Dinkers Taming Bangers

by Kim E. Ruyle

[One-Act].
Inspired by the works of William Shakespeare with a nod to The Taming of the Shrew.
Competition on the pickleball court spills over for Kate and Bebe when they place a bet on who will be most successful in reforming their partners to play differently. Can a dinker become a banger? Even more interesting perhaps, can a banger become a dinker?

[One-Act].
Inspired by the works of William Shakespeare with a nod to The Taming of the Shrew.
Competition on the pickleball court spills over for Kate and Bebe when they place a bet on who will be most successful in reforming their partners to play differently. Can a dinker become a banger? Even more interesting perhaps, can a banger become a dinker?

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Dinkers Taming Bangers

Recommended by

  • Lynn Millar: Dinkers Taming Bangers by Kim E. Ruyle
    “

    Delightful characters will take you on a romp of pickleball, Shakespeare, Tom Jones and everyday life. Dinkers Taming Bangers challenges one to think about manipulation vs education in order to change. Maybe they were just due for a twist to their thinking and who they are.

    Delightful characters will take you on a romp of pickleball, Shakespeare, Tom Jones and everyday life. Dinkers Taming Bangers challenges one to think about manipulation vs education in order to change. Maybe they were just due for a twist to their thinking and who they are.

    ”
  • Morey Norkin: Dinkers Taming Bangers by Kim E. Ruyle
    “

    Pickleball, Shakespeare, and Tom Jones make a delightful combination as two women make a bet that they can change their male partners’ style of play. The result is a thoroughly enjoyable theatre experience. With a Kim Ruyle play, it’s not unusual!

    Pickleball, Shakespeare, and Tom Jones make a delightful combination as two women make a bet that they can change their male partners’ style of play. The result is a thoroughly enjoyable theatre experience. With a Kim Ruyle play, it’s not unusual!

    ”
  • Christopher Soucy: Dinkers Taming Bangers by Kim E. Ruyle
    “

    A few scant years ago I had no idea what pickleball was. Now, I can’t go anywhere without hearing about it. This is a fresh, fun, witty play that delivers Shakespearean level machinations. The dialogue is crisp and natural while also uncommonly funny.

    A few scant years ago I had no idea what pickleball was. Now, I can’t go anywhere without hearing about it. This is a fresh, fun, witty play that delivers Shakespearean level machinations. The dialogue is crisp and natural while also uncommonly funny.

    ”
View all 6 recommendations
KATE: Female. Firefighter. An avid outdoorswoman. Likes country music and the Friday night fish fry. Kate is Pete’s partner in pickleball and in life. A highly skilled pickleball player. A banger.
BEBE: Female. Beautician. She idolizes British crooners Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck. Bebe is Luke’s partner in pickleball and in life. An average pickleball player. A dinker.
PETE: Male. A bricklayer who looks the part. Pete’s an avid outdoorsman and a fan of MMA cage fighting. An aggressive, undisciplined pickleball player. A banger.
LUKE: Male. A preschool teacher with a penchant for Shakespearian theatre. Luke is shy, softspoken except when quoting Shakespeare. An awkward pickleball player. A dinker.
ALL CHARACTERS: Any ethnicity and all about the same age, 40s – 60s.

Production History

  • Community Theater, Best Medicine Rep, 2026
  • Professional, The Ritz Theatre Company, 2024

Awards

  • Ritz Theatre Company's 2024 One-Act Play Festival
    Ritz Theatre Company
    Finalist
    2024