Plays
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Shakespeare in Saigon – a delightful and touching piece of theatre which would be ideal for somewhere like Sydney's Ensemble Theatre in Neutral Bay John Bell. Bell Shakespeare
The overall impression was one of delight, and this play should be seen far and wide - worldwide. David Small
I am here to tell you that Shakespeare in Saigon is a fantastic show! Chris Azure (Ho Chi Minh City)
Mini Plays
Available as an eBook from Fox Plays or Amazon
Read sample
48 Mini Plays
Thousands performed around the world
A mini play is just that. It's very short, lasting between 2 and 5 minutes and with a heap of benefits.
- Can be rehearsed and performed in about 30 minutes.
- Are royalty free for those who purchase them.
- Require few props and inexpensive costumes.
- Actors get a special thrill because of their immediate success.
- Mini plays are great for warm-ups before rehearsals.
- Make terrific concert items. String a number together for an entire show.
- Are brilliant for school camps and as part of class lessons.
- These mini plays come with ideas to get started as well as follow-up activities.
Most of the mini-plays have a handful of characters but many allow for extras. You can give a few groups within your group a mini play each and then have each play performed for the others in your class or company. Here are some of the themes covered in this collection of Cenarth Fox mini plays.
- people bidding at an auction
- an eating competition
- waiting for a visit to the dentist
- getting fit in a gym
- auditioning for a play
- a visit from Santa
- the characters in a painting, coming alive
- passengers on a cruise ship
- watching a person high up on a ledge
- bumbling burglars
One-Act Plays
Dead in the Morning
It's a winter's night in the small village pub. Locals gather for the company, a stiff drink and the open fire. The landlord is a surly grump with an attractive younger wife. She's foreign and has trouble with the language. Buck is a young buck. He'll play darts with anyone and chat up the publican's wife. He's sailing close to the wind. A stranger arrives. He lets slip he can tell you the exact date of your death. Surely it's a joke. Edward regrets making his big statement. Two of the regulars take him seriously. They want to know. One is an elderly woman. She's not going to die for another ten years. But young Buck wants his date of death. Edward shudders. It's at midnight!
The sceptics laugh as there's little of today left. The storm increases, lights go out. With flickering candles, the group sit and argue about Edward's prophecy. Buck reckons it's a joke. He ain't gunna die. Midnight approaches. It's down to the final seconds. There's a countdown. Will Buck die a prophet? The play is not resolved until the very last line. Dead In The Morning has one simple set, is ideal for drama competitions and festivals and as a double-hander with Box-Office Break-In.
Dead in the Morning presented us with an atmospheric pub, blazing fire on a winter's night. Regulars assemble. A stranger comes in … and it's pretty spooky as he can predict the date of someone's death if they wish to know it. 4 stars. Addington Theatre Group
The play went very well … everyone who saw it thought it was wonderful. Judi Munro, Texas USA
Box-Office Break-In
Inside the box-office of a huge 2000 seat theatre, three staff count the massive takings. It's a rock concert with cash-only entry. The joint is jumpin'. Music (?) from the venue pierces the box-office. There's cash to splash. The door opens and two masked intruders crash in. The staff are terrified. The bandits place explosives in a strange place. Not the safe but the switchboard. They are not your usual bandits. They ignore the cash, they want the power. Electric power. They want it off. Are you insane? If you kill the power, 2000 screaming rock fans won't be able to go deaf in peace. The rock musicians will have to play acoustic music. But you see that's exactly what the bandits want. They represent the Peaceful Sounds Party. Now the entrepreneur thinks about this. What an angle. Acoustic Headbangers. Brilliant.
The bandits are attacked and some goodies escape. But why aren't the police called? And just who are the baddies? The accountant is tied up and the bandits flee. But the accountant is singing. More like stinging. There's another twist in this funny, entertaining play.
Box-Office Break-In runs for 35-40 minutes, has one simple set and five M or F roles. Ideal for festivals and competitions and is a great double-hander with Dead In The Morning.
Thanks for your great script. The students really enjoyed the show. Nhill HS
The audiences were very positive and appreciated the humour. Thank you for all your help. Mulwaree HS
Tatts Nice
There are many play competitions in which short plays are staged one after another. Great experience for new directors and great fun for the actors. These super short plays are simple to rehearse and perform. Limited staging, small casts and few props. Tatts Nice has all those and more. Oh, and its's a comedy as well.
Tatts Nice
Your set is the interior of a tattoo parlour not long after the Covid epidemic. Harriet, call me Harry, used to be a welder until she took up providing a service applying and removing tattoos. Enter Mullet, unknown real name, although he does have a matching hairstyle.
