Overview
Synopsis
Set in a nightclub bathroom in the 1970s, Stags and Hens revolves around two groups: Dave's bachelor party and Linda’s bachelorette party (known in the UK as stage and hen parties). When they unknowingly end up at the same venue on the eve of their wedding, chaos ensues as they spend their evening heading in and out of their respective bathrooms. With the groom passed out with his head down the toilet bowl and Linda questioning her life choices, just how will their evening end? Tensions come to a head when Peter, Linda’s ex-boyfriend arrives to play a gig at the same venue. The discussions, arguments, and coarse banter of the two groups reflect the societal pressures, cultural norms, and personal insecurities of working-class Liverpool in the 1970s. The characters' personalities, conflicts, and interactions drive the comedic yet poignant narrative.
Show Information
- Book
- Willy Russell
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Mature Audiences (M)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1978
- Genres
- Comedy
- Settings
- Period, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- The bathroom of a nightclub, Liverpool, 1970s
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- Concord Theatricals
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Silent |
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
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher