The Playwrights Database
PETER QUILTER
Nationality:
English
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Peter Quilter's plays have been translated into 13 languages and presented in 21 countries. He has had two shows in London's West End and productions in many of the world's great cities, including Cape Town, Helsinki, Prague, Warsaw, Amsterdam, Montreal, Toronto, Chicago, Auckland, Melbourne and Sydney. Peter now lives in the Canary Islands, but he was born in England, beginning his working career as a television presenter for the BBC. His first play was an all-female comedy "Respecting Your Piers" (published by Samuel French) and he followed this with a musical adaptation of Oscar Wilde's "the Canterville Ghost" which played a number one tour of the UK starring Ron Moody. the following year, he made his London West End debut with a comedy about the pop industry "BoyBand". the show played a summer season at the Gielgud Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue and later enjoyed success in South Africa, Denmark and on a 60 venue tour of the Netherlands. In 2005, Peter had his first big international hit with "End of the Rainbow" - a musical Drama about the final months in the life of Judy Garland. It premiered to rave reviews at Sydney Opera House in Australia (winning Caroline O'Connor two Best Actress awards) and also had an award-winning run at the 2006 Edinburgh Festival. the following year, Joop van den Ende presented a new Dutch production which played to packed houses on a seven month tour and the show has since enjoyed runs in the Czech Republic, Finland, Poland and New Zealand. "Glorious!" also received its debut production in 2005, opening at the Duchess Theatre in the West End, starring the beloved comedy actress Maureen Lipman and produced by Michael Codron. "Glorious!" was an instant success, running in London for six months and over 200 performances. It was nominated for the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award as Best New Comedy. Glorious! made its North American debut at Theatre Calgary (starring Nicola Cavendish) and had its first foreign language production at Helsinki City Theatre, under the title "Suurenmoista!" It has since delighted audiences in a long and ever growing list of Theatres across five continents. It is currently playing a number of different cities in Germany, Poland, Canada and the USA and in the coming year will have its first performances in Italy, Hungary, Norway and Brazil. Peter's first screenplay, "the Coogan Act" (a dark comedy about the world of celebrity) was recently filmed in Poland and has just been screened on state television there. He is currently promoting both television and Theatre versions of this script. He is also writing a new comedy for a cast of just two actors, titled "Duets".
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4000 Days
What would you do if you forgot the last decade of your life? After a blood clot unexpectedly formed in his brain, Michael has been in a coma for three weeks. Watching over him in hospital is his bitter mother Carol and his dull but well-meaning partner Paul. They are united in their grief over Michael, and in their intense dislike of each other. When Michael wakes, they realize that 11 years of his memory have been completely erased. He remembers nothing of the last 4000 days. He remembers nothing of Paul. It is as though the relationship never existed. Paul must now fight to bring Michael's memory back while Carol fights to remove him from their lives completely. Michael, still charming and witty, concentrates his recovery on creating a giant mural on the back wall of his hospital room. An expression of his loss, his hopes, and his desire to live his life as the man he was 11 years ago. Not the man he has become.
Notes:
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Genre:
Gay full length
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: 1 Other: -
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Actress, The
The Actress dramatises the events backstage as a colourful, complicated actress makes her emotional farewell performance. Various people from her life invade her dressing room to say their goodbyes, declare their love, roar with laughter, spit insults, grab a final embrace, and renew old battles.
Notes:
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1st Produced:
Woodinville Repertory Theatre
01 Sep 2014
Organisations:
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1st Published:
Music:
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Genre:
full length comedy 105 min
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: 5 Other: -
Further Reference:
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Blind Date
Synopsis:
Jonathan and Wendy meet through a magazine lonely hearts column and arrange to go on a blind date with a difference: it takes place in Jonathan's living room. Neither of them has particularly high hopes, having had bad romantic experiences in the past, but gradually they overcome their nerves and awkwardness and agree to make it a proper date over dinner.
Notes:
This play may be performed individually or as the first act in Duets, a comedy in four acts
1st Produced:
The Blakehay, Weston-Super-Mare
01 Nov 2012
Organisations:
Blakehay Actors Company
1st Published:
Music:
-
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Genre:
short comedy
Parts:
Male: 1 Female: 1 Other: -
Further Reference:
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BoyBand
A topical, light-hearted look at the pop music business, charting the turbulent rise to fame of a fictitious band - Freedom. During a live performance at Wembley the five young stars take us back to the beginning, revealing the gritty truth. Please note there is no score available and the choice of music is left to the director. (Permission must be sought for the use of copyright music.) Backing tracks from the original West End production are available under separate licence. Please contact Samuel French Ltd for details.