Mullet has a tattoo he wants rid off. Former girlfriend dumped him and her name just has to go. But Harry has alternatives to removing the unwanted moniker. Will Mullet go for something new? And will Harry slip on her welding mask for the job?
Two-Act Plays
Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Dinner-Theatre, Farce, Panto
Agatha Crispie
Agatha Christie and her mystery stories are well-known. But who has heard of her contemporary, the completely unknown writer of mystery stories, Agatha Crispie? In the south of England not long after WW1, Agatha Crispie scribbles away. Her second husband, Archibald Walloman, is big on digging. He owns half of Cornwall. Agatha's mother-in-law and step-daughter are outstanding snobs and regard Agatha's literary efforts as nothing short of scandalous. Even Archibald demands his wife should attend to dinner parties and flower arranging. Only Pimms, Agatha's long-serving tipsy maid stands by the unpublished author.
One day a well-known writer, Dorothy S. Layers, pays a visit and Archibald is bowled over. But horrors. The lights go out and Archie is left with a body in the library. A body with a peg on its nose. Archie rushes out to get the others but when he returns the body is missing. Agatha is fascinated and wants the police to solve the crime. The others are furious. Absolutely no police.
They compromise and the little old spinster from the village is invited to investigate. Miss Mary Mead has a reputation for solving crimes. And Miss Mead does solve the mystery with shocking results. So shocking that Agatha is hounded into submission by her rotten relatives. This could mean Agatha's classics will never see the light of day. The world will never read Murder on the Oriental Express, Witness for the Defence and The Rat Trap.
Suddenly, Agatha disappears. But where? Pimms fears the ashes in the fireplace. Are they Agatha's ashes? Has she been murdered! Has she done herself in! The ashes are
scattered in the rose garden. Everyone is sworn to secrecy. The plot thickens. The new Belgian butler, Hercules Grey-Cells is more a detective. Enter Chief Inspector Sap from Scotland Yard. And when Miss Mary Mead returns, the family panic. A comedy made hilarious if you know of the great Dame Agatha and her tales.
Are you one of those readers of mystery novels who find Agatha Christie's tortured plots, blind alleys and obscure clues frustrating? Do you become exasperated by the bumbling policemen, shudder at Poirot's mannerisms or long to strangle Miss Marple? Then this is the play for you. Cenarth Fox's sendup of the Christie genre takes us on a worldwind tour of Agatha's quirky characters and throws them into situations which audiences would find familiar but which include an unexpected twist or two of their own. Theatrecraft
Our production of Agatha Crispie went extremely well, sold out audiences 4 nights. They loved it. Thank you! Powassan Players Canada
A wonderful evening of entertainment.
Radio Eastern Theatre
I was delighted to see something so different. PADS
This cleverly constructed play takes us on a whimsical journey into the life of Agatha Christie, I mean Crispie, an author struggling for recognition with murder, mayhem and delicious revenge. A brilliant cast of readily recognizable characters was given a new lease of life through the fertile imagination of its playwright. Marie Ryan Inner FM
Our audiences thoroughly enjoyed our season of Agatha Crispie. Barossa Valley Drama Society
An hilarious spoof on the writings of Agatha Christie and all the characters are extremely stupid and the plot as improbable as those of the original Agatha. Yass Rep
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Shakespeare in Saigon
David Cadwallader, a soon to retire English literature teacher, is passionate about Shakespeare and a huge fan of Groucho Marx. His students respect him and send him off in style. Then home to his wife of 30+ years to discover terrible news and worse. David's retirement plans for travel and writing are lost. His life's a mess. He moves to a working-class suburb, lives alone where many residents speak Vietnamese. He hits the bottle. Then a young woman, recently arrived from Vietnam, knocks on his door. David meets Thanh who too faces a crisis. Communication is almost impossible as neither speaks the other's language. David helps Thanh who repays him with food. A relationship of sorts begins. Then David offers to teach Thanh English but not what you might expect; 'tis Elizabethan English, the language of Shakespeare. Their lessons proceed with humour and spirit. Is Thanh falling in love with the much older David? Both have secrets and when these are revealed, each is surprised and shocked. The twist is both surprising and heart-warming. A brilliant way to approach Shakespeare in a play greatly loved by audiences.
