SYNOPSIS
"Sandy is an artist who has fallen out of love with art but more specifically, her own.
Steve is the retired local policeman who has recently discovered art having fallen out of love with life.
When Sandy returns to her Ramsbottom roots, she has no plans other than to get some respite from her fast-paced life. To make space and certainly not to make connections.
But a slow-paced life can sometimes be just as challenging. Because when you slow it down, the blurs are soon replaced with the sharply focussed reality of the life that’s been passing you by.
In returning to her roots, Sandy discovers hiding within the blurs, a sardonic, sarcastic, but deeply private man who does not appreciate what he has to offer to the world and her. And in stumbling across each other they also rediscover two things we all need: a passion and a purpose.
‘The Ramsbottom Constable’ is a just a simple, lighthearted story about rediscovering the life you need, the love you deserve and the home you never lost ... and leaving well alone which county you’re in. Oh, and cheese and onion crisps. Obviously.”
Running time: approx 55 minutes each act.
Setting: present day in Ramsbottom.
Staging: ostensibly, one set. A large kitchen (dated) fitted out as such in a rambling, old country house. Two entrances (an internal and an external door). Large table dominates the centre but the space needs to be able to be used around it. At times it is used for the art group so requires the space for four easels/stools (say) around the table. Two other scenes: an art exhibition which is simply an easel set away from the main playing area/picked out using lighting. The other is a pub, which is just a table and two chairs. Maybe one D/L and the other D/R. There are no special requirements for lighting (other than zoning the specific playing areas) and no requirements for sound other than a doorbell.
Cast: 1M, 5F (the below are playing ages)
Sandy: 50’s. Well spoken with more than a nod to her roots. Born in Ramsbottom but rarely returns. Anne’s daughter. Whatever history they did have is not explored within the plot. Art expert, now living in Paris. Has had quite a public profile but it became too much and she avoids the public and the limelight. Consequently, protects her privacy and can be guarded; difficult to get to know. Strong character, business like. Very rarely comes home. A loner and difficult to get to know. Not looking for love but warms to Steve as the plot develops and opens up to him.
Steve: 50’s. Retired local policeman. Born in Ramsbottom and never left. Straight talking, sarcastic but good humoured. Close to Anne and her friend of many years. He is a loner and has recently joined the local art group. His history is not explored or revealed other than being very private. As with Sandy, he is difficult to get to know but he opens up to her. They are very different and yet have a synergy.
Anne: 70’s. Sandy’s mother. Retired, friendly, open. Close to Steve who she has introduced to painting and brought into the art group which she runs. Has had a difficult relationship over the years with her daughter, but has been supportive and positive towards her. Whatever history they did have is not explored within the plot but alluded to.
Rachel/Sharon/Karen: 30’s/50’s. All three women are friends of Anne and Steve and members of the art group. Larger than life characters, full of fun and humour. They are protective of Steve and enjoy having fun at his expense. All are equal in role size and collectively feature together in both acts.
NB: the writer has designed the piece so that, if required, it could be played in any locale with minor adaptations made to place names/the title (i.e., Ramsbottom). All the place names used are highlighted within the script to allow for ease of localising. No other changes are permitted. Any performing companies would still need to make reference within the programme to the source work.
For information, the image used is based on an original photograph digitally altered using AI to recreate the image in the style of the artist John Constable.
