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Overview

Synopsis

Joan Ridley (40) wakes up one morning with utter devastation. The night prior, she survives a uterine postpartum hemorrhaging episode but, at a great cost, the loss of her child. This marks the fourth child Joan has lost, second to term in the last forty years, and with this loss it seems Joan will never have children. The dread not only captivated her but also affected her husband, Peter Ridley (40’s). Peter, the region’s notary, a noble and one of Queen Victoria’s confidants, wishes to bring a son in to the world to pass on his legacy and ensure that the Ridley name prevails. Joan’s inability to have a child has put a strain on their marriage and Peter’s patience has run thin. To make certain of his wishes, Peter brings home a young woman named Helen (~18), who has been blinded by love and tricked into becoming a surrogate. Joan doesn’t welcome Helen’s presence and the rift between her and Peter gets even bigger. However, Joan and Helen merge an unlikely bond when they realize the treatment they have endured from Peter runs far too similar, which eventually leads to a deadly plot.

Show Information

Book
Christopher Brian Langley
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
2
Genres
Drama, Historical/Biographical
Settings
Period, Multiple Settings, Simple/No Set
Time & Place
Manchester, England, 1867
Cast Size
small
Ideal For
Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen, Young Adult, Elderly Characters, Small Cast

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Joan Ridley

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Helen

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Peter Ridley

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Meredith

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Thomas

Featured

Male

Non-singer

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

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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