A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE

Prescription for Murder

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  4w, 3m

Norman Robbins

There is never a dull moment for Dr. Richard Forth, what with a hectic work schedule, an awkward friendship with his ex-girlfriend and his wife Barbara who is constantly ill, though nobody knows what is wrong with her. A stranger claims to have known Richard's second fiancee, whom Richard claims do…

Prescription for Murder

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    4w, 3m
  • Duration
    Duration
    120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Mystery/Thriller
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Appropriate for all audiences

Details

Summary

In the seemingly quiet town of Bere Knighton there is never a dull moment for Dr. Richard Forth.  Not only does h have a hectic work schedule and an awkward friendship with his ex-girlfriend, but his wife, Barbara, is constantly ill and nobody knows what is wrong with her.  When Eric Dawson, a stranger, claims to have known Richard's second fiancee - a woman richard claims does not exist - Barbara's health worsens and she isn't the only one.  With bad luck spreading almost as quickly as bad news, it seems somebody is out to kill Barbara, and anyone else who gets in their way. 

History

First productions 2008

As of 2016 over 70 productions worldwide

German translation

Cast Attributes
Keywords
Performing Groups

BARBARA - 30s

RICHARD - mid 50's

DOROTHY - mid 40s

MARY - late 60s

ALLAN - late 60s

ERIC - 40s

JULIA - mid to late 40s

The ages of characters are not set in stone, but ages chosen must be relative to those of the other characters and the situations

  • Time Period Present Day
  • Features Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes
  • Additional Features Not Applicable
  • Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • No Special Cautions

Media

"all the best thrillers have their fair share of humour, just as every comedy should have an element of tragedy and the assured comic touch of Norman Robbins is present here.........this is a good little thriller that I expect will prove to be a popular choice with amateur theatres" – Amateur Stage, March 2010

".. the plot thickens into a whodunnit worthy of Agatha Christie, in a setting right out of Midsomer Murders." – Evening Sentinel, November 2009

"This week Louth Playgoers bring us a murder mystery that simmers gently before reaching a surprising boiling point that will probably leave you muttering 'I wasn't expecting that'." – Grimsby Telegraph, October 2011

"This production is most definitely a must see! Can you solve the murders before the final curtain" – Louth Leader, October 2011

"The Marlow Players treated it's audience to performances of the excellent thriller 'Prescription for Murder' by Norman Robbins.  The play succeeded due to a cleverly written script..." – Bucks free press, November 2011

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £70 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

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Authors

Norman Robbins

Norman Robbins

Norman Robbins, one of Amateur Theatre's most popular authors, wrote his first stage show almost 60 years ago whilst working for the Yorkshire Evening Post. An avid theatregoer from the age of three (his grandparents ran the pub near the local theatre so free tickets were al ...

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