Welcome to my playwriting. I hope that you will enjoy what you see here and will wish to read one (or more) of my plays - which may lead to you wanting to stage a production. I love writing and you can be assured that all these plays are entertaining, uplifting and moving, with plenty of humour and a sense of fun, mostly with a good twist and importantly for me - they contain no bad language. In November 2024, my comedy monologue Last Egg & Cress Standing won the bronze award in the Global Finals of the World Monologue Games. You'll find details of all my plays on this page - from short monologues to full length and everything in between. There are seventeen in all, with new plays and monologues in the pipeline, including an exciting adaptation in mind. All the best - Marc
'For surely it is a magical thing for a handful of words, artfully arranged, to stop time. To conjure a place, a person, a situation, in all its specificity and dimensions. To affect us and alter us, as profoundly as real people and things do.' Jhumpa Lahiri - My Life’s Sentences, The New York Times
The Visitors
A play with supernatural elements throughout, which touches on 'the last big mystery', being the possibility of life after death.
Although this moving and poignant play's main themes are homelessness, grief, old age, living on your own and approaching the end of your life, it is also one of change and hope, with lighter moments of humour running through it.
This full length 1 act drama of approximately 75 minutes, is set in the present day and can be performed with minimal scenery/props, as there is just one set. It has a cast of 3 women and 2 men playing 7 characters - 4 females (age 87, 52, 52 and 20) and 3 males (age 57, 57 and 55).
Summary
After an elderly widow’s stepson informs her that he wants to sell the house she lives in, she decides to find someone who can move into her home, in the hope that she can continue living there. But what about the other visitors?
Cast (with doubling characters and playing age)
3 Females, 2 Males – with 2 actors doubling.
Female, 87 – ELLA
Female, age 52 – CYNTHIA and MRS. MOODY
Female, age 20 – ANGELA
Male, age 57 – MIKE and MR. MOODY
Male, age 55 – DAVID
Doubling is preferred but alternatively, all characters may be played by different actors if required. This should preferably be performed as a one act play with no interval but one may be added between scenes 4 and 5 (of 8) if necessary.
Characters
MIKE: A friendly taxi driver, 57
ELLA: A physically weak but mentally strong, lonely, working class widowed woman, 87
DAVID: Ella’s nasty, bullying stepson, 55
CYNTHIA: A helpful next door neighbour and best friend, 52
ANGELA: A strong, humorous, working class homeless woman, 20
MR. MOODY: A humorous, henpecked husband, 57
MRS. MOODY: A slightly smug wife, 52
‘… a thoughtful and sweet story about old age and reaching the end of one's life. The majority of your characters are written with detail and care, making it easy to invest in them. The relationship between Ella and Angela is believable and grows naturally, serving as the emotional heart of the play.’ Papatango New Writing Prize
Development/Production History -
November 2024 - Rehearsed reading by Company of Ten, Abbey Theatre, St Albans.
Available to license - Please contact me for a copy of the script.
Travelling Light
Share a journey with nine passengers to one destination - where unforgettable stories are revealed. Your next coach trip may never be the same.
An entertaining play set on a coach trip to Blackpool, which is good fun as four of the cast (out of six) are doubling, playing very different characters and staged so that the actors change costumes (and characters) in view of the audience, forming an integral part of the play.
This full length drama of approximately 1 hour 35 minutes, is set in the present day and can be performed with minimal scenery/props. It consists of 2 acts with 4 scenes and an interval, with a cast of 3 women and 3 men playing 10 characters (9 passengers and a driver) - 5 males (age 40, 50 and three age early 60s) and 5 females (age 18, early 30s mid 60s, 70 and early 80s).
Synopsis
Travelling Light shares the journeys of nine passengers travelling on a coach to Blackpool on a sunny day in early September.
Arthur is travelling to a business convention and strikes up a conversation with Neil, a company director. After Arthur explains that he has been working for a company for almost thirty years and on autopilot for the past few, Neil has a surprising business proposition.
Fiona is travelling back to her parents’ B & B, where she is now living after a difficult marriage, when she chats with Guy, a single man who shares his optimistic plans to set up a surfing school. Although they both wish to ask each other out on a date, their past experiences make them hesitant.
