THE MOONSTONE – A NEW DRAMATIC VERSIONOver the years there have been relatively few dramatic texts of Wilkie’s works. A welcome addition is Michael Theodorou’s recent version of The Moonstone published as part of Nelson Dramascriptswww.nelson.co.uk; ISBN 0-17-432553-3. The series is actually designed for students in the lower and middle years of secondary school and plays are designed to be either read or acted. The format consists of an introduction; the script itself; notes; activities such as discussion, improvisation and artwork; and a retrospective look at the play with further activities. The Moonstone is an exciting addition to the series and keeps nicely to the spirit of Collins’s original – unlike a certain television version. Act 1, ‘The Loss of the Diamond’, contains 32 scenes and Act 2, ‘The Discovery of the Truth’, a further 20. There are certainly copious notes, although being aimed at a more junior audience, most will be rather elementary for WCS members. In the author’s words, “The Moonstone presents a daunting task…what do you leave out…it seems impossible to exclude any strands for fear of missing out essential detail.” The author’s own concept is “to tell the story as swiftly as possible and to focus on the one vital question: Who stole the Moonstone?” Wilkie would have approved of this approach and probably of this particular version. He had his own problems with dramatising the novel for the stage in 1877 and ended up oversimplifying the plot by omitting Rosanna Spearman, Ezra Jennings and even the Indians. He also restricted the action to a twenty-four hour period and set the play at Rachel Verinder’s country house in Kent rather than Yorkshire. Michael Theodorou’s version does rather better, retaining all of the important characters and keeping to the original locations.
PLAYS BY MICHAEL THEODOROU
E mail address : [email protected] STAGE ADAPTATIONS FROM CLASSIC NOVELS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DRACULA ------------- Based on the novel by Bram Stoker, this version is as close as possible to the original book. Set firmly in the late Victorian period of 1897, the play is a serious treatment of the original. There are sinister and genuinely disturbing moments that will challenge any theatre company, either amateur or professional. The plot unfolds as an exciting piece of blood curdling Gothic horror. This dramatisation is also suitable for schools or youth groups and can have a large cast or be done with as few as 12 performers. Casting : 33 (maximum) or 12 (with doubling) Male 7 Female 5 Duration : 90 minutes Published by Dramaworks. Enquiries for performance and scripts to [email protected] website www.dramaworks.co.uk THE TURN OF THE SCREW ------------------------------------ This new version was written in conjunction with Patricia Theodorou and first performed at the Edinburgh Fringe 2001. It exquisitely captures the mood of the original ghost story by Henry James. The dramatisation focuses on the supernatural and psychological elements of the story and has a genuinely original twist in the tail. The play would be appropriate for schools and youth groups, as well as amateur companies, and would make an excellent Christmas show. Although there are 17 in the cast it could be played ,for professional productions, by only six performers plus the two young children. Casting: 17 : Male 7 Female 10 or 8 (with doubling) male 4 female 4 Duration : 75 – 80 minutes. All enquiries for performance and scripts from the author [email protected] THE MOONSTONE ----------------------- Skilfully dramatised from the novel by Wilkie Collins this clear and fast moving stage version of the brilliant detective story retains all the mystery and excitement of the original. With its exploration of superstition, loyalty, fate and destiny, its attractive and intriguing mix of characters from the mid Victorian period makes this an exciting and challenging play for both amateur groups and schools. Published by Nelson Thornes Dramascripts 1999. ‘The author has captured the essence of the novel’ (Amazon). Casting : 35 mixed Duration : 90 minutes. Performance details from www.nelson.co.uk A CHRISTMAS CAROL ---------------------------- The author has dramatised the well-known Charles Dicken’s novel for a large cast production either for young children, older pupils or a mixture of adults and youngsters. This version traces Scrooge’s personal journey to enlightenment in a particularly clear way. Some of Dicken’s own words are kept, particularly in the speeches allotted to the Narrators, but the language all has a Dickensian feel to it. This serves to set the period and the atmosphere. The simple style of the piece, which could be done without any scenery if desired, makes this an ideal piece to present on its own or as part of a Xmas celebration. Casting : 33 mixed Duration 60 minutes Published by Dramaworks Performance enquiries to www.dramaworks.co.uk THE CUCKOO CLOCK ---------------------------- This is a delightful and welcome stage adaptation of Mrs Molesworth’s charming story. Michael Theodorou has captured the magical nature of the original with its Victorian charm and sentimentality while at the same time injecting it with humour to create a link with a more modern audience. It concerns a little girl, Griselda, who goes to live with her maiden aunts in the country and discovers that their mysterious cuckoo clock can come alive and take her on all kinds of adventures both on earth and in space. This is a very flexible script which can be played by as few as thirty or as many as you like. Casting : 30 mixed, plus chorus. Duration : 90 minutes. Published by Dramaworks Enquiries to the author [email protected] or www.dramaworks.co.uk ADAPTATIONS OF CLASSIC PLAYS --------------------------------------------------------------- LYSISTRATA ----------------- Adapted and updated from the play by Aristophanes this will always be a topical and relevant work because, somewhere in the world, wars exist which have a greater or lesser impact on us in the West. This new version of the old classic is lively and funny, using modern language without fixing it to any particular period. It is not rooted in the jargon of specific culture. It would be simple to stage this play in whatever background context you desire – in any country or any period - the options are wide. It is loaded with sexual references and innuendos so would probably be more suitable as a Sixth Form Production or would suit a Sixth Form College or University Drama Society. Published by Dramaworks Cast size : 30 plus choruses Duration: 80 minutes Enquiries and scripts from www.dramaworks.co.uk ORIGINAL PLAYS ------------------------ VIDEO NASTY ------------------- The play follows the lives of a group of aimless 14 year old boys living in Reading in the 1980’s, though the themes and issues are just as relevant today. The main issues explored are:
The play does not moralise at all. It can simply be performed as a play which shows boys from a certain kind of background, drifting into a life of petty crime. There is plenty of humour in the play and no definite ending. The play presents us with an explosive situation and leaves us to our own conclusions. There is a longer version available written for television which is more explicit. Cast size : 12 Duration: 45 minutes. Published by Dramaworks All enquiries and scripts from either the author [email protected] or www.dramaworks.co.uk SHAKESPEARE ADAPTATIONS ------------------------------------------------------ THE TEMPEST ------------------- A new stage version first performed at the Edinburgh Festival 2000 and set on an island off the coast of Africa. The atmosphere and costumes are exotic with an Arabian Nights feel to the production and an original score by Stephen Barton. This shortened version uses Shakespeare’s language and is particularly suitable for youth groups. Cast size: 25 Duration: 70 minutes. All enquiries and scripts [email protected] A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM -------------------------------------------- A magical version first performed at Cokethorpe School in the open air but could just as easily be produced indoors. The original production in 2004 used motor cars, including a 1930’s Bentley, to transport characters on and off stage. The original language is retained but edited and the music used was from the film version of ‘Lord of the Rings’. Costumes are modern for the lovers but fantasy costumes for the spirits. Cast size : approx 25 Duration : 70 minutes All enquiries for performance and scripts [email protected] JULIUS CAESAR --------------------- This is a modern dress version which was first performed in an outside courtyard quadrangle with cars, jeeps and the sounds of modern warfare – aircraft, bombs and shelling. The original Shakespeare language is retained but updated slightly where necessary. Swords are replaced by guns. ‘The Planets’ by Gustav Holst serves as a musical accompaniment to the action. Cast size : 25 predominanly male Duration : 60 minutes. All enquiries for performance and scripts [email protected] THE REDUCED MACBETH ----------------------------------- This is a comedy version to be played as quickly as possible in the spirit of melodrama and farce. The original Shakespeare language is retained but radically cut. The main plot is followed. The pace is frenetic and needs a disciplined ensemble approach. This would make a good competition piece. Cast : Minimum 15 Maximum 30 Duration : 10 – 15 minutes All enquiries and scripts [email protected] RICHARD III ----------------- A physical theatre version where the cast are all dressed in black .Much of the original Shakespeare language is used but there are many sequences which are explained visually This is an ensemble piece which depends on team work and disciplined direction. This would make an exciting competition entry. Cast size: approx 25 Duration : 40 minutes All enquiries and scripts [email protected] RADIO PLAYS ---------------------- ABELARD ------------ This historical play for two actors is drawn from the writings of Peter Abelard and Bernard of Clairvaux. The play is set in the period 1079-1142 and is based on original sources and documents therefore using as far as possible the actual words of Bernard and Abelard. The play takes the form of a dialectical argument and goes backwards and forwards in time bringing to life other characters from the past lives of the two main characters. The play could be staged in a Cathedral or an ecclesiastical location as an alternative to radio. Cast : 2 Male Duration: 60 minutes All enquiries to the author [email protected] MONSIEUR PROUST -------------------------- Based on the biographical notes of Marcel Proust’s housekeeper, Celeste Albaret, the play spans the last ten years of Proust’s life when he was writing his masterpiece ‘Remembrance of Things Past.’ There is a strong evocation through both words and music of the early 1900’s. Cast: Male 1 Female 1 Duration 60 minutes All enquiries to the author [email protected] CLEVER PEOPLE AND GROCERS ------------------------------------------- The background setting is the Greek Cypriot community of East London in the 1980’s. Teacher, Alan Marshall, falls in love with Helen, a beautiful Greek Cypriot girl, but fails to realise the implications of marrying into her family. Roles: 15 male, 8 female Duration 60 minutes. All enquiries to the author TRANSLATIONS --------------------------------- DONA ROSITA, THE SPINSTER by Federico Garcia Lorca ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lorca’s style of uniting tragedy and comedy within the same play succeeds brilliantly in this tale of a young girl who is jilted by her lover and spends the rest of her life waiting for him to return. There is a wide variety of challenging roles, especially for females. Roles: 7 male, 12 female Duration : 80 minutes All enquiries to the author CALIGULA by Albert Camus ----------------------------------- This play is a searing study of the Roman Emperor Caligula by one of France’s great poets and philosophers. The translation captures all the drama and violence of the original French with fabulous roles for male and female actors. This is a neglected masterpiece which calls for a revival. Roles: 12 Male, 6 female Duration : 75 minutes All enquiries to the author FEU LA MERE DE MADAME by Georges Feydeau ----------------------------------------------------------- A superb one- act comic gem by Feydeau in which mistaken identity and madcap humour are superbly squeezed into 45 minutes of sheer exhilarating stagecraft by France’s greatest writer of farce. Roles : 2 male, 2 female Duration : 45 minutes All enquiries to the author PARTAGE DE MIDI by Paul Claudel --------------------------------------------- This play was acted with great success by Edwige Feuillere and Jean Louis Barrault when it came to London in the mid- sixties at the world theatre seasons run by Peter Daubeny at the Aldwych. Since then , it has never been produced on the London stage. The highly charged poetic atmosphere of Claudel’s writing is evident in this masterly evocation of physical and spiritual love. Roles : Male 3, Female 1. Duration : 2 hours All enquiries to the author E mail: [email protected] by Michael Theodorou E mail : [email protected] THE MOONSTONE dramatised from the novel by Wilkie Collins( Dramascripts Classic Texts: Nelson Thorne) ------------------------------------ Cast size : 35 mixed Running time: 90 minutes Reviews ---------- (Amazon) ‘ As an actor as well as a teacher, I can admire and appreciate the skilful way the author has managed to condense this classic 400 page detective novel without excluding any of the essential events or characters. Michael Theodorou has captured the essence of the novel retaining the period atmosphere and drawing together all the complex strands into a thrilling climax. This is a play I would be happy to use in the classroom as an introduction to Wilkie Collins. It would also make a very exciting and unusual school production for the adventurous drama or English teacher looking for challenging material for a large cast.’ (Amazon) ‘ This adaptation works. The large cast will be a major factor in attracting teachers, colleges and amateur dramatic societies to stage this dramatisation. There is no doubt that it will stage extremely well and has more to recommend it than the recent TV adaptation. This version deserves a much wider public and I hope that it will pick up the interest of more than just schools and teachers.’ (Wilkie Collins Society) ‘A welcome addition is Michael Theodorou’s recent version of “The Moonstone” published as part of Nelson Dramascripts. The series is actually designed for students in the lower and middle years of secondary school and plays are designed to be either read or acted. “The Moonstone” is an exciting addition to the series and keeps nicely to the spirit of Collin’s original.’