Notes:
transferred to West End, played the Gielgud theatre, 1999
1st Produced:
Organisations:
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1st Published:
Samuel French Ltd (11 July 2001)
Music:
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Genre:
Musical
Parts:
Male: 7 Female: 3 Other: -
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Breath Of Life
Synopsis:
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Notes:
music Charles Miller
1st Produced:
Old Bull Arts Centre - Barnet
05 Apr 1995
Organisations:
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1st Published:
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Music:
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Genre:
musical
Parts:
Male: - Female: - Other: -
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Bride-to-be, The
Synopsis:
Angela is about to get married for the third time. Her brother Toby is on hand to escort her to the church when she gets a serious case of cold feet. On top of this, he has to contend with spilt coffee, a ripped dress and a thunderstorm which ruins her hairdo. With some ingenuity Toby manages to overcome these "bad omens" and persuades Angela to take a chance on Husband Number Three.
Notes:
This play may be performed individually or as the first act in Duets, a comedy in four acts
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Genre:
short comedy
Parts:
Male: 1 Female: 1 Other: -
Further Reference:
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Bursting the Clouds (Operation Grapple)
Synopsis:
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Notes:
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1st Produced:
Offstage, London
12 Nov 1991
Organisations:
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Genre:
Play/Drama
Parts:
Male: - Female: - Other: -
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By the Dome It's Known
Synopsis:
A community play - the history of Southend's Kursaal.
Notes:
music Charles Miller
1st Produced:
Palace Theatre, Southend
14 Jul 1998
Organisations:
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1st Published:
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Music:
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Genre:
community play
Parts:
Male: - Female: - Other: -
Further Reference:
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Canterville Ghost
When a brash American millionaire family stay at the gothic English stately home, Canterville Chase, they fail to be the least bit frightened by Sir Simon, the resident ghost. Sir Simon, condemned by a curse to haunt the house, tries every scary and spooky trick in the book. However, his antics provide only great amusement for them as they drive him into hiding. the young Virginia, appalled by her family's grotesque behaviour, searches out the depressed Ghost and befriends him. As their affection for one another deepens, Virginia and the Ghost realize that she is the solution to an ancient rhyme that will help rid him of his curse. Virginia, persuading her family to help, embarks on an important and difficult mission to set Sir Simon free. Based on Oscar Wilde's stories the Canterville Ghost and the Happy Prince, this delightful musical enjoyed a very successful national tour in 1998, starring Ron Moody as the Ghost.
Notes:
book And lyrics by Peter Quilter; music by Charles Miller; Adapted from the original story by Oscar Wilde
1st Produced:
Organisations:
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1st Published:
Samuel French Ltd (6 Sep 2002)
Music:
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Genre:
Musical
Parts:
Male: 4 Female: 3 Other: chorus
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Curtain Up!
Based on the author's earlier Respecting YourPiers, Curtain Up! is the hilarious story of five women who inherit equal shares in a dilapidated theatre and plan to bring it back to life again. they try various fund-raising schemes but their most ambitious is to hold a concert featuring local talent and a world-famous star, who agrees to appear for no fee! However, their plans go awry and it's a race to keep their audience from guessing the truth of the matter. A fastpaced and very funny comedy with five great roles for women.
