In this clever holiday dark comedy, Colin, a divorced businessman, decides to cheer himself up by hiring a female companion to visit him in his posh London hotel room over Christmas. Unfortunately, the girl who arrives is not quite what he’d been hoping for. Will this mismatched couple make it to Dec. 26th without killing each other?
SYNOPSIS
Synopsis
Act I
Scene 1 In an anonymous British hotel room on Christmas Eve, we meet Colin, who is looking forward to the arrival of some hired company. He goes into a reverie and Holly duly arrives; she is beautiful and charming and eager-to-please. After confirming their business arrangement, Holly exits to the bathroom. Another knock on the door brings Colin out of his daydream. Debbie, an aggressively working-class working-girl, is Colin’s worst nightmare. As soon as he is alone again, Colin imagines what might have been with his dream companion.
Scene 2 Colin and Debbie are not enjoying each other’s company after unsuccessfully attempting sex. They trade insults and insights until Colin decides he’s had enough and calls off the deal. Debbie agrees and heads off to change. Colin again retreats to his fantasy of Holly, who is perfect in every way.
Scene 3 Debbie is ready to leave, but she wants assurances that Colin won’t complain to the agency. Colin tries to have some holiday spirit and suggests giving it another try. Debbie, now short of alternatives, agrees, though without much enthusiasm or hope.
Scene 4 Colin and Holly sing a Christmas carol. Colin cuts Holly’s throat.
Act II
Scene 1 Christmas morning. Colin stands over the sleeping Debbie and explains his actions to the audience. He wakes Debbie with a cup of tea and they agree to see how the day goes; Debbie still might leave. When Debbie goes to the bathroom to get dressed, a chambermaid enters. She looks and sounds exactly like Colin’s fantasy, Holly. Colin is confused and scared.
Scene 2 Returning from breakfast, Colin is distracted and irritable. Debbie tries to talk him down but he’s in the grip of some sort of breakdown. Once alone, Debbie calls her daughter. Colin overhears and tries to offer comfort.
Scene 3 Colin and Debbie spend the day watching TV and enjoying not being alone. They attempt sex again, with no success, but no recriminations.
Scene 4 Colin and Debbie return to the room after enjoying Christmas dinner at the hotel. They are happy and relaxed in each other’s company, being slightly lit. Debbie jokes about blowing Colin’s cover, which triggers his paranoia. He comes clean and tells Debbie the extent of his fantasy. Debbie is initially scared but ultimately understanding; this a judgment-free zone. Colin feels unburdened and again releases Debbie from their arrangement, but Debbie feels safe enough to stay. She falls asleep, Colin discreetly leaves.
Scene 5 Debbie wakes to find a present at the end of the bed. She opens it with curiosity giving way to delight.
QUOTE
The Christmas Present is a smart and rewarding comedy
–Backstage
More Info
Characters:
Colin – 40s, small businessman, square and uptight.
Holly – 20s, beautiful and charming, a fantasy.
Debbie – Early 30s, unapologetically working-class, hard-bitten and sharp-tongued.
Setting: A standard hotel room, with bed, desk, chair (no arms). One exit to corridor, one exit to bathroom.
Performance Royalties for AMATEUR and EDUCATIONAL Groups, please fill out an application for your personalized quote.
Performance Royalties for PROFESSIONAL Theaters will be quoted as a box office percentage, with a minimum guarantee based on ticket prices and theater particulars. Please fill out an application for your personalized quote.
Authorized Materials must be purchased from Stage Rights as a part of your licensing agreement (see Materials).
Billing responsibilities, pertinent copyright information, and playwrights' biographies are available in the show rider that comes with your license agreement.
“In a rewarding and understated way, Picot’s smart script keeps us guessing without feeling manipulated or confused.” –Backstage
“This isn’t a wild and edgy comedy; it’s not even particularly outrageous, and we don’t quite take the danger element seriously. But when you put it all together, The Christmas Present is just the sort of evening that some of us have been looking for this time of year.” –Backstage
“Picot’s tale offers up some hearty laughter, a few moments of dread, and a sort of Scrooge-like redemption” –Stage Raw
“For those seeking a departure from run-of-the-mill Christmas offerings, Guy Picot’s 'dark British comedy about a hooker, a hotel room and some holiday magic,' should spice up the season.” –Stage Raw
"It’s a wonderfully detailed story with a strong narrative and delicious female roles...The Christmas Present is a piece deeply fluent in the language of loneliness. It’s not the traditional family holiday tale out to teach the ‘true meaning of Christmas,’ but then again, as society disappears farther into social media and further from real emotional and physical contact, maybe Guy Picot’s story is exactly the kind of Christmas tale we need." —Gia on the Move
"Guy Picot’s smart black comedy, The Christmas Present, is a terrific deviation in holiday fair, taking a left turn into the dark alley of repressed desire and yearning need...The two-act play has many surprises that fulfill the promise of both the dark and the comedic. The show is a fast-paced, naughty delight." —Paul Myrvold's Theatre Notes
Authorized Materials must be purchased from Stage Rights as a part of your licensing agreement. Your materials will be sent to you digitally by your Licensing Representative.
The Authorized Materials/Production Package for The Christmas Present are all fulfilled digitally and consist of:
Acting Edition
Stage Manager Script
Director’s Script
GALLERY
Gallery
Available Products
The Christmas Present
by Guy Picot
PDF Perusal Script of THE CHRISTMAS PRESENT. Download instantly in the "My Products" or “My Perusals” section of your account. Not intended for production purposes.
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PDF Perusal Script of THE CHRISTMAS PRESENT. Download instantly in the "My Products" or “My Perusals” section of your account. Not intended for production purposes. |
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