←Recommendations of Samantha's Friend

Talk about a cautionary tale of suspense and the supernatural! And of the way lives can go in so many different directions depending on a single decision. At the center is young Samantha and her imaginary friend. Who may not be so imaginary. I loved all the layers, and how I felt more emotionally involved with every curious turn in this deceptively simple story. Wonderfully done!

Initially it’s cool that Sam the imaginary friend is always 14, an adolescent, but for a child an older sister at the threshold of adulthood, an ideal guide for the coming years . . . but as SAMANTHA’S FRIEND continues the eerie tension builds between Samantha and her parents as we wonder about the true nature of the supernatural visitor. Plumridge knows how to patiently and expertly add twigs to the story’s fire, and I love how the structure of the play diverges in such a way that it mirrors the action and character dynamic, giving us twin riveting conclusions!

What a haunting short play! The tension builds with every birthday. Audiences will be on the edge of their seats.

Christopher Plumridge is a master of suspense and other worldliness. A really interesting family dynamic that intensifies as we see more of Samantha’s Friend. Guaranteed to raise a few goosebumps!

This is an eerie, suspenseful play that keeps the reader guessing! It begins with childhood innocence and follows the main character, Samantha, throughout her childhood. All the time, her imaginary friend is by her side. The world of the play is clear, and the reader is faced with plenty of clues to suggest that the identity of "Samantha's friend" is not as innocent as one might believe. There are layers to this piece, as characters are "haunted" by their treatment of others. This is a lovely, spooky tragedy with wonderful roles for young girls and adult actors alike!

I highly recommend this wonderfully written play, SAMANTHA'S FRIEND, by Christopher Plumridge. I found it to be one of those plays that, once you start reading it, you have to keep going to the end. I like how the intensity builds as the story moves along. It is a good read and is a very bitter-sweet play. Good job, Chris.

CHRISTOPHER PLUMRIDGE’s “Samantha’s Friend” is a stirring gem. There are so many layers to this piece, and the audience will be emotionally impacted. I had the honor of playing David in a Zoom reading. All the characters are well thought out. Great job!

Having been a part of a reading of this play I felt it wrench at my heart strings in so many ways. The piece is beautifully crafted to take the innocent idea of an imaginary through and put it through so many complex issues and brilliantly constructed characters. I could feel myself wanting to take Samantha and give her a hug by the end. Wonderfully done and could easily be a full length piece.

“Samantha’s Friend” is a short thriller in the best sense: compelling, unsettling (in a great way), and keeps you guessing until the end. I loved how the characters and world were so fully realized, and the interactions, especially between Samantha and her mother, were complex and deeply, clearly realized. The scene setting is also masterful, and the anticipation of wanting to know what’s happening with the “friend” builds beautifully throughout the piece as well. Would love to see this produced, and it would also make a terrific short film. Wonderful work.

Very spooky short. Would be a very intense short film possibly. Twist I didn't see coming until it was too late!