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Overview
Synopsis
Adapted from the novel of the same name, an imaginative young man and his dysfunctional family anchor this three-act play that’s been a popular staple of British stages and amateur theatres around the world since 1960. As the title might suggest, Billy Liar’s central character is Billy, a liar. He lies almost every time he opens his mouth, from creating a fictional backstory about his father to juggling marriage engagement to two different girls (while in love with a third). But Billy’s lies are more than just the impulsive acts of a teenage miscreant-they reveal a deep desire to escape a lackluster and oppressive working-class world. The colorful cast of characters is rounded out by Billy’s parents, Geoffrey and Alice, his grandmother Florence, friend Arthur, and, of course, the girls: Barbara, Liz, and Rita. The play is considered semi-comedic, with clear elements of kitchen sink drama that reveal its more poignant undertones. After the play’s success, the story was turned into a movie, a TV sitcom, and a musical.
Show Information
- Book
- Keith Waterhouse , Willis Hall
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 3
- First Produced
- 1960
- Genres
- Drama, Comedy
- Settings
- Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- A house in Northern England., Late 1950s.
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- Concord Theatricals
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Elderly, Adult, Late Teen Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
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 play, musical, or opera that has been adapted from a written work.
The name given to plays that depict the daily struggles of ordinary working class people post World War Two.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright