Plays by Alan Richardson

One Act Plays

Click on any play title for a list of characters and a sample scene

Mr Perfect  Comedy  (2f)  
Fashion conscious and career driven Liz has everything she wants... except a man. Her lifestyle demands the very best, so why should she settle for less than Mr Perfect? Does he exist or is she chasing fantasy? A wickedly irreverent glimpse at the beguiling world of blind dates, personal ads, introduction agencies and single clubs.
Published by New Theatre Publications  (See foot of page for contact link)

Out of Sight  Drama  (2m 1f)  
Pop star Steve Byron is about to launch his much heralded new album at a press conference, but a female fan uncovers a shocking truth that could end his career and send him to prison. She wants to tell the truth, but Steve's machiavellian manager is equally determined to protect his lucrative percentage - at any cost. 
New Script: only available from the author  (See foot of page for contact link)

Perfect Partners  Comedy  (2m 2f)  
Investigative Journalist wishes to meet couple (divorce pending) who run disreputable dating agency, for meaningful exchange of opinions. Sense of humour appreciated.
An internationally performed play with over 40 productions to date.
"Alan Richardson's comedy skills ensure that this makes a very funny play.... a witty and touching personal drama" - Amateur Stage
"Audiences just loved it" - Director, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia.
Winner of the Scott Salver for the best original play premiered in the 1991 SCDA One Act Festival and the Geoffrey Whitworth Trophy for best original play entered in the 1991 British One Act Festival.
(This play is also available in a Dutch translation titled "Perfecte Partners")
Published by Samuel French Ltd  (See foot of page for contact link)

Platform Party  Comedy  (3m 3f or 2m 4f plus supernumeraries)
It's the last night of another drama festival, but before the exasperated adjudicator can declare the winners, there are speeches galore, the raffle and problems with the new lighting board.
Published by Brown, Son & Ferguson Ltd   (See foot of page for contact link)

The Spy Who Came in for the Phone  Madcap Comedy  (3m 3f or 2m 4f)  
A spy spoof set in swinging sixties London, starring a glamorous Russian spy, a telephone engineer with a passion for paperwork, Dracula, John Wayne... and a yellow zebra.  
"Hilarious... had the audience in stitches...very, very, funny" - Purbrook Amateur Theatre
Published by New Theatre Publications  (See foot of page for contact link)

When a Man Knows  Drama  (1m 1f)  
A businessman is held captive by an unknown woman. Who is she? Why has he been kidnapped? What does she want? The shocking truth is revealed in a powerful and challenging two-hander.
"A chilling piece of writing... an excellent choice for a festival entry" - GODA Adjudicator
"Dark, disturbing, imaginative, and yet compelling and intriguing piece of writing" - Director, Goldfields Repertory Club, Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
"An absolute pleasure to direct" - Director, Hull Playgoers' Society
"A powerful chilling two-hander... Exceptionally tense" - Amateur Stage 
Short-listed in the SCDA Play on Words Competition
Short-listed in the Drama Association of Wales Short Play Competition 
Published by New Theatre Publications  (See foot of page for contact link)

The Worst Day of My Life  Comedy/Farce  (1m 4f)  
Charlie's day in hospital begins very well, but when three female visitors arrive unexpectedly at the same time, his hitherto secret life is hilariously revealed. And just when you think his day couldn't get much worse - it does.
"A witty comedy... beautifully written. The words sparkled from the page" - Festival Adjudicator
"The audience laughed from start to finish" - Peninver Players
"Extremely funny... a wonderful choice of script" - NODA Review
Highly Commended in the SCDA One Act Festival Playwriting Competition
Published by New Theatre Publications  (See foot of page for contact link)

And one additional script (with a slight difference*)

The Burglar's Confession  Comedy  (2m 3f)  
An endearingly inept crook creates an alibi by confessing to a burglary he didn’t commit. The resulting confusion deepens when his lawyer manipulates his confession for her own devious ends. A light, ironic comedy set in a present day lawyer’s office.
Short listed in the Rutherglen Repertory Theatre One Act Playwriting Competition.
Published by Brown, Son & Ferguson Ltd   (See foot of page for contact link)
(*Please note: The Burglar's Confession is written by Karen MacLeod, a.k.a. Mrs Richardson!)

To obtain scripts, please use contacts below.
(Please check Obtaining Scripts for details of script availability)

The Author
40/9 Robertson Avenue
Edinburgh EH11 1PS
0131 313 5040
E-Mail: click here for direct contact with the author

  Brown, Son & Ferguson, Ltd.,
4-10 Darnley Street
Glasgow G41 2SD
0141 429 1234
www.scottishplays.co.uk
E-Mail: info@skipper.co.uk 

Samuel French Ltd
52 Fitzroy Street
London W1T 6JR
020 7387 9373
www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk
E-Mail: theatre@samuelfrench-london.co.uk

New Theatre Publications
2 Hereford Close
Woolston
Warrington
 Cheshire WA1 4HR
0845 331 3516
www.plays4theatre.com
E-Mail:plays4theatre@ntlworld.com