Notes:
based on the Author's Respecting Your Piers
1st Produced:
Tewkwsbury: Roses Theatre
17 Sep 1994
Organisations:
Gut Reaction Theatre Company
1st Published:
Music:
-
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Genre:
Comedy
Parts:
Male: - Female: 5 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
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Duets
Four pairs of characters, four crucial moments . . .Jonathan and Wendy are on a blind date and hoping to get it right this time even though they've never got it right before. Barrie is not really interested in women but Janet sees that as no reason to stop trying. Shelley and Bobby have decided to holiday in Spain to finalize their divorce whilst drowning in cocktails. And Angela is marrying for the third time to the dismay of her brother Toby and amidst a barrage of bad omens and a dress resembling a parachute. the result is a gloriously funny examination of the chaotic world of love, relationships and why the grass is never greener
Notes:
Though written to be produced in its entirety with A cast of up to M4,F4, Duets may Also be performed As four separate one-act plays, each with A cast of M1,F1
1st Produced:
Alma Tavern, Bristol
26 Nov 2014
Organisations:
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1st Published:
Music:
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Genre:
Comedy
Parts:
Male: 4 Female: 4 Other: or 1m 1f
Further Reference:
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End Of the Rainbow
Synopsis:
It's Christmas 1968 and with a six week booking at London's Talk of the Town, it looks like Judy Garland is set firmly on the comeback trail. the failed marriages, the suicide attempts and the addictions are all behind her. At forty-six and with new husband Mickey Deans at her side, she seems determined to carry it off and recapture her magic. But her addictions return and her gay accompanist and her new husband each compete to win her love and guide her through the daily haze of pills and alcohol . This hotel is action is punctuated by snatches of her public performances. A tragic and funny Drama featuring several of Judy Garland hits, infused with the glamour and the melancholy of stardom
Notes:
in the West End in 2010/2011 At the Trafalgar Studios And was nominated for 4 Olivier Awards. the show opens At the Belasco theatre on Broadway on March 19th 2012. www.endoftherainbowbroadway.com
1st Produced:
Sydney Opera House
2005
Organisations:
Ensemble Theatre Co
1st Published:
Music:
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Genre:
musical Drama Musical
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: 1 Other: -
Further Reference:
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Frankenstein
Synopsis:
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Notes:
from Mary Shelley novel
1st Produced:
Union Chapel, N1, London
01 Jun 1994
Organisations:
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1st Published:
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Music:
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Genre:
Play/Drama
Parts:
Male: - Female: - Other: -
Further Reference:
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Glorious!
Glorious! is based on the life of Florence Foster Jenkins, the legendary New York heiress and socialite who wanted to be a great operatic diva despite having one of the worst singing voices in history, and who used all her money, charm and unstoppable will-power to make it happen. Following the exploits of its attractive and formidable protagonist up until the crowning moment of a sell-out concert at Carnegie Hall, Glorious! is a delightful and irresistible account of an extraordinary life.
Notes:
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1st Produced:
Organisations:
Michael Codron Plays Ltd
1st Published:
Music:
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Genre:
comedy with music
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: 4 Other: -
Further Reference:
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Holiday, The
Synopsis:
Shelley and Bobby are getting divorced, but that hasn't stopped them from going on a final holiday together in Spain. Despite their best intentions to keep things civilised, Shelley gets drunk and flirtatious on cocktails and Bobby threatens to fly home early. Eventually nostalgia for the happy times they had together wins through, and they agree to end the holiday - and the marriage - amicably.
Notes:
This play may be performed individually or as the first act in Duets, a comedy in four acts
1st Produced:
The Blakehay, Weston-Super-Mare
01 Nov 2012
Organisations:
Blakehay Actors Company
1st Published:
Music:
-
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Genre:
short comedy
Parts:
Male: 1 Female: 1 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
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It'll All Come Out in the Wash
Synopsis:
On a South East London housing estate, Bob and Pauline are hanging out their washing. But they're no ordinary couple - and their washing line is full of surprises! A rich and colourful theatrical event, this is a joyful celebration of a fascinating part of London. Hilarious and heartbreaking, Dramatic and delightful, the enormous multi-cultural cast of talented locals, supported by professional team, take us on a memorable journey through the past and present with comedy, Drama, dance and song.
Notes:
music Charles Miller
1st Produced:
Organisations:
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1st Published:
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Music:
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Genre:
musical
Parts:
Male: - Female: - Other: -
Further Reference:
-
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Just the Ticket
Susan, an eccentric sixty-year-old, decides to celebrate her birthday by repeating a journey to Australia she made with a group of friends when she was 20. This time, she's travelling alone - carrying the same hopes and dreams, but with 40 years of extra baggage! Endlessly chatty, accident-prone and often looking like she's been dragged through a hedge backwards, Susan is undoubtedly colourful. Her wit, charm, chaos and hint of sadness have given her a unique outlook on life - and make her an unforgettable character. Romance slowly but awkwardly blossoms as she reunites with Bill, the bartender at the hotel, an unexpected turn of events that causes Susan to reflect on life, love, loneliness, friendship and the trials and joys of growing older. Just the Ticket is a poignant 90-minute journey through Susan's hilarious life, a unique comedy that can be performed by one, three, four or six women!
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Genre:
comedy
Parts:
Male: - Female: 1 Other: part can be shared by up to 6 women
Further Reference:
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Last Song of the Nightingale
Synopsis:
Wrecked Hollywood star. Embittered son. the comeback Palladium concert. . . Musical Drama about an addled Hollywood star trying to cling on to the last remnants of her career.