This play is an absolutely charming, funny and thoughtful piece that really makes you feel a lot better after seeing it. The play is fresh and new and of today. It is one of the most delightful plays that I have seen in a long time. John Gunn – Curtain Up
A delightful and touching piece of theatre. John Bell
The overall impression was one of delight. It should be seen far and wide … world wide. David Small
A delightful play, beautifully written, an unusual and moving love-story with Shakespeare as matchmaker. Don't miss it. Cenarth Fox's plays are exceptional. Brian Amos
Cenarth Fox's Shakespeare in Saigon is a brilliant play, directed by the playwright, a wordsmith par excellence and a devotee of Shakespeare. From start to finish this story engaged the audience in a fascinating gamut of emotions and provided much food for thought. Not to be missed. It's one out of the box. Marie Ryan
5 stars Shakespeare in Saigon an exceptional piece of theatre which makes you laugh, and cry. It is worth going if only for the lampooning of the word cere-moany, one of my pet hates. Wonderful use of language, humour and pathos throughout the play. Don't miss it. Joan Amos
Shakespeare in Saigon is a fantastic show! I knew nothing about it but it was cleverly written and excellently performed. Chris Azure (Ho Chi Minh City)
Stars
This comedy, a rom-com, and so much more, is crying out for its world premiere. So easy to promote.
2M/2F One set, 85 mins.
It's easy to add more actors to play the 12 roles, well, at least ten of them.
What is your star sign? What is the star sign of everyone in your production and those in your audience? Do and they believe in the stars? Yes or no they'll be able to test their belief as each star sign gives up its characteristics.
A romantic comedy where every star sign is dissected. Jack and Jill are housemates not lovers. Ten people arrive (5 roles each to the other two performers). Each visitor represents a star sign. Friends, strangers, a plumber, relatives, priest, exotic dancer and more.
Is astrology real? Can you predict your future? Can you pick your ideal partner? Great challenge for the director and more so for the actors playing 12 roles between them. Audiences will know the so-called qualities of their Star Sign and probably those of their family and friends. This show will have them scoffing (not true) or nodding (spot on).
Stars is an easy play to promote. It's a brand new show awaiting its world premiere. Read the script.
Be the first to stage this comedy.
Read the script of Stars
Remain Seated
Thriller, murder mystery.
Is there a doctor in the house?
Whodunit not solved until the last line.
Remain Seated is a murder mystery. Well, there is at least one death and we're not certain how the person died. To say any more would probably tell you whodunit. The setting is a performance of a play by your local theatre company. Strange things happen on stage. In Remain Seated, every actor has to play two contrasting characters, so in that sense there are 14 roles. When the script goes wrong (intentionally) and the pretend murder becomes a real pretend murder in front of the real audience, it's time to call the police and ask everyone to 'remain seated'. But who is dead, and more importantly how did they die, and if they were done in, who is the murderer? The plot keeps twisting until the final line. And even then there is a sting in the tale/tail.
A fast-moving mystery thriller with plenty of suspense. Tongala Little Theatre Inc
A combination of drama, comedy and farce with more twists than a country lane. Sunshine Community Theatre Inc
A challenging play for both actors and audiences. The final scene is a real cliffhanger. There is a fake murder which obviously isn't a murder. Then there's a pretend real murder which is a fake. Then there's an accidental murder which may be pretend. And the only witnesses to all these murders are the cast of the play and the audience. Are you following this so far? It's the whodunit of whodunits. Kingsport Players
Remain Seated provides the audience with at least one body, several suspects and plenty of motives. It's a thriller in the grand tradition. The clues are there for the observant but the final revelations are sure to surprise. The tight, pacy script leads the audience through many twists and turns and the result is a murder-mystery whodunit with the inevitable, completely unpredictable ending. Piggery Lane Players
Directing a play called Remain Seated, Suzanne Bushell engaged some real-life north Queensland ambos to take part in the drama and tend to an injured character on stage. It was all part of the entertainment but so real was the dramatic portrayal, two doctors in the audience stepped forward to offer their services. It remains for Suzanne a moment that encapsulates the art of theatrical directing. Maryborough Players
It'll Be All Right WRONG on the Night
It'll Be All Wrong On The Night is about staging a play when things don't go as planned. A nightmare for every actor, director, audio/lighting operator, and stage manager. An actor falls sick during the play and is replaced by an unrehearsed technician from the bio box. I mean he's seen the play a few times in rehearsal but he can't act to save himself. A friend of the technician, who just happens to be in the audience, takes over the technical duties. On stage, the unrehearsed actor is struggling and the totally unrehearsed technician in the bio box is in even deeper doo-doos. The sound effects don't work or do when they shouldn't, scenery gets stuck, lights miscue and the theatre catches fire, well it appears to catch fire. Apart from that, everything runs like clockwork.
This is a real test for a set designer and builder and of course the cast who have to act as if the well-rehearsed script is not rehearsed at all.
The secret to adlibbing is to rehearse so well the audience really believe you are making it up as you go. When a new actor comes on using the book, the audience need to believe the actor has no idea what he is doing. That takes skill.
