'Gate Thirteen' by Tony Frier
Maggie Smith is directing a one-act play for a Patrons' evening on Saturday 13 October.
This play explores the behaviour and whims of people waiting in an airport lounge with great insight and humour. It has quite a twist at the end, which can be uncommon in a short one-act. It is approximately 48 minutes long. There are five main parts and three small ones, plus two off-stage voices which can be recorded. The setting is an airport lounge. No scenery is needed, just blacks and six village hall chairs.
The synopsis reads - A disparate group of travellers with various levels of flying experience await the departure of their flight home from Marrakech. Gary and Julie are ingeniously attempting to avoid excess baggage charges, Derek and Pauline are collecting as many freebies as they can, and the mysterious Carrie is handcuffed to her seat.
The cast -
Announcer - (off stage) - recorded voice
Pauline(40-60) and Derek(40-60) - A self-satisfied long- married couple. They enjoy
one-up-man ship.
Carrie (20-30) - A young woman mysteriously handcuffed to her seat.
Julie (35-55) and Gary (35-55) - Another long-married couple who bicker and also want to outdo
Pauline and Derek in terms of status.
Jon (20-30) - A small but vital part. He wanders in and out.
Officer (any age) - A small part. As the airport is in Morocco he must have some sort of accent.
Guard (any age) - As with the officer, a small part and needs an accent.
Tom (20-30) Off stage - recorded voice.