Rita is on her way to scattering the ashes of her late husband, having recently visited several places where they had previously stayed. When she talks with Lily, who is intent on finding her first boyfriend of fifty years ago, to return a valuable book, they decide to give each other moral support.
Rupert wakes up to the realisation that his stag party friends have played a prank on him which has gone too far.
Marilyn has ‘escaped’ from her retirement home for the day, to travel to a conservatory to see a rare flower, when she has a conversation with fellow rebel Becky, who has bunked off from school to visit the beach and has a profound request before they leave the coach.
Just before the coach reaches its destination, it breaks down and as the passengers disembark, the driver has what may be a life changing moment.
Cast (with ‘actual’ age) and doubling characters (and playing age)
3 Males, 3 Females – with 4 actors doubling.
Male, age 65 – DRIVER (playing late 60s)
Male, age 55 - ARTHUR and RUPERT (playing early 60s and 50)
Male, age 45 - NEIL and GUY (playing early 60s and 40)
Female, age 25 – FIONA and BECKY (playing early 30s and 18)
Female, age 65 – RITA and MARILYN (playing mid 60s and mid 80s – who looks 70)
Female, age 65 – LILY (playing 70)
Doubling is preferred but alternatively, all characters may be played by different actors if required (where the actors' ages may be more accurate).
Characters
DRIVER: A jovial driver, late 60s
ARTHUR: An eccentric man, with a sense of fun, early 60s
NEIL: A company chairman, well spoken, with a sense of fun, early 60s
GUY: A single surfer, 40
FIONA: A recently divorced woman, early 30s
RITA: A recently widowed woman, working class, mid 60s
LILY: A widowed woman, 70
RUPERT: A soon to be married man, with a hangover, upper class, 50
MARILYN: A retired florist, refined, 85 – but looks 70
BECKY: A sixth form student, cheeky, tomboy, 18
'There’s plenty of warmth, sensitivity and poignancy, and the play invites the audience into a private world. It’s life affirming and full of optimism.' Jamie McLeish, Playwright, New Play Exchange
'This play offers four charming vignettes of pairs of strangers having life-altering encounters. The characters are engaging and full of surprises and it was a pleasure to share their journey.' Paul Donnelly, Playwright, New Play Exchange
‘… an exploration of the connections we make with complete strangers and what surprises await us in the later years of our lives. You've a strong command of language - the dialogue between the characters really flows, and there's a lovely balance of back-and-forth between them. The humour keeps the pace moving forward with lightness, which is a deft and impressive quality. There is a lot to admire in the writing and the naturalism…’ Papatango New Writing Prize
'A very humorous and warm play with unique characters and clever staging.' Robert Caston, Playwright, New Play Exchange
'Marc has crafted a charming collection of intriguing scenes on a coach trip to Blackpool, each filled with conversations that have a myriad of surprising twists and resolutions. I can envisage Marc's play being a hit with theatres for its easily producible script and with audiences looking for relatable, likeable characters. Take a fun trip with Travelling Light!' Andrew Martineau, Playwright, New Play Exchange
Development/Production History -
This is presently unproduced.
Available to license - Please contact me for a copy of the script.
Blast from the Past
A poignant and humorous drama about an older actor, family relationships, ageing and hope.
The scene is set for an entertaining and ultimately uplifting family friendly drama, with the title of the play having a double meaning – the main character emerging from a period of grief for his wife, stepping back into his world of work, and secondly, the happier memories of yesteryear, which he is reflecting upon. Although the main character is experiencing the very early stages of dementia, I have deliberately only touched on his illness, as it is not the main theme of the play.
I was inspired to write this after having enjoyed chatting with Colin George, the late classical actor, director and founding artistic director of the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield - a charming man whom I regularly served as a customer in my day job, although it is not based on him.
This full length drama of approximately 1 hour 35 minutes, is set in the present day and consists of 2 acts with 8 scenes and an interval, with a cast of 3 men and 4 women playing 8 characters - 3 males (age mid 80s, early 80s and mid 70s) and 5 females (two age early 60s, 25 - 35, and two of any age - both of whom may be played by the same actress).
Summary
Take one actor who wants to act, a brother, daughter and neighbour who also want him to, another daughter who doesn’t, and an actor - who can’t. Can Tim begin to find his inner confidence, and believe that there may be a chance to act for one final time?
