Murder in the libraryComedy murder mystery play
by Chris Shelstone
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CHARACTERSList of "Murder in the library" characters
RAY BENTOS – A Famous Novelist
FREYER BENTOS – His Wife KAY – Their Daughter KEVIN – Their Son VIOLET – Kay’s Daughter WILL SCREWEM – The Family Solicitor IVOR TRUMP – Ray’s Agent ANDY – Ivor’s Son |
Murder in the Library PLAY SYNOPSIS
Cast: 5 males 3 females (1 or 2 of the males could easily be female with some alterations in the script)
Ray Bentos, a famous writer has just been murdered just prior to his own book signing at the local library – and it’s his Birthday. Follow the action as his family try and come to terms with what has happened, and secrets are revealed that could provide a motive for his demise.
MURDER IN THE LIBRARY has been written as a murder mystery event where the audience can sit back and enjoy this light hearted play and also , if they wish, to try and work out who the murderer is and uncover the motive. Prizes are awarded to the winners.
There is minimum set involved and can be done completely in the round or with some of the action being on-stage.
Murder in the library works well when combined with refreshments or a hot-pot supper in the interval. It also works well when performed in an actual library.
Ray Bentos, a famous writer has just been murdered just prior to his own book signing at the local library – and it’s his Birthday. Follow the action as his family try and come to terms with what has happened, and secrets are revealed that could provide a motive for his demise.
MURDER IN THE LIBRARY has been written as a murder mystery event where the audience can sit back and enjoy this light hearted play and also , if they wish, to try and work out who the murderer is and uncover the motive. Prizes are awarded to the winners.
There is minimum set involved and can be done completely in the round or with some of the action being on-stage.
Murder in the library works well when combined with refreshments or a hot-pot supper in the interval. It also works well when performed in an actual library.
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Murder in the Library SAMPLE SCRIPT - CLICK ON BOX BELOW
To read the sample script and character profiles for Murder in The Library by Chris Shelstone
Murder in the Library SAMPLE SCRIPT
CHARACTER PROFILES FOR MURDER IN THE LIBRARY
RAY BENTOS
Ray left school at 16 not wanting to move on to further education. He hated school life but loved writing and had a natural talent. His parents, originally from South America, moved to England soon after he was born. They were looking for a new start in life after a troubled relationship. It didn't work out and they were divorced when he was young. After being moved around between both parents for a while, Ray decided to leave home (what was left of it) and worked on writing articles for national newspapers. He carried on writing during any free time he had available and worked on his first novel. He met Freyer, his first love, who also was a talented writer. It was a struggle financially but Freyer supported and encouraged him to keep going with his writing, as she saw great talent in his work. Eventually he started to get his work recognised and it was not long before his novels were in the best-seller list. Wealth followed and they bought a nice home and lived the life of luxury, but never forgetting the hard times they went through. Ray has been a devoted husband and father, but he did stray once after a few years into their marriage when he had an affair with the wife of Ivor, his agent. It didn't last for long, but this will come back to haunt him (so to speak) as unbeknown to him Ivor's wife became pregnant and became the father of a son he didn't know about.
FREYER BENTOS
Freyer was born into a working class/middle class background and was an only child to her German mother and English Father who met soon after the war and lived in England. Freyer had a good education, enjoyed the simple things in life but always longed for the nicer things that money would buy. As soon as she saw Ray whilst on a book writing course, she knew he was the one for her. Being a talented writer herself, she saw the talent he had and encouraged him to develop his skills. She was the driving force behind his eventual success. Freyer is very materialistic, likes to show off her newly purchased possessions (works of art, nice cars, ornaments, jewellery etc.) and puts on airs and graces when talking to people. She has a bit of a temper, does not suffer fools gladly and can get very jealous if anyone flirts with her husband, even when it’s in jest. Freyer realised that, being a talented writer herself, she could easily produce a novel and pass it off as her husband's work and make some money on the side. She did this with the help of Will Screwem their friendly dodgy solicitor. Freyer has also discovered Ray’s secret affair and planned to confront him with her new-found knowledge. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
KAY BENTOS
Kay is a bit of a rebel and takes after her dad. Although her parents encouraged her to do well at school, she was more interested in sports and boys, and could never concentrate on the academic life. Like her dad she left school at 16, refusing to further her education, and this caused big arguments with her family who wanted her to do well. Her younger brother Kevin was the academic one. He did well at school and Kay is resentful over her being the "favourite" daughter who could do no wrong. She fell pregnant at 15, just before she left school and gave birth to a daughter, Violet. She refused to say who the father was (a boy from school) and this caused an even bigger rift with her parents. Despite this, they allowed her to live at the family home and helped bring up Violet. Kay has a bit of a drink problem and sometimes gets out of control. She has turned out not to be a very responsible mother and this has rubbed off on Violet. Kay's parents have tried to get help for the drink problem by encouraging her to go to Alcoholics Anonymous, but to no avail. Exasperated by her refusal to help herself, Ray finally blows his top and wants her out of the family home unless she sorts herself out.