The play was very well received – we found that Act 1 produced a few laughs and was taken fairly seriously, so that when we started Act 2 with a completely new Brad (25 years older than the original!) they were taken by surprise. The scene where Amanda and Brad get to know each other rather well on the sofa produced fits of laughter. All in all, it was a very successful production. HATS
All Wrong on the Night was a huge success. So many people reckoned to be one of our best shows. The last scene was absolute chaos. All the cast and crew had a ball and the audience response was amazing.
Yass Rep Theatre
I found the show one of the funniest we have done in years. Peter Evans
All Wrong On the Night was very well received by our audiences and especially the second half.
Wibke Puls
All Wrong on the Night was extremely well received by our audiences and we will definitely recommend the play to other groups.
SADOS
Death By Eating
Death by Eating is about Big Food, those companies with massive budgets who produce vast amounts of packaged food and/or drink. These products dominate our supermarket shelves. We consume these products in huge quantities. But are they good for us? Many oppose the nanny state and want the government banned from their kitchen. But if people consume legal products and get sick, who pays for their treatment? If tobacco was invented in the 21st century, would it be legal today?
If kids today are obese, how healthy will they be in a decade or two? In the next wee while? Don't worry. We discover the answers when four characters in search of a buck, buckle down to sell you your soul. Death by Eating is a comical exposure of how we swallow the palaver about pavlova, and the baloney about baloney and the junk about junk food. So eat, drink and be merry because the play may be total codswallop … although with fries. Cheers.
We start with Big Tobacco, move to Big Food and finish with Big Pharma. It's the three-in-one satire.
A very funny fast-moving and innovative comedy, a no-holds-barred parody of the machinations of big business. An excellent, entertaining, evening – great credit to all concerned. Roderick Chappel
A clever comedy with many smiles on the faces of people as they left. What more do you need from a comedy? Veronica Hannebery
Read script Death By Eating
The Hound of the Basketballs
Read the script here: Hound
It's a panto!
Staged on a near empty stage where a few props and clever lighting take your audience onto the spooky, dangerous moor, inside 221B Baker Street, riding a bumpy road on Dartmoor and behind the counter of a small Devonshire post office, it's a madcap version of the tale about the wild beast on the moor, as Holmes and Watson tackle the desperate murderer, and try to save the innocent would-be victim. Always remember this vital advice: "He's behind you!"
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, spiritualist, founder of the original Dad's Army, real-life private detective, goalkeeper and first-class cricketer, has been lauded and applauded, revered and ribbed and here is saluted with a comedic version of his tale.
Its fame continues. Fletcher Robinson gave Doyle the idea for the story. The author wrote, "This story owes its inception to my friend, Fletcher Robinson, who has helped me both in the general plot and in the local details." — A.C.D. But a gent reckoned Doyle did for his collaborator and asked the Parish council of the graveyard where Robinson was buried to dig him up to prove the poison theory. "Be gone," said the Parish council.
The saga lives on!
Other Sherlockian and Doylean material created by Cenarth Fox
The Real Sherlock Holmes (Play)
Nursing Holmes (Play)
Sherlock, Stock and Barrel (Musical)
Sherlock Holmes—Playing the Game (Novel)
The Schoolboy Sherlock Holmes (5 books) (Novel)
Be a Detective Like Sherlock Holmes (Non-fiction book)
As Farce As You Can
Tom Goodie is an all-round nice guy, an accountant in the Tax Office. His live-in girlfriend, Lola, is an ambitious lawyer working for a high-flying legal firm. Tom wants to start a family but not so Lola.
Tom's wealthy great aunt Wilhelmina, (GAW) wants the family name to continue. There's an incentive there to breed. Lola goes to work. Tom calls in sick. It's a lie. Then things happen.
Their gorgeous neighbour arrives wearing a smile and little else. She's locked herself outside when the wind blew her door shut. Tom's heart fires up.
Then his best friend arrives dressed as Santa. A randy Santa? Surely not. Lola returns unexpectantly. Oh dear. And if that's not action aplenty enough, a criminal escaping the Mob bursts in and confusion runs rampant.
But when Great Aunt Wilhelmina turns up dressed as a nun, farcical doesn't even begin to cover it. In time it appears not everyone is who they claim to be and when a Constable Bobby and an Inspector Noddy arrive, the play is in danger of being cancelled. And all this happened because Tom told a porkie.
It's a farce!
Some forms of farce make use of several doors and actors enter and exit at numerous, so many times. The suggested simple set for AFAYC has enough doors to allow for plenty of perfectly-timed arrivals and departures. So many, in fact, the authorities are keen to charge someone, anyone, with the crime of too many doors.
Give AFAYC a shot.