Synopsis
Tim is still feeling young at heart and trying to stay as positive and upbeat as possible. Although he has practical and emotional support from his family, he is starting to think about happier times, with an acceptance of change towards the 'winter' of his life. He has set his heart on auditioning for a final acting role before he retires and while visiting and staying with his brother Eddie on the coast, he receives a message that his agent has organised an audition for him. Tim is aware of his recent memory issues which he has not fully come to terms with and opens up to his brother about his concerns. They reveal their close bond through their humour, while talking about the family and their own matters, and Eddie offers his support and cheers him up.
With the help of his daughter Emma, Tim decides to proceed with the audition, even though he finds strong opposition from his other twin daughter, Linda. While visiting his home, Linda and Tim argue about his acting plans and not wanting any help with finally clearing her mother’s clothes, and she storms out. With self doubt returning, Tim considers cancelling his audition and leaves a message on his agent’s voicemail.
When collecting a delivery, his neighbour Sophie realises that Tim is upset and invites him to dinner. Linda visits Emma later that afternoon where she talks about her fears for Tim, and becomes upset about her own circumstances. Emma comforts her and they agree that something needs to be done to help their father. Tim talks about his life and career when at Sophie’s, who encourages him to carry on acting, while she discusses her recent breakup and they make a deal that if she dates his grandson, Howard then Tim will attend the audition.
Despite his reservations, Tim prepares himself for the day and attends with his daughter Emma. While waiting, Tim meets another actor, John, with whom he had previously worked, who accuses him of ruining his career. After a humorous but heated exchange, John is forced to leave by Emma. Tim reminisces about the children growing up and also their mother Dorothy and begins to feel more confident as he believes that there may be a possibility of success and a chance to act for one final time. Linda finally arrives to apologise to Tim and to show her support while he is auditioning. Tim is immediately offered the role, which he is thrilled about and accepts.
A year later, Tim visits his brother Eddie, where they talk about the engagement of Sophie and Howard, Tim’s likely Bafta nomination, and once again show their close bond through their humour.
Cast (with doubling character and playing age)
4 Females, 3 Males – with 1 actor doubling.
Female, age early 60s - LINDA
Female, age 25 - 35 - SOPHIE
Female, age early 60s - EMMA
Female, any age - ROS & PAULINE
Male, age mid 80s -TIM
Male, age early 80s - EDDIE
Male, age mid 70s - JOHN
Characters
TIM: A well spoken, charming, warm actor, slightly unsteady on his feet, mid 80s
EDDIE: Tim’s easy going brother, early 80s
ROS: A postal worker
LINDA: An outspoken ‘glass half empty’ daughter of Tim’s, early 60s
SOPHIE: A sweet-natured neighbour of Tim’s, 25 - 35
EMMA: The confident, positive twin sister of Linda, early 60s
JOHN: A brash cockney actor, who wears a wig, mid 70s
PAULINE: An audition helper
'I found this fascinating from the start, dealing as it does, with the bleak subject of dementia, with an undercurrent of humour throughout. I find some other writers especially interesting, as their work is so different from mine and this represents the perfect formula. Read, absorb and enjoy.' Barry Cryer, Comedy Legend!
'I enjoyed it enormously. It has humour and a great deal of poignancy and enormous depth of human feeling. Congratulations on a very fine piece of work.' Jeffrey Holland, Comedy Actor
'Blast from the Past is an excellent, emotional and very funny play. The first point I want to make is that it will definitely resonate with an older audience. Really hits many of the marks when it comes to the elderly such as struggles with forgetfulness, grown children, the question of entering nursing homes, lost loves and friends. Secondly, the humour is brilliant and paced nicely. Finally, there are several strong emotional scenes that deal with these senior issues. The play ends nicely on an upbeat note and I know audiences will love it!’ Robert Caston, Playwright, New Play Exchange
‘… a moving and uplifting look at family relationships and finding purpose later in life. Tim is drawn with real sympathy and insight, and you create some very affecting moments between him and the other characters. You also blend wry humour effectively with drama and pathos, injecting a nice dynamic for Tim's character, such as when he reads the obituary pages and is goaded by John 'the wig'. Tim's relationship with Eddie, is extremely well-rendered and endearing...’ Papatango New Writing Prize
Development/Production History -
December 2017 - Reading/discussion at The Script Readers writers workshop at Theatre Royal Stratford East.
January 2020 - Staged performance (script-in-hand) by Barnes Community Players at OSO Arts Centre, London.
November 2022 - One of five plays shortlisted by Stables Theatre New Play Competition (Hastings).
Available to license - Please contact me for a copy of the script.
Secrets & Pies
A humorous play with plenty of bite and family dynamics and twists, plus a pleasing final plot twist. The sensational new kitchen sink drama of our time (or at least for the first minute)!
The title gives a playful nod to Mike Leigh's film Secrets & Lies and was specifically written with 'uplifting an audience' in mind, for those returning to the theatre after some time and wanting to be entertained. It was inspired by a true family story!
This 1 act comedy drama of approximately 70 minutes, is set in the present day and can be performed with minimal scenery/props. It has a cast of 5 women and 2 men playing 8 characters - 3 males (age mid 30s, late 60s and 70) and 5 females (age 20, 40, early 40s, mid 60s and mid 70s), with both brothers (who happen to look very similar) comically played by the same actor - but not at the same time.
Summary
Harvey’s immediate family all want to talk with him, having unwittingly divulged secrets to one another while sitting in a hospital waiting room. The trouble is, Harvey’s long held secret has also been revealed but lying in a hospital bed, he can’t speak for himself. How does a family come to terms with these suddenly unravelled truths? And why can’t everything be as easy as pie?
Cast (with doubling character and playing age)
5 Females, 2 Males – with 1 actor doubling.
FEMALE, age mid 60s - SANDRA
FEMALE, age 40 - HOLLY
FEMALE, age 75 - JANE
FEMALE, age 20 - 25 - VICTORIA
FEMALE, age, early 40s - JENNIFER
MALE, age 70 and late 60s - HARVEY & FRANK
MALE, age mid 30s - JASON
Characters
SANDRA: Harvey’s strong willed (but well meaning) wife, mid 60s
HARVEY: Sandra’s hard working (and occasionally henpecked) husband, 70
HOLLY: Sandra and Harvey’s principled daughter, 40
JASON: Sandra and Harvey’s sarcastic son, mid 30s
JANE: A patient’s talkative partner, 75
VICTORIA: A ditzy student nurse, 20 - 25
FRANK: Harvey’s generally upbeat cockney brother, late 60s
JENNIFER: Harvey’s breezy eldest daughter, early 40s
‘... shows some lovely touches, and a light comedic sense of the ridiculous.’ Adrian Metcalfe, Lighthouse Theatre, Wales
‘… an erudite and witty dissection of secrets kept between family members. You have skilfully constructed the family dynamic; particularly familiar and real is the mildly tempestuous relationship between the two siblings. Your writing also capably juggles the different idiolects of the characters, separating each individual not just through their personality but through the way they speak. The contrast between Frank and the other family members is particularly satisfying, with his less refined manner highlighting the distance between him and the other characters.’ Papatango New Writing Prize
‘... and enjoyed it very much. Family - 'the factory in which we are made', is always such a rich seam for any drama/comedy to mine, and the tension and conflict crackling and popping between Harvey, Sandra et al would, I think play well. Ditto the twist - the reality that turns out to have been a dream that eventually manifests itself as a premonition.’ Tim Whitnall, Evolution Productions
Development/Production History -
August 2021 - Reading/discussion at The Script Readers writers workshop via Zoom.
June 2023 - Rehearsed reading by Company of Ten, Abbey Theatre, St Albans.
Available to license - Please contact me for a copy of the script.
Cliff on the Edge
A comedy three-hander about coastal erosion and environmental issues, with a strong relevant message and a cliffhanging ending.
An entertaining play which relies on sound effects to enhance the production throughout and to build the suspense towards the end. The play makes use of a raised stage ideally, to convey the action but it may also be performed on floor level, with some creative thinking. This play is ideal for drama festivals due to the small cast, minimal scenery and the duration.
This 1 act comedy drama of approximately 45 minutes, is set in the present day and can be performed with minimal scenery/props. It has a cast of two men and one woman - 2 males (age mid to late 70s and early to late 60s) and 1 female (age mid to late 30s).
