Cracks in the Ceiling
Cast: 2m, 4f
Run time: 100 minutes
December 2012. Estate agency partner Brian holds an annual office festive party, masking a dark secret - his wife has sold her soul to an ambitious surveyor to cover up her systematic embezzlement. But disaster strikes leaving Brian frozen in time while the world moves on, his loyal secretary and a sharp-witted negotiator work together to save the agency.
December, 2012. Brian, the senior partner of an estate agency in the London Suburbs, always arranges the Christmas party with the support of his devoted secretary, Mary. With Secret Santa, free booze, music and party games, Brian hopes to keep his Residential team happy for another year.
Joyce, Brian’s wife, makes a deal with the devil to save the agency. Guy Stephens, an ambitious senior surveyor helps her to cover embezzlement of client funds, used to support her alcoholism and flamboyant lifestyle.
Following the party, disaster strikes. Brian remains stuck in 2012 whilst life moves on around him. Jane, a newly promoted sales negotiator comes up with a plan, not just to help the struggling agency, but to use Brian’s talents as a photographer to give his life meaning once more.
CHARACTERS:
Brian 50s. Senior partner of Miller and Grey, with a passion for trains, photography and traditional architecture.
Mary 50s. Brian’s secretary for many years. Motherly figure.
Jane 30s. Joyce’s new secretary in 2012. Promoted to Junior negotiator in 2013.
Ellie 20s. Office Junior, engaged to Jane. Promoted to office manager.
Joyce 50s. Brian’s wife. Sales negotiator and alcoholic, party girl who wishes she was 20.
Guy late 40s. Residential sales negotiator, with many skeletons in his cupboard.
Policewoman May double with Joyce.
SETTING:
An office party, 20th December 2012. Late evening.
There are 4 chairs in one corner, decorated with tinsel. There is a Christmas tree beside a table, with secret Santa presents in a box marked ‘Secret Santa’ underneath. A long table with a disposable Christmas table cloth stands diagonally to one side. Paper cups, empty bottles, a full punch bowl, dishes of crisps, nuts. The remnants of sandwiches and party food. There is a Terry’s Chocolate Orange on the table and an open, half full, box of roses.
The chairs, and floor around the table is covered with party popper streamers, the remnants of crackers and tinsel, lots of bottles, glasses half full.
There is a calendar hanging at the rear of the stage, showing December 2012 with dates crossed off until 20th.
