MAISIE Brisk, no nonsense character

JEAN Her friend, pessimist

DOLORES RAGWORT Sharp witted woman, with a hard edged voice, works well with a strong accent, contrasting with other characters.

MRS BROWN Tweedy, plummy type.

MRS. JONES Frail and easily upset.

Almost any style of easy contemporary clothes, skirts, sensible shoes, except Jean who has a more feminine style, with high heeled unsuitable shoes. Mrs. Ragwort in old working clothes and over sized Wellington boots.

A certain amount of imagination on the part of the audience is required to visualise the front of the cottage, as represented by the drawn curtains. The first part of the action can be performed in front of the curtains or on the floor in front of the stage, it depends on the sort of facilities you have and the use you make of them. All actions at the front of the cottage such as the opening of doors, drawing curtains are in mime. The sitting room is revealed when the curtains are opened, it is cosily furnished but has a neglected air with magazines and papers around and dust on the furniture. The room has an exit to a passage back stage right, referred to in script as “back door”. All actions in mime should be well rehearsed so that for example everyone opens the “front door” the same way. The layout of your stage or acting space will dictate the moves for you. It is a good exercise in improvisation, but it does work! This is just one way to set the scene but you may have other ideas.

As indicated in script. Newspapers, bags, crisps, drinks in cartons, tray sandwiches, buns, cups and saucers etc. broom, bucket, car rugs, radio, table lamp, electric fire (or mock up with red bulb)