The Panel (NHB Modern Plays)

A collection of wide-ranging and ambitious short plays reflecting the complexities of women and political power in the United Kingdom. The five plays in this volume look at the impact and influence that women have today. Acting Leader by Joy Wilkinson After the sudden death of John Smith, Margaret Beckett finds herself hurled into the position of Acting Leader of the Opposition, and the sole female candidate in the race to lead the party. She embarks on her campaign with the support of Clare Short in the contest that saw the birth of New Labour. The Panel by Zinnie Harris The last candidate has just left the room and the door is shut. The clock is ticking, there's a train to catch, and the panel must decide who to appoint. But what is really motivating them, and whose agenda will prevail? Playing the Game by Bola Agbaje Election time. The Students'Association needs a new President, and Akousa's achingly cool flatmates are certain she is perfect for the position. How can they persuade her, and how much is she willing to compromise? Pink by Sam Holcroft Two careers hang in the balance. Self-made millionaire Kim Keen is one of the most successful businesswomen in the country. As she prepares to launch her latest range on national television an unexpected visitor arrives in her dressing room with a different set of priorities to promote. You, Me and Wii by Sue Townsend In a council house in a small Leicestershire town, Vincent's skiing on the Wii, Sheila's feeding her great-granddaugter McKenzie, and Kerry's getting on with the ironing. None of them are planning on voting in the election, but when Selina Snow rings the doorbell to canvas, perhaps she can change their minds, or they can change hers.'a terrific achievement and crucial, frightening viewing, for both sexes'- Evening Standard The last candidate has just left the room and the door is shut. The clock is ticking, there's a train to catch, and the panel must decide who to appoint. But what is really motivating them, and whose agenda will prevail? This play was first staged at the Traverse Theatre, in 2010 as part of the Women, Power & Politi season. 'razor-sharp satire' – Evening Standard 'a storming success' – The Times 'a mordantly funny look at the pompous, variously prejudiced deliberations of an all-male selection committee' – Independent The last candidate has just left the room and the door is shut. The clock is ticking, there's a train to catch, and the panel must decide who to appoint. But what is really motivating them, and whose agenda will prevail? This play was first staged at the Traverse Theatre, in 2010 as part of the Women, Power & Politics season. 'razor-sharp satire' - Evening Standard 'a storming success' - The Times 'a mordantly funny look at the pompous, variously prejudiced deliberations of an all-male selection committee' - Independent Women, Power and Politics: Now includes Joy Wilkinson's Acting Leader , in which a woman leads the Labor Party; Bola Agbaje's Playing the Game , about student politics today; Zinnie Harris' The Panel , about an appointments board's secret agenda; Sam Holcroft's Pink , in which a self-made millionaire thinks again, and Sue Townsend's You, Me and Wii , in which a doorstep canvasser arrives. Acting Leader / Joy Wilkinson -- The Panel / Zinnie Harris -- Playing The Game / Bola Agbaje -- Pink / Sam Holcroft -- You, Me And Wii / Sue Townsend. Introduced By Indhu Rubasingham.