A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

Old Times

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  2w, 1m

Harold Pinter

When Deeley and his wife Kate are visited by her old friend Anna, tensions bubble up as memories are used for more than just reminiscing.

Old Times

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    2w, 1m
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult
Accolades
Accolades
  • Nominee: 2013 Olivier Award for Best Revival of a Play

Details

Summary
"What am I writing about? Not the weasel under the cocktail cabinet ... I can sum up none of my plays. I can describe none of them, except to say: that is what happened. This is what they said. That is what they did." - Harold Pinter.

Deeley and his wife Kate are visted by Anna, an old friend of Kate's, who they haven't seen in over 20 years. Anna launches into recollecting memories of concerts and other bohemian haunts the two women shared while young and living together in London. When the memories become more than just stories and prove to be a tool to vie for Kate's attention, Deeley also begins to bring up stories that are almost too clear to be true. However it's Kate's memory that gives the play it's shocking conclusion. 
History
Old Times first premiered with the Royal Shakespeare Company in June of 1971, under the direction of Peter Hall.
Keywords
Performing Groups
DEELEY
KATE
ANNA
  • Setting A converted farmhouse in the night time in autumn.
  • Cautions
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

Please note: This title is available for purchase through Samuel French, Inc. However, Samuel French, Inc. does not license amateur performance rights for this title. You must contact the publisher of this title to secure amateur performance rights.

REVIEWS

"Transfixing... cunning, sexy, ultimately highly disturbing." – The New York Times, Read More

"Deeply unnerving, bafflingly brilliant... totally gripping." – The Telegraph, Read More

"So resonant... exposes the way we shape the past according to the psychological needs of the present." – The Guardian, Read More

Licensing & Materials

  • Licensing available for professional groups only. Some restrictions apply.

Scripts

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Authors

Harold Pinter

Harold Pinter

Harold Pinter (1930-2008) was born in London on October 10, 1930. He lived with Antonia Fraser from 1975 until his death on Christmas Eve 2008. (They were married in 1980).

After studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and the Central School of Speech and Drama, he worke ...

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