A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

Shut and Bar the Door

Short Play, Comedy  /  2w, 4m

Tom Gray

Here is a farcical bit of business based on an old English ballad. The entire play has the feel of an old time movie and will leave the audience breathless with belly-laughs.

Shut and Bar the Door

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    2w, 4m
  • Duration
    Duration
    30 minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Farce
  • Suggested Use
    • UIL Approved
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Senior, Teen (Age 14 - 18)

Details

Summary
Here is a farcical bit of business based on an old English ballad. The entire play has the feel of an old time movie and will leave the audience breathless with belly-laughs. The setting is Merrie Olde England during the 13th century. Lenore, the peasant housewife and John, her shepherd husband, have a disagreement over who should shut and bar the door. The argument grows to ridiculous proportions and ends in a challenge to silence. Both agree to remain mute until one surrenders and agrees to shut the door. During the silence they are threatened by robbers and scolded by a princess who is lost in the wood while searching for her Prince Arthur. The climax of the play is a wild and furious chase about the room with the cast running in every direction.

History
Shut and Bar the Door was originally presented by Thespian Troupe 451 of Findlay, Ohio at the Northwestern Ohio Thespian Conference. The play was directed by Jim Toth. 
LENORE - a 13th century housewife. 
JOHN - her husband. 
PRINCESS - daughter of King Somerset. 
THEIF - the terror of England. 
JOCK - his apprentice. 
PRINCE - the hero. 
  • Time Period Medieval (6th-14th c.)
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Duration 30 minutes
  • Cautions
    • Mild Adult Themes

Music

  • Musical Style N/A (Not a musical)
  • Vocal DemandsN/A (Not a musical)
  • Chorus Size N/A (Not a musical)

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: $65 per performance

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Authors

Author

Tom Gray

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