Summary
Cliff, a cantankerous loner with sceptical thoughts on climate change and green issues meets his match in Fleur, a council surveyor with strong environmental views who attends an appointment to survey his rear garden, which backs onto crumbling cliffs and a 130 feet drop. Can Fleur persuade Cliff to change his ways and accept that his days spent living in this idyllic location are numbered?
Cast and playing age
2 Males, 1 Female
Male, age early to late 60s - TONY
Male, age mid to late 70s - CLIFF
Female, age mis to late 30s - FLEUR
Characters
TONY: An upbeat café owner, working class, early to late 60s
CLIFF: A cantankerous, slow talking retired man, living on his own, working class, mid to late 70s
FLEUR: A tongue-in-cheek, smartly dressed, well spoken council surveyor, middle class, mid to late 30s
‘Climate change is an important issue today. But how do you present that issue in an entertaining manner to a theatre audience? Marc manages to do just that with Cliff on the Edge. The play is a solid comedy with a fantastic visual twist that truly makes the point about the environmental challenges facing the world. You'll love the main character, Cliff, and his outdated views. This play moves along at a nice pace with the tension between Cliff and the surveyor Fleur who tries to set him straight. The planet needs topical plays like this!’ Robert Caston, Playwright, New Play Exchange
‘… a timely comedy-drama considering the fate of a seaside town – and its residents – in the wake of the climate crisis. The script draws on the epic, prescient concerns facing the planet, but effectively distils these lines of enquiry into the voices of Cliff and Tony. This dramatisation allows the more abstract threats facing the world of the play to form part of the play's propulsive narrative energy, integrating into function of the play as entertainment rather than lecture.’ Papatango New Writing Prize
'Cliff on the Edge is a great dramedy that covers the climate crisis well. There is a great sense of comedy, but it is also dramatically captivating and will truly engage audiences. A great commentary by Marc Harris!’ Brenton Kniess, Playwright, New Play Exchange
Development/Production History -
July 2024 - Company of Ten, New Writing Festival, Abbey Theatre, St Albans.
Available to license - Please contact me for a copy of the script.
Going Up
An emotional and entertaining fantasy set in a lift - which is definitely going up but where to exactly?
This short drama/comedy of approximately 10 minutes, is set in the present day, which only requires 'lift scenery' and has a cast of 3 women (age 40 - 50, 55 - 65 and 70 - 80) and 1 man (age 20 - 30).
Summary
As two passengers who meet in a lift cannot remember initially how they arrived there and are not certain where they are going, it is left to the lift operator to accompany them on their way but not before requesting help from a family member of one of the passengers.
Cast and playing age
3 Females, 1 Male
Female, age 40 - 50 - GABRIELLE
Female, age 55 - 65 - CARLA
Female, age 70 - 80 - EVE
Male, age 20 - 30 - TEDDY
Characters
GABRIELLE: A lift operator, a black woman, upbeat, age 40 – 50
CARLA: A woman (of any race) with a European accent (e.g. French, Italian, Spanish), easy going, age 55 – 65
EVE: A white or mixed race woman, afraid, age 70 – 80
TEDDY: A white or mixed race man, Eve’s grandfather, wearing a trilby hat and smartly dressed in a suit, confident, age 20 – 30 (purposely aged 50 years younger than Eve)
(The above ethnicities are preferred, in order to show a diverse range of people but it is only suggested, so may differ as necessary)
'Not so much a Stairway to Heaven as a lift to same, this fun little play from Marc Harris has great dialogue that brings you up to speed at just the right time, fun characters, one later addition with a brilliant twist and a wonderful concept on display. I have to mention Gabrielle's second to last line though. While not giving anything away, it's quite a loaded statement, considering the lift goes both ways. Don't know if that was intentional, but I loved it.' John Busser, Playwright, New Play Exchange
Development/Production History -
This is presently unproduced.
Available to license - Please contact me for a copy of the script.
Stage Door Blues
A fun three-hander which takes place outside a stage door, with a bickering couple and a secret revealed half way through.
