Singular Female Voices: Three Short Plays for a Single Actress

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by Moira Buffini, Anna Reynolds, Catherine Johnson, Stewart Permutt

Three remarkable monologue plays for women from masters of the form.

Jordan by Moira Buffini and Anna Reynolds is the true story of Shirley Jones, who kills her baby boy, rather than have him taken away by his abusive father. Reynolds met Jones when they were both in prison. On her release, she co-wrote the play with Moira Buffini. Jordan was revived to huge acclaim at the 2010 Edinburgh Festival

The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret by Catherine Johnson is the alternating stories of two women (played by the same actress), both of whom 'lose' their sons, one is apparently murdered, the other is a runaway. Catherine Johnson wrote the script for Mamma Mia! as well as several other plays seen in London.

In Unsuspecting Susan, by Stewart Permutt, Susan's life revolves around her dogs, am-dram, bell-ringing and village gossip. But alarm bells ring (though not for unsuspecting Susan) when, amongst the tittle-tattle, we begin to hear odd things about a 33-year-old son. Unsuspecting Susan was originally performed by the brilliant Celia Imrie.

All three plays provide fantastic showcases and memorable audition pieces for actors.