alphabetical author index

Life and Beth

  • Alan Ayckbourn
  • Full Length Play, Dramatic Comedy
  • 3M, 3F
  • ISBN: 9780573112225

"Comic and touching..."

The Guardian

  • Full Length Play
  • Dramatic Comedy

  • Set Requirements: Interior Set
It's Christmas, and Beth Timms is mourning the recent death of her health and safety officer husband, Gordon.

Beth's sister-in-law Connie and son Martin have come to stay, determined to ensure that she should have a stress-free Christmas, but between Connie's drinking problem and Martin's nonspeaking and emotionally volatile girlfriend Ella, their intentions prove to be short-lived.

Only David, the local vicar, provides Beth with any comfort, but when he says a prayer for her bereavement he unwittingly summons Gordon's ghost to return to the family home.

Gordon has been busy implementing health and safety measures in the afterlife and is now determined to stick around to help Beth manage her affairs. It soon becomes apparent however, that his return in not altogether welcome.

REVIEWS:

"Comic and touching..."

 The Guardian

  • Casting: 3M, 3F
  • Casting Attributes: Room for Extras
  • Casting Notes: Plus 1 male and 1 female voice

  • BETH TIMMS - recently widowed, 50s
    GORDON TIMMS - Beth's late husband, formerly a maintenance engineer, 60s
    MARTIN TIMMS - their son, a car salesman, 30s
    ELLA PACKER - Martin's girlfriend, late 20s
    CONNIE BUNTING - Gordon's sister, also a widow, 50s
    DAVID GRINSEED - a clergyman and a widower, 50s
    MAN - Police Officer (voice only)
    WOMAN - Police Officer (voice only)
  • Name Price
    Life and Beth Script Order Now

    It's Christmas, and Beth Timms is mourning the recent death of her health and safety officer husband, Gordon.

    Beth's sister-in-law Connie and son Martin have come to stay, determined to ensure that she should have a stress-free Christmas, but between Connie's drinking problem and Martin's nonspeaking and emotionally volatile girlfriend Ella, their intentions prove to be short-lived.

    Only David, the local vicar, provides Beth with any comfort, but when he says a prayer for her bereavement he unwittingly summons Gordon's ghost to return to the family home.

    Gordon has been busy implementing health and safety measures in the afterlife and is now determined to stick around to help Beth manage her affairs. It soon becomes apparent however, that his return in not altogether welcome.

    "Comic and touching..." - The Guardian

    $24.95