Benched

by John Friesen

Benched is a play about the enduring friendship of two elderly men, Frankie and James, who faithfully meet on a park bench every Friday. Over the course of four consecutive Fridays, their routine of playing cards or dominoes and enjoying sandwiches is disrupted by Frankie's desire for change, while James finds solace in their familiar rhythm. Frankie harbours a secret plan that, once revealed, will jeopardize...

Benched is a play about the enduring friendship of two elderly men, Frankie and James, who faithfully meet on a park bench every Friday. Over the course of four consecutive Fridays, their routine of playing cards or dominoes and enjoying sandwiches is disrupted by Frankie's desire for change, while James finds solace in their familiar rhythm. Frankie harbours a secret plan that, once revealed, will jeopardize their bond. Anxiously they await the arrival of a menacing and possibly dangerous stranger, who never arrives. But then something else happens. A shocking event that changes their lives.
WHAT BENCHED IS REALLY ABOUT
With a blend of humor, pathos, and moments reminiscent of Pinter, the play authentically captures the complexities of aging, regret, and the longing for companionship. Amidst the playfully intimate and sometimes bawdy banter, the story explores the profound themes of life, love, and death, providing a candid glimpse into the lives of the elderly and fostering empathy and understanding. Benched is an honest and touching portrayal of friendship in old age that resonates with audiences of all generations. Benched can be seen as a reimagining of Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, sharing all the same existential themes, but rooted in today’s real world. Audiences will have some good laughs, but will leave the theatre with a sad reminder of the human condition and the challenges and anxieties of modern life for everyone, especially the older generation.
Piquant mysteries in Benched
Woven into the play are some intriguing mysteries. Who is the rather strange and menacing former classmate that threatens their friendship? Frankie and James are an odd couple indeed. They’ve known each other since high school days. What is it that binds their relationship? James is the stodgy stoic, fixed in his ways, a creature of habit, practical, resisting change, former high school drama teacher with a university education. Frankie, the more emotional and adventurous one, with a soaring imagination, jokester, prankster, is a care free former car salesman with a high school education. The unexpected revelation of his wounded relationship with his gay fifty-year-old son is heart-rending.

read more
  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

Benched

Recommended by

  • Paul Smith: Benched by John Friesen
    “

    As someone who loves a play set on a park bench, this is a joy. John Friesen creates the most wonderful relationship between Frankie and James, touching, funny and very moving. The spare nature of the writing will allow the actors involved to really 'act' - these are challenging, yet sumptuous roles for the performers. Friesen demonstrates so very well that you don't need constant action to tell a good story. A super piece of writing.

    As someone who loves a play set on a park bench, this is a joy. John Friesen creates the most wonderful relationship between Frankie and James, touching, funny and very moving. The spare nature of the writing will allow the actors involved to really 'act' - these are challenging, yet sumptuous roles for the performers. Friesen demonstrates so very well that you don't need constant action to tell a good story. A super piece of writing.

    ”