KEVIN BENTOS
Kevin is the younger brother of Kay by 2 years. He has always been the more intellectual one of the family, worked hard at school, went on to further education, University, and has recently obtained his Masters degree in project management. His parents are proud of him, but he hasn't converted his knowledge into a job as yet. He likes socialising with his friends and is out in the evening a lot. His parents are a little concerned over the fact it is taking him so long to find work. He says he has been applying regularly for employment, but he is secretly working as an escort and earning decent money, while everyone in the family thinks he is on evenings out with friends. His father has found out about his secret goings on and confronted him just before he died. There was a big fall-out, and he threatened to cut him completely out of his will unless he stopped his sordid behaviour.
IVOR TRUMP
Ivor runs an IT book agency/publishing company and started to feature Ray's work after recognising his talent. It paid off because Ray soon became his biggest earning author. His business developed and expanded and they both became wealthy men. He has been married, but they divorced a few years ago after their differences could not be reconciled. They have a son, Andy, who lives with his mother. Ivor is a regular visitor to the Bentos household, supposedly on business, but Ivor has been besotted with Freyer for a while now and tries to get the opportunity to get her on her own so he can tell her about his feelings. On the outside, Ivor appears to be calm, quiet and in control of his life, but he is really a ruthless character and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Recently some of his other writing clients have not been doing as well as expected and profits are falling. He will have to make big decisions in trimming down the size of his company if he is to get through this difficult period. Ivor has been trying to re-negotiate with Ray - more commission for his agency services to ease his financial problems - but Ray was not having any of this and told Ivor he will go with another agency if he carried on with his demands.
WILL SCREWEM
Screwem by name, screw'em by nature. Will is the dodgiest solicitor you’re ever likely to meet. He spent 12 months in jail a few years ago for money laundering and using clients’ deposit money for his own personal benefit. He was struck off the solicitors’ register and became unemployable, but Ray took him on to look after his contract negotiations. Ray knew Will through a friend of a friend, fully aware of his past dealings, and used this to his advantage by only paying him minimal rate of pay and getting good legal advice and extra knowledge of how to get around certain tricky legal situations. Will knows that Ray keeps a close eye on him but he couldn't resist getting involved with Freyer's book-writing scheme and passing it off as her husband's. Unfortunately for him, Ray found out about their little scam and confronted him shortly before he died.
VIOLET
Violet has turned out to be the daughter from hell. She is more rebellious than her mother and grandfather. She is very argumentative, won't take no for an answer, rude, obnoxious, and very devious. She has a huge chip on her shoulder and often storms off went she can't get her own way. The only person she could relate to was her grandfather, but even this relationship was strained at times as he battled to keep her under control. Violet refuses to accept that she needs some counselling help and is now threatening to run away from home.
ANDY
It was only recently that Andy found out who his real father was. This was during a heated argument with his mother when the truth came out. He unexpectedly turns up at the party, to confront Ivor, and then starts to make claims on his father's fortune. However, all is not what it seems, as Andy actually met and confronted Ray the previous week before he died.
SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR MUDER IN THE LIBRARY
The guests have all arrived at the Library for Ray's Book signing session to release his latest Murder Mystery Novel - "The Faceless Corpse". It’s also a special Birthday – his 60th. Ray has just been murdered, but it's too late to cancel the arrival of the family friends and guests, and the Police want everyone to stay where they are until statements have been taken. The performing area includes a typical book signing desk with copies of books and a big advertising poster. There is also a table with drinks and snacks and a birthday cake. The action can actually take place in a Library but if there is a stage, then the action can take place in the round with the drinks table and book display on the stage so that some of the action can be stage-based.
Ray enters, dressed in a white suit with a large bloody knife wound showing on his neck. He wanders through the audience to introduce himself to his guests. There is an eerie version of ‘Sound of Silence’ by Disturbed, playing in the background.
RAY: Good evening everyone. Now you're probably wondering why I'm looking like death warmed up with a huge knife wound across my neck. I expect I look like the walking dead. In fact, I am dead. Oh yes I am. You see I was here to sign my latest novel for you all but instead - well - I'm not looking too healthy, am I? It’s my birthday as well. I was looking forward to some nice cake.
Someone really had it in for me and I need to try and piece together who did this horrible thing and why. It's affected my memory - the last few days leading up to my death are all a bit of a blur. All I know at this point is that I can see you and you can see me, but nobody else can see or hear me. God knows why. Anyway, I was quite pleased with my lot, until now. Talented author, my work extremely popular, earning money, comfortable life. It's been a struggle in the past, but just when I'm enjoying life this happens.
I was here at the library earlier with all the family to set things up before you arrived. I only went outside for a bit of fresh air and a coffee whilst you lot were all arriving. One of them must have crept up behind me. Must have been quick - I blacked out straight away.
I'll kill the rotten swine who did this. Oh - I can't, can I? But perhaps through your good selves we can bring the person responsible to justice. Yes? Are you with me on this? Well you'll have to be - the police insisted everyone stays here until statements have been taken. I just can't understand why anyone would want to do such a thing. I'm an easy-going bloke, very talented. I mean you only have to read my novels - my latest book "The Faceless Corpse" is a cracker. Lots of twists and turns and perhaps my best yet.
The family are in the back room - it's been a big shock for them, so they'll look a bit down in the mouth like. To be expected when you lose a famous, popular, good looking man like me. I mean, I expect you lot are gutted as well. I can hear some of them now - let's see what we can piece together?
Enter Freyer and Will. Freyer is very materialistic, likes her jewellery & dresses accordingly.
RAY: It's Freyer, my wife, and Will, my solicitor.
FREYER: Look Will, all the guests are here - hello everyone. Thank you so much for coming on what was supposed to be a happy book signing celebration for Ray. It's a horrible tragedy, and we need to find out who did this.
WILL: Absolutely we do, yes. Someone has a lot to answer for this.
RAY: Too right they have.
FREYER: You found him Will, didn't you? What happened?
WILL: The last I knew he went outside for a break whilst we finished off in here. We were all milling about, in and out of the rooms. Then the guests had all arrived and someone said ‘Where's Ray? He should be here.’ I went outside the back to look for him and...
FREYER: Okay, Will - don't upset yourself.
WILL: Terrible business. And today of all days. Not that...
FREYER: It's happened, and we just need to deal with it. Oh, before I forget Will, have a look at my new ring (flaunting the jewellery). My latest addition.
WILL: Freyer, you should be thinking about your loss right now.
RAY: Yes Freyer, you don't seem too upset.
FREYER: Different people deal with grief in different ways Will. I'm shocked of course, appalled at who could do such a thing. I loved him to the moon and back, but this is my way of dealing with it. I need to surround myself with nice things. It's a protection mechanism - besides, I'm showing it to you because I need it insured. It's worth three thousand.
RAY: How much!?
WILL: Phew - a pretty penny then. I'll sort it for you first thing.
RAY: I bet you will. More commission for doing nowt. This guy needs a close eye kept on him now I'm not there to do it. He's done more dodgy dealings in the past than I've had hot pot suppers. But I knew that. I did hire him for next to nothing.
WILL: By the way, have you nearly finished the next Ray Bentos Novel?
RAY: What?
FREYER: Nearly Will, but I need a bit more time to do the finishing touches. Just working on the closing scene.
WILL: You did a brilliant job on the last one. No one would ever know. Apart from Ray of course. You know his work so well.
FREYER: Yes I do, don't I. Just a little insurance policy for me.
WILL: Brilliant idea of yours, Freyer. We keep the books to ourselves and in the event of his death they can be released as originals on the basis that they were previously unpublished works.
FREYER: Yes - but I didn't expect this to happen to him.
RAY: I'm getting some memory back now. See what's been going on behind my back? I found out about their little scam a few days ago and confronted them separately. It seems they are not letting on to each other that I know. (He starts shouting at them) It's no use pretending to each other that I didn't know what was going on. Damn. They can't hear me.
FREYER: Anyway - we'll talk about it later - I hear the kids coming.
Enter Kay and Kevin. It's obvious that Kay has been drinking and she still has a bottle in her hand. Will goes to the drinks table.
RAY: Here they come - my little Rays of sunshine. Hah! Get it? Little Rays of sunshine?
KAY: (in a temper and shouting) Don't tell me what I can and can't do. I'm going out tonight and that's that.
KEVIN: Tell her Mum - she won't listen to me. Dad has just been killed and she wants to go out with her friends - probably on another bender.
FREYER: You are going nowhere my girl. The police will want to talk to all of us.
KEVIN: See - I told you.
KAY: (mimicking) See - I told you. Shut yer gob little goody two shoes. If I say I'm going out, then I'm going out and you or the Police or anyone is not going to stop me.
KEVIN: Don't talk to me like that - tell her Mum. She's been drinking again. You know what Dad said - he wants you out of the house until you sort your drinking problem out.
KAY: Yeah, well Dad's not here now, is he? Just back off Kevin before I clock you one.
FREYER: All right you two - that's enough. I think you had better go and sober up. You're making a scene in front of our guests.
KAY: I couldn't give a..
FREYER: Stop it right there, Kay. Do as you're told and have some respect. Where's Violet? She needs keeping an eye on.
KEVIN: Violet's in the back room on her iPad. She's (referring to Kay) in no fit state to look after anyone.
KAY: Me - in no fit state? Me? You've no room to talk.
KEVIN: What are you going on about?
KAY: Oh, come on. Your little secret's out now and Dad knew all about it just before he died, didn't he?
FREYER: What little secret? What's going on?
RAY: Ah - I think more of my memory is coming back - you had better listen to this one.
KAY: Your favourite son here has been a naughty boy, haven't we?
KEVIN: You've had too much to drink.
KAY: Hah! You and Dad thought he was out with friends in the evenings and all the time he was secretly working as an escort for the more mature ladies!
FREYER: What? Is this true?
KEVIN: Don't listen to her - she's a spiteful cow who's had too much to drink.
KAY: And an escort that gives extra favours to his women friends at the right price. He's making loads of money.
KEVIN: She's lying.
KAY: Dad found out about it the other day and threatened to cut him out of his will over the whole thing. I can prove it. Look (showing his mobile) I found his profile online.
KEVIN: Give me that you stupid idiot.
They grapple for the mobile and get into a bit of a tussle and start arguing. Freyer tries to intervene but thinks better of it. Will stays well clear. They end up by the drinks table and Ray pours some water over Kevin's head.
KEVIN: What the? What the hell did you do that for?
KAY: What do you mean? I didn't do it.
KEVIN: You're the one with the bottle in your hand.
KAY: (examining his hair closely) That doesn't smell or feel like alcohol to me. It's just water.
WILL: Do you know - I'm sure I saw a glass hovering over your head.
KAY/KEVIN: What?
WILL: A glass - I'm sure I saw it hovering over your head.
KEVIN: How much have you had to drink, Will?
WILL: You know I don't drink alcohol.
KAY: Well perhaps you should. Did you see anything Mum?
FREYER: No, I didn't see anything. You must have imagined it, Will.
WILL: I did not imagine it. Well - I don't think so.
Enter Violet– she is mid-teens and is very argumentative.
FREYER: There you are, Violet - are you okay?
VIOLET: (very angry) What's going on? I can hear you from outside.
FREYER: It's okay - stay in the back room for a while.
VIOLET: Not until you tell me what's going on.
KAY: We're just having a discussion.
VIOLET: A discussion!? You were shouting and arguing. And you've been drinking again.
KAY: We'll talk about it later - just stay in the back room.
VIOLET: No - I won't - and you can't make me.
FREYER: Now come on, Violet - be a good girl.
VIOLET: (stamping her feet)I’m staying here until you tell me what's going on.
KAY: Look - do as you're told - now! (She tries to grab her arm to push her out).
VIOLET: Get off me. Leave me alone. I hate you! I hate you! I hate you! You're horrible. You're all horrible.
Violet storms out.
RAY: That went well then. She's got a bit of a chip on her shoulder, hasn't she?
KAY: That’s the problem with Violet. She’s always just one letter away from being violent.
RAY: I've always said she needs counselling. It's true about Kevin though. I was shocked and very upset. What a family I have. I mean had...
WILL: Can I suggest we all have a drink and calm down a bit?
All except KAY: Shut Up, Will.
KAY: I'll have a drink. (She goes to the drinks table – she is about to pick up a bottle and Ray moves it out of the way) Hey, come back you! (She goes to pick it up again and Ray moves it again – the others are distracted by talking to each other) What the hell's going on? This bottle keeps moving. Did you hear me? I said, this bottle keeps moving.
KEVIN: Now you definitely have had too much to drink.
KAY: I tell you...
FREYER: That's enough, Kay. You two – out. I'll speak to you later when I've had a chance to calm down. And sort that daughter of yours out. She's doing my head in.
KAY: But?
FREYER: Out! Now!
Kay and Kevin Exit.
RAY: (to guests) I must apologise for my family Ladies and Gentlemen. It’s a stressful time and the Police will be here soon.
WILL: (looking around and feeling a bit nervous) Look - I've got a couple of calls to make on the mobile - I'll go outside.
Ivor enters as Will starts to exit. Ivor wears smart clothes and wears his watch on his right hand. He has a habit of having the face of the watch on the palm side of his wrist and checks the time regularly.
IVOR: Ah, Will. It's a sad time for everyone.
RAY: Especially me.
WILL: Yes. Look after Freyer. I'll catch you later. Just need to make a call.
RAY: Ivor Trump, my business associate. Now this will be interesting.
IVOR: Freyer, Freyer. I'm so sorry about Ray.
RAY: I bet you are.
IVOR: Look, if there's anything I can do, just let me know. Anything at all. It's a big shock and you need a friend. You know I've always looked out for you and care about you.
RAY: I know what you're up to chum, and you can stop right there.
Ray moves a chair slightly, in anger.
IVOR: What was that?
FREYER: What was what?
IVOR: That chair - I'm sure it moved by itself.
FREYER: Have you been drinking as well?
IVOR: No, I haven't.
RAY: I'm starting to enjoy this.
FREYER: You're a kind man Ivor - I'll get through this. Besides, you have some explaining to do.
IVOR: How do you mean?
FREYER: Don't come the innocent with me. Ray told me that you were in financial problems and trying to wrangle more agents’ commission out of him.
RAY: You tell him, babe.
IVOR: Well yes, I did try and negotiate a better deal. As his agent I've made him millions - It was all very amicable.
RAY BENTOS
Ray left school at 16 not wanting to move on to further education. He hated school life but loved writing and had a natural talent. His parents, originally from South America, moved to England soon after he was born. They were looking for a new start in life after a troubled relationship. It didn't work out and they were divorced when he was young. After being moved around between both parents for a while, Ray decided to leave home (what was left of it) and worked on writing articles for national newspapers. He carried on writing during any free time he had available and worked on his first novel. He met Freyer, his first love, who also was a talented writer. It was a struggle financially but Freyer supported and encouraged him to keep going with his writing, as she saw great talent in his work. Eventually he started to get his work recognised and it was not long before his novels were in the best-seller list. Wealth followed and they bought a nice home and lived the life of luxury, but never forgetting the hard times they went through. Ray has been a devoted husband and father, but he did stray once after a few years into their marriage when he had an affair with the wife of Ivor, his agent. It didn't last for long, but this will come back to haunt him (so to speak) as unbeknown to him Ivor's wife became pregnant and became the father of a son he didn't know about.
FREYER BENTOS
Freyer was born into a working class/middle class background and was an only child to her German mother and English Father who met soon after the war and lived in England. Freyer had a good education, enjoyed the simple things in life but always longed for the nicer things that money would buy. As soon as she saw Ray whilst on a book writing course, she knew he was the one for her. Being a talented writer herself, she saw the talent he had and encouraged him to develop his skills. She was the driving force behind his eventual success. Freyer is very materialistic, likes to show off her newly purchased possessions (works of art, nice cars, ornaments, jewellery etc.) and puts on airs and graces when talking to people. She has a bit of a temper, does not suffer fools gladly and can get very jealous if anyone flirts with her husband, even when it’s in jest. Freyer realised that, being a talented writer herself, she could easily produce a novel and pass it off as her husband's work and make some money on the side. She did this with the help of Will Screwem their friendly dodgy solicitor. Freyer has also discovered Ray’s secret affair and planned to confront him with her new-found knowledge. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
KAY BENTOS
Kay is a bit of a rebel and takes after her dad. Although her parents encouraged her to do well at school, she was more interested in sports and boys, and could never concentrate on the academic life. Like her dad she left school at 16, refusing to further her education, and this caused big arguments with her family who wanted her to do well. Her younger brother Kevin was the academic one. He did well at school and Kay is resentful over her being the "favourite" daughter who could do no wrong. She fell pregnant at 15, just before she left school and gave birth to a daughter, Violet. She refused to say who the father was (a boy from school) and this caused an even bigger rift with her parents. Despite this, they allowed her to live at the family home and helped bring up Violet. Kay has a bit of a drink problem and sometimes gets out of control. She has turned out not to be a very responsible mother and this has rubbed off on Violet. Kay's parents have tried to get help for the drink problem by encouraging her to go to Alcoholics Anonymous, but to no avail. Exasperated by her refusal to help herself, Ray finally blows his top and wants her out of the family home unless she sorts herself out.
