Bettine Manktelow Knihy

Alec Partridge, the manager of the Thurlow Playhouse, navigates a hilariously chaotic day filled with unexpected demands and challenges. The director of an amateur production insists on using real horses for Oklahoma, while an Arts Council agent arrives to evaluate the theatre for a grant. With a cast of five women and three men, the story unfolds through the comedic mishaps and pressures of managing a community theater, highlighting the absurdities and joys of the performing arts.

Set in a cramped living-cum-dining room with limited exits, the narrative revolves around the lives of four women and three men. The characters navigate their relationships and struggles within this poorly furnished space, highlighting themes of confinement and interpersonal dynamics. The interplay between the characters reveals their diverse backgrounds and perspectives, creating a rich tapestry of human experience in a restrictive environment.

Celia, lonely and highly strung, is struggling to run her small country hotel. Her charming, rakish step-son, Rex, is no help. Joan and her tearaway sister, Eva, are staying at the hotel which represents something of a romantic pilgrimage for Joan who, after ten years, still believes herself in love with Rex. Events lead to a suicide (or is it murder?). The climax involves mistaken identity and mislaid cyanide!-4 women, 3 men

The plot centers on a theatre company tour featuring a star and her understudy, both linked by their marriage to the same man. Tensions escalate when the understudy is fatally shot during a performance, raising questions about the intended target and the gun's loading. The narrative delves into human motivations and relationships rather than traditional police investigation, highlighting the complexities of jealousy and rivalry. The cast consists of four women and two men, adding depth to the unfolding drama.

A stage adaptation of Thomas Hardy's Far From the Madding Crowd. Bathsheba Everdene, a young, spirited farm-owner, is beloved of three men: Gabriel Oak, a stoical shepherd, William Boldwood, a neighbouring farmer, and the dashing but irresponsible Captain Troy.

Set in post-World War II Britain, the story unfolds at a Midlands boarding-house where a group of concert performers arrives for a Summer Revue. Amidst the lively atmosphere, the landlady, Mrs. Murdoch, conceals her war-traumatized son, Danny. When a performer goes missing and another faces a suspicious accident, Jane, part of the comedy duo The Joysticks, embarks on a quest to uncover the truth. The resolution reveals a deeply human situation, blending mystery with emotional depth, featuring five women and two men.

Set in a country house, contestants for a TV reality show must navigate a challenging Spygame to win a cash prize. As they face intense competition, the atmosphere thickens with deceit, intrigue, and hidden secrets. This compelling play features seven engaging roles—four women and three men—and promises to captivate audiences with its unexpected twists and thrilling narrative.

Set against the backdrop of a country hotel during a "Murder Mystery" weekend, the story unfolds as Livia, a romantic short story writer, and her husband Stan, along with other guests, receive anonymous game envelopes. Tensions rise when secrets about Livia and Ashley's affair are revealed, leading to suspicion and intrigue. The mysterious disappearance of Shelley, the chambermaid, heightens the atmosphere of distrust, especially with the arrival of an unexpected guest. The dynamics among the six women and three men create a captivating narrative of deception and surprise.

The story explores the dynamics of a women's charity through the lens of Teresa, who believes she holds the key to wisdom and guidance. When Melanie, an unassuming middle-aged woman, arrives to volunteer, Teresa's condescending attitude is challenged. As their interactions unfold, the narrative delves into themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and the complexities of female relationships, revealing that true value often lies beyond appearances and preconceived notions.