12, ANGRY, MEAN by
Two people meet to discuss issues with Jeremy who is 12 years old.
Paul Smith
Paul Smith
Paul Smith is a UK-based writer and theatre reviewer. His website - www.theatreplays.uk -contains all his writings and reviews. The website also contains a secondhand theatre script and book shop - 100s of scripts available.
Paul's writing covers a wide-range of genres from pantomime to gritty plays and monologues which have been performed across the UK.
Paul has directed and...
Paul's writing covers a wide-range of genres from pantomime to gritty plays and monologues which have been performed across the UK.
Paul has directed and...
Paul Smith is a UK-based writer and theatre reviewer. His website - www.theatreplays.uk -contains all his writings and reviews. The website also contains a secondhand theatre script and book shop - 100s of scripts available.
Paul's writing covers a wide-range of genres from pantomime to gritty plays and monologues which have been performed across the UK.
Paul has directed and performed in many plays and musicals;
Acting credits include;
BOTTOM in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM - Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, London
NICHOLAS in THE LIFE & ADVENTURES OF NICHOLAS NICKLEBY by David Edgar - The Barn Theatre, Surrey
THE CAT in HONK by George Stiles & Anthony Drewe - The Minack Theatre, Cornwall
GUY BURGESS in SINGLE SPIES - AN ENGLISHMAN ABROAD by Alan Bennett - Wellington Arts Centre, Somerset
FROLLO in QUASIMODO by Steve Humfress & Andy Rapps - The Mitre Theatre, Croydon & The Harlequin Theatre, Redhill
Directing credits include;
THE MADNESS OF GEORGE III by Alan Bennett - The Mitre Theatre, Croydon
HOUSE & GARDEN by Alan Ayckbourn - The Mitre Theatre, Croydon
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN by Betty Comden, Adolph Greene Arthur Freed & Nacho Herb Brown - The Epsom Playhouse
LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES by Christopher Hampton - The Epsom Playhouse
THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF NICHOLAS NICKLEBY by David Edgar- The Epsom Playhouse & The Mitre Theatre
Paul's writing covers a wide-range of genres from pantomime to gritty plays and monologues which have been performed across the UK.
Paul has directed and performed in many plays and musicals;
Acting credits include;
BOTTOM in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM - Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, London
NICHOLAS in THE LIFE & ADVENTURES OF NICHOLAS NICKLEBY by David Edgar - The Barn Theatre, Surrey
THE CAT in HONK by George Stiles & Anthony Drewe - The Minack Theatre, Cornwall
GUY BURGESS in SINGLE SPIES - AN ENGLISHMAN ABROAD by Alan Bennett - Wellington Arts Centre, Somerset
FROLLO in QUASIMODO by Steve Humfress & Andy Rapps - The Mitre Theatre, Croydon & The Harlequin Theatre, Redhill
Directing credits include;
THE MADNESS OF GEORGE III by Alan Bennett - The Mitre Theatre, Croydon
HOUSE & GARDEN by Alan Ayckbourn - The Mitre Theatre, Croydon
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN by Betty Comden, Adolph Greene Arthur Freed & Nacho Herb Brown - The Epsom Playhouse
LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES by Christopher Hampton - The Epsom Playhouse
THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF NICHOLAS NICKLEBY by David Edgar- The Epsom Playhouse & The Mitre Theatre
Plays
A BLAST by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: comedy, drama + 1 more·Keyword: anonymous meetings, business meetings + 2 moreGenre: comedy, drama, mystery/thrillerKeyword: anonymous meetings, business meetings, mysterious, a park bench playTwo men meet at a bench in a secluded position in a park overlooking a town. Their meeting seems to have intent and is shrouded in stilted language and observation, but what is the truth behind the mystery?A BREAK by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 16··Cast:2Genre: drama·Keyword: bullying, Gay and LGBTQGenre: dramaKeyword: bullying, Gay and LGBTQGeeky Joe is followed to a park bench by the aggressive Josh. Their conversation is tense and uncertain.A CHANCE by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 12··Cast:2Genre: drama·Keyword: a marriage in crisis, childbirth + 2 moreGenre: dramaKeyword: a marriage in crisis, childbirth, illicit love affair, female revengeTwo women strike up a conversation on a park bench. The results of which may have significant consequences.A FAVOUR by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 13··Cast:2Genre: drama·Keyword: chance meeting, suicide bomber + 1 moreGenre: dramaKeyword: chance meeting, suicide bomber, terminal illnessAn