Pudding Black

By Lee Lomas

The classic 'whodunnit' has been given a contemporary makeover in this uber dark comedy written by Lee Lomas (“Sharp-tongued and gripping” - Donna Kelly, Whats On Stage *****, “Lomas's writing is excellent.” - Steven Ireland, The Good Review ****). The writing is tantalisingly stark as we join the investigation surrounding the mysterious death of a young woman and slowly we begin to unpick the entangled web of deeply destructive relationships she leaves behind. Sharp, shady and unapologetic; 'Pudding, Black' will answer the timeless “Whodunnit?” question.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: May 9, 2016
• ISBN: 9781326650049

Book preview

Pudding Black

Pudding Black

First edition published in 2016 by Lee Lomas

Copyright 2016 Lee Lomas

The moral right of the author has been asserted.

All characters and events in this publication, other than those clearly in the public domain, are fictitious and any resemblence to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior permission in writing of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

Printed and bound in Great Britain by Lulu.com

www.lulu.com

For Amy, who sparked a fire in my heart that will never go out, who inspired me to write such a strong, feisty, attractive and witty female lead, who gave me the support and confidence to achieve my dreams.

CAST:

CARYS, Mid 20's

DAMIAN, Mid 20's

NELSON, 40s-50s

JASON, Mid 20's

CALLUM, Late Teens

NOTES FROM THE AUTHOR:

The stage should be split in two, stage-right should be Cary's House and also where the 'door' is. Stage-left should have the Bar and also the Cafe/Investigation room (Act 1 Cafe, Act 2 Investigation Room, appropriate dressing/lighting should be applied to denote the change in location.) All other locations should appear centre stage with lighting, set and props being used to create and distinguish the different settings.

During Damians final monologue all characters should appear on stage to keep the audience guessing who the murderer is, before replaying the opening scene. It is down to the Directors discretion whether or not they reveal who the murderer is.

It is important that there are hints of the classic 'Film-Noir'/'Murder Mystery' style incorporated throughout the play to juxtapose the naturalistic dialogue.

'Barman' and 'Kylie' never appear, when 'Barman' places drinks on the bar the Actor who is playing Callum will fulfil this role using his arm (this is an example of the 'Film-Noir' style).

Application for performance should be made in writing prior to the beginning of rehearsals to: [e-mail]

Pudding Black premiered on the 30th of July 2015 at the Salford Arts Theatre. Produced by 1956 Theatre (www.1956Theatre.co.uk).

ACT I

Scene One

A young woman, Carys, is dancing to the radio in her Kitchen as she prepares her breakfast. The door opens.

Carys Oh.

A gun is fired, Carys, stumbles backwards holding her chest.

BLACKOUT:

(Twenty minutes after the shooting) A young male officer, Damian, enters the stage with a coffee and a cigarette, he is dressed smartly, almost too tidy. He is accompanied by an older male, Nelson, similarly dressed, he's not as smart, he looks unkempt and his clothes looked 'lived in'.

Nelson Always annoys me when they're fit.

Damian What?

Nelson When they're fit y'know, bit of a waste isn't