returns home unexpectedly.

In the sequel to The Wizard of Oz, the Wicked Witch has stolen the Scarecrow's brains, the Lion's courage and the Tinman's heart. So off Dorothy and her old friends go to the Mountain of Darkness to get them back. Many hazards and dangers are encountered on the journey but they eventually manage to retrieve everything and, with the help of Glinda the Good Witch, the Wicked Witch is whisked off in a whirlwind.8 women, 10 men

Dumpster, an idealistic young rat who lives in a rubbish dump, dreams of a brighter, better world. But his dreams are dashed daily by His Ignoble Ratship The Lord Vermin, Ruler of the Refuse, Defender of the Dump and Guardian of the Garbage, who has plans to turn every park and every garden into Utter Garbage! A delightful play about our environment for performance to children, with plenty of opportunities for lively audience participation!-7 women or men

Norman Robbins pantomime tells the traditional story in which his own wacky style combines with the traditional elements to provide a script that is hilarious and imaginative, with plenty of opportunities for cast and technical crews to show their mettle. The production can be as elaborate or as simple as facilities permit and directors are free to make their own choice of songs and music.Large flexible cast

Frances, Howard and Rachel have always believed that their father, David, died in a boating accident when they were children...but he didn't. When the three siblings gather to clear out the house of their recently deceased mother, several long-hidden secrets are revealed, but none of the skeletons to fall from their collective closets is more tangible or more shocking than David, who arrives with the news that the house is, in fact, now his.2 women, 3 men

In this tense, dramatic thriller there are more than enough twists to keep your audience guessing. Beautiful Veronica enlists the help of a former lover to murder her writer husband, Gus, whilst all the time plotting to run away with her current lover.2 women, 3 men, 1 woman or man

Divorc¿ Graham asks friends Ernest and Pamela to help out with the holiday visit of his children. The children are brought by his ex-wife and her mother, who disapproves of Graham's lifestyle. Pamela, although childless, has strong views on children and organizes a party for them. By having the adults play both the party guests and themselves as children we are given fascinating and funny glimpses of their pasts, making their scenes as grown-ups all the more pertinent.4 women, 2 men

But Yesterday is a haunting, enigmatic one act play from the sensitive pen of successful playwright, Jimmie Chinn. Set in a vicarage garden, the time is the fifties and before. Prior to leaving on a journey from which he will not return, Robert comes back to the garden of his childhood and relives moments from the past, which become mingled with the present.3 women, 2 men

Two old men, Ron and Bill sit on a park bench. Their talk encompasses the soullessness of old people's homes and the disappointments of growing old. But far from being depressed, the two men are full of fighting spirit. Bill's been reliving his honeymoon and Ron has been living it up in Amsterdam.

Unhappy about going to London to sing on the stage, Percival Pig plots with his animal friends for a way to get back to the farm.

Pantomime for 13 characters and chorus on convential lines with a bad tempered fairy, a good witch, knockabout scenes, reference to local names and so on, but based on a less usual subject.Flexible cast

David Wood has adapted this fairy tale into a musical play rather than conventional pantomime. Comedy, adventure and lively original songs combine to make these unusual plays sure-fire hits with family audiences.Large flexible cast

Wicked Viking Jarl, Smut the Smug, crosses the northern sea to ravage the coast of England, only to encounter rival Viking, Svein, Prince of the Blue Fjords, searching England for his Princess bride. The villain flees with no booty, except for three exceedingly naughty children, Tum, Dickon and Harald. But Smut is pursued back to his lair in Smutland by the children's outraged and outrageous guardian, the indomitable Dame Dustpan, joined by Prince Svein, who agrees to help rescue the children in return for help tracking down his princess.Large flexible cast

Conservative MP Philip Grantly has a loving wife, loving mistress, two teenage children and a good chance of a seat in the Cabinet. One by one his wife discovers his affair, his daughter is suspended from school for snorting cocaine and his socialist son is involved in a public brawl. Finally a newspaper discovers his affair and threatens to publish, resulting in a comedy which combines romance and wit with fun and suspense.4 women, 4 men

In this heart-warming and emotional portrait of a small cotton mill town in Lancashire, Edie Hill is essentially protrayed as a tragic heroine: she works hard all her life, raises an illegitimate son, and loses her family one by one as they fall victim to the cotton dust from years spent labouring at the mill. At the same time, however, Edie is a truly funny character, and the tragic points in her saga are interspersed with moments of great warmth and humour.9 women, 12 men

Stella and Regina are understudies in a West End production of a classical tragedy. Stella is a Method actress, passionate about the magic of theatre, whilst Regina is her cynically practical opposite, displaying an acerbic wit and resigned to knitting and shopping in Sainsbury's. When their double-crossing director brings in The Known Actress as the understudy for one of the stars, the two rivals unite in their resentment.-3 women, 2 men

Veteran TV talk-show host Patrick Sumner is desperate to impress his new producer Reg Godfrey, who visits Patrick's smart London flat for drinks. But Patrick reckons without the intervention of Jenny, a pretty girl who arrives on the same evening as Reg, intent upon infiltrating Patrick's private life and even passing herself off as his wife. When Patrick's real wife returns unexpectedly from a Paris trip, Patrick is forced into a spiralling series of lies and subterfuge.-3 women, 3 men

Mid-life crisis is hitting Ted. A row is the catalyst for his decision to leave Beryl, his wife of 32 years. At first she is shattered, but events give her a new lease of life. When Ted decides that the grass is not so green, Beryl makes a decision that six months ago would have been unthinkable.

Captain Anthony Cole, confined to a wheelchair, dreams of being able to walk again and marry his beloved Chrissy. When he is informed that he won't regain the use of his legs, he lashes out at Chrissy, declaring that he will never marry her. Sister Winifred, who combines professionalism as a nurse with a slightly unorthodox vocation as a nun, saves the day, ensuring that the couple get the wedding they have longed for.-6 women, 6 men

Martin Dawson, a 33-year old theatre studies teacher, separated from his wife and children after an affair, has invited his parents, Joan and Len, to visit him in the Lake District. This "enjoyable" weekend break evolves into an opportunity to release the pent-up frustrations of a lifetime.

Nancy, recently widowed, lives in a luxurious beach house overlooking the sea near Puerto Escondido on the Pacific coast of Mexico. When her son, Jack, arrives after a year-long disappearance she is overjoyed to see him but perturbed by his mysterious lifestyle. Fuelled by alcohol, Jack's emotional turmoil begins to disrupt Nancy's peace of mind and to fracture her new relationship with the sensitive Charles. Then Jack discovers that Nancy is financially supporting Charles. One of the men has to go...-1 woman, 2 men

The story of Hans, a young medical student, and his search for the Princess who has lost her memory to a witch called Daisy. Hans, who is aided by the Gobbin - a gormless kind of Goblin with magical powers - goes through many adventures before he wins his Princess.6 women, 7 men

Alan Brown's pantomimes recreate those of Victorian times, blending traditional elements - including Harlequin interludes and suggestions for period songs - with subtle updatings to suit modern young audiences.Large flexible cast

Alan Brown's pantomimes recreate those of Victorian times, blending traditional elements - including Harlequin interludes and suggestions for period songs- with subtle updatings to suit modern young audiences.Large flexible cast

There is trouble brewing at Camelot! Paul Reakes' pantomime "Camelot" is a world of magical adventure - an Arthurian tale with a twist.