U - Z
Unfortunately
(Comedy)
(10-15 Minutes)
Plot:
Sometimes as a playwright you feel that the submissions process rules your life. Well Sarah is one playwright who has had enough!
Cast: (1 Female & 1 Either)
Sarah
WeProducePlays Bot1402
Production History:
Recommendations:
“Hilarious and excruciating. RF-W beautifully captures the absurdity of what it's like to fit one's work within the rigorous strictures of play submission--especially when the opp is "judged" by a machine (which it so often seems like anyway). A fast-moving two-hander perfect for an evening of caustic comedies!”
George Sapio (New Pay Exchange)
“Ah, Realism! So relatable! Honestly, I love a good piece of absurdity especially when it fights back against the process I keep going through as I submit scripts into the ether night after night with no respite in sight. Thank you for the great laugh lines! If we can't find the humor in the Sisyphean task of submitting, we are lost!”
Emma Goldman-Sherman (New Play Exchange)
“Absurd and vindicating, "Unfortunately" is a delightful (for the audience) window into the unique shit playwrights have to put up with, something people who are not playwrights will never quite understand. But no matter your affiliation with plays, everyone will most certainly enjoy the comedy at play, as we watch how far Sarah is willing to go for the chance of a production. Hilarious short.”
Daniel Prillaman (New Play Exchange)
“With "Unfortunately," Rachel Feeny-Williams gives us a hilarious and all-too-relatable takedown of the joys and frustrations of the play submission process. Not only is this piece creatively and thoughtfully executed, it also makes me think about what artists go through to get their work seen, and that's something I don't see tackled in scripts very often! Although I'm sure this play hits closest to home with writers, I believe there's plenty here for the general public and it would doubtless fully entertain non-writers as well. I would love to see this play produced someday-- excellently done!”
Jack Seamus Conley (New Play Exchange)
Upstairs, XXX Downstairs
(Drama/Comedy)
(30-45 Minutes)
Plot:
Geoff and Jenny are trying to make their hotel opening weekend a success but with their investor having a hatred for the sex shop downstairs will it ever be a success?
Cast: (7 Male & 8 Female)
Geoff: Husband of Jenny, part owner of The Sea Breeze Hotel.
Mr Nigel Astervail: Investor in The Sea Breeze Hotel.
Ron: Chef at The Sea Breeze Hotel, country man doesn’t use the letter T
Reverend Talbot: New Reverend to the village, was involved with Megan over one summer.
Mr Rodgers: Elderly gentleman and long time customer of the sex shop. - Secretly a millionaire.
Barry: Husband of Marie
Constable Wood: Local policeman.
Jenny: Wife of Geoff, Part owner of The Sea Breeze Hotel.
Gladys: Mr Astervail’s Mother
Eliza: Chambermaid at The Sea Breeze Hotel.
Layla: Owner of The Downstairs Expert Sex Shop.
Megan: Layla’s Daughter.
Lisa: Part time girl in the Sex Shop, very shy and doesn’t speak.
Marie & Mavis: Elderly ladies who were in loveless marriages until they started visiting the Sex Shop.
Production History:
Recommendations:
“What starts as a potentially British bawdy comedy film set up, turns into something far more sophisticated, a true and believable insite into a strong, close knit community pulling together. That said it is also a great laugh. I really enjoyed reading it!”
Christopher Plumridge (New Pay Exchange)
“Upstairs, XXX Downstairs, by Rachel Feeny-Williams, is a delightful slice of British humour with the right mix of bawdy jokes, dramatic action and interesting set design to warrant a slot on the BBC TV lineup!”
Marta Jorgensen (New Play Exchange)
Victim
(Monologue)
(10 - 15 Minutes)
TRIGGER WARNING - Child Abuse, Murder, Drug use & prosititution
Plot:
Natalia is a fifteen year old girl, rescued during a police raid on a brothel in St Petersburg and she tells her story.
