BLOW THE BUGLE

BRIAN’S BOOK

THE GLASS PALACE

THE HOTEL GAME

JAKE’S LITTLE ANGEL

THE LOOK-ALIKE

ENROLMENT DAY

GONE WITH THE BREEZE

MIXED DOUBLES

PAUL

A TIME TO LEAVE

A VILLAGE AFFAIR

WINNERS AND LOSERS

BLOW THE BUGLE (written in conjunction with Joe McDonagh)

What is truth? asks ANDY THOMSON, eager beaver journalist, newly appointed to the Scottish Daily Bugle. a newspaper distinguished by its successful campaign against the building of a nuclear power station in the early nineteen eighties. When new owner, GAVIN McKENZIE takes over, however, the policy of the newspaper changes. SUSAN, McKenzie's embittered wife, takes revenge for her husband's infidelity by furnishing proof of his involvement in a nuclear power company. The journalists' dilemma, whether to publish or suppress this information is the focal point of the play. With biting satire this fast moving play, premiered at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, makes a powerful statement about whether moral conviction or financial interests determine the newspaper's policy.

Premiered at Edinburgh International Festival.

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BRIAN’S BOOK

A man, sitting on a park bench reading a book is approached by a second man who initiates a bewildering series of conversation changes during which the former is forced to examine and explain his attitude on matters as diverse and personal as religion, human relationships and sexual preferences. The questions and the answers to them range from the merely annoying to the amusing, the amazing, and finally, the terrifying. A baffling and bizarre finale sees flight and confusion for one, victory and conquest for the other.

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THE GLASS PALACE

TOM and AGNES, alive with youth, hope and love for each other, agree to marry and plan for their future life together, a life of guaranteed "blue skies and sun-dappled fields." Time passes and fifty years later we share a rather different reality of their marriage. The play, romantic and lyrical in style, reflects the joys and sadness, the successes and failures that are part of all marriages, and the hope that helps them survive.

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THE HOTEL GAME (written in conjunction with Joe McDonagh)

ROBIN THOMSON arrives in Glasgow seeking fame and fortune. Bent on a career as a hotelier he takes a menial job in a hotel but is soon mistaken for a spy from Head Office. He then finds himself in the middle of an involved muddle and a complex plot by senior hotel staff to cream off the profits. With the help of JENNY, the receptionist, and BRIAN, the porter, he embarks on an adventurous and hilarious scheme to unmask the fraudsters.

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JAKE'S LITTLE ANGEL

It is Christmas day and JAKE McKINLEY, a hopeless alcoholic, greets the new day by waking up lying on a snow covered gravestone in the Necropolis. Tormented by WULLIE a drunken Santa Claus and sent packing by a well meaning POLICEWOMAN, Jake  is reduced to begging drink from fellow alcoholics, TAM and NELLIE whose refusal to share their good fortune results in bad feelings all round. In a day rich in rejection and scorn, but not without humour, it is left to a child to show the compassion due to all God’s creatures on Christmas day.

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THE LOOK-ALIKE

The Southside Drama Group gather for a rehearsal of ANDRA ROBERTSON's sensational new play wherein he reveals the true story of the life and tragic death of Scotland's secret daughter, Marilyn Monroe. The cast is assembled, Andra has just completed his latest changes in the script and all he lacks is someone to play Marilyn's mum. Then MRS MOODIE appears. And if Andra thought that his Marilyn Monroe look-alike was troublesome what would he think of Mrs Moodie who not only has her own opinions but was not afraid to voice them. But even worse than that - she actually appeared to know what she was talking about - which really couldn't be said about the rest of the cast. "Problems?" says WENDY. "What else is there?" says Andra. See also "Enrolment Day" and "Gone With the Breeze"

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ENROLMENT DAY

One by one the Southside Players appear, pay (or don’t pay) their enrolment fee and sign themselves up for another season of theatrical adventures under the guiding genius of ANDRA ROBERTSON. To Andra’s delight a new face appears amongst the old: QUENTIN DALGLEISH, a rich estate agent who is not only an aspiring thespian but an aspiring playwright, what like Andra is. Suddenly, Andra is giddy from the sweet smell of money. Every silver lining, however, has a cloud, and Andra’s personal cloud appears in the shape of MRS MOODIE, debunker and destroyer of his most recent attempt at literary greatness: “Marilyn - Scotland’s Secret Daughter” If enrolment day is anything to go by then it would seem that the Southside Players are in for a more than usually bumpy season. See also "The Look-Alike" and "Gone With the Breeze"