elderly man and a young man meet on a park bench. Lives will change as a result.A LAUGH by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 3··Cast:2Genre: comedy, drama + 1 more·Keyword: old age, Happy memories + 5 moreGenre: comedy, drama, romantic comedyKeyword: old age, Happy memories, laughter, approaching death, disability, first love, a park bench playFred and Iris are taking a trip down memory lane as they reminisce about their life together in a small town and the many laughs they have had.A LIE-IN IN WINTER by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 4··Cast:2Genre: comedy·Keyword: breakfast, school + 1 moreGenre: comedyKeyword: breakfast, school, sleepMum is getting breakfast ready and is having real difficulty getting Billy to wake-up and go to schoolA MOMENT by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: dark comedy·Keyword: big business/small business, corruption + 3 moreGenre: dark comedyKeyword: big business/small business, corruption, fraud, stealing theft, building demolitionGlenn has found a discrete location to make a few business calls but is frustrated by the arrival of elderly Selina who keeps interrupting him…….A PAIN by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 2··Cast:2Genre: comedy·Keyword: cross dressing, charity + 3 moreGenre: comedyKeyword: cross dressing, charity, ageing, thrift store, a park bench playMary and Derek find themselves sitting on the same park bench together. Derek has things to get off his chest, but he seems to be talking to the world in general, oblivious to the fact there is someone else nearby.A PLAN by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 11··Cast:2Genre: drama·Keyword: bank robberyGenre: dramaKeyword: bank robberyTwo men have met at a bench overlooking a small town. They discuss the logistics of robbing a bank which they can see….A PLEASURE by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 5··Cast:2Genre: drama·Keyword: old age, friendship + 1 moreGenre: dramaKeyword: old age, friendship, companionshipClifford and Stella meet on a park bench - but is it coincidence? A touching story of two lonely people for older actors.A RIDDLE by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 4··Cast:1Genre: drama, zoom·Keyword: cancer, family grief + 1 moreGenre: drama, zoomKeyword: cancer, family grief, wordsDerek has a problem with a simple word. It fills him with emotions. He cannot fathom out why. Or does he?A SHOT IN THE LIGHT by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: dark comedy·Keyword: Garden, Peace + 1 moreGenre: dark comedyKeyword: Garden, Peace, GunArthur and Jessie’s peaceful day in the garden is spoilt by noise – time to do something about it.A THOUGHT by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 6··Cast:2Genre: drama·Keyword: chance meetingGenre: dramaKeyword: chance meetingA vicar and a nun find themselves chatting together on a park bench – they find they have certain things in commonADIOS AMIGO by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 8··Cast:1Genre: drama, radio drama + 1 more·Keyword: accepting death, approaching death + 7 moreGenre: drama, radio drama, zoomKeyword: accepting death, approaching death, cancer awareness, cancer patient, gay relationships, love, queer partnership, blind central character, Guide DogTony reflects on some very sad recent events in his life.ALL THE RESIDENCE MEN by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 1··Cast:3Genre: comedy·Keyword: retirement home, old ageGenre: comedyKeyword: retirement home, old ageThree ladies drink wine, chat and eye up men at their retirement home.ALTOGETHER by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 2··Cast:1Genre: comedy, zoom·Keyword: lifestyle changes, naturismGenre: comedy, zoomKeyword: lifestyle changes, naturismEustace has taken up a new lifestyle and he is happy to sell his new-found joy with others!BOX OFFICE by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 6··Cast:1Genre: comedy·Keyword: British theatre, Shakespeare + 2 moreGenre: comedyKeyword: British theatre, Shakespeare, telephone, ticket salesJACK is stuck in the box office of the theatre where he works – he would rather be on stage – but his job is to deal with customers.BRIAN JONES' DAIRY by Paul Smith
·Cast:4Genre: comedy·Keyword: competition, cheese + 2 moreGenre: comedyKeyword: competition, cheese, judges, dairyIt’s time to judge the entries into the cheese category at the local produce show – who will win?BRIEFS ENCOUNTERED by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 3··Cast:3Genre: comedy, dark comedy·Keyword: kleptomania, Underwear + 1 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedyKeyword: kleptomania, Underwear, policeThe Police have visited Mary, but why? All will be revealed!CELL - BANG by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 2··Cast:1Genre: drama, zoom·Keyword: crime, policeGenre: drama, zoomKeyword: crime, policeEdna is in a police station cell. How and why she finds herself there is something she explains. What is it that has happened? Do we really know?CELL - COMFORT by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 2··Cast:1Genre: drama, zoom·Keyword: crime, clergyGenre: drama, zoomKeyword: crime, clergySomething has happened and Maddie finds herself in a police station – her life will change forever – she has no idea who to turn to for help,CELL- DOUBT by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 4··Cast:1Genre: drama, zoom·Keyword: crime, policeGenre: drama, zoomKeyword: crime, policeLen has found himself in a police cell, awaiting questioning. He has been in trouble with the law before but has reformed. Hasn’t he?CELL - ME TOO by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 2··Cast:1Genre: drama, zoom·Keyword: arrest, police + 2 moreGenre: drama, zoomKeyword: arrest, police, me too, sexismFaye is 22 and has committed a crime. She has been arrested and is awaiting further questioning about her actions. But did she have good reason to do what she freely admits she did? Will the consequences of her action make matters worse for her?CELL - JENNY by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 2··Cast:1Genre: drama, zoomGenre: drama, zoomLaurence finds himself in a police station cell. He has lashed out at his wife who he hates. He has been pushed over the edge and will face some consequences for his actions. Whatever the result, his life will change.CELL - CLOUT by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 1··Cast:1Genre: drama, zoom·Keyword: arrest, police + 1 moreGenre: drama, zoomKeyword: arrest, police, assaultJez is a young man with a past, but he is trying to reform. Is he the culprit here? Was he just in the wrong place at the wrong time? Do the police just want a quick solution?THE DEATHS OF JAMES MASON by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 3··Cast:1Genre: biography, zoom·Keyword: James Mason, acting + 2 moreGenre: biography, zoomKeyword: James Mason, acting, death on screen, HollywoodThe actor James Mason reflects on his acting career on the realisation that he met with fateful ends in rather more of his films than he had thought!DINNER by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 10··Cast:3Genre: drama·Keyword: Elderly couple, burglary + 1 moreGenre: dramaKeyword: Elderly couple, burglary, justiceHilda and Ernest have had an unexpected guest. However, as they deal with the situation they are determined to have dinner as normal...DONNY OSMOND TURNED ME GAY by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 6··Cast:1Genre: comedy, zoom·Keyword: Teen idol, coming out + 4 moreGenre: comedy, zoomKeyword: Teen idol, coming out, Donny Osmond, teenage girls, pop star, pop musicMervyn is ready to admit something he has kept a secret for many years. It is going to be good to get it off his chest!EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE, ALL OVER THE PLACE by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 5··Cast:2Genre: comedy·Keyword: teenager, motherhood + 3 moreGenre: comedyKeyword: teenager, motherhood, untidy, chaos, bedroomA Mother has lost various things in the house and with trepidation enters her teenager’s bedroom.FUNERAL JOY by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 3··Cast:1Genre: dark comedy, zoom·Keyword: funeral, people watchingGenre: dark comedy, zoomKeyword: funeral, people watchingPerry has always wondered what his own funeral would be like and decides to find out!THE GOD BOTHERER by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 2··Cast:1Genre: drama, faith-based·Keyword: faith, god + 7 moreGenre: drama, faith-basedKeyword: faith, god, prayer, missing pets, family grief, cancer, international poverty, mortality, Finding meaning in lifeM often speaks to God – inadvertently usually, like many people.
M questions any faith they might have had as life continues on its course.
A series of spoken messages.GUIDE ME by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 5··Cast:3Genre: drama·Keyword: Relationships, features LGBTQ+ characters + 1 moreGenre: dramaKeyword: Relationships, features LGBTQ+ characters, marriageThe marriage of Rich and Clara is going through a crisis. A break up is on the cards as Rich looks to move on with friend Jack. A medical intervention may well cancel or delay Rich's plans.