Cast: (1 Female)
Natalia Kovos - A fifteen years, Russian
Production History:
Recommendations:
“You never know who is suffering out in the world, when your own life is peaceful and safe. Natalia suffers more than most and her telling of her life is powerful and gritty. Never knowing a moment of safety, she is now in the hands of a psychiatrist. This is a scary and very touching piece of writing which you will remember long after reading or hearing it.”
Marj O'Neill-Butler (New Play Exchange)
“It takes a great writer to create such a powerful, engaging character in the first paragraph, and Rachel is one such great writer. To take her character, build a world and history for her and present such a compelling piece is a work of art in itself. Them, the final four words, shake the audience, just as they will the doctor. Gritty and desperate, this would be a wonderful monologue for an actor to challenge themselves with.”
Christopher Plumridge (New Play Exchange)
“Wow. Poor Natalia. While I read this, I often thought of the power that the right performance could give this character as you learn about her entire life from before she was born to the day of this moment in a Psychiatrist office. While this piece is a monologue, there are a plethora of characters, from Anton to Sergei to her mother, to the ornament. It's heart wrenching. Rachel has created a character that you root for, even though you know she's in the safety of a doctor's office. Fantastic writing!”
Joe Swenson (New Play Exchange)
Weather it Out
(Comedy)
(15-20 Minutes)
Plot:
When it comes to finding the perfect beach spot on a beautiful sunny day, Andrew and Mark are about to discover that their wives will resort to conspiracy, sabotage and potentially violence to have the perfect spot.
Cast: (2 Males & 2 Females)
Kathy - Mark's Wife
Julia - Andrew's Wife
Mark
Andrew
Production History:
July 2023 - Worcester Park Dramatic Society, Epsom, UK - Live production as part of Summer show.
Recommendations:
“This is a clever take on entitlement, and will resonate with anyone who hoped for a quiet day at the beach or the park, or even at home, and suddenly...intrusions! How dare they?!?
With rising tensions, childish interactions and a lovely twist at the end that turns out to be the final arbiter, Ms. Feeny-Williams has created a fierce and funny take on how those feelings of entitlement, when challenged, can take all the fun out of life. Worth reading and would be fun for the actors to perform.”
Bruce Karp (New Play Exchange)
“The title should be "Will Someone PLEASE Drown Julia?" Another day at the beach ruined by that one person...and an explosion just coming...you can see it getting closer and closer. Rachel's found lots of hilarious fun that many of us can relate to!”
George Sapio (New Play Exchange)
“I ADORE THIS SHORT PLAY! What a treasure it was to hear this read in our weekly playwriting group. While the men's roles are well-constructed, it's the women that are the true stars of this piece. Any seasoned actress would LOVE either role. BRAVO!”
Debra A. Cole (New Play Exchange)
"As someone who is constantly moving their beach chair away from THOSE people, I got all the feels from WEATHER IT OUT. Everyone will relate to this comedy about having your space invaded. Playwright Rachel Feeny-Williams expertly crafts this short play with growing tensions, utilizing every prop at hand, until the funny twist at the end. You'll never forget Weather it Out, and you'll keep a keen eye next time you go to the beach!”
Arianna Rose (New Play Exchange)
“Oh, the perils of public spaces. I enjoyed reading this play as it definitely builds nicely to a funny climax. I mean, obviously, those OTHER people are trying to ruin our day on PURPOSE! Believable characters and a situation we can all relate to in some way.”
Neil Radtke (New Play Exchange)
Who Me?
(Monologue)
(10-15 Minutes)
Plot:
Angela, a mother of two kids and wife of a successful husband shares her thoughts of how her life could have been, interwoven with an anecdote about the devil and dishes!
Cast: (1 Females)
Angela - 40s
Production History:
May 2022 - Film Production by Next Generation Films - https://youtu.be/jpFqqBRJM0g
Recommendations:
“What a force of nature Angela is! She barely pauses for breath during ramblings, even answering the phone doesn't slow her down. I imagine her home alone, no audience, just going about her daily tasks recalling all her stories to the audience in her mind. A wonderful energetic character piece which would be so much fun to perform!”