This comedy of approximately 17 minutes, is set in the present day and does not require any scenery. It has a cast of two men and one woman (all age mid 50s - 60s) and was inspired by standing outside the stage door of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane until midnight on a freezing November evening. All characters are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental!
Summary
Liz is determined to wait until she has her theatre programme signed but her husband Robert is impatient and persists in undermining her and Russ, an actor, because of her infatuation with him. Can they overcome their differences and bickering, and is Liz able to hold on to her secret?
Cast and playing age
2 Males, 1 Female
Male, age mid 50s to mid 60s - ROBERT
Male, age mid 50s to mid 60s - LIZ
Female, age mid 50s to mid 60s - RUSS
Characters
ROBERT: Liz’s husband, casually dressed, wearing a coat, working/middle class, mid 50s - mid 60s
LIZ: Robert’s wife, casually dressed, wearing a coat and scarf, working/middle class, mid 50s - mid 60s
RUSS: A well spoken actor (similar to Nigel Havers), smartly dressed, wearing a coat, middle/upper class, mid 50s - mid 60s
Development/Production History -
July 2019 - Shortlisted by Pint-sized Plays.
January 2020 - Staged performance (script-in-hand) by Barnes Community Players at OSO Arts Centre, London. (https://youtu.be/auqqFK4S9Ac?si=H1xlOvW4PfKwyKUk)
July 2023 - Longlisted by Pint-sized Plays.
Available to license - Please contact me for a copy of the script.
You May Now Kiss The Bride
A two-hander played out on a park bench, with a delicious twist appearing in the last few seconds of the script.
This short drama/comedy of approximately 10 minutes, is set in the present day, requires only a bench on stage and has a cast of 2 women (age 65 and 25).
Summary
Sue, an older divorced woman and Natalie, a much younger soon to be married woman, meet on a park bench and discuss their experiences and views on relationships and marriage. After hearing Sue's advice regarding her concerns, can Natalie expect a 'happy ever after'?
Cast and playing age
2 Females
Female, age 65 - SUE
Female, age 25 - NATALIE
Characters
SUE: A divorced woman, smartly dressed, 65
NATALIE: A soon to be married woman, smartly dressed, 25
'Hindsight is always 20/20 even when it's coloured a bit in darker shades. Sue's experiences have made her a bit, shall we say, wary, of a marital partner. But to give credit, she still believes in the institution of marriage. Which is just what Natalie needs to hear, in this charming piece by Marc Harris. He hits an authentic tone with both women and I think Natalie is that much stronger for their meeting here. A terrific message about relationships.' John Busser, Playwright, New Play Exchange
Development/Production History -
This is presently unproduced.
Available to license - Please contact me for a copy of the script.
A Fishy Tail
Set on a Cornish beach, with an older mysterious character, this has a fantasy element - which still feels believable.
A quirky drama of approximately 14 minutes, which is set in the present day and does not require any props. It has a cast of 2 men (age early 50s and mid 90s), 1 woman (age early 40s) and 1 girl (age 9).
Summary
The dramatic rescue of a girl on the Cornish coastline is linked by the account of an elderly man, who has waited to tell a similar story most of his life. Can they both convince those who doubt them, that the incredible events, connected by many decades apart, did really happen?
Cast and playing age
2 males, 2 females (one girl).
Male, age early 50s - STEVE
Male, age mid 90s - FRED
Woman, age early 40s - CONNIE
Girl, age 9 - ESTI
Characters
CONNIE: A nurturing mother, wearing a summer dress or trousers, early 40s
STEVE: A confident man, wearing a tee shirt and trousers/shorts, early 50s
FRED: An eccentric man, slow speaking, with a Cornish dialect, wearing a long sleeved shirt and trousers, mid 90s
ESTI: A bright girl, wearing a swimming costume, 9
‘A very uplifting piece with some intriguing twists and turns. I very much enjoyed the fantasy elements that became evident towards the end of the piece, and the sense of being in on the secret that arises from Esti wishing Fred goodbye and realising she also knows his name without being told. Starting out there is a clear sense of drama, but it transforms through the piece and we are left feeling almost like it was a fairytale.’ Underscore Studios
‘I really enjoyed your play and can see it working as a lovely short film.’ Jessica Elisa Boyd, St Elmo Pictures.
