Beatrix Potter Must Die!

A desperate American farmer travels back in time for an unusual solution to his plague of rabbits. A hilarious two-hander that offers an possible origin story for "The Tale of Peter Rabbit."

(Inspired by the playwright's struggles with rabbits on his own farm. But no actual time travel was involved.)
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Beatrix Potter Must Die!

Recommended by

  • Enid Cokinos:
    7 Apr. 2022
    It’s easy to see why Patrick Gabridge’s play was selected by The Ten Show (Season 2) as one of the top contenders. I watched the short movie made of BEATRIX POTTER MUST DIE! It’s fabulous! A creative, fun story weaving past and present, and getting to the bottom of Ms. Potter’s (possible) inspiration. A truly delightful play to read and watch.
  • Samantha Marchant:
    23 Mar. 2022
    A charming mix of nostalgia and sci-fi. An alternate origin story for Farmer McGregor. Gabridge expertly laces the moving plot with literary references. Sure to be a funny standout to any short play festival.
  • Jonathan Cook:
    20 Jan. 2022
    I produced an audio play version of this script on the radio theater podcast GATHER BY THE GHOST LIGHT after seeing it performed at SUNY Brockport. This play is such a delightful alternative take on the origin of Beatrix Potter's "The Tale of Peter Rabbit". Gabridge ties everything together in such a clever and humorous way. An outstanding script suitable for all ages to enjoy!

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    One Night Stand, Aurora, CO
    ,
    2016
  • Reading
    ,
    Dewey Decimal Festival, Chappaqua, NY
    ,
    2014

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Playwrights' Round Table
    ,
    2018
  • Fringe
    ,
    AND Theatre, South Korea
    ,
    2016
  • Community Theater
    ,
    Acme Theatre, Maynard, MA
    ,
    2016
  • Community Theater
    ,
    Arlington Friends of the Drama
    ,
    2015
  • Fringe
    ,
    Short and Sweet Festival, the Philippines
    ,
    2015
  • Professional
    ,
    Nylon Fusion, New York
    ,
    2015
  • University
    ,
    SUNY Brockport
    ,
    2015
  • Community Theater
    ,
    Silver Spring Playhouse, MD
    ,
    2014
  • Fringe
    ,
    Short and Sweet Festival, Aukland, New Zealand
    ,
    2014
  • Fringe
    ,
    North Park Vaudeville and Candy Shoppe, San Diego, CA
    ,
    2014