The Corgi Queen
Read The Corgi Queen
The amazing life of Queen Elizabeth II
Born in 1926 and crowned in 1953, Queen Elizabeth II led an amazing life and is the longest-reigning UK monarch. One of her passions involved corgi dogs hence the play's title. Discover so much about Her Majesty's life from a childhood with a connection to Eton College, her tie to a haunted Scottish castle and Shakespeare's Macbeth, to repairing and driving trucks in WW2, falling in love as a young girl, to having children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The play is set below stairs in a kitchen at Buckingham Palace. The cook is Peter Pan-like and never ages as the decades roll by. She is visited by a butler, maid, gardener, guard, nanny, lady-in-waiting, equerry, secretary and cleaner. The play works with 3 actors (2F,1M) or could use as many as 10 (5F, 5M). Simple to stage with loads of comedy and drama. History is so entertaining.
The Real Sherlock Holmes
2M/1F, 1 set, 85 minutes, ideal touring show.
Arthur Conan Doyle is tidying his belongings. He reflects on his fascinating and remarkable life. But his memory is not all that flash. Fortunately, his mother is on hand. He wrote some 1500 letters to the "Ma'am" so if anyone knows young Arthur's deeds and misdeeds, Mother does.
Then who should pop in but that well-known consulting detective, Mr Sherlock Holmes. He too knows a thing or three about Sir Arthur's activities. And what activities. Fairies, ghosts, murder, sport, politics, sex, intrigue, literature and more.
Mystery fiction may be intriguing but the truth about Doyle and Holmes is way, way stranger; mind-boggling even. The debate rages as to who is the greater – Doyle because he created Holmes or Holmes because, without Sherlock, we would never have even heard of Doyle.
The original production toured for two years and entertained and educated thousands of delighted audience members. It's an ideal play to tour, and brilliant for a mystery play during your winter season. There is a radio adaptation of this play available on CD from Fox Plays. Rave reviews.
If ever there was a great night of theatre it would have to be The Real Sherlock Holmes. Brian Amos
A well-researched play revealing so much about Conan Doyle. I loved it, a super night. Curtain Up
The full theatre was engrossed.
The Sherlock Holmes Society of Melbourne
It is a wonderful play. Brighton Theatre Company
It was fantastic, history with humour. We just didn’t want it to end. Peridot Theatre Company
This drama is an utter delight.
Sherlock Classic Specialities
A cleverly constructed discussion between Conan Doyle, his mother and Sherlock Holmes.
The Sounds of the Baskervilles
“The Real Sherlock Holmes was so interesting and worthwhile, I have recommended it to all our other venues. Everyone who saw it was absolutely thrilled.” Roseville Village
I have listened to the CD of The Real Sherlock Holmes. I must say how thrilled I was to listen to this and thoroughly enjoyed it. Congratulations on a superb production and I hope that the play will be performed in Britain in the near future.
Brian Pugh – curator Conan Doyle collection
I've greatly enjoyed reading The Real Sherlock Holmes - now I want to see it performed! May you go from strength to strength! Roger Johnson
The Sherlock Holmes Society of London
Betty's Birthday
How and when did you learn about sex? Three generations of one family gather to celebrate. Birthday girl Betty is an active retiree and married to retired sailor Rusty who has taken to cooking in his senior years. He's a wonderful chef and a bit of a flirt. Betty and Rusty's middle-aged son, Brian, is a complainer. He works hard and means well but takes things far too seriously. Brian thinks he failed with his first son, Alan, so is keen to succeed with son number two, the much younger Peter. Tonight Brian has an idea about the sex-education of his little Peter. Brian's wife Jean has a degree in long-suffering. If only Brian would chill out.
When Brian and Jean's older son, Alan arrives with girlfriend, Leonie, the topic of sex-education dominates. All three generations reckon they know how to teach kids about the birds and the bees. Is there a right way? How do kids learn about sex today?
A very successful production. STAG
A fun, enjoyable show, another successful script. Melbourne Observer
An amusing and instructive script; it could be a good educative play for parents and teachers and could be popular helping in tuition for sex instruction. Peter Kemp
Read Betty's Birthday
A gentle comedy that sets out to entertain and sends the audience away with a smile on its face. Cenarth Fox has a definite way of reaching an audience without preaching, allowing us to decide our own moral values. There's no crude language but plenty of laughs and so much that, I think old and young can identify with. Curtain Up
This was a delightful play, a fun night and a night from which you came away thinking very closely about what you'd seen. It was a night that you would remember, a really great evening. Brian Amos
Nursing Holmes
The famous consulting detective is about to depart Baker Street for the last time. It's Christmas and the great man is sorting case files and packing his worldly possessions. There's many a famous mystery in his belongings even if the filing system leaves a lot to be desired. As usual his ever-present landlady, Mrs Hudson, is there to respond to the demands of her famous tenant. Holmes and Hudson are firmly in middle age. Had plastic hips been available, Mrs Hudson would certainly own a couple and Holmes is finding rheumatic twinges to be an uncomfortable companion. It's been many years since the detective and the landlady first met. Now they are about to part for the last time. Holmes is off to Sussex and a new career keeping bees.
