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Overview

Synopsis

The First and the Last is based on John Galsworthy’s 1917 short story of the same name. The life and family name of King’s Counsel lawyer, Keith Darrant, is respected and admired throughout London. However, his world is thrown into jeopardy when his younger brother, Larry, bursts in with shocking news. Larry has been involved with a young, Polish woman, Wanda, whom he loves passionately. In an unexpected twist of events, he and Wanda were surprised one night by the arrival of her estranged husband. In self-defense, Larry killed her violent husband, and the couple disposed of the body under a nearby archway. With the murder featured in all the newspapers, and his professional respectability under threat, Keith knows that Larry depends on him to sort the matter out.

Advising his brother to lie low at Wanda’s home, Keith ascertains the known facts surrounding the murder and whether Larry is implicated at all. When he realizes that nothing links his brother to the man’s death, Keith advises Larry to stay quiet, as another man is convicted in his place. However, the strain of the guilt is too much for Larry. He wants to forget about it and leave the country with Wanda, but his conscience forbids him. Finally, he and his devoted Wanda take their own lives together. Discovering the bodies, Keith makes the uncomfortable choice to close the door on the dead couple, rather than report it to the police and become involved in a scandal.

Show Information

Based on the Play/Book/Film
The First and the Last (1917 short story)
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
3
First Produced
1919
Genres
Drama, Romance
Settings
Multiple Settings
Time & Place
London, 1900s
Cast Size
small
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult Characters

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Keith Darrant K.C.

Lead

Male

Spoken

Larry Darrant

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Wanda

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Songs

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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

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

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Videos

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Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher