Second Best Bed (Nash)
N Richard Nash
Second Best Bed
by Tim Kelly
Synopsis
THE STORY: One of the most fascinating mysteries dealing with William Shakespeare is the fact that he left his wife, Ann Hathaway, nothing but his “second best bed.”
This odd bequest has puzzled biographers for centuries.
The play opens as several gossipy neighbors visit Anne's cottage.
They already know of the bequest and are anxious to see Anne's reaction when she hears the news, which is about to be delivered by Shakespeare's two daughters, Judith and Susanna.
The women are cheated out of their amusement by Anne's fierce faith in her husband, even though his wealth has been left to others.
However, the bard was never one to leave things as they seem and by curtain time Anne has discovered just how greatly Will loved and needed her.
It's a surprise ending that catches not only Anne unaware but the audience as well.
A delightful romantic comedy, extremely simple to stage.
About twenty minutes.
Publication
Publisher Dramatists Play Service
Year 1998
Binding Paperback
Pages 72
Language English
ISBN-13 9780822210054
ISBN-10 0822210053
Second Best Bed is a American comedy play written by Tim Kelly and published by Dramatists Play Service (1998).
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Performance Rights
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Amateur & Professional
Fee: Minimum Fee: $65 per performance
Restrictions: Major Markets Plus (US) / Standard Plus Add'l Postcodes (UK)
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