Overview
Synopsis
Neelam and Zaid are the best of friends - both British Pakistani kids from Ilford, with a shared dream of becoming writers and building a future where they’re free to be themselves. As time passes, their lives haven’t ended up exactly as they planned. Zaid is stuck as a cinema manager, not fully out of the closet, and still desperate to fulfill his dream of becoming a writer. Neelam has taken another path, prioritizing her happiness even if it means leaving behind their shared dream. As the years go on, Zaid and Neelam are pulled farther apart, with years of unspoken words and barriers between them. Is the bond of their platonic love strong enough to hold them together? The Real Ones is an honest, vulnerable love letter to friendships and a beautiful examination of growing up. This play is an excellent choice for a small, diverse cast and can be mounted in any size space, making it a great choice for black box or small theatre
Show Information
- Book
- Waleed Akhtar
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 1
- First Produced
- 2024
- Genres
- Drama, Comedy
- Settings
- Contemporary, Simple/No Set
- Time & Place
- London, Present Day
- Cast Size
- small
- Licensor
- Nick Hern Book
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Star Vehicle Female, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult Characters
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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
A simple, unadorned performance space with black walls and flexible staging and seating configurations.
A short play presented in a single act without intermission, ideal for festivals, student productions, or concise storytelling.
A genre that centers LGBTQ+ characters and themes, challenging heteronormative narratives and celebrating diverse identities in performance.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Emma Houlahan
Canadian vocalist and actor now based in London.