May Contain Nuts!
A tried & tested comedy in one act for youth theatres and schools by Barbara Hockley
The plot
'Nuts' was written for a young teenage cast and explores the awkwardness of romantic and creative aspirations through the medium of storytelling.
The play begins with our protagonist (Henry in the play, but gender is up to you) attempting to write a 'safe' story. One that doesn't challenge or break any rules; one that adheres to mundane storylines that are easy to control. Or are they...
Despite his best efforts, aided by the famous Brian de Bergerac*, Henry's imagination runs away with him. In fact, some of it runs away from him. And there is Jane, who refuses to remain in the dull safety of his mind any longer and makes a break for freedom to find a new, exciting story to be in.
And more surprises are lurking in the dark, murky and unexplored corners of their imaginations...
*Apologies to Edmond Rostand - I have taken a few liberties.
(Apologies also to Shakespeare... many liberties taken)
A few of the characters
Henry - protagonist. A would-be writer of reasonably adventurous and romantic literature.
All the other characters are within his imagination - whether he knows it or not.
Jane - Henry's imagined 'damsel in distress' and co-progtagonist!
Brian de Bergerac - a dashing French poet & swordsman of great renown with a large nose.
A variety of Shakespearean characters from Romeo & Juliet
Black-Hearted Lil - A black hearted pirate captain.
Bootleg/Doris - Love interest disguised as a pirate
A Wise Old Woman
The Ancient Screaming Furries (I can't explain them - you'll have to read it - think 'Furies').
Statues
Dracula, Van Helsing, Mina & Jonathan Harker (from 'Dracula')
More vampires and pirates
Download a sample of the script
Just a few pages to whet your appetite. You'll be able to see just how silly it really is.
Henry has just created a scenario where he can rescue Jane (his imagined love interest) - but she's really not interested and things get a bit out of hand in the kitchen of Henry's mind. In fact, Jane has a couple of brothers Henry didn't even know existed, and they strongly suggest he leaves that part of his imagination immediately.
Download the script to read on...
You can buy the full script below
Details
- Suitable for 11+ KS3, KS4 & YA. Young teenagers are always game.
- Running time is approx. 40 mins (give or take a silly sword fight.
- The ability to make piratey noises is essential (gaaaarrrrhhh)
- An opportunity for an ensemble cast to be very creative
-
You are welcome to change the gender of characters as befits your cast. Make sure the script still works and please don't alter it apart from names.
- It's versatile and requires no particular staging, although a platform is always useful.
Why perform Nuts?
- Pirates and vampires (seriously)
- Fake facial hair, wigs and silly props
- Pirates
- LOTS of ridiculous characters that aren't pirates
- Silly sword fighting
- Medium/large versatile casting (multi-roling)
- Easy to stage and costume
- Did I mention pirates?
- Why not? Really...why would you not want this much fun?
The Cost - CURRENTLY ON OFFER!
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Script + photocopying rights | £8 |
| PR 1 performance | £6 |
| PR multiple performances | £20 |
Interested?
I am committed to making our plays as affordable as possible and 'Nuts' is currently on offer at a very reasonable price!
The purchase link takes you to my online store on Payhip where you can download easily.
You can also CONTACT me to buy the script if you prefer.
Artwork by Emma Beebee Art - link to Instagram