A PLAY INSPIRED BY A PORTRAIT - PLEASE SEE ALSO; HAPPINESS & ISAACHAMLET IN ANTARCTICA by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 7··Cast:5Genre: comedy, satire + 1 moreGenre: comedy, satire, zoom5 theatre folk gather to discuss a forthcoming production of Hamlet for a prestigious occasion. Their discussions vary and conflict as they seek to be politically correct and all-inclusive.HAPPINESS by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 4··Cast:3Genre: drama·Keyword: family, Adult Siblings + 1 moreGenre: dramaKeyword: family, Adult Siblings, deathThree siblings reflect on their upbringing after a gathering in a London apartment. But emotions are running high. All eventually becomes clearer.
A PLAY INSPIRED BY A PORTRAIT - PLEASE SEE ALSO; GUIDE ME & ISAACHAPPY NEW YEAR? by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 2··Cast:1Genre: dark comedy·Keyword: new year, New Years Eve + 5 moreGenre: dark comedyKeyword: new year, New Years Eve, celebrations, death, family, New Years resolutions, FireworksMervyn isn’t a fan of New Year celebrations and isn’t afraid to vocalise his thoughts on the subject. Grumpy? You bet he is!HEIR APPARENT by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 2··Cast:13Genre: comedy, fantasy + 1 more·Keyword: family inheritance, contains some LGBTQ characters + 3 moreGenre: comedy, fantasy, romantic comedyKeyword: family inheritance, contains some LGBTQ characters, before legalized gay marriage, 1930s, British EnglishFollowing a somewhat tragic and disrupted childhood, George Buckingham is fostered by a number of families before ending up on a farm in Devon. Then, one day, he receives a mysterious invitation to a grand house in London – an invitation which he accepts and which leads him to discover himself, his real heritage and the world around him – and love. A fantasy set in 1930 where liberality was possible, if you...Following a somewhat tragic and disrupted childhood, George Buckingham is fostered by a number of families before ending up on a farm in Devon. Then, one day, he receives a mysterious invitation to a grand house in London – an invitation which he accepts and which leads him to discover himself, his real heritage and the world around him – and love. A fantasy set in 1930 where liberality was possible, if you knew the right people. Fun, daft and maybe a tad sentimental.I WILL NEVER PLAY HAMLET by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 14··Cast:1Genre: comedy, zoom·Keyword: acting, inspired by Shakespeare + 1 moreGenre: comedy, zoomKeyword: acting, inspired by Shakespeare, HamletEric, 73, reflects on his career and reflects on the one role that eluded him.I WILL NEVER PLAY JULIET by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 5··Cast:1Genre: comedy, drama + 1 more·Keyword: acting, Female Shakespearian CharactersGenre: comedy, drama, zoomKeyword: acting, Female Shakespearian CharactersAlice is an older actor who looks back on her life, reflecting on the role she always wanted to play but was never destined to - despite her belief that she would be ideal!ISAAC by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 4··Cast:3Genre: comedy, drama·Keyword: art, friendship + 3 moreGenre: comedy, dramaKeyword: art, friendship, Relationships, indecision, contains some LGBTQ charactersAn art exhibition, a trio of voices, a life-changing moment. What will happen during this evening which has been waiting to happen for so many years?
A PLAY INSPIRED BY A PORTRAIT - PLEASE SEE ALSO GUIDE ME & HAPPINESSTHE LAST RITES OF ORSON WELLES by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 3··Cast:1Genre: biography, zoom·Keyword: Orson Welles, Hollywood + 7 moreGenre: biography, zoomKeyword: Orson Welles, Hollywood, End of Career, acting, Advertising, Alcohol, Chimes at Midnight, William Shakespeare, FalstaffThe great Hollywood star Orson Welles is in the twilight of his career but has found work advertising wine on television commercials. But the process takes its toll and as he films one commercial he finds himself remininscing about one of his favourite film roles and how much he identifies with him.LAWRENCE'S ARABICA by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: comedy·Keyword: coffee, coffee shopGenre: comedyKeyword: coffee, coffee shopTwo ladies have having coffee in a shop. A third coffee is required!MARY POPS IN by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 1··Cast:3Genre: comedy·Keyword: X-Box, neighbours + 3 moreGenre: comedyKeyword: X-Box, neighbours, sugar, friendship, namesBilly and Dan are engrossed in their computer game – they are suddenly interrupted!THE MODEL OF A MAN by Paul Smith
