The Grand Delusion - A Modern Tragedy of Reality by Kate Danley

ONE ACT - Society tells us to cast off our fear and follow our dreams. It tells us that the ability to change our fate lies in our own hands. But what if you're really bad at the thing you love? A wry tragedy of one man who should never have quit his day job.
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The Grand Delusion - A Modern Tragedy of Reality

Recommended by

  • Daniel Prillaman:
    27 Mar. 2024
    “ Gonzo. Just absolutely outrageous. It’s rare to read a play that will make you laugh this hard before punching you right in the gut. Danley’s protagonist is having the mid-life crisis of the century. The satire here bites hard, skewering white male fragility, toxic positivity, unwarranted confidence, all the while striking the perfect balance of hilarious and cringe. Give Nathan Fielder another decade and change, I could see him here. Although I suppose George would insist upon playing himself. ”
  • Marcia Eppich-Harris:
    7 Jan. 2022
    “ George is the ultimate expression of the Dunning Kruger effect. His relentless belief in himself and his talent is driven by the "believe in yourself" pop psychology prevalent in our era. At once hilarious and sad, The Grand Delusion makes you question your life choices in a way that George never does. Doubt, it turns out, is proof that you're on the right track. I absolutely loved this play, and I'd love to see it on stage! Well done! ”
  • Steven G. Martin:
    5 May. 2021
    “ This darkly comic one-act shows the demise of a man, with each poor decision he makes turning the wheels that destroy him grind faster and faster. This play is very funny, very cringe-worthy, very jaw-dropping in showing the tragedy of feeling that our lives are not enough.

    I laugh at George, the protagonist in Kate Danley's "Grand Delusion" because he cannot grasp how unachievable his dreams are and how he isn't prepared to attain them. Give Danley kudos, however, as she shows why George's foolishness exists. And by understanding George, I can feel sympathy for him. ”
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Character Information

George and Sarah should be played individually. All other roles can be double cast.

  • George
    A boring man who dreams of greatness
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Sarah
    George's long suffering wife
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • BOSS / BRENT / PARTNER
    Charismatic and everything George wants to be.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary
  • VOICE / MADISON / JANE
    Soothing voiceover voice. A reminder to George of everything he is not.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    The Director's Cut Theatre Company, Write to Right at the Southwark Playhouse
    ,
    2022