Description
Synopsis
Switch off the Lights so I can See is a very versatile and amusing piece. It can be presented as a one act play or as three totally separate skits.
The Play
An announcement on the TV news turns a quiet evening in front of the telly into a night of confusion, suspicion and comical mayhem. Bill, quite convinced their ironing lady is a wanted criminal on the TV, takes steps to catch her in the act. Unfortunately the tables are turned and HE is the one that ends up in a very embarrassing situation. The skits are presented in the play as three TV programs.
The Skits
‘Solve My Problem’ A TV show hosted by Oprah Sinfree and a panel of experts who respond to viewers problems. ‘The Six O’Clock News’ A comical take-off of the TV news followed by a very unpredictable weather forecast. ‘This is Your Wife’ A program looking at just how well husbands know their wives. Three very different skits, all providing the opportunity to develop characters with humour.
Cast
The one-act play caters for a large cast or for a smaller cast by doubling up in the skits.
| The Play |  |
|
| Lyn | Housewife/mother – 50ish | |
| Bill | Husband to Lyn, an eccentric know-all | |
| Bet | Chatty next-door neighbour | |
| Liz | Daughter of Bill and Lyn, mid 20s | |
| John | Husband to Liz | |
| Maria | Spanish girl, about 18 | |
| Policeman 1 | ||
| Policeman 2 | ||
| Skit – Solve My Problem |  |
|
| Oprah | Vivacious TV host | |
| Rayleen | Aggressive, no-nonsense type | |
| Bonnie | Happy, good-natured Samaritan | |
| Hannah | Very well spoken, air of superiority | |
| Janelle | Glamorous assistant | |
| Charleen | Glamorous assistant | |
| Skit – The Six O’Clock News |  |
|
| Madelaine | Attractive newsreader | |
| Raymond | Newsreader | |
| Andrew | Newsreader | |
| Kim | Overseas reporter | |
| David | Chief Inspector of Police | |
| Skit – This Is Your Wife |  |
|
| Darren | TV show host | |
| Michael | Contestant, mid 30’s | |
| Gay | Wife of Michael, similar age | |
| Josh | Contestant, similar age | |
| Cathy | Wife of Josh, similar age | |
Full Stage Directions – Stage Diagram
Teacher-Friendly and Budget-Friendly
Comment from Rebecca Dorge,
Drama Teacher, Brisbane State High School
“The Students of Brisbane State High School greatly enjoyed the process of working with the script “Switch off the lights so I can See”. The students loved the humour and the way in which they could relate to and create their lively characters. They were excited by the team work it inspired and are looking forward to performing it again in October. We entered this one act play in the Brisbane Arts Theatre Competition and one of our students won best actor (He enjoyed playing Bill so much and worked well with the other very humorous characters). We look forward to working with Playtime Productions scripts again in the future.”