Notes:
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1st Produced:
Organisations:
Hazemead Ltd in ass with Pluto Productions
1st Published:
-
Music:
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Genre:
Musical
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: 1 Other: -
Further Reference:
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Mirror of the Moon, The
Synopsis:
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Notes:
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1st Produced:
Man In The Moon Theatre, London
08 Oct 1991
Organisations:
Profundis Theatre
1st Published:
-
Music:
-
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Genre:
Play/Drama
Parts:
Male: - Female: - Other: -
Further Reference:
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Morning After
Synopsis:
They meet in a cinema queue. After many drinks they end up in bed together - but the bed is Adam's and he is still in. Then Adam's mother bursts in with breakfast for three
Notes:
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1st Produced:
Above The Stag, London
Jan 2020
Organisations:
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1st Published:
-
Music:
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Genre:
Gay comedy full length
Parts:
Male: - Female: - Other: -
Further Reference:
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Nightingales, The
It is the 1950s and this charming comedy introduces the Nightingales, members of a theatrical family who perform more at home than they do on the stage. Jack is a cabaret star, as in love with his piano as he is with his silk dressing gowns. His parents, Charlie and Beatrice, are old Music Hall stars, full of hilarious tales of life on the road. Maggie performs with Jack in the evenings and regularly visits his house to rehearse, drink tea, and tell the sorry tale of her latest romantic disaster. If only she and Jack realized that their true love was right in front of them. the sudden arrival of Charlie and Beatrice, asking to stay with Jack for a few days, throws his and Maggie's lives into chaos. they promise to be gone by Christmas, but this provides little comfort given that it is only January 7th! Jack's housekeeper Geraldine copes masterfully with the ensuing disruption, but then Beatrice unexpectedly disappears. It seems that this was not a simple visit, but an opportunity for her to leave Charlie and run off to another liaison in France. the question is, will anyone find their true love? Are there such things as happy endings? And what do performers do once the spotlight goes out? This is a very funny, touching show business comedy, bursting with one-liners and lovable characters.
Notes:
translated by Horst Johanning
1st Produced:
Contra Kreis Theater, Bonn, Germany
15 Dec 2011
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Music:
-
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Genre:
comedy
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: 3 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
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Respecting Your Piers
Based on the author's earlier Respecting YourPiers, Curtain Up! is the hilarious story of five women who inherit equal shares in a dilapidated theatre and plan to bring it back to life again. they try various fund-raising schemes but their most ambitious is to hold a concert featuring local talent and a world-famous star, who agrees to appear for no fee! However, their plans go awry and it's a race to keep their audience from guessing the truth of the matter. A fastpaced and very funny comedy with five great roles for women.
Notes:
Now retitled "Curtain Up!"
1st Produced:
Tewkwsbury: Roses Theatre
17 Sep 1994
Organisations:
Gut Reaction Theatre Company
1st Published:
Music:
-
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Genre:
Play/Drama
Parts:
Male: - Female: 5 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
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Saving Jason
Synopsis:
Suburbia 1990s. A family take measures to curb their rebellious teenage son but it all descends into chaos
Notes:
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1st Produced:
Park Theatre. London
07 Nov 2016
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
-
Music:
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Genre:
Comedy
Parts:
Male: - Female: - Other: -
Further Reference:
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Secretarial Skills
Synopsis:
It's Barrie's birthday and his personal assistant Janet is helping him get ready for the party. As they discuss getting older, marriage and love (or Janet's lack of it), it becomes clear that she would be quite content to settle down with Barrie. Unfortunately, Barrie is more interested in men, but that doesn't stop him from booking them both on a cruise as a birthday present to himself.
Notes:
This play may be performed individually or as the first act in Duets, a comedy in four acts
1st Produced:
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Organisations:
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1st Published:
Music:
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If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
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Genre:
short comedy
Parts:
Male: 1 Female: 1 Other: -
Further Reference:
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Stand By Your Man
Synopsis:
A sensational new musical tribute to the First Lady of Country Tammy Wynette. From humble beginning Tammy battled against the odds to become one of the world's greatest singing stars. This new musical follows the trials and tribulations of her road to fame and international stardom and is packed with her greatest hits - D.I.V.O.R.C.E., Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad and the legendary Stand By Your Man.
Notes:
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1st Produced:
Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
07 Sep 1999
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
-
Music:
-
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Genre:
musical
Parts:
Male: 6 Female: 4 Other: -
Further Reference:
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