Books published by Samuel French Ltd

Full Length, Satire Characters: 4 male, 3 female Simple settings A man wakes up one morning and decides he must kill himself. He is angry with himself for not hitting his wife every time she has an independent thought (as Abraham and Moses would have done). After she dies and God reveals to him that he is the new Prophet, the man takes a new wife, dresses her in slave chains, and begins to preach his newfound gospel of male domination. Simultaneously humorous and disturbing, Bradshaw's Prophet explores controversial issues in startling and unexpected ways. "Fasten your seatbelts. PROPHET, Thomas Bradshaw's lacerating satire,...hurtles from rambunctious mockery to real horror. This is situation satire with a vengeance..."-The New York Times This play contains scenes of a graphic sexual and violent nature that may not be suitable for all audiences.

Drama Characters: 8 male, 1 female Interior SetSet in 1970 in the Hill District of Pittsburgh that is served by a makeshift taxi company, Jitney is a beautiful addition to the author's decade by decade cycle of plays about the black American experience in the twentieth century. "Explosive... Crackles with theatrical energy."-N.Y. Daily News "Could be described as just a lot of men sitting around talking. But the talk has such varied range and mus

Musical comedy Book and Lyrics by Adolph Green and Betty Comden Music by Cy Coleman Based on a play by Ben Hecht and Charles McArthur and also a play by Bruce Milholland Characters: 17 Principal roles, plus chorus (doubling possible) Whether performed with elaborate scenery or on a simple scale, this brilliantly comic musical appeals to audiences everywhere. As in the classic original, the story concerns the efforts of a flamboyant theatrical impresario Oscar Jaffe to per

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.

M4 F2. The living room of a country house A comedy of manners set in the late 1920s, Mirage takes place at the country house party of Gerald and Evadne Fairfax.

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

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

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?

In the last week before World War II, a small concert party, working the end of a pier show somewhere in England, is rehearsing for the final week of the season. There is talk of impending war, while visible proof that war is expected, sandbags, gun installations, etc. - is all around. The uncertainties of the period are mirrored in the uncertainties of the company's future. We meet the various members rehearsing their acts on stage as well as their more private moments in between.

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.

Philip King and Falkland L. Carey's domestic comedy, Rock-A-Bye Sailor, revolves around the christening of Able-Bodied Seaman Alfred and Shirley Tufnell's child, and the ensuing mayhem. Albert's mother-in-law, Emma Hornett, has her nose put out of joint on several occasions and being excluded from seeing her grandson in hospital, and is determined to have her say in future events...|5 women, 4 men

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

Ethel and Bill Brown await the arrival of Violet's new young man - the posh Trevor who works in fine art - and Ethel has made a splendid tea to impress Trevor.

Sir Loddon, MP, is bringing a libel suit against a London newspaper that printed a story claiming he was neither a baronet nor a Loddon.

Timely and resonant, The Argument chronicles the arc of a relationship between a man and a woman with bracing humor, passion, and fury. What happens when two people who say they love each other fight over something so precious that they reach a point of no return?

Dobbitt has been posted to a dismal, distant place, a grim industrial compound that uncomfortably resembles a prison where his quarters have bunks (one freezing cold and the other boiling hot), a table, and an ancient typewriter.

A play with a plot full of warm, sardonic wit and sentiment, and with a twist so sensational, it leaves the audience crushed and stunned.