Out of Focus by Peter Gordon (1990)

Synopsis

Helen has arrived at the Church Hall with her Brownies. Kath and Bob arrive ready for their badminton game and quarrel about Bob's secretary Linda, who also arrives ready to play, with Wayne not far behind. David and Sue show up too and, on arrival, Leonard insists that he booked the hall for a talk and slide show on steam locomotives, while Evonne is certain she has arranged for the rehearsal of her village pantomime (Cinderella). Confusion reigns until everyone unites for a common cause, the pantomime. Over the coming weeks, alliances are formed and switched during rehearsals. Bob and Kath's marital troubles continue, with Linda in the middle. Helen, between staging walk-outs, is in pursuit of David, although he has eyes only for Sue. Wayne is out to impress anyone who will listen, while incompetent Leonard bores everybody. Events finally culminate during Leonard's talk at the final night party, when Evonne finds her confidence, Helen gets her come-uppance, Kath and Bob make up and the rest receive their just deserts.

The cast

Helen Beever............. Brownie leader, middle-aged, prudish; in the panto, Ugly Sister (52%)

Sue Dixon.................. late twenties, sporty, sympathetic listener; in the panto, Prince Charming (87%)

Evonne Duckworth.... Vicar’s wife, late thirties, very nervous; in the panto, author, director and Ugly Sister (61%)

Kath Enfield............... well groomed, determined expression, strong views; in the panto, Pantomime Fairy (66%)

Linda Hammond........ seductive, dressed ‘to be noticed’; in the panto, Cinderella (43%)

Bob Enfield................ harassed but just about in control; in the panto, Ugly Sister (75%)

Leonard Trotter.......... bumbling amateur lecturer; in the panto, Baron Hardup (57%)

Wayne Bryant............ early twenties, aims to impress people; in the panto, Buttons (54%)

David Wright.............. policeman in his thirties; in the panto, Puss (50%)

Figures in italics refer to the proportion of the pages of the script that each character spends on stage (not necessarily speaking).