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Overview
Synopsis
Des Dillon's Six Black Candles centers around six sisters who set out, with their Ma and Grandma, to avenge the infidelity of the eldest sister's husband.
The eldest is Caroline. Having bought her council house in a decrepit 1960s Coatbridge block, her husband Bobby has done a runner with the babysitter, Stacie Lacie. And if Caroline can't find ten grand by tomorrow, the flat will be repossessed.
Enter seven witches. Or the next best thing, if Caroline's five sisters, mother and pointedly Catholic grandmother are not, technically, a coven. Accompanied, as they would need to be, by an extra bottle of vodka, a few cans of lager, a plentiful supply of fags and a couple of packets of biscuits.
Exit, into Caroline's stupendously inappropriate fireplace, many pairs of Bobby's underwear. Each for a member of the number as they arrive. Up to and including Father Boyle, new to the parish, whose entrance disturbs the main object of the gathering: to hex Stacie Lacie's frozen head.
Six Black Candles boasts a cast of cantankerous, outspoken and spiteful siblings. The lines need to come hurtling out with such speed that they are realistic, but equally with such good delivery that you don't mind missing a punchline - another will be along in a minute.
Show Information
- Book
- Des Dillon
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 2004
- Genres
- Dark Comedy, Farce, Fairy Tale/Fantasy
- Settings
- Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- Scotland, Halloween night
- Cast Size
- medium
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Mostly Female Cast, Regional Theatre, Includes Adult, Elderly, Mature Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lead |
Female |
Spoken |
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Lead |
Female |
Spoken |
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Lead |
Female |
Spoken |
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Lead |
Female |
Spoken |
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Lead |
Female |
Spoken |
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Lead |
Female |
Spoken |
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Lead |
Female |
Spoken |
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Lead |
Female |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
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Quizzes
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Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher