Introduction
The 1949 film ‘Kind Hearts And Coronets’ was voted Number 6 in the BFI list of ‘Best British Films Of The 20th Century’. The film version was set in the Edwardian period, but the stage adaptation takes place early to mid 20th century. The film version starred Alec Guinness who memorably played a number of different characters.
The Marlborough's stage version begins with the main character (Archie, the elder) writing his memoirs from his prison cell, where he is accused of murder, reflecting on how events in his life transpired to get him to this perilous point. As he recalls the key stages in his life, they are acted out by the cast, including another actor playing Archie, the younger. Our set represents a number of different locations including a school playground, a cafe, an office, a country house, different apartments, a pub, a blacksmith's workshop and a church, as well as Archie's prison cell.
Keep reading for a synopsis of the play as well as a list of the key characters you will meet.
Synopsis
Archie Gascoyne Williams is a man on a mission. He comes from a long, illustrious (and very wealthy) family: that of the Gascoynes, through his mother. But she was disowned by the family because she married beneath her rank by marrying a travelling salesman in ladies underwear. Nevertheless, as Archie discovers, by the laws of heredity, he is in line to inherit the title of Earl Gascoyne, and thus the family fortunes, should the intervening Gascoynes die.
He decides to set about working his way up the family tree until he inherits that Gascoyne fortune by the simple expedient of murdering those members of the family that are in his way. And, besides having his eyes set on the Gascoyne title, he also has his eye on Sibella –the extrovert, sexy sister of Archie’s best friend Grahame Hallward, as well as Edith Gascoyne, and a nursery maid. Life’s never simple, is it?
This black comedy is adapted by Derek Webb, from the original novel by Roy Horniman, on which the classic 1949 Ealing film comedy was based. Just like in the film, the wide range of characters requires some of our cast to double up which is part of the fun for the audience.
Characters
- Archibald Gascoyne Williams (Archie) - conceited, selfish, murderous man capable of also being likeable and charming. Played by two actors as the younger, and the elder.
The Women In Archie’s Life:
- Sibella Hallward - Grahame’s sister. flamboyant, sexy, selfish, only really interested in money.
- Edith Gascoyne - stylish, but not overly fashionable clothes.
- Esther Lane - a nursery maid
The Men In Archie’s Life:
- Grahame Hallward - Archie’s friend, faithful, friendly, helpful, all round jolly good chap.
- Lionel Holland – the not very bright, but rich, boyfriend of Sibella, dresses smartly.
The Gascoynes in the line of succession, and in Archie's way if he wants to become 'Lord of the manor':
- Gascoyne Gascoyne Junior
- Gascoyne Gascoyne Senior
- Harry Gascoyne
- Wilfred Gascoyne
- Reverend Henry Gascoyne
- Earl Gascoyne
Other Female & Male parts include:
- Kate Falconer - an actress
- Country house tour guide
- Prison Governor
- Inspector and various police
- Waitress and Landlady
- Archie's parents
- Blacksmith
- Gorby the butler