A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE
Dreams from a Summer House
Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 3w, 5m
The reigning king of English comedy strikes off in a new direction with this gleeful fantasy. A couple is preparing for an al fresco party while their hapless ex son in law is holed up in their summer house, drinking off his divorce while he completes illustrations for a new edition of Beauty and the Beast. When he conjures Belle to life and she appears in the garden unable to understand English unless it is sung, her fantastical presence wreaks havoc with the all too real lives around her.
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Cast Size
3w, 5m
Details
Summary
The reigning king of English comedy strikes off in a new direction with this gleeful fantasy. A couple is preparing for an al fresco party while their hapless ex son in law is holed up in their summer house, drinking off his divorce while he completes illustrations for a new edition of Beauty and the Beast. When he conjures Belle to life and she appears in the garden unable to understand English unless it is sung, her fantastical presence wreaks havoc with the all too real lives around her. The story develops into a cliff hanger when the Beast also appears and carries off the strident ex wife. This outrageously comic battle of the sexes delightfully illustrates the disparity between romantic ideals and earthly reality, proving once again that true love is impossible but necessary.
"It is almost impossible not to be seduced by this fanciful flight of the imagination." - Daily Telegraph"A masterpiece in plot design with some marvelous characters." - Stage & TV Today
- Additional Features Play with Music
Media
"A masterpiece in plot design with some marvelous characters." - Stage & TV Today
Videos
Alan Ayckbourn on Growing As a Dramatist
Alan Ayckbourn on Comparisons
Alan Ayckbourn on How to Approach His Plays
Alan Ayckbourn on Getting Started
Alan Ayckbourn on the Difference Between Then and Now
Alan Ayckbourn on Ideas
Alan Ayckbourn on Writing a Well Made Play
Licensing & Materials
- Licensing fees and rental materials quoted upon application.
This title may have restrictions in place for London based productions. Please submit a licence request to confirm specific availability.