The night in London is quiet until Holmes receives a great shock. His landlady reveals remarkable news which presents an absorbing and possible life-changing challenge for the great detective. Over many years, she has been keeping notes about her two famous tenants, Holmes and Watson. Now she plans to publish her memoirs. She what!? How dare she reveal the faults and failings of the peerless sleuth and his imperfect sidekick! Is this the end for Sherlock Holmes?
Read Nursing Holmes
There is a radio adaptation of this play available on CD from Fox Plays.
It's a lovely idea to bring Mrs Hudson to the fore and confound Holmes. I've nothing but praise for the play. Roger Johnson
A delightful show, splendidly acted and directed. Don't miss it. Cheryl Threadgold
Thanks for a great evening. It was wonderful. Cameron Close
One had to pinch oneself to remember you were watching a play and it wasn't something in real life. The performance was absolutely stunning from both the actors, Kirk Alexander and Eileen Nelson. The audience just loved Nursing Holmes and it was simply one of those magical afternoons. Congratulations to Cenarth Fox for writing and directing another wonderful play. Brian Amos
This is Your Captain Speaking
It's a play, musical, pantomime, movie and a dinner show, a bit of everything. Your audience are passengers on a flight. They move during the show. There is no interval as such but there are plenty of places to have a break.
It's hard to explain but fabulous to perform and watch. It's a madcap, high-flying comedy. It's a three-set show where the audience moves to three locations. The show suits a hall rather than a theatre but everything is flexible. Your foyer is an airport terminal with shops, check-in venue and crazy characters. From the foyer, your audiences enter via Customs with all sorts of 'interesting' examinations. They finally settle in the plane and prepare for take-off. On the flight, they 'enjoy' a slide show, a sing-a-long and a medical emergency. Your pilot is short-sighted and the plane is running low on fuel. I mean, there's even a priest called Father Forgive-me. A great show for people who don't normally go to live theatre.
If you're looking for something different, This is Your Captain Speaking is for you. The script allows for you to add your own entertainment items. When the in-flight movie fails, the crew entertain the passengers. You can serve a simple basket supper with the more expensive ticket holders getting better food in the pointy end of the plane.
And by milking this 'social divide' you'll get audience members laughing and interacting well before the main show even starts. Great for cast and audience interaction.
An absolute smash Lachlan Arts Council
Very well received Big River Repertory
What a BIG success Captain proved to be. We included concert items with our passenger actors performing. Our catering classes in home economics provided authentic meals for both first class and economy passengers. It was highly successful. Please send a catalogue of your plays as we would be very interested in performing another of your great shows. Glenmore HS
The experience of a lifetime, a nutty night of laughter and mayhem enjoyed by all. What did you enjoy most about This Is Your Captain Speaking? All of it! Mordialloc Light Opera Society
An out of the ordinary, fun and laughter-filled evening. An interesting dinner theatre production that will have its audience raving for months to come. Gordon F Kells HS Canada
The pace was fast and furious from the start with the traditional divide between cast and audience fading quickly. The cast obviously had a great time and the audience was gathered up by this enthusiasm. The action was happening everywhere at once and those in the audience were more a member of the cast than an observer. Narracan News
Read Captain Speaking
One-Person Plays
Aunt Georgy
The sister-in-law of Charles Dickens lived with his family for decades. Georgina Hogarth took on the role first played by her sister Mary. To the family Dickens, Georgina became known as Aunt Georgy. She never married, became a helpmate to her sister Catherine, who bore Dickens ten children, and a housekeeper/nanny to the family. Georgina was co-executor of the will of Dickens, dictated some of his writing, edited a collection of his letters and had an intimate view of life in the Dickens household. Dickens said of Georgina, "No man on earth ever had such a friend as I have in her." This one-woman play is a fabulous challenge for a mature actress.
A complete and utter triumph!!!! The audience sat spellbound during the amazing performance of Aunt Georgy. The Dickens Fellowship
A wonderful theatrical experience, brilliantly written and Eileen Nelson was marvellous. Southern FM
Cenarth Fox is to be congratulated for his reconstruction of Georgina Hogarth's life. He skillfully picked out the compelling moments in Georgina's life, giving us fresh insight into Dickens while supplying a narrative which was an enthralling story, with moments of humour, pathos, triumph and tragedy. Alan Dilnot
It's truly a tour de force performance that embraces the audience with charm and considerable ability. The audience was completely engrossed and showed their pleasure with their applause. Highly recommended. Curtain Up
This was the most warm and wonderful play I have seen so far this year. Eileen Nelson brought Aunt Georgy to life. An amazing performance. The writing and direction were superb. A faultless play on all levels. Lynn Kimber
Saucy Pat
Patrick Brunty, an impoverished Irish blacksmith cum weaver. He changed his station, location and vocation to become the Reverend Patrick Bronte. One writer reckoned he should have been shot. We know his famous children but what of their old man? Meet the fascinating, ferocious and fallible father. His wife called him Saucy Pat and you'll be amazed at what he did. Audiences raved about the script, performance, and production of this play. It has now become a novel Cassocked Savage. (See Novels). Many people know the famous Bronte sisters. Not so many know their father. What a man. What a life he led. Now you can thrill your audiences with his tall tales and true. Saucy Pat is a great play to tour, a tough challenge for a performer and a new look at the Brontes.
