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Bettine Manktelow

BETTINE MANKTELOW  

 Nationality:    English
email:    Click here to contact     Website:    n/a

Literary Agent:    n/a

Bettine Manktelow has been in theatrical ventures either professional of amateur all her life, starting off as a repertory actress at the age of fifteen. Her first play, which was not published, was presented in Singapore to an audience of sophisticated ex-pats. as it was a kitchen-sink Drama it was greeted with hoots of laughter. at the time Bettine did not realise she had a flare for comedy! Subsequent plays, however, even when Dramatic or thrilling always managed to have interntional comical lines and/or comical characters. Her career as a playwright did not take off until the 1970s when she was directing for an amateur company in Ramsgate, Kent. By sheer luck one of her plays was taken up by a professional company in Folkestone and a director from French's was there to see it. He liked it, and it was published. This was "they Call it Murder." Since then Bettine has written and had published twenty plays, mostly published by Samuel French but also by Jasper Publishing. She now lives in Deal and continues to write and direct a new play on an annual basis.

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below is a list of Bettine Manktelow's plays - click on a Play Title for more information

         Branwell         Charity Begins         Couples         Curtain Call         Curtain Up On Murder         Death Walked In         Ghost Story         Girl In A Wheelchair, The         Hat Tricks         Holy Deadlock         Hotel Mystere         Midnight Raiders, The         Murder Weekend         Old Inn, The         Proscenophobia         School For Murder         Spygame         They Call It Murder         Treasure Island         White Cliffs, The

Branwell

Synopsis:
the Bronte family are seen on a windy autumn evening at a time when they have returned to the Parsonage from their various posts as governesses and tutor and before the three sisters achieve fame. the play deals with the brother Branwell as he begins a life of dissipation and the vain efforts of his sisters to save him from self-destruction

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
Samuel French, London, 1977   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Historical biography One act

Parts:
Male:  1            Female:  3            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Charity Begins

Synopsis:
a day in a Women's Charity Office where a smug lady manager goes off with her equally smug compatriot leaving the office to a new volunteer to cope with a rather odd visitor.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
Samuel French, London, 2007   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
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

Booksellers:

Genre:
comedy One act

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  4            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Couples

Synopsis:
takes place in an hotel bedroom over a period of ten years with each act a separate interlinking story : Party games, the Brighton line and Squatters rights

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
Samuel French, London, 1981   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Play/Drama

Parts:
Male:  5            Female:  6            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Curtain Call

Synopsis:
a day in the life of a harassed theatre manager as he prepares for an important visit from someone from the Arts Council in respect of a grant. the manager has to grapple with his lovelorn secretary and her romance with the Front of House Manager, a disgruntled backstage crew on the verge of a strike and the temperamental lady director of the local amateurs. That's not to mention the intervention of the dictatorial husband of the said lady director who also happens to be Chair of the theatre Trust! Sparkling dialogue and comic situations occur before the curtain falls on a resolved situation with the theatre manager winning the day.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Kilshawe theatre    1999

Organisations:
Guild Players

1st Published:
Samuel French, London,    -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
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

Booksellers:

Genre:
2 acts Comedy

Parts:
Male:  3            Female:  5            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Curtain Up On Murder

Synopsis:
an amateur Dramatic company are rehearsing a thriller in a theatre at the end of a Pier when they find they are locked in and gradually the members are being killed off. Is it one of their number or is there somebody else locked in the empty theatre who will not stop till they are all dead?

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
Samuel French, London, 1998   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Thriller

Parts:
Male:  3            Female:  5            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Death Walked In

Synopsis:
struggles to run a small country hotel are complicated by rakish son in law, aged gardener and country bred maid in a case of mistaken identity and cyanide

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
Samuel French, London, 1979   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Play/Drama

Parts:
Male:  3            Female:  4            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Ghost Story

Synopsis:
A young man has volunteered to spend the night in a haunted church. He is joined by some friends and a psychic

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Drama

Parts:
Male:  4            Female:  2            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Girl In A Wheelchair, The

Synopsis:
Girl in a Wheelchair is a one-act comedy about the problems faced by a godmother dealing with a spoiled teenager who, following an accident, is determined not to walk until her mother returns from her third honeymoon.

Notes:
Suitable for schools

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
Jasper Publishing Ltd 2006   978-1-905993-02-4

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Play - One act, Comedy

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  6            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Hat Tricks

Synopsis:
The owner of a hat shop has a confrontation with a customer

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Comedy

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  3            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Holy Deadlock

Synopsis:
Full-length mystery play from this established writer. Long suffering Meg, a down-trodden housewife for many years, learns to her horror that her bullying husband may have murdered her aunt, and has now, possibly, committed a second. Finally she discovers that he is planning a third murder - hers! Can it really be all in her mind? 'Full of clever plot twists keeping the audience guessing and involved'. east Kent Mercury.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
Jasper Publishing Ltd 1998   1-904416-28-4

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Play - Full Length, Mystery

Parts:
Male:  1            Female:  3            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Hotel Mystere

Hotel Mystere
Its a bad day for David Richmond and his team at the hotel, Tony the barman, porter Sean, barmaid Tanya and ditzy waitress Lucy. First theres a fussy, demanding customer to contend with, and then Russian mafioso Boris Barushnikov checks in, apparently convinced Tanya is prepared to offer him more than just drinks during his stay. Worst of all, rumours are circulating of a mystery guest who has come to inspect the place. then Lucy stumbles upon a dead body in the annex. . .