Development/Production History -
May 2021 - Produced as an audio play by Talisman Theatre (https://youtu.be/KWA051GdmwE?si=nhf686cI5y2k7boo)
Available to license - Please contact me for a copy of the script.
Stuff Happens!
A quirky and physical comedy set by an embankment, which could easily have an alternative title of 'Two Spies and An Accountant' (but no weddings or a funeral).
This spy farce of approximately 17 minutes, is set in the present day and requires only a few props. It has a cast of 2 men and 1 woman (all mid 50s - mid 60s).
Summary
When desperate Barry, who was close to jumping off from the side of the River Thames embankment is approached by Katie, his life takes an unexpected turn, while Thomas suffers the consequences of mistaken identity.
Cast and playing age
2 Males, 1 Female
Male, age mid 50s – mid 60s - BARRY
Male, age mid 50s – mid 60s - THOMAS
Female, age mid 50s – mid 60s - KATIE
Characters
BARRY: A working class man, dressed in a suit and tie and wearing a typical clown’s wig, mid 50s – mid 60s. His slightly monotonous, slower speech gives the impression that he is a little boring and meek
KATIE: A French spy (with a French accent), stylishly dressed, in a summer coat and holding a large umbrella, mid 50s – mid 60s
THOMAS: An upper class spy, dressed in a suit and holding an office briefcase, mid 50s – mid 60s
Preferably both male actors should look similar in height/build but this is not essential
‘Stuff Happens is a fun based personal drama with a clever twist of espionage. If you like James Bond, then you’ll enjoy meeting the down and out Barry - a spy anti-hero. The dialogue is witty and the plot has its share of double-o intrigue. Very enjoyable.’ Robert Caston, Playwright, New Play Exchange
Development/Production History -
This is presently unproduced.
Available to license - Please contact me for a copy of the script.
Grammatically Speaking
Spooky goings on in an unusual play about redemption, where to some it may become apparent that one of the characters is a ghost.
This drama of approximately 15 minutes, is set in the present day and can be performed with minimal scenery/props. It has a cast of two men (age late 20s and mid 70s) and relies on sound effects to enhance the production throughout and to build the suspense towards the end.
Summary
Simon decides to carry out his first burglary, unknowingly breaking into his former school teacher’s cottage. Clive tries to convince Simon that everyone deserves a second chance but is everything as it seems?
Cast and playing age
2 Males
Male, age late 20s - SIMON
Male, age mid 70s - CLIVE
Characters
SIMON: A working class former pupil of Clive’s, late 20s
CLIVE: A well spoken, slow speaking, retired secondary school English teacher, mid 70s
‘As a former secondary school English teacher, I love how two characters that would never normally mix in the same circles have come together and have a meaningful conversation.’ Lou Jones, New Play Exchange
Development/Production History -
August 2020 - Performed as a reading on Zoom by Writing Doesn't Have To Be Lonely (https://youtu.be/OgOw-3OMe1A?si=kMV4-N81NHQvLDt4)
March 2021 - Produced as an audio play by Talisman Theatre (https://youtu.be/joSq0zETUy0?si=iy7CYfuNaHWvnUm5)
Available to license - Please contact me for a copy of the script.
Monologues
I enjoy writing monologues as I can create a short story from a brief episode in the life of a character, in the most direct and intimate way and where the audience fills in everything else - an entire back-story and future, with their own thoughts and imaginations.
Last Egg & Cress Standing
It's amazing what an egg & cress sandwich can lead to...
This comedic World Monologue Games Global Finalist Bronze Winner (2024) monologue of approximately 11 minutes, is set in the present day and is written for a woman, age 55 - 65.
Summary
Lynne, fed up with having been caught in the rain, waiting for hours in hospital and forever being single, sits next to a positive man whose advice is to seize the day. But how does an egg and cress sandwich enable this?
Character
LYNNE: A single woman, smartly dressed, age 55 - 65
Development/Production History -
November 2024 - Bronze Winner at the World Monologue Games Global Finals (https://youtu.be/br7f8Sk7wM8?si=8-Dv-V3NKzkMSaXP) - This is an 8 minutes version of the full monologue.
Available to license - Please contact me for a copy of the script.
When I Grow Up?
What happens when you sit at the children's table? Quite a lot actually.