A play taking the audience on a journey to a by-gone era. An excellent play; a most worthwhile and memorable experience. Friends of Labassa
I was engrossed in this production and returned to my seat after interval wanting to know more about Patrick Bronte. Cenarth Fox has written many plays during his career and I think this is probably his best work. Saucy Pat is of a very high standard and has international appeal. Kevin Trask
In a blend of exhaustive historical research and the art of storytelling, a splendid and entertaining portrait of Patrick Bronte. Jim Murphy
Cenarth Fox's 'Saucy Pat' is not only an extremely well-researched play about the father of the Bronte sisters, it is also brilliantly written and superbly brought to life by Cen Fox's wonderful acting. Ken and Liz Launder
Resting
This is a most delightful one-person play and Louise Whiteman does a superb job. Anybody who saw her in The Real Sherlock Holmes will see a different character altogether. Louise is just gorgeous. She'll have you laughing and you'll feel sorry for her. The writing is brilliant. I recommend Resting as a wonderful evening of entertainment beautifully directed by Doug Bennett. The performance by Louise is absolutely startling. Go along and enjoy a great night of entertainment. Brian Amos
Frankie's been a professional thespian for decades, and doesn't want to retire but the phone never rings. Frankie is 'resting'. Without work for ages, savings dwindling and job-offers non-existent, Frankie's in strife with an ageing body, lost family and sick best friend, a pooch. But Frankie lives on hope and tackles reality TV, diaries, crosswords, chess and Shakespeare. Will Frankie act again? A challenge for a male or female performer. One idea is to mount two productions with a male in one and a female in another. Different directors, similar set but on the same bill. You come in Week 1 to see the female version, and then the following week to see how a man performs the role. Interesting marketing ploy.
Resting, in 'Talking Heads' mode and so well crafted by Cenarth Fox, is a roller coaster ride that takes the audience through all the heartache, fun times and day to day living of Frankie Raines. This is a stunning tour de force role and Louise Whiteman grabs it by the throat and takes it all the way. Cenarth Fox is a playwright who has an incredible insight into the characters he writes about and his research is obviously so thorough. I just hope someone has the brains to see it and run with it. John Gunn, Curtain Up
How to Enjoy Your Own Funeral
George (or Georgie) Muffet retired many years ago. S/He spends time in his shed where carpentry brings great pleasure. Making something practical for someone in need doubles George's pleasure. The fact that he is making a coffin – his own – is not the slightest bit unusual for George. You see George has thoughts about the end of life, about when he can no longer make things. In recent times George has been to the funeral of his parents, brother, brother-in-law, several bowling-club mates and last month, his favourite, elderly aunt.
Now George is fussy, and he doesn't want any uncertainty once he dies. Everything must be well-organised – his estate, funeral, burial, even his wake. So, in-between tales about his fastidious spouse and wonderfully whacky neighbour, George shares his thoughts on headstones, obituaries and all things funereal. He even gets to rehearse his funeral where the priest is a ventriloquist and his dotty aunt from the sticks tells a few home truths. This play can just as easily be performed by a female when George becomes Georgina. It's perfect as a touring play. How to Enjoy Your Own Funeral is also available as a radio play on CD from Fox Plays.
Excellent, superb! Very clever play! Congratulations. David played every part with good-humoured realism. There are some wonderful snippets on present-day life and attitudes. Pilgrim Uniting Church
A wonderful evening. We got some terrific feedback from our large audience most of whom were over 70. Some of our residents in the serviced apartments, including one who is 100 years old, could all see and hear David Small's amazing performance and chuckled along with the rest of us. Cen Fox deserves great praise for his witty and in-depth feelings re death especially from one so young. We hope to continue with your shows for many times to come. Cameron Close Retirement Village
All-Female Play
The Merry Widows
A group of four mature widows meet for weekly coffee. Beth is 'normal', Siobhan's into toy-boys, Ruby has her late hubby in a carry bag, (it's Ern in an urn), and Joan's in a time warp. These mismatched matrons share secrets, sorrows and sins helping one another to become very merry widows. Then a fifth and new widow arrives. She's different, mysterious and striking. Her life story is amazing. Her late husband did something dramatically unusual. And this new widow is on a quest. Will it destroy the merry widows?