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL adapted for the stage from the original by Charles Dickens -------------------------------- Cast size : 33 mixed Running time : 60 minutes Published by Dramaworks The play is a simply staged adaptation of the original well-known story. There are 33 characters in the cast many of whom could be played by female rather than male, making it a more attractive proposition for those schools with lots of keen girls and few boys .This version traces Scrooge’s personal journey to enlightenment in an extremely clear way. Some of Dicken’s own words are kept, particularly in the speeches allotted to the Readers, though the language all has a Dickensian feel to it. This serves to set the period and the atmosphere. The simple style of the piece, which could be done without any setting if desired, makes this an ideal piece to present either on its own or as part of a Christmas celebration. DRACULA based on Bram Stoker’s novel --------------- Cast size : 33 mixed Running time : 2 hours Published by Dramaworks This stage version is as close as possible to an untampered rendition of the original book. It should be played for its value as an exercise in the sinister. The story and writing is undoubtedly ‘ heightened language’, as it is in the original Victorian novel, and therefore requires a heightened playing style. Since the story is well known, great efforts should be made to use the technical resources available in your school to bring out the atmosphere through sound and lighting. The play does not have a hidden intention such as making Dracula a sympathetic person, as a fairly recent film did. It is a simple retelling of the story and the original theme, which is the battle between good and evil. LYSISTRATA a new version of the original play by Aristophanes ------------------ Cast size: 23 + choruses Running time : 90 minutes Published by Dramaworks “Lysistrata” is one of those plays which will always be topical simply because, somewhere in the world, wars exist which have a greater or lesser effect on us in the west. This new rendering of the old classic is lively and funny, using modern language without fixing it to a particular period. It is not fixed in the jargon of a particular culture. It would be simple to do this play in whatever context you desire – in a particular country or a particular period; the options are wide. It is loaded with sexual references and innuendos so would probably be more suitable as a Sixth Form production or would suit a Sixth Form College or University Drama Society. VIDEO NASTY a play by Michael Theodorou -------------------- Cast size : 12 Running time : 45 minutes Published by Dramaworks Though set firmly in the 1980’s the material dealt with is just as relevant today. The main issues used as a basis for the play are
The play does not moralise at all. It can simply be performed as a play which shows boys from a certain kind of background, drifting into a life of petty crime. Or it can be used as a basis for discussion work and exploration in Drama or English classes. There is a teache’rs pack of material available with the play. There is plenty of humour in the play and no definite ending. The play gives us an explosive situation and leaves us to our own conclusions. THE CUCKOO CLOCK adapted from the story by Mrs Molesworth -------------------------------- Cast size 30 + choruses Running time 90 minutes Published by Dramaworks ‘The Cuckoo Clock’ is a delightful children’s story by the well-known Victorian writer, Mrs Molesworth. This stage adaptation captures the magical nature of the original with its Victorian charm and sentimentality while at the same time injecting it with a humour and language to create a link with a more modern audience. All the main characters from the book are included with some additions in the form of choruses which will give the opportunity for a much larger cast production. It is a very flexible script which can be played by as few as thirty or as many as pupil numbers allow. Each director must adapt the size of the choruses to suit their needs and requirements .The play is ideal for a Junior School production though it is also possible to do it with senior pupils taking adult part and juniors the other parts. PLAYS SUITABLE FOR SCHOOLS
------------------------------------------------ by MICHAEL THEODOROU Introduction ----------------- I have directed or produced or been associated with the following plays over the course of my career in the Performing Arts, working with hundreds of young people and I would personally recommend any of the following scripts for consideration should they suit your particular situation, casting needs or subject matter. Whether you are working in a school of any description or you are a youth group leader or an amateur company or you are training to be a teacher of English or Drama these plays can help you make an informed choice for your particular situation. You should be as ambitious as possible in your search for the right material and should not be deterred by plays that seem too difficult. I have indicated cast numbers wherever possible and some links to websites that could be informative. The plays are in no particular date order though I sometimes give a date if I can remember it! My productions have been performed in school halls, theatres, drama studios, fringe venues, churches, in the open air and some at the Edinburgh Festival. I have included some notes on each production/play with some personal reminiscences. If I have missed any perhaps someone could let me know! PLAYS SUITABLE FOR SCHOOLS ------------------------------------------------ The Proposal – Anton Chekov -------------------------------------- A brilliant one act play for three characters which tests comic skills. 2 Male, 1 female I remember I performed in this myself when I was at school under our drama teacher, Mr Mark Gandy, who had had the imagination to organise a Drama Festival at the school. Funnily enough I’ve never had the opportunity to direct this play when I was teaching, possibly because it is such a small cast and I always seemed to have to deal with hundreds! http://www.one-act-plays.com/comedies/proposal.html The Bear – Anton Chekov ---------------------------------- 2 Male 1 female This is another play suitable for a small cast or could be used with a big class and have groups of three rehearsing at the same time. I directed this production at the old Mountview Theatre School when Peter Coxhead was in charge. It was a festival for new directors and I had a cast of ‘old stagers’ who thought they were doing me a favour by being in it. The woman especially was very hammy and I couldn’t shift her from over acting! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bear_(play) The House of Bernarda Alba – --------------------------------------- Federico Garcia Lorca in a translation by George Leeson -------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is great play if you have a lot of girls in the school or youth group. This was directed by me at the Group 64 Youth Theatre in Putney which was housed in an old church converted into a theatre space. I remember I used the Verdi Requiem in the funeral scene and had the girls coming through the audience with candles! The space was hired by professional companies to rehearse and I remember Sean Connery putting his head round the door one day! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_House_of_Bernarda_Alba A Christmas Carol - Shaun Sutton ------------------------------------------- This is a fine adaptation ideal for Primary or Secondary schools at Christmas. Up to 25 in the cast I produced this at a school in Reading, Alfred Sutton Boys - now sadly closed down- where I persuaded the Head that drama would help bring the school together. There were staff in it too- the Head of Chemistry who played Scrooge – and a very volatile performance it was too! http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/10722/christmas-carol-a-sutton The Wife’s Late Mother -------------------------------- a play by Georges Feydeau translated by Michael Theodorou --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You need four players who are adept at speaking and moving very quickly! This was first performed at the Wood Green Arts Centre as part of an evening of original drama which I presented. The play would be ideal for any drama group and could be rehearsed in groups of four as there are only four characters. A production would be well worth attempting with perhaps different groups of four performing extracts. http://michaeltheodorou.weebly.com/index.html Educating Rita – Willy Russell ----------------------------------------- I directed this as a final show/production for two very talented 3rd Year students at Redroofs Theatre School. The dialogue is absolutely brilliant and would suit pair work at GCSE or ‘A’ level. I used the music of Mozart as an accompaniment to the show. http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/2392/educating-rita Suddenly at Home – Francis Durbridge ----------------------------------------------------- This is a sophisticated thriller by a master dramatist.5 Male 4 Female Again this was directed at Redroofs Theatre School as a part of the senior students performance course. I remember that one of the students in this production had been in prison! Years later I spotted him on television in a documentary about Roman gladiators! http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/5448/suddenly-at-home Largo Desolato – Vaclav Havel ------------------------------------------ A superb play about a political dissident. 7M 5F When I landed at Wells Cathedral School in 1989 this was put on by the Sixth Form in a brilliant production directed by a student. The play is just as relevant today as it was in 1989! http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/7634/largo-desolato Elegy for a Lady – Arthur Miller ---------------------------------------- A two hander directed with great sensitivity by a student who was later expelled for taking whisky from the staff Common Room! http://www.dramatists.com/cgi-bin/db/single.asp?key=366 Ring Round the Moon – Jean Anouilh -------------------------------------------------- I’d been introduced to this play in an amateur production at the Mountview Theatre Club in London many years before I suggested it as a ‘house’ play at Wells. To my immense surprise, a group liked it and took it on board. I want to have a word about ‘house’ plays and competitive drama in schools. I have absolutely no objection to plays being used in this way as long as you give the participants a healthy choice of material from which they can choose something that suits their numbers and their abilities. After all the Greeks had drama competitions so why shouldn’t we in our schools? ‘Ring Round the Moon’ is an ideal play for a competition, very French, very sophisticated turn of the century stuff and if you have the right combination of talents it works very well for students and introduces them to a form of drama they may not experience again. It’s a large cast. http://www.4-wall.com/authors/authors_a/anouilh/ringroundthemoon.htm This Desirable Cottage – Anthony Booth ------------------------------------------------- This is an uproarious farce for six performers who enjoy comedy and was another ‘house’ play chosen by the students from a list I gave them. The lead was taken brilliantly by the Headmaster’s son who was a natural comedy actor and later went on to be a very successful film director! http://www.amazon.com/This-desirable-cottage-farce-one/dp/B0000CKU7L The Breakfast Club – John Hughes ---------------------------------------- This is very popular subject matter for teenagers and was adapted by the students from the film script. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Breakfast_Club Big Bad Mouse – Philip King ------------------------------------- Again this is a great choice for a drama competition for students who love comedy but can also act! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Bad_Mouse The Rope – a comedy by Plautus -------------------------------------------- This ancient comedy has a huge cast and is suitable for younger as well as older students in a rollicking Roman comedy which is great fun and bit rude too!! http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123920.The_Rope_and_Other_Plays Maria Marten or Murder in the Red Barn – Melodrama --------------------------------------------------------------------- For anyone with an interest in overacting this barnstormer of a melodrama is well worth investigating for younger or older students. It can be used as a teaching tool for GCSE and ‘A’ level Theatre Studies or it can be a ‘house’ play or it can be a full end of term production. http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/6554/murder-of-maria-marten-or-the-red-barn-the A Long March to Jerusalem (Children’s Crusade) – Don Taylor --------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is a cast of thousands for younger or older players, a huge cast which would suit many schools either as a full school production or as a middle school vehicle. There would be a lot of medieval costumes to hire or make!! http://www.amazon.com/Long-March-Jerusalem-Acting-Edition/dp/0573050457 The Changeling – Thomas Middleton --------------------------------------------- This is a challenging play for senior students and my first production at Wells. I remember it was cast by the departing drama teacher before I arrived to take over and I acquired a wonderful cast, many of whom now grace the professional theatre and the world of film! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Changeling_(play) Black Comedy – Peter Shaffer -------------------------------------- 5 male 3 female This is not an easy play to pull off but I’d recommend it for older students as a full production if you have the right combination of talents. Half the play is spent in darkness with the lights on! http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/2990/black-comedy The Real Inspector Hound – Tom Stoppard --------------------------------------------------------- This is a great piece for an older ensemble who appreciate a very clever script and can handle comedy, farce and melodrama all rolled into one! This play is often paired with ‘Black Comedy’ to make a complete evening. http://www.english212-02.org/PDF_Eng212/The%20Real%20Inspector%20Hound.pdf Endgame – Samuel Beckett -------------------------------------- ‘Endgame’ was the main play in an ‘Evening of Samuel Beckett’ which I presented in the Drama Studio at Wells in 1993. This is a classic of the Beckett genre set amongst some dustbins! I believe Prince Charles acted in this when he was at school! http://samuel-beckett.net/endgame.html Catastrophe – Samuel Beckett -------------------------------------- This is a small cast gem of a play which can be used for ‘A’ level students working in small groups or it could be performed as part of an evening of Samuel Beckett plays! http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2009/sep/15/vaclev-havel-samuel-beckett-catastrophe Not I – Samuel Beckett - -------------------------------- The play is for a single performer, either male or female, highlighting the mouth. I couldn’t get Billie Whitelaw – Beckett’s favourite actress – but got a wonderfully talented girl from the Sixth form who recorded and spoke the whole play. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4LDwfKxr-M Rockababy – Samuel Beckett – ---------------------------------- The play is about an old lady in a rocking chair, rocking herself to death. It’s a hypnotic piece of drama for a single performer. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockaby Come and Go – Samuel Beckett – ------------------------------------- There are three characters and a bench. We had a bench so I decided to do it. The three girls in it loved it. No one knows what it’s about, least of all Beckett! http://www.samuel-beckett.net/comego.htm The Taming of the Shrew – William Shakespeare ----------------------------------------------------------- You have to have two students who fit the main parts and then go from there. I have directed this play twice over the course of my teaching career and always found it a bit of a pain and swore never to do it again Twelfth Night – William Shakespeare ------------------------------------------------- You need mature performers for this and some musicians. Fortunately, I had both! Dracula – Michael Theodorou (music by Russell Millard) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This was my own script which I did because I couldn’t find a version I liked. I used Bram Stoker’s novel and spent a whole summer writing it for an end of term production. This version would challenge any school, any youth group, amateur group or professional company! I was lucky enough to have original music created by one of the composers from the Music School. Cast 33 http://www.dramaworks.co.uk/ps_dracula.html The Visit – Friedrich Durrenmatt ----------------------------------------------- This is a masterly play adapted into English by Maurice Valency. I was lucky to have an excellent girl who played the mature role of Madame Zachanasian and a fantastic cast. The music of Franz Lehar or Johann Strauss is perfect for this play Cast 32+ http://www.samuelfrench.com/p/2547/visit-the The Crucible – Arthur Miller ------------------------------------ This is for students who like intensity and a lot of screaming. I wouldn’t choose to do this play again even though it was a great success .Good opportunities for girls. A very large cast is needed. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Crucible Oedipus, the King – Sophocles ( music by Kieron Galliard) -------------------------------------- I did a mixed media production from a brilliant American poetic script – see below - which had huge impact in a small drama studio setting. I also used television cameras and film. My composer did a most brilliant score. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/155474.Oedipus_the_King Dracula – Michael Theodorou (music by Flora Leo) ---------------------------------------- This was a second production of my adaptation from the Bram Stoker novel with music by a very talented composer who now works and teaches in Vienna. Van Helsing was played by a wonderful German boy who brought some comedy to the part! The Moonstone – Wilkie Collins ( dramatised by Michael Theodorou) ----------------------------------- My own published script which I must say works very well on stage and if you have lots of mature students who like a challenge it is well worth considering as an end of term or end of year production. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dramascripts-Moonstone-Play-Classic-Texts/dp/0174325533 The Turn of the Screw – Henry James (music by Stephen Barton) ------------------------------------- It was performed in a Drama Studio setting and then taken to the Edinburgh Fringe where it was just as scary. This is a great play for Christmas. The casting of the two children makes or breaks the show. Music and sound was provided by a young man who now works a film composer in Hollywood. Cast 18 http://www.doollee.com/PlaywrightsT/theodorou-michael.html#96130 The Tempest ----------------- I adapted this myself with a North African setting and costumes to match. We performed it at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2000. We had about 60 in the cast, a mixture of older and younger students. I have a filmed copy but unfortunately seem to have no scripts left! Queen of Spades – adapted from the Pushkin story Patricia Theodorou ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This was an original script from Patricia Theodorou based on the Pushkin story and was lavishly costumed by my many helpers to whom I shall be eternally grateful. This was my final Senior Production at Wells before I left in 2003. Cast 25+ No More Sitting on the Old School Bench – Alan Bleasdale -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As fine a character play as you can hope to find for senior students. This was done successfully by a group as a ‘house’ play. http://www.everymantheatrearchive.ac.uk/oldschool.htm The Knack – Ann Jellicoe ---------------------------------- A small cast gem for four talented senior students which served me an ‘A’ level production. http://www.samuelfrench.com/p/5327/knack-the A Day in the Death of Joe Egg – Peter Nichols ------------------------------------------------------------- One of those small cast plays that will always be relevant and would especially suit older students. http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/2388/day-in-the-death-of-joe-egg-a Dona Rosita – Federico Garcia Lorca translated by Michael Theodorou -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A neglected masterpiece by the Spanish poet Lorca which contains a mixture of verse and prose and would suit either a full length production for seniors or could serve as a an examination piece or could be done at the National Theatre! http://www.doollee.com/PlaywrightsT/theodorou-michael.html#96259 Find Me – Olwen Wymark ---------------------------------------- This is a wonderful play by Olwen Wymark which really appeals to young people and could serve either as an examination piece or a full production. http://365plays.wordpress.com/tag/olwen-wymark/ Post Mortem – Noel Coward -------------------------------------- This large cast,underrated anti war play by Noel Coward shows the vast range of his talent and would make an ambitious senior production. http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/12532/post-mortem Top Girls – Caryl Churchill ------------------------------------ This play chiefly serves as a great piece for ‘A’ level examination for 7 girls. http://www.samuelfrench.com/p/1798/top-girls He Who Says No – Brecht ---------------------------------- Any short play by Brecht makes a great impact and certainly tests students. This is suitable for a small ‘A’ level group. http://www.curtainup.com/hewhosai.html Private Lives – Noel Coward ------------------------------------- A great examination piece for older students as well as being one of the greatest plays ever written! http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/2816/private-lives That Time – Samuel Beckett ----------------------------------------- This large cast chorus style play is hypnotic and challenging and can be staged in a variety of settings for older students only. http://www.samuel-beckett.net/thattime.html The Godmother – David Foxton ------------------------------------------ This stylish short play set in America in the 1920’s is a wonderful opportunity for young actors to show their talents. http://www.david-j-wood.co.uk/OneActYoung.htm Titanic – David Foxton ------------------------------ Another brilliant short play by this author who is a godsend to any drama teacher! http://www.david-j-wood.co.uk/OneActYoung.htm The Gut Girls – Sarah Daniels ----------------------------------------- This play set in a 19th century fish market contains a brilliant set of characters for young students to portray at GCSE level. http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/10794/gut-girlsthe The Birthday Party – Harold Pinter ------------------------------------------------ I first acted in a scene from this play for a television series called ‘In Rehearsal’ and have used the ‘interrogation’ scene many times for three talented players. A full production is only recommended if you have the right number of senior students otherwise it’s a great piece for ‘A’ level. http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/11484/birthday-partythe Between Mouthfuls – Alan Ayckbourn ------------------------------------------------ Like all Alan Ayckbourn’s plays it’s brilliant, funny, human and particularly suitable for youngsters. http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/12539/between-mouthfuls The Importance of Being Earnest – Oscar Wilde ------------------------------------------------------------ Wilde is a must in the drama classroom for diction, posture and projection and a full production is possible if you have the right ‘types’. http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/3000/importance-of-being-earnest-the-original-4-act-version This Happy Breed – Noel Coward ------------------------------------------------ Coward could write working class as well as middle class dialogue and this play proves it. We should remember that Coward was a member of the lower middle class and not just a posh boy! http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/3036/this-happy-breed Unman, Wittering and Zigo – James Saunders ---------------------------------------------------------- A great play to read in the classroom with younger or older students as the subject matter may be very near to their hearts i.e killing their teacher! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unman,_Wittering_and_Zigo Journey’s End – R.C. Sherriff -------------------------------------- This great play which is the last word in the futility of war can be either read in class or selected extracts can be acted for examinations or done as a full production if you are an all male school. http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/6703/journeys-end An Inspector Calls – J.B Priestley ---------------------------------------------- This play always ends up as a set book and is particularly suitable for character studies, reading in class or extracts as exam work either at GCSE or ‘A’ level. http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/12689/inspector-calls-an Invisible Friends – Alan Ayckbourn --------------------------------------------- Again Ayckbourne proves to be a master dramatist for younger as well as older audiences. This play relates to youngsters very much and is a study in loneliness with which many members of the younger generation can identify. http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/7633/invisible-friends In Camera or No Exit – Jean Paul Sartre ------------------------------------------------ Sartre’s play will serve either as a character study or as a performance piece for ‘A’ level Theatre Studies .An intense and moody piece which will challenge any group of budding thespians. I have directed this play and acted in it at various times before I started teaching full time. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Exit The Long and the Short and the Tall – Keith Waterhouse ---------------------------------------------------------------------- An army play suitable for boys set in the Malayan jungle. There is also a film version which can be viewed for character work. http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/10653/long-and-the-short-and-the-tallthe Ernie’s Incredible ‘Illucinations’ – Alan Ayckbourn --------------------------------------------------------------- This is a great reader for the English teacher who wishes to give younger students a taste of character and comedy. It would also serve as good choice for younger performers in ‘house’ plays or drama competitions http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/1286/ernies-incredible-illucinations A Taste of Honey – Shelagh Delaney ---------------------------------------------- This is an excellent read for English and drama students. I did extracts of this for a GCSE assessment one year. It’s a very fine play of its period and will always be relevant to any period for its portrayal of sex, relationships and homosexuality. It has currently joined the National Theatre repertoire! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Taste_of_Honey Billy Liar – Keith Waterhouse ----------------------------------------- This is generally a set book suitable for English/Drama GCSE. It’s a study in character but could be done as a full production with northern speakers and certainly extracts no matter in what accent! http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/3814/billy-liar The Trial – Steven Berkoff ------------------------------------ This is a great play for ‘A’ level students and a brilliant teaching resource. http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/1830/trial-the-berkoff Fumed Oak – Noel Coward ---------------------------------- This is suitable for Year 9 or GCSE students and an excellent reader for English lessons or as a ‘house’ play There is a lot of opportunity for ‘gender’ discussion. http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/2074/fumed-oak LARGE CAST PLAYS FOR YOUNGER PEOPLE BY MICHAEL ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ THEODOROU ---------------------- All the plays below will serve as productions involving as many people as possible. They are a drama teacher’s dream of what to do with all those young people who want to be involved! See my website for further details http://michaeltheodorou.weebly.com/index.html A Midsummer Night’s Dream adapted from Charles Dickens ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- I did this as an outdoor production in a school quadrangle using real cars and modern costumes. http://www.transatlanticpub.com/cat/misced/game3291.html A Christmas Carol adapted from Charles Dickens ----------------------------------------------------------------- I’ve directed this version myself at least twice, once in a large panelled room and once in a Drama Studio http://www.dramaworks.co.uk/ps_christmascarol.html Julius Caesar a modern version adapted from the Shakespeare play ------------------------------------------------------------------------- My version of this Shakespeare classic was first produced as an outdoor production with army jeeps and modern military costumes, however, it can be done inside but requires a big space. Casts of thousands!! http://www.doollee.com/PlaywrightsT/theodorou-michael.html#96290 The Cuckoo Clock – dramatised from the story by Mrs Molesworth ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This