One Act Plays

A Weekend Under Canvas
Author	BURTON, Paul - Other Plays by this Author - Contact Author
Format	One-act.
Synopsis	Jeffrey Grant and Janet Grant decide to pitch their tent at a north Norfolk campsite for the weekend. However, their weekend break under canvas soon proves to be more of a test of their marriage than just a relaxing short holiday. Jeffrey had recently been made redundant and this has added further pressure to an already crumbling marriage. Their marital problems have not been helped by Jeffrey's sudden loss of sex drive. The Grant's problems increase when they discover that they have pitched their tent right next to the tent of a young couple, Steven Long and Kim Taylor, who are experiencing their own relationship problems. Steven's high sex drive and an inability to hold a meaningful conversation with his partner, Kim, are causing a strain on the recently-engaged couple. After both men and women pair off and spend an evening together discussing their respective relationship problems, further tension rears its ugly head between the couples. To try and calm the situation, Kim decides to thrown a barbecue. However, this proves to be a recipe for disaster and an argument ensues resulting in Jeffrey storming off followed by Kim who attempts to calm the situation. Meanwhile, drink and frustration causes Janet to make a desperate pass at Steven in the hope of sampling a taste of Steven's high sexual appetite. It is then that both Jeffrey and Kim return and rumble Janet's embarrassing and drunken attempt at seduction. Following the eventful barbecue, both couples realise that they will have to quickly re-evaluate their less-than-perfect relationships if they are to stay together.
Information
Cast	(at least): 2 M, 2F (minimum 4) Jeffrey Grant (ideally late 30s to late 40s), Janet Grant (ideally late 30s to late forties), Steven Long (ideally early to late 20s), Kim Taylor (ideally early to late 20s)
Production	A Weekend Under Canvas makes an ideal short play for staging in smaller theatres and village halls etc. There is no getting away from the fact, however, that you will need two small tents for this production. However, this is the only main set that you will need. The rest of the set, apart from the required props mentioned in the script, is just to suggest a corner of a campsite on the north Norfolk coast. This can be chosen at the discretion of the director. Indeed, because of its outdoor theme, one feels it would be ideal (subject to all licensing requirements being met) to stage in an outdoor area with grassland. For instance land near to a theatre, a village hall or even a seaside campsite. That way you could possibly even park the cars of the respective couples featured in the play next to the tents.
Status	Available for performance
Website	www.paulburtonplays.co.uk

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