Escape from the Asylum

by Patricia Milton

Can the lady detectives escape the madness of the patriarchy? Nominated for 2022 Best Original Script and awarded Best Production, East Bay, by the SF Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle.

1895 London: When Loveday, Katie, and Valeria (The Victorian Ladies' Detective Collective) learn a perfectly sane woman explorer has been consigned to an asylum by her husband, they hatch a plan to set her free. At the same time...

Can the lady detectives escape the madness of the patriarchy? Nominated for 2022 Best Original Script and awarded Best Production, East Bay, by the SF Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle.

1895 London: When Loveday, Katie, and Valeria (The Victorian Ladies' Detective Collective) learn a perfectly sane woman explorer has been consigned to an asylum by her husband, they hatch a plan to set her free. At the same time, they investigate the mystery of who is stealing the explorer's inheritance, piece by valuable piece. The woman's husband insists it's the serving girl, and all clues point that direction ... but is that a ruse? Two mysteries are solved in this character-driven comedy/mystery that also features a Victorian seance, a pre-Freudian alienist, cross-dressing, and other theatrical pleasures.

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Escape from the Asylum

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear: Escape from the Asylum by Patricia Milton
    “

    A marvelous mystery that keeps us guessing as we uncover the clues of who is the thief! Well done!

    A marvelous mystery that keeps us guessing as we uncover the clues of who is the thief! Well done!

    ”
  • Donna Gordon: Escape from the Asylum by Patricia Milton
    “

    I'm glad for another nod to the Victorian age, with its beautiful dresses and elaborate phrases. Milton is a master at capturing this period and giving it a modern currency. A mystery unfolds here and the story cleverly unwinds all the tangled threads. Some relevant issues are brought to the reader's attention. This is a complete package: history, conversational technique, clear characterization and a strong motive.

    I'm glad for another nod to the Victorian age, with its beautiful dresses and elaborate phrases. Milton is a master at capturing this period and giving it a modern currency. A mystery unfolds here and the story cleverly unwinds all the tangled threads. Some relevant issues are brought to the reader's attention. This is a complete package: history, conversational technique, clear characterization and a strong motive.

    ”

Character Information

2 white women
1 bi-racial woman
1 white man playing multiple roles
  • LOVEDAY FORTESCUE
    a former actress and governess. A proto-feminist, at once intellectual, philosophical, and dramatic. Victorian era expectations of women infuriate and preoccupy her. Always wears gloves.
    40s, 50s
    White
    Cis female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • KATHERINE (KATIE) SMALLS
    A biracial ex-patriot and entertainer at The St. James Theatre. Born in Virginia, later moved to become an actress in New York. Badass American, trained in self-defense. Determined, matter-of-fact.
    20s, 30s
    Biracial – Black & White
    Cis female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • VALERIA HUNTER
    a widow, cat lady and Loveday's sister, who owns and operates the Hunter Lodging House. Once nearly put away as "mad." Anxious, newly weaned from her favorite opium tinctures.
    50s, 60s
    White
    Cis female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • BANDERFORD CLUTTERBUCK
    a Londoner used to his leisure. An red-faced, mutton-chopped, harrumphing opportunist who frequently cheats at cards. He recently married the lady explorer, Mehetabel Fernsby, whom he has had locked up in the Epsom Nursing Home for Nervous Diseases. Played by the same actor as von Grabstetter and Fernsby.
    40s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • FLORIAN VON GRABSTETTER
    a Viennese asylum doctor, proprietor of the infamous Epsom Nursing Home for Nervous Diseases. An avid believer in the healing power of magnets, he is a con man grieving the recent death of his beloved asylum nurse.
    (played by same actor as Fishwick and Fernsby)
    40s, 50s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • FINEAS FERNSBY
    The loyal brother of Mehetabel Fernsby. Alter ego: MISS SMITH, Mehetabel’s ladies maid. A non-gender-conforming crossdresser, talented illusionist and cracksman. Played by the same actor as Clutterbuck and von Grabstetter
    40s, 50s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

  • Reading, Central Works Theater, 2020

Production History

  • Professional, Central Works, 2022

Awards

  • Excellence in Theatre: Best Production, house <100 seats
    SF Bay Area Theatre Critics Association
    Winner
    2022
  • Excellence in Theatre: Best Original Script
    SF Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle
    Finalist
    2022