KEVIN BENTOS
Kevin is the younger brother of Kay by 2 years. He has always been the more intellectual one of the family, worked hard at school, went on to further education, University, and has recently obtained his Masters degree in project management. His parents are proud of him, but he hasn't converted his knowledge into a job as yet. He likes socialising with his friends and is out in the evening a lot. His parents are a little concerned over the fact it is taking him so long to find work. He says he has been applying regularly for employment, but he is secretly working as an escort and earning decent money, while everyone in the family thinks he is on evenings out with friends. His father has found out about his secret goings on and confronted him just before he died. There was a big fall-out, and he threatened to cut him completely out of his will unless he stopped his sordid behaviour.
IVOR TRUMP
Ivor runs an IT book agency/publishing company and started to feature Ray's work after recognising his talent. It paid off because Ray soon became his biggest earning author. His business developed and expanded and they both became wealthy men. He has been married, but they divorced a few years ago after their differences could not be reconciled. They have a son, Andy, who lives with his mother. Ivor is a regular visitor to the Bentos household, supposedly on business, but Ivor has been besotted with Freyer for a while now and tries to get the opportunity to get her on her own so he can tell her about his feelings. On the outside, Ivor appears to be calm, quiet and in control of his life, but he is really a ruthless character and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Recently some of his other writing clients have not been doing as well as expected and profits are falling. He will have to make big decisions in trimming down the size of his company if he is to get through this difficult period. Ivor has been trying to re-negotiate with Ray - more commission for his agency services to ease his financial problems - but Ray was not having any of this and told Ivor he will go with another agency if he carried on with his demands.
WILL SCREWEM
Screwem by name, screw'em by nature. Will is the dodgiest solicitor you’re ever likely to meet. He spent 12 months in jail a few years ago for money laundering and using clients’ deposit money for his own personal benefit. He was struck off the solicitors’ register and became unemployable, but Ray took him on to look after his contract negotiations. Ray knew Will through a friend of a friend, fully aware of his past dealings, and used this to his advantage by only paying him minimal rate of pay and getting good legal advice and extra knowledge of how to get around certain tricky legal situations. Will knows that Ray keeps a close eye on him but he couldn't resist getting involved with Freyer's book-writing scheme and passing it off as her husband's. Unfortunately for him, Ray found out about their little scam and confronted him shortly before he died.
VIOLET
Violet has turned out to be the daughter from hell. She is more rebellious than her mother and grandfather. She is very argumentative, won't take no for an answer, rude, obnoxious, and very devious. She has a huge chip on her shoulder and often storms off went she can't get her own way. The only person she could relate to was her grandfather, but even this relationship was strained at times as he battled to keep her under control. Violet refuses to accept that she needs some counselling help and is now threatening to run away from home.
ANDY
It was only recently that Andy found out who his real father was. This was during a heated argument with his mother when the truth came out. He unexpectedly turns up at the party, to confront Ivor, and then starts to make claims on his father's fortune. However, all is not what it seems, as Andy actually met and confronted Ray the previous week before he died.
SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR MUDER IN THE LIBRARY
The guests have all arrived at the Library for Ray's Book signing session to release his latest Murder Mystery Novel - "The Faceless Corpse". It’s also a special Birthday – his 60th. Ray has just been murdered, but it's too late to cancel the arrival of the family friends and guests, and the Police want everyone to stay where they are until statements have been taken. The performing area includes a typical book signing desk with copies of books and a big advertising poster. There is also a table with drinks and snacks and a birthday cake. The action can actually take place in a Library but if there is a stage, then the action can take place in the round with the drinks table and book display on the stage so that some of the action can be stage-based.
