Passion, Plumes & Poison
Cast: 2M, 5F (with doubling)
Run time: 80 minutes
June 1913. When Lady Molly, a staunch supporter of the Suffragette movement, and her companion secretary Eva attend Ladies Day at the races, they cannot help but notice Lady Smythe wearing the most enormous Parisian Hat. The very same day that Emily Davidson Wilding lost her life for the cause.
A week later, Inspector Higgins brings news of Lord Smythe’s death by poisoning in a Bond Street tea rooms, seemingly by a lady wearing that very same hat.
Intrigued, Lady Molly investigates - first the seemingly impossible case of the Smythe’s family diamonds being stolen, followed by the murder of both Lord Smythe and his aunt, the Dowager Duchess. A loveless marriage, an illegitimate child, a disinherited but now deceased brother, and a master of impersonation disappearing into the night.
Can Lady Molly uncover the identity of the woman in the Parisian Hat and bring them to justice?
Cast:
2M, 5F
Characters:
Lady Molly Robertson-Bryce: A brilliant, aristocratic Suffragette in London.
Eva Sharpe: Her secretary and an independent investigative journalist.
Inspector Higgins: Newly promoted, slightly slow Scotland Yard Inspector.
Lord George Smythe, : The wealthy victim, new money, made with encouraging railway investors to put money into his business
(Also play Arthur Smythe, his brother)
Peggy Vince: Suffragette, former factory girl, and now a ladies maid. Employed by Lady Molly in the Suffragette printworks.
(Also play Agnes Vince, younger sister to Peggy, employed as a kitchen maid. Very pregnant.)
Miss Cecily: The quiet, observant waitress/ manageress of the Bond Street Tea Rooms.
Also plays Waitress at Epsom Tea Pavilion.
Lady Smythe: A wealthy upper class diva - a highly dramatic woman with an axe to grind. George Smythe’s bride. Former music hall performer.
Mentioned, but not appearing:
Mrs Madders, elderly retainer housekeeper, former nanny to George and Arthur Smythe, employed by the Dowager Duchess.
Setting:
June/July 1913. A simple set representing various tea rooms, Lady Molly’s drawing room/office, Lady Smythe’s drawing room, the street at night.
A full box set is not required - a simple suggestion of locations may be made using 2 small tables, each with 2 chairs as tea rooms and Lady Molly’s drawing room/office. A downstage chaise/settle for Lady Smythe’s drawing room.