·Cast:1Genre: drama, zoom·Keyword: male model, bullying + 1 moreGenre: drama, zoomKeyword: male model, bullying, LGBTQSam is an aspiring fashion model - his journey to achieve in his chosen career has been arduous and devastating. However, he is determined to exert his will and determination to reach the goals he has set himself. A monologue which lifts the lid on the torment suffered by some in a stark and compelling narrative.MURDER AT THE 'ORIENT EXPRESS' by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 2··Cast:3Genre: dark comedy·Keyword: Chinese Restaurant, murder + 3 moreGenre: dark comedyKeyword: Chinese Restaurant, murder, death, Noodles, policeA crime has been committed at the Orient Express. Detective Chief Inspector Pear is perplexed!NEXT OF KIN by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 1··Cast:1Genre: dark comedy·Keyword: Hospital, loneliness + 3 moreGenre: dark comedyKeyword: Hospital, loneliness, isolation, frustration, relativesArchie is in his hospital bed. Frustrated by everything around him and by the constant questions he is asked about his next of kin.A NICE SEAT IN THE STALLS by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 2··Cast:1Genre: drama, zoomGenre: drama, zoomJudith and her friend Felicity enjoy attending funerals. They enjoy the food at the wake most of all. But when they get bored with funerals they decide that trips to the theatre might be more fun. A comedy with sadness.ONCE UPON A TIME AT PENGE WEST by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 2··Cast:3–20Genre: comedy, drama·Keyword: commuter train, waiting + 1 moreGenre: comedy, dramaKeyword: commuter train, waiting, announcerA group of people await their morning train to London. Will it be on time?ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 9··Cast:2Genre: comedy, drama·Keyword: bus travel, London + 5 moreGenre: comedy, dramaKeyword: bus travel, London, running, marathon, marathons, ageing, eternal youthNathan is taking a coach to London where he is running the London Marathon; Elise is taking the coach to London to support her granddaughter who is also running the London Marathon. The two enter into a discussion about life and running – but is everything as it seems?THE PORTRAIT by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 2··Cast:6–8Genre: biography, docudrama/historic + 1 more·Keyword: art, portraiture + 1 moreGenre: biography, docudrama/historic, dramaKeyword: art, portraiture, Winston ChurchillIn honour of his 80th Birthday, a portrait is commissioned by the Houses of Parliament for Winston Churchill. The artist Graham Sutherland is asked to complete the painting. The result is a conflict of artistic visions and a damaging conclusionPROPER NAMES by Paul Smith
·Cast:1Genre: comedy·Keyword: names, misspelling + 2 moreGenre: comedyKeyword: names, misspelling, Spelling, frustrationPeter is frustrated after he is picked up for spelling someone’s name incorrectly. He opens up a can of worms!
MONOLOGUE
This play contains adult language.TASTY by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 5··Cast:2Genre: drama·Keyword: dinner, wine + 4 moreGenre: dramaKeyword: dinner, wine, Execution, executioner, death, last mealTwo people are sitting at a table. There is food and drink. They talk. Why are they there? What is happening? By the end of the play we find out.TEA by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: dark comedy·Keyword: priest, disagreement + 3 moreGenre: dark comedyKeyword: priest, disagreement, power struggle, poison, Afternoon TeaThe local vicar is having huge issues with one of his more strident parishioners and so decides to invite her to the vicarage for tea. They have alot of air to clear, but how will they do it?TUPPENCE by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 2··Cast:1Genre: drama·Keyword: loneliness and isolation, dementia + 1 moreGenre: dramaKeyword: loneliness and isolation, dementia, a role for an older actressA cup of tea and a biscuit and some company is all Lisa wants for. However, her memory is not what it was and the company doesn't seem to be there. Lisa isn't sure what is what anymore.THE UNDERSTUDY by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 8··Cast:1Genre: dark comedy, zoom·Keyword: British theatre, acting + 2 moreGenre: dark comedy, zoomKeyword: British theatre, acting, male monologue, understudyMalcolm has been the permanent understudy for the great actor Sir Giles Ross, but he has never taken to the stage. And he is bitter about it! How can he find a way to make Sir Giles miss just one performance!ZOO LOO by Paul Smith
Recommendations: 6··Cast:2Genre: comedy·Keyword: zoo, toilet + 1 moreGenre: comedyKeyword: zoo, toilet, unhelpfulA visitor to a Zoo is struggling to find a toilet, an employee is slightly unhelpful.