Scottish Shorts

A collection of nine very different short plays by three remarkable generations of Scottish writers, selected and introduced by Philip Howard, Artistic Director of the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, from 1996-2007. Mostly with casts of two or three, these plays are especially well suited to performance in studio theatres and at festivals.

Snuff by Davey Anderson. Back from Iraq, Billy is in no mood for games. But Kevin is not just playing... The Price of a Fish Supper by Catherine Czerkawska. Rab's fortunes have declined along with the fishing industry in which he has worked all his life, but now he eyes a glimpse of hope. Better Days Better Knights by Stanley Eveling. A sweet-hearted tale of a washed-up knight-of-old, from the grandfather of modern Scottish playwriting. Ramallah by David Greig. A writer returning home from Palestine to his wife is gently challenged as to where exactly his priorities lie. 54% Acrylic by David Harrower. When a young woman shoplifts for the first time, the store detective decides to give chase, but just how far is he prepared to go? Harm by Douglas Maxwell. A father and son wait in a new 'self-harming unit'. As the clock ticks by, the father begins to pour out his guilt, anger and concern to his son. The Basement Flat by Rona Munro. Fiona and Stephen's tenant has become their landlord and their daughter has taken to living in the overgrown garden, which is creeping into the house as temperatures rise... Distracted by Morna Pearson. Avid insect-collector Jamie and his disintegrating granny are new to the caravan park where George-Michael and his Wham-fan mother live... The Importance of Being Alfred by Louise Welsh. Twenty-three years after his affair with Wilde, Lord Alfred Douglas enters a conspiracy with a prominent homophobe...