charming Victorian story is suitable both for juniors and seniors or a mixture of the two. http://www.doollee.com/PlaywrightsT/theodorou-michael.html#96126 Video Nasty – adapted for the stage from my TV screenplay ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is a hard hitting play about social deprivation, neglect and parental mismanagement but there are lots of comedy moments to balance thethe serious themes. It would only really be suitable for the over 15 year old pupils to study or perform http://www.doollee.com/PlaywrightsT/theodorou-michael.html#96260 Lysistrata – Aristophanes ----------------------------------- The original theme of women going on a sexual strike in ancient Athens is brought up to date with modern language but still retaining the classical structure. It can be set in any period and has a cast of over 30. The language is ripe and earthy so would not be suitable for all schools! http://www.doollee.com/PlaywrightsT/theodorou-michael.html#96128 http://archive2006-07.dollaracademy.org/activities_fviplay.shtml MUSICALS ----------------------- The following productions were produced by myself and a colleague when I was lucky enough to have the services of a first class Music School at hand. After a little ‘persuasion’ they agreed that this would be ‘good for the kids’! Bugsy Malone – Alan Parker ------------------------------------ The joy of this script is that it can be done by both younger or older pupils or a mixture of the two. It really begs to be a whole school end of year production. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugsy_Malone Oliver – Lionel Bart ---------------------------- This is a great production for the whole school but you need some good singers and a musical director. http://oliverthemusical.com/ Toad of Toad Hall – A.A. Milne ------------------------------------------ This brilliant musical version would again suit the whole school from Juniors to the eldest Seniors. http://www.mrtoadthemusical.co.uk/act2.html Oh, What a Lovely War – Joan Littlewood ------------------------------------------------------- This is particularly relevant to the centenary of the 1st World War 2014 and requires a whole school approach. It’s funny and touching with moments of superb drama and pathos. The anti war theme is heightened by having a young cast! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oh!_What_a_Lovely_War Cabaret – musical based on the book by Christopher Isherwood ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- This would be an ambitious choice for a school but wonderful music and musical numbers and dancing. You should check with the agent for performing rights before embarking on a production. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabaret_(musical) Guys and Dolls – Frank Loesser ----------------------------------------- This is another very ambitious choice for a school but it can be done if you have the singers and the musical talent within the school. Again you should check the performing rights before starting. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guys_and_Dolls The Boy Friend – Sandy Wilson ----------------------------------------- This was taken to the Edinburgh Festival where it scored a huge success and had Sandy Wilson’s blessing! He came to the school and showed us, at the age of seventy, how to do the ‘Charleston’! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boy_Friend_(musical) Grease – Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey ---------------------------------------------------- This musical is probably the most popular and the most relevant to young audiences I’ve ever encountered but do check for ‘rights’ as there may be a professional production running in which case the agents won’t allow any school to do it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grease_(musical) OTHER CHALLENGING PRODUCTIONS TO CONSIDER ------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- The Cenci – Antonin Artaud This would be a very ambitious and controversial play for a school to even consider but for ‘A’ level it could be an enlightening experience for the students who would soon realise just how ‘modern’ it is both in form and content. There could be at least 20 characters or more and it would lend itself to group work in speech, mime, mask work and design. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cenci Duet for Two Hands – Mary Hayley Bell --------------------------------------------------- Characters 2 Male 3 Female This classic thriller about a pioneering surgeon and the sinister results of his work is well worth looking at for a small sixth form production or extracts for examination. http://www.samuelfrench.com/p/1241/duet-for-two-hands Rope – Patrick Hamilton ---------------------------------- 6 Male 2 Female A murder victim’s body is placed in a wooden chest which is on stage all the time as the murderers invite some acquaintances – including the victim’s father – to tea! A gruesome and totally absorbing play which has a very contemporary feel to it! http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/3015/rope The Royal Hunt of the Sun – Peter Shaffer ------------------------------------------------------- If you want a large cast play then this may be the script you’ve been looking for. It was first produced by the National Theatre in 1964 and revived in 2006 by Trevor Nunn. The cast is huge and would lend itself to cross sex casting. http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/10818/royal-hunt-of-the-sunthe This Story of Yours – John Hopkins ---------------------------------------------- First produced in 1968 this is a well crafted play about police brutality and the psychological ramifications of both suspects and the police. This would make a brilliant ‘A’ level production for a small cast. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hopkins_(writer) Blue Orange – Joe Penhall ----------------------------------- A sardonically comic piece which touches on race,mental illness and 21st century British life. I once witnessed an ‘A’ level performance of this script which goes to show just how adventurous drama teachers can be when selecting scripts! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue/Orange Great Expectations adapted from Charles Dickens by Jo Clifford ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is about the best version I’ve ever encountered and, though I’ve never done it myself, I would strongly recommend a reading of it by all English/drama teachers in preparation for a school production. http://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/Book/1366/Great-Expectations-stage-version.html The Revenger’s Tragedy -------------------------------- This is a play I’ve often thought of producing at various stages of my career but somehow never got round to it, probably because I couldn’t see any suitable castings for the various male and female roles. It would make an excellent school production for an ambitious school. MICHAEL THEODOROU ———————————- The third play in the series is called 'There Are Such Things' and the subject is Bram Stoker himself, the creator of "Dracula'. It is set towards the end of his life after he has had a stroke and is beginning to lose his sight.His wife, Florence, having to cope with a number of health issues, decides to call in a doctor who may be able to help her husband overcome his difficulties. When the doctor arrives it turns out to be a character from his most famous book.
