I am intending to amalgamate the two plays so that the two featured storylines occur concurrently – which is how it was presented on film and television.
One storyline concerns a down-at –heel journalist confronted by his ex-wife, a former model. They had a volatile marriage, which ended when he was imprisoned for physical violence towards her. This ruins his budding political career. After many years and another failed marriage she tracks him down – realizing that she is still in love with him.
The second storyline concerns a “self made” army major whose loneliness and insecurities lead him into reckless behaviour and criminal charges are brought. He receives comfort from an unlikely source – a timid spinster overshadowed by her domineering mother.
Another essential character in the problem solving for both storylines is the capable and self- sacrificing hotel manager Miss Cooper. There are other interesting guests staying at the hotel each with their own interesting background story.
CHARACTERS:-
- Miss Cooper : Hotel Manager - Middle aged Capable, efficient and in love with the journalist.
- John Malcolm: Troubled journalist – 40s-50s – drinks too much, violent temper, embittered by his self destruction.
- Anne Shankland: Glamorous model – 40s-50s – Spoilt, self-obsessed but lonely, worried about getting older.
- Major Pollock: Military man – 50s-60s – who, for all his bravado is shy and insecure.
- Sybil Railton-Bell : Very timid, spinster – 30-40 ish. Totally dominated by her mother.
- Mrs Railton-Bell: Strong, bigoted woman – 60s-70s. Presumed widow likes to have her own way.
- Lady Matheson: Meek, former nobility – 60s-70s. Widowhood has left her impecunious. Frightened by Mrs Railton-Bell.
- Miss Meacham : A bit of an eccentric – 70+ Not intimidated by anyone. Likes to study the horse-racing form.
- Mr Fowler – Retired public school housemaster – 60-70. Pedantic, always reflecting on past and old school boys.
- Waitresses – 1 or 2 depending on availability.
- Some of the action takes place in the dining room when food is being served – so we will be needing a couple of chef’s s well! These do not appear on stage.
Carole Baynes (Director)