Christopher Plumridge (New Play Exchange)
“The audience becomes a guest in Angela's home on an ordinary day in her life. However, Angela is a wonderful host and regales us with delightfully funny and relatable stories as the day goes on! Some disagreements she has with her husband ring very familiar! A great piece to showcase a very strong and engaging actor!”
Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn (New Play Exchange)
“Feeny-Williams has created an expansive world in "Who Me" bringing mundane tasks of domestic life alive as dramatic obstacles for main character, Angela. I enjoyed spending time as Angela's guest, getting to know her, and hearing her story!”
Robin Berl (New Play Exchange)
Wish I May
(Suitable for Youth Production)
(20-25 Minutes)
Plot:
Amanda Twinkle is a wishing star with a curiosity about humans and Ben is a human boy whose father doesn’t seem to have any time for him anymore and one night, a wish brings them together.
Cast: (5 Males & 2 Females)
Mr Twinkle
Joseph Twinkle
Jacob Twinkle
Ben Sanderson
Mr Sanderson
Amanda Twinkle
Mrs Twinkle
Production History:
Recommendations:
“I loved this brilliant story. It is very reminiscent of Star Dust, sans the witch. Rachel has a way with story telling that keeps you entertained and riveted to the story. Who else could write a star as the protagonist!”
Rene Zabel (New Play Exchange)
“How often do humans look up in wonder at the stars? The creative Rachel Feeny-Williams gives us a delightful story that considers another perspective – stars wondering about humans. At its heart, the story is about relationships. New friends. Parents and children. And siblings. Lighting and costume designers will jump at the chance to work on this show which will be great fun for everyone in the theatre.”
Kim E. Ruyle (New Play Exchange)
“A lovely, delightful story of a shining friendship. Rachel Feeny-Williams’ imagination knows no bounds as she reaches for the stars to bring us this charming tale. I smiled throughout as I was reminded of the song “Catch a Falling Star” from my early childhood. My wish is that this play is read and performed often for many years to come.”
Morey Norkin (New Play Exchange)
“Magical and full of whimsy. The premise alone is worth the read, but it’s the uncommon friendship which launches this piece into greatness. Do yourself a favour and read this gem.”
Christopher Soucy (New Play Exchange)
Worth it?
(Comedy/Drama)
(5 Minute Sketch)
Plot:
Henry and Alison learn a few home truths about their relationship, from a mugger of all people!
Cast: (2 Males & 1 Female)
Henry – 30s
Mugger - 20s
Alison – Henry's Girlfriend, pregnant, 30s
Production History:
Recommendations:
“The mugger definitely made off with something in this quick, delightfully funny 5-minute piece! I always love when a piece can essentially hit the pause button a high-stress situation and cut through to something raw and vulnerable. Rachel manages to do this in a black comedy sort of way. Worth it? I say yes!”
Peter Fenton (New Play Exchange)
“The mugger in this brilliantly funny play doesn't just steal money and possessions; the mugger also steals illusions, as the couple being mugged find out. I found myself rooting for Rachel Feeny-Williams's sarcastic thief, who sets the comedy in motion. I'd love to see more of this character, who makes the play such a treat!”
Peter Dakutis (New Play Exchange)
“Is he a mugger or a couples counsellor? It's hard to tell in this hilarious short play about a couple whose night, and then whose lives, get turned completely upside down when a thief who holds them up at gun point and then uses their respective reactions to reveal the lies at the heart of their relationship. Feeny-Williams packs a lot of fun twists into very few pages and has written a short comedy that's sure to please audiences. It would be a lot of fun to see this one in the hands of three actors who really understand humour.”
David Beardsley (New Play Exchange)
Would You?
(Thriller/Drama)
(15-20 Minutes)
Plot:
A group of friends, attempting to enjoy a nice day at the beach together suddenly have a turn when they find an unconscious girl a drift in a boat.
Cast: (2 Males & 3 Female)
Ken – Mid-40s. Divorced two years ago with three children. His wife left him because he wasn’t successful enough for her. He’s worked hard every day of his life but never seems to get ahead while his boss has now married his ex-wife and his children just see him as an embarrassment.