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Sarah Thorne Memorial Theatre, Hilderstone, Broadstairs    25 May 2012

Organisations:
-

1st Published:

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Full Length Play, Comedy

Parts:
Male:  4            Female:  3            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Midnight Raiders, The

Synopsis:
an historical Drama suitable for youth or adult groups. One Set. the Midnight Raiders is set on the Kent coast in 1817 at the end of the Napoleonic Wars. a mysterious traveller arrives at a local hostelry seeking shelter. That same night there has been a shipwreck on the Goodwin Sands and two survivors, a young lady and her maid, are also brought to the inn. thereafter the plot unravels and it becomes clear to the traveller that he has chanced on a ring of smugglers and wreckers, determined to thwart and destroy anyone who stands in their way.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
Jasper Publishing Ltd 2006   978-1-905993-03-1

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Play - One act, Drama

Parts:
Male:  4            Female:  4            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Murder Weekend

Synopsis:
Livia, a romantic short story writer, and her husband Stan, arrive at a country hotel for a "Murder Mystery weekend. they are joined by Patsy and her husband ashley, who have won the weekend in a competition and Vi and Dorothy. each receives an anonymous "Murder Mystery" game envelope. Someone has left extra notes for Patsy and Stan exposing Livia's and ashley's illicit affair. Next, Shelley, the chambermaid, mysteriously disappears and everyone is left to determine whether this is all part of the game. However, intrigue and suspicion deepens when one last uninvited guest arrives.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
Samuel French, London, 2004   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Play/Drama

Parts:
Male:  3            Female:  6            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Old Inn, The

Synopsis:
Full length thriller from this established playwright. In the Public Bar of a Fenland pub, the characters are not all that they seem, many having their own, personal, agendas. Full of deception and intrigue - not to mention the secret that lies hidden in the cellar. . .

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
Jasper Publishing Ltd 1998   1-904416-60-8

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Play - Full Length, Thriller

Parts:
Male:  3            Female:  5            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Proscenophobia

Synopsis:
the action of this clever whodunit takes place in the dressing-room of a provincial theatre during a performance of a thriller. the star, addie, is attempting a comeback and is understudied by her best friend Millie. their constant bickering backstage belies a long history of friendship - which includes each one of them having been married to the same charming impresario, ed Bigg, many years ago. Suspense builds when addie begins to feel unwell and, for the first time, Millie must take her place in the Dramatic and violent last act of the play. In a startling twist, the violence becomes real - and Millie is dead. Was it suicide? Was it murder? Who put a real bullet in the gun she was using? With everyone a potential suspect, the tension doesn't let up until the final revelation unveils not only the murderer but the price some actors pay to practice their art.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
astor Centre Arts Theatre Deal Kent    2001

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
Samuel French, London, 2003   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Play/Drama. - - Gay, theme/character full length

Parts:
Male:  2            Female:  4            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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School For Murder

Synopsis:
the scene is an isolated guest house where a course for aspiring writers is being held. there are four eccentric guests, a landlady with a secret and a tutor who isn't what he seems. This comedy-thriller promises surprises all the way. 1M 6F, plus one walk on part.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Kilshawe Theatre, Deal    2006

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
Jasper Publishing Ltd 2007   978-1-905993-42-0

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Play - Full Length, Murder Mystery

Parts:
Male:  1            Female:  6            Other:  1 walk on male

Further Reference:
-

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Spygame

Spygame
Prospective contestants for a TV reality show gather in a country house, aiming to win a large cash prize but only if they survive the rigours of the ultimate Spygame. This excellent play offers seven good acting roles and will grip your audience until the totally unexpected ending.

Notes:
This well-written thriller revealed An entertaining And underlying psychological depth. Dover express. "..this play crackled with both suspense And humour.." Kentish Gazette

1st Produced:
Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury    17 Jul 2008

Organisations:
New Deal Theatre Company

1st Published:
Samuel French, London >>>   978-057311424-3

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Comedy-thriller

Parts:
Male:  3            Female:  4            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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They Call It Murder

Synopsis:
despite his lowly origins Mr Dalyrymple has done well but now he is elderly and ailing who will get his money?

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
Samuel French, London, 1977   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Tragic Drama Tragedy

Parts:
Male:  3            Female:  4            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Treasure Island

Synopsis:
This exciting adventure story by Robert Louis Stevenson has been adapted by Bettine Manktelow keeping much of the original dialogue and faithfully following the plot. Jim Hawkins is a boy living in an Inn on the Cornish coast when he is swept into an exciting adventure which takes him to the Caribbean searching for lost treasure and threatened by ruthless pirates.

Notes:
Suitable for schools

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
Jasper Publishing Ltd 2007   978-1-905993-34-5

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Play - Full-length, Drama, Classic/Costume

Parts:
Male:  11            Female:  2            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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White Cliffs, The

Synopsis:
It is 1948 and Britain is still recovering from World War II. To "the White Cliffs", a Midlands boarding-house, comes a group of concert performers, who are touring with a Summer Revue and they are in for an eventful week. Mrs Murdoch, the landlady, hides her war-traumatized son Danny away in the house; the disappearance of one of the performers and a suspicious accident occurring to another, lead Jane (one half of "the Joysticks", a comedy and music duo) to seek Danny out . . .the solution to the mystery proves to be as moving as it is intriguing, with a very human situation at its root.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
Samuel French, London, 2005   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Play/Drama

Parts:
Male:  2            Female:  5            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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