From being on friendly terms, the four original widows suddenly start competing against one another. Why? Why would four friendly older females suddenly become antagonistic and desperate to win against their friends? The play becomes a mystery with a real guessing game for the audience to solve the puzzle. Fabulous reviews.
The cast had the audience totally involved right from the start. The final moments were deeply moving and I wasn't the only one with tears in my eyes when the lights went up! Joan Krutli Golden Days Radio
A wonderful, heartwarming, thought-provoking and beautiful production. Great writing, superb casting and beautifully nuanced delivery gave us an inside seat in the lives of The Merry Widows. The sadness, the joy, the laughter and pain and with a twist in the tail, it's a mystery again and a wonderful show. Marie Ryan 96.5
A story that touched, profoundly at times, on the suffering and longing, the loneliness, the loyalty, and isolation of a group of older women. There were a lot of laughs too. Encore Theatre Company
We had sell-out shows which were brilliantly received! At one performance we had the archbishop of Armagh, the head of the Church of Ireland and another bishop and heaps of clergy! They all laughed like drains! Thank you so much for writing the play, we really enjoyed performing it, and I've already been asked when we're putting The Merry Widows on again. Helen Ryan, Dublin
Religious Plays
Pilate Error
A play about Judean life after the death and resurrection of Jesus. One of its governors, Pontius Pilate, was not from the upper class. He was not a senator from Rome and most probably had military training. Josephus Caiaphas, the Jewish High Priest, was from the upper class and his father-in-law was High Priest before him. The two men clash but both clash with Mary Magdelene, and by Mary the mother of Jesus.
The play was a great success. Everyone has been very complimentary. Rushall Park Village
Pilate Error was much admired and enjoyed by all and added greatly to our Easter worship. St Andrew's Uniting Church, Gardiner
It was a privilege to have the play here. Wittily titled, Pilate Error uses comedy, colloquial expressions, and much Scripture and is a powerful testimony to Christian belief and the extraordinary beginnings of a religion which has shaped our world. St Gabriel's Catholic Church, Reservoir
There are people today who are trying to breathe new life into an ancient Easter narrative and Pilate Error explores the boundaries of faith through an imaginary dialogue between Pilate, Caiaphas, Mary Magdelene and Mary the mother of Jesus. It was great to have you with us. Surrey Hills Uniting
Thank you for the wonderful Easter play Pilate Error which was received with much enthusiasm. All Saints' Anglican Church, Mitcham
Romeo and Juditha
A play for Easter about love, danger and Jesus, the King of the Jews. Characters Romeo and Juditha, Hanna, Mary and Felice.
Romeo and Juditha is about the betrayal, arrest, trial and execution of Jesus as seen through the eyes of five teenagers. William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet involves a tragic tale of two star-crossed lovers. Romeo and Juditha is set in Jerusalem and it too involves a romance between teenagers from families who are at opposite sides of the social, cultural and political divide. The Romans have invaded Judea and surrounding areas and conquered the locals. Romeo is Roman and Juditha is Jewish. The story is set in Jerusalem at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus.
Against the drama in which the Romans and Jews clash over the King of the Jews, a young teenage couple worry their romance will be discovered. Their families would never approve of such a match. But love sees many people take risks and on one of their assignations they accidentally witness some extraordinary scenes.
Their friends are no help and it seems their love will forever be unrequited. But then their lives are overtaken by something far more dramatic and amazing as the events surrounding the Son of God unfold around them.
Whilst the scriptural events of the first Holy Week are well documented, the teenage characters and their actions are invented.
Believing Thomas
One of the disciples of Jesus is widely known as Doubting Thomas. Near the end of his life and living in India, Thomas meets a wise woman to whom he relates his life's experiences. Thomas is concerned that history will only remember him as Doubting Thomas. But is this a bad thing? Did Thomas err? Is it wrong to question one's faith?
Apala listens as Thomas explains his faith in God. She has never heard of Jesus and is greatly impressed that Thomas once worked with the Saviour of the world. And whilst Apala learns about Christianity and is challenged by the man who was crucified and rose again, she is able to offer helpful advice to a disciple of the Son of God. Will Thomas receive a makeover and no longer be known as Doubting Thomas? What can a woman learn from an elderly disciple of Jesus? What can he learn from her? There are many contemporary references to Thomas and his work as a Christian leader and teacher in different countries and particularly in India. There are scholars who quote from a gospel some believe was written by or is attributed to Thomas. His name has become an expression – doubting Thomas – which is widely used today.