This comedic World Monologue Games Global Finalist (2023) monologue of approximately 10 minutes, is set in the present day and is written for a man, age mid 20s.
Summary
Matt is forced to sit at the children's table while attending his friend's wedding. He soon spots somebody from his past but can the ‘old beyond his years’ child he is sitting next to, turn the situation in his favour?
Character
MATT: A polite, mild mannered, slightly self-conscious man of short height with a noticeable spot on his cheek, mid 20s
Development/Production History -
September 2021 - World Monologue Games Regional Finalist (https://youtu.be/A51S1eDNnzo?si=cboFUOSfEDfDSW-n)
November 2023 - World Monologue Games Global Finalist (https://youtu.be/CUCnUmvxPgM?si=0Bs2fGs6C0qVNBWS)
November 2024 - Joint 1st Place Winner at Monologues Night at Solo Play Day Festival, ProEnglish Theatre of Ukraine, Kyiv.
Available to license - Please contact me for a copy of the script.
My Home Is My Castle
Nine floors up and entirely on her own, Mary thinks of the past but also considers her future.
This monologue of approximately 15 minutes, is set in the present day and is written for a woman, age early 70s. Although this is not a comedy, it has some lighter moments.
Summary
Mary lives in a small one bedroom flat in a council block and is the last person living there, due to the council regenerating the estate. As she is not happy with the alternative accommodation being offered to her, she decides to make a stand but will her stubbornness get the better of her, or could it pay off?
Character
MARY: A working class retired lollipop lady, proud of her home and living on her own, early 70s
‘At times funny, other times poignant. An endearing character in mourning, who wins you over with her charms and way of speaking.’ Asher Wyndham, New Play Exchange
‘What a character! I was so invested in Mary's current struggle and so interested in her past.’ Emmet L.F. Cameron, New Play Exchange
Development/Production History -
September 2023 - World Monologue Games Regional Finalist (https://youtu.be/xY4keXsikww?si=rjDEO7RmtR_pLHen) - This is a 9 minutes version of the full monologue.
Available to license - Please contact me for a copy of the script.
The Park Bench
A homeless man has hopes for a better future.
This monologue of approximately 5 minutes, was originally set in the last days of 1921 but it should be amended in the script so that it is clearly set a century ago from when it is performed. It is written for a man, age 45 - 60. (100 years on, how much has the homeless situation really changed?)
Summary
Set mostly the day before Christmas, a homeless man tries to keep positive.
Character
A slow speaking, bearded, working to middle class man, 45 – 60
'A lovely and lyrical salute to the endurance of the human spirit. Despite his life circumstances, our unhoused speaker maintains a deep connection to nature and an optimistic outlook. There is a true spirit of Christmas at work here.' Paul Donnelly, Playwright, New Play Exchange
'So many plays or monologues about homeless individuals focus on the pain of hunger and the desperate fight for survival, which is understandable given their bleak circumstances. What is so lovely about the character that Marc Harris has created is that he sees beauty in nature on Christmas morning, with heartfelt musings about old trees and the prospect of a robin making a nest in his long beard. I cannot think of a more suitable Christmas monologue about the wonders of living, even under extreme duress during the holidays. Beautifully written.' Andrew Martineau, Playwright, New Play Exchange
Development/Production History -
July 2021 - World Monologue Games submission (https://youtu.be/Q9sz9C0BhG0?si=6j-mjf_jHEkI80OQ)
Available to license - Please contact me for a copy of the script.
Smile!
A box of photos brings back special memories.
This monologue of approximately 5 minutes, is set in the present day and can be performed by a man or woman, age mid 60s to mid 70s.
Summary
Alan finally gets around to searching for that long lost box of family photos.
Character
Alan is retired, married to Sarah, with two children and two grandchildren, mid 60s to mid 70s. Alternatively, the character can be female, with the names/pronouns altered in the script.
Development/Production History -
July 2020 - Filmed performance for My Tiny Play (https://youtu.be/p5Q6PiK1RSk?si=y8VDwvzAeuxSKJXR)
June 2021 - World Monologue Games submission (https://youtu.be/4fMAAGPDxEM?si=1KSO-VyMkUhk6mGY)
Available to license - Please contact me for a copy of the script.
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