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GONE WITH THE BREEZE

Another hilarious romp by the Southside Players. Once more UPHIE, SHUG, WENDY and SARA, set off into the theatrical unknown, inspired, cajoled, threatened and bribed (could he but afford it) by their charismatic leader, ANDRA ROBERTSON. Their task is simple: portray on stage a history of Glasgow, from sleepy village to bustling metropolis, from industrial giant to tourist trap, from the engine room of the Empire to the drawing room of Europe. An impossible task? For sensible people, certainly, but we're talking about the Southside Players. See also "The Look-Alike" and "Enrolment Day"

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MIXED DOUBLES

TOM and ANNABEL are entertaining ROGER and BELINDA at their luxurious country retreat. Tom, barred from Annabel’s loving embrace, is having an affair with Belinda. Annabel is aware of the affair but doesn’t feel inclined to pursue the matter, not even when Tom, stung by her indifference, confesses all. Annabel, however, tells Belinda that she knows of the affair and, at the cost of forgiving her, obtains Belinda’s help in teaching Tom a lesson in marital fidelity. Is the plan to teach Tom a lesson, however, quite what it appears to be?

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PAUL

As CLAUDINE LAPORTE lies dying, she calls for her son, PAUL, whose return from a business tour is expected imminently. Claudine is being nursed by her scheming sister, the widow MONIQUE VIDOCQ, and her son, ALAIN, friend and cousin of Paul. Monique plans, on Claudine's death, to marry Claudine's husband, CHARLES and so inherit the Laporte fortune. The family doctor, MONTCLARE, brings tragic news that Paul has been killed in an accident. Monique thinks her ambitions realised but Charles rejects her and Claudine, as she dies, kills her sister. A costume drama In classic Victorian style.

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A TIME TO LEAVE

The play centres around the dilemma of pensioner and widower, TAM BIRNIE. Tam is one of the old school, stubborn and proud. The building he lives in has been condemned and all his neighbours have been rehoused. But Tam, living on his own, refuses to move. He is under constant pressure from the local council, his daughter, CATHIE, young JENNY, who runs his errands, and local policeman, MICHAEL REID. He is also under threat from vandals. Only when Jenny is injured in a road accident and the vandalism becomes life threatening does Tam realise that he has a duty and a responsibility to others and Cathie is able to overcome his obstinacy.

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A VILLAGE AFFAIR

Organising a play-writing competition to promote interest in the village seemed like a good idea. Picking a winner is something else. BARBARA fancies the chairman, RAYMOND. Glamorous HANNAH is unattached. All-seeing, all-knowing. DOUGLAS is a retired theatre critic. DONNA, recently married, is having an affair with Douglas. And there's McDONNA lurking about back stage, causing no end of mischief, Before the evening is over a few lies will be told, a few home truths revealed, nerves will be stretched and feathers ruffled. And, of course, a winning play will be chosen. But which one? Witty and amusing, this comedy calls for skilled playing by everyone involved. But that's just the author's opinion.

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WINNERS AND LOSERS

JACK is in love with JILL. Jill loves Jack. Jill's father MR HILL, hates Jack because he is an unemployed Wedding Cake Decorator. Jill's sister, LIL, is given to shoplifting. PHIL, a Junior Assistant Bank Manager has a habit of taking samples home with him  He'd like to be Jill's new boyfriend. MRS HILL...well, perhaps we shouldn't say too much about HER. Sorry for Jack? Don't be. He may not be everybody's favourite in the Hill household but it's amazing how attitudes can change simply by someone, even Jack, winning the National Lottery. Or has he?

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THE NIGHT OUT

All John wanted was to introduce his new girlfriend to his sister and brother-in-law then treat them to a night at the theatre. Sounds simple - unless you know John. Funny lines and just enough farce to keep everyone on their toes.

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