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4000 Days

Full-Length Play, Dramatic Comedy  /  1w, 2m

Peter Quilter

What would you do if you forgot the last decade of your life? After a blood clot unexpectedly formed in his brain, Michael has been in a coma for three weeks. Watching over him in hospital is his bitter mother, Carol, and his dull but well-meaning partner, Paul. They are united in their grief over Michael, and in their intense dislike of each other.

4000 Days

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    1w, 2m
  • Duration
    Duration
    105 Minutes
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary

What would you do if you forgot the last decade of your life? After a blood clot unexpectedly formed in his brain, Michael has been in a coma for three weeks. Watching over him in hospital is his bitter mother, Carol, and his dull but well-meaning partner, Paul. They are united in their grief over Michael, and in their intense dislike of each other.

When Michael wakes, they realize that 11 years of his memory have been completely erased. He remembers nothing of the last 4000 days. He remembers nothing of Paul. It is as though the relationship never existed.

Paul must now fight to bring Michael’s memory back while Carol fights to remove him from their lives completely. Michael, still charming and witty, concentrates his recovery on creating a giant mural on the back wall of his hospital room... an expression of his loss, his hopes, and his desire to live his life as the man he was 11 years ago, not the man he has become.

http://www.peterquilter.net/4000-DAYS.html

History
4000 Days premiered at the Park Theatre in London in January 2016.
Keywords
Performing Groups

CAROL – Michael’s mother, 60’s/70’s. Waspish and difficult, with a dry sense of humour. Hides her deep feelings behind a cool veneer. 
PAUL – In his 40’s/50’s. A pleasant gay man with a good heart, but perhaps a little ordinary and lacking in passion.
MICHAEL – Carol’s son, 40’s/50’s. Charming and artistic, with natural wit and intelligence.

Note: The age of the characters is flexible. Michael and Paul can be in their 30’s, 40’s or 50’s. Carol can be in her 50’s, 60’s or 70’s, depending on the age of Michael.

The age of the characters is flexible. Michael and Paul can be in their 30’s, 40’s or 50’s. Carol can be in her 50’s, 60’s or 70’s, depending on the age of Michael.

  • Time Period Contemporary
  • Setting

    A room in a private hospital. The present.

  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Additional Features Multimedia
  • Duration 105 Minutes
  • Cautions
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

“A script that abounds with wintry wit and emotional intensity.” – The Telegraph

“[A] thoughtful drama about memories lost and found... Peter Quilter’s play is thought-provoking and, ironically, very memorable.” – Chicago Theatre Review

“An intriguing amnesiac drama.” – The Guardian

“Spiced with bouts of wit that get loud laughs from the audience.” – British Theatre

“Sharp one-liners, interesting questions and stimulating ideas.” – Financial Times

Videos

  • 4000 Days: Feature on the German Premiere (in German) youtube thumbnail

    4000 Days: Feature on the German Premiere (in German)

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £70 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

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Authors

Peter Quilter

Peter Quilter

Peter Quilter’s plays have been produced in 40 countries around the world and translated into 30 languages. He has had three successful shows in London’s West End and a hit run on Broadway, and has twice been nominated for the Olivier Award, for Best New Play and Best New Com ...

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