Sebastian – A man, age unknown. He is smooth and charming.
Jennifer – A girl in her late teens. Her parents divorced five years ago and up until a year ago she was ‘daddy’s little girl’ but then he re-married and her stepmother started laying down the law about her frivolous spending and lifestyle choices. She walked out of the house a month ago and has been sofa surfing since then.
Jane – A woman in her early 40s. Mother of two children in their late teens/20s. She was a successful woman in business until it drove her to drink. Two years ago she was driving with her husband in the car. They were having an argument and she got into an accident. Her husband died and her children haven’t spoken to her since.
Waitress – A woman in her early 20s, non-speaking role
Production History:
April 2022 - Live student production at The Kinkaid School in Houston, Texas, USA.
February 2022 - Talisman Theatre produced as an Audio Production on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W63Z8A2te8U
Recommendations:
“Rachel Feeny-Williams' "Would You?" is such a nuanced and intriguing play. I put on this play for my directorial debut, and I could not have chosen a better narrative. Every single event creates a heightened sense of depth in every aspect – every single thing contributes to the story. Grappling with intense themes of sacrifice, merit, and selfishness in a careful and engaging way, Feeny-Williams offers brilliant commentary on the human condition. "Would You?" is both a phenomenal piece of literature that truly understands its narrative and characters, as well as an immersive experience for the audience or reader.”
K'Lynn Hocker (Director of 2022 Kinkaid School production)
“RACHEL FEENY-WILLIAMS wrote a most interesting short play. Three people have had lives very different than they would have liked. This piece raises the what-if question of all time, so to speak: How much are you willing to sacrifice to get what you want? “Would You?” will captivate audiences and have them talking about this marvellous work after they leave the theatre.”
Jack Levine (New Play Exchange)
“What begins as the modern retelling of the Faustian legend - selling one's soul to the devil - turns with a pair of new twists to heighten the intrigue. Would You? is both clever and well-written. Recommended.”
John Kelly (New Play Exchange)
Writer's Block
(Monologue)
(5-10 Minutes)
Plot:
Rachel is desperate for a new idea but unfortunately is suffering with the worst condition a writer can have, Writers Block!
Cast: (1 Females)
Rachel - Writer - 30s
Production History:
July 2022 - Audio Production produced for YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjHT1TV1_80
Recommendations:
“A rolling musing through a writer's mind as she searches for ideas and examines why they don't come. Relatable and cathartic.”
Samatha Marchant (New Play Exchange)
“In this monologue Rachel writes of her own frustration at her writers block, desperate for a fresh idea to come along. We've all been there. What I particularly like and relate to is what Rachel thinks of characters when we are not using them in our work, what happens to them after we create them, do they retire peacefully or go mad in an asylum? Now I'm worried and need to go back and write fresh scenes for the characters I've given life to, for I am their writing god ... mwah ha ha!”
Christopher Plumridge (New Play Exchange)
“Feeny-Wiliams' Writers Block feels like a wonderful Writer's Block Party that I want an invitation to attend. I love how the character wonders what happens to characters she's written about, reminding us how our favorite characters live on, off and beyond the page. Poignant portrait of how creativity works and tortures.”
Lucy Wang (New Play Exchange)
“Ah, writer's block. The oft-referred to, yet little understood phenomenon that occurs in every writer's life. "All I have is this expanse of grey mush going round and round in my head, like if you put a roll of toilet paper in a washing machine." is my favorite line in this piece as it so perfectly describes true writer's block. It's not an ABSENCE of ideas. It's not a LACK of intent. It's like being unable to tune in the radio, wipe the dust from the screen, isolate the conversation. Feeny-Williams nails this exquisitely! Highly recommended!”
Bill Arnold (New Play Exchange)
You Don't Know
(Crime/Drama)
(25-35 Minutes)
TRIGGER WARNING - Swearing & Violence
Plot:
When Helen goes to confront Vivienne (the woman her husband is having an affair with) she gets a LOT more than she bargained for.
Cast: (6 Male & 3 Females)
Jack Levy
George Haines – Jack’s partner in the police force.
Charlie – An ex-police officer
Adam Kane
Voice Recording/Voice (Off)/Policeman
Judge
Claire Levy – Jack’s Wife
Jennifer Levy – Jack & Claire’s Daughter
Reporter
Production History:
Recommendations:
“Two of the many things Rachel Feeny-Williams does well are writing police procedurals and depicting relationships that turn out not to be what they seemed. Both of those are on display in this piece. And every time you may think you know where the play is going it veers off into somewhere else entirely. Rachel's work never disappoints.”
Donald E. Baker (New Play Exchange)
“You Don’t Know zips along like a rocket. I was leaning in from the first scene until The End. Rachel Feeney-Williams, is the exemplar when it comes to productivity, but she cranks out more than quantity – she also delivers high quality. In this case, an engaging mystery that makes us care about the characters and keeps us on edge wondering how things will be resolved. Fantastic.”
Kim E. Ruyle (New Play Exchange)
“It may be called “You Don’t Know,” but with Rachel Feeny-Williams you always know you’re in for a treat! This taut mystery is filled with twists and turns that will keep you guessing. At the heart of the story is a severely strained relationship between a detective and his daughter. Is that strain enough to result in murder?! All will be revealed… almost!”
Morey Norkin (New Play Exchange)
You Think You Know
(Comedy)
(15-20 Minutes)
Plot:
Katherine has never had a close relationship with her grandmother but now she has come to clear out her house, she’s learning more than she ever bargained for.
Cast: (1 Male & 2 Females)
Katherine – 30s
Marie – 60s/70s
Henry – 30s
Production History:
Recommendations:
“When Katherine starts to clean out her deceased grandmother's house, she discovers an ever-escalating chain of gobsmacking surprises about what sort of woman she was and the amazingly wild life she apparently led. It's all very overwhelming--until the wonderful twist at the end. A very neat and funny comedy.”
Donald E. Baker (New Play Exchange)
“I don't think I could write a farce. Rachel Feeny-Williams has co-opted the field. This fast-paced, emotion-driven, unfolding mystery twists and turns with never a dull moment. Who is who and why and how and when - with an unexpected twist at the end. Nope, I'm not even going to try to write a farce.”
Robin Rice (New Play Exchange)
“Be careful about your "feelings"! For one young woman whose past has just been turned upside-down, life may never be the same. Or will it...? Another raucous comedy that should be done often!”
George Sapio (New Play Exchange)
“The fun of this piece is that, ostensibly, the "main character" is not who you think...in more ways than one! I love the way these two quick-witted spouses slowly reveal more and more about the off-stage character as the play goes on. The "mystery" at the centre of the piece keeps the audience engaged, wondering what wild "secrets" we'll learn next! The twist is exquisite! Laugh-out-loud banter consistently meets high emotional stakes, making this a fun and compelling one-act! Lots of fun for both actors and audiences!”
Aly Kantor (New Play Exchange)
“If the walls (or the sofas) in some houses could talk, they'd be able to write best-selling novels. Tales of life, love, anger, fear, sadness, joy, and...more -- a historical compilation of insight into the lives of those who crossed the threshold of the front door. Playwright Rachel Feeny-Williams takes us on a brief journey into the lives of those at 63 Corigan Avenue, and a history that Katherine, the granddaughter of the owner of the house, wasn't necessarily prepared to learn about. Another great play by Feeny-Williams that will make you smile for sure!”
Randy Hunt (New Play Exchange)
“A well-written, short one-act play with a twist. A comic look at the way 30-somethings view the older generations. The dialogue is fast-paced and witty, the characters are compelling, and the plot in fun, well-crafted and keeps you in suspense right up to the surprise ending. Brava!”
Cindi Sansone-Braff (New Play Exchange)
“What can I say about pieces written by Rachel Feeny-Williams other than... SHE IS A GENIUS! This short play has everything - tension, humour, shock, outrage, memories, nudity, and some of the best banter between two people I have ever read. BRAVO!”
Debra A. Cole (New Play Exchange)