Here is a link to an interview I gave to the 'Vampire Over London' blog in which I myself interview Bram Stoker! https://beladraculalugosi.wordpress.com/2014/01/13/there-are-such-things-bram-stoker-interviews-michael-theodorou-about-his-new-stage-play/ The second play is about Hungarian actor Bela Lugosi who was the first actor to portray the character of 'Dracula' on the screen. My play is set in 1951 when Lugosi came to Britain to star in a touring stage production of 'Dracula'. He was accompanied by his wife, Lillian,who looked after him as he was by now 69 years old and had various medical issues as well as lapses of memory on stage.
When I came to write the play in 2011 I was encouraged by the support of Andi Brooks and Frank Dellostritto who wrote a book called 'Vampire Over London' and then created a website called 'Bela Lugosi in Britain' where in fact I got the idea of setting the play in 1951. I was subsequently interviewed by them and the result can be seen in this link:- https://beladraculalugosi.wordpress.com/2011/06/12/lugosi-a-play-for-the-stage-by-michael-theodorou/ Here are a few links to my plays on the Dracula theme.
The first play is a stage adaptation of Bram Stoker's novel called simply 'Dracula' and was written in 1994 for Wells Cathedral School. The first production had a cast of 33 senior students and was staged in an old chicken shed which was converted into a Drama Studio. I was fortunate enough to have the services a young composer called Russell Millard who composed a rather brilliant score for this production and I was also fortunate enough to have a rather brilliant actor in the lead role whose name was Tim Van Eyken who subsequently went on to have a career as an actor appearing most notably in the premier production of 'War Horse' at the National Theatre. I produced the play again some years later but the first production in 1994 had a magical quality to it which I still vividly remember. Here's a link to a recent production in Canada. http://cssdracula.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/presenting-classic-gothic-tale.html and extracts can be viewed at http://www.dramaworks.co.uk/files/playshare/playshare-extract-dracula.pdf As Hull has been designated 'City of Culture' 2017 I wish to publish my article for the book 'Huddled Together' which was a celebration of 50 years of the Drama Department at Hull. I would like to pay tribute to Michael Walton, now Emeritus Professor of Drama and to Don Roy who was Head of Drama when I was a student at Hull. Both of them were influential in my development as an actor, writer and director and I shall be eternally grateful to them.
RECALLING HULL UNIVERSITY DRAMA -------------------------------- --------------------- DEPARTMENT 1964 -1967 by Michael Theodorou ----------------------------------- ------------------------ The odd thing about the past is that it has a way of finding you in the most unusual ways. On a recent holiday I came across a history lecturer who had been my contemporary at Hull in the mid sixties (though we’d never met) and then the following year while on holiday I met a nuclear physicist (going by the name of Gordon Brown!) who had been a student at Hull in the mid fifties! A few months later I chanced to look at the Hull University website and was delighted to see that Mike Walton was listed under Drama Department staff as Emeritus Professor of Drama! After some hesitation, thinking he’d never remember me, nevertheless I decided to drop Mike an email and almost by return I had a communication in which he named the play and the role I’d played for him in 1966! I should add that I wasn’t officially a member of the Drama Department as I was supposed to be studying for a French/Spanish Joint Honours degree but Mike had seen me in a production of Camus’ play ‘Caligula’ and came up to me afterwards saying something like ‘ it was a terrible production but you were the best thing in it and I’d like you to play Tolen in a production of ‘The Knack’ that I’m doing for the Drama Department’. I remember the Drama Department performance space at that time was an old gym which seemed an odd venue for performing plays but the department was in its infancy and was presumably grabbing any space it could find. I remember there was a full lighting rig and a stage at one end with a full box set for ‘The Knack’. I remember going to see at least two other of Mike’s productions in the old gym and they were uniformly brilliant. I also recall seeing an adaptation of a Russian play done by an outside company. I was very quickly smitten by the acting bug and felt very much at home within the drama department who seemed to have the best parties on the University campus! I was asked to see my Head of Faculty (Professor Rees?) shortly after my appearance in ‘The Knack’ who told me in no uncertain terms that I was at Hull to study languages and not to ‘act in plays’! I think I’d got behind with my essays and someone had reported me to him. Another event I remember was an appearance at the University by the actor Micheal Mac Liammoir in his one man Oscar Wilde show. This was performed not in the old gym but on the stage used by the University Drama Society (where we’d done ‘Caligula’) on the top floor of one of the Faculty buildings. I’d never seen anything like it before and certainly not a man who obviously enjoyed playing all the female parts as well as the male. The gossip that came to me from backstage was that Micheal was wildly camp and kept calling Mike Walton his little French maid – even though Mike had a full beard at the time! There was also at that period of time I seem to recall a gentleman in the library called Philip Larkin who I was told was a poet! These reminiscences come 45 years after the events described so they may be a bit hazy but I recall my association with the Drama Department as being a key to my future development as actor, director and writer for which I shall always be grateful. Michael Theodorou |
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