Ray enters, dressed in a white suit with a large bloody knife wound showing on his neck. He wanders through the audience to introduce himself to his guests. There is an eerie version of ‘Sound of Silence’ by Disturbed, playing in the background.
RAY: Good evening everyone. Now you're probably wondering why I'm looking like death warmed up with a huge knife wound across my neck. I expect I look like the walking dead. In fact, I am dead. Oh yes I am. You see I was here to sign my latest novel for you all but instead - well - I'm not looking too healthy, am I? It’s my birthday as well. I was looking forward to some nice cake.
Someone really had it in for me and I need to try and piece together who did this horrible thing and why. It's affected my memory - the last few days leading up to my death are all a bit of a blur. All I know at this point is that I can see you and you can see me, but nobody else can see or hear me. God knows why. Anyway, I was quite pleased with my lot, until now. Talented author, my work extremely popular, earning money, comfortable life. It's been a struggle in the past, but just when I'm enjoying life this happens.
I was here at the library earlier with all the family to set things up before you arrived. I only went outside for a bit of fresh air and a coffee whilst you lot were all arriving. One of them must have crept up behind me. Must have been quick - I blacked out straight away.
I'll kill the rotten swine who did this. Oh - I can't, can I? But perhaps through your good selves we can bring the person responsible to justice. Yes? Are you with me on this? Well you'll have to be - the police insisted everyone stays here until statements have been taken. I just can't understand why anyone would want to do such a thing. I'm an easy-going bloke, very talented. I mean you only have to read my novels - my latest book "The Faceless Corpse" is a cracker. Lots of twists and turns and perhaps my best yet.
The family are in the back room - it's been a big shock for them, so they'll look a bit down in the mouth like. To be expected when you lose a famous, popular, good looking man like me. I mean, I expect you lot are gutted as well. I can hear some of them now - let's see what we can piece together?
Enter Freyer and Will. Freyer is very materialistic, likes her jewellery & dresses accordingly.
RAY: It's Freyer, my wife, and Will, my solicitor.
FREYER: Look Will, all the guests are here - hello everyone. Thank you so much for coming on what was supposed to be a happy book signing celebration for Ray. It's a horrible tragedy, and we need to find out who did this.
WILL: Absolutely we do, yes. Someone has a lot to answer for this.
RAY: Too right they have.
FREYER: You found him Will, didn't you? What happened?
WILL: The last I knew he went outside for a break whilst we finished off in here. We were all milling about, in and out of the rooms. Then the guests had all arrived and someone said ‘Where's Ray? He should be here.’ I went outside the back to look for him and...
FREYER: Okay, Will - don't upset yourself.
WILL: Terrible business. And today of all days. Not that...
FREYER: It's happened, and we just need to deal with it. Oh, before I forget Will, have a look at my new ring (flaunting the jewellery). My latest addition.
WILL: Freyer, you should be thinking about your loss right now.
RAY: Yes Freyer, you don't seem too upset.
FREYER: Different people deal with grief in different ways Will. I'm shocked of course, appalled at who could do such a thing. I loved him to the moon and back, but this is my way of dealing with it. I need to surround myself with nice things. It's a protection mechanism - besides, I'm showing it to you because I need it insured. It's worth three thousand.
RAY: How much!?
WILL: Phew - a pretty penny then. I'll sort it for you first thing.
RAY: I bet you will. More commission for doing nowt. This guy needs a close eye kept on him now I'm not there to do it. He's done more dodgy dealings in the past than I've had hot pot suppers. But I knew that. I did hire him for next to nothing.
WILL: By the way, have you nearly finished the next Ray Bentos Novel?
RAY: What?
FREYER: Nearly Will, but I need a bit more time to do the finishing touches. Just working on the closing scene.
WILL: You did a brilliant job on the last one. No one would ever know. Apart from Ray of course. You know his work so well.
FREYER: Yes I do, don't I. Just a little insurance policy for me.
WILL: Brilliant idea of yours, Freyer. We keep the books to ourselves and in the event of his death they can be released as originals on the basis that they were previously unpublished works.
FREYER: Yes - but I didn't expect this to happen to him.
RAY: I'm getting some memory back now. See what's been going on behind my back? I found out about their little scam a few days ago and confronted them separately. It seems they are not letting on to each other that I know. (He starts shouting at them) It's no use pretending to each other that I didn't know what was going on. Damn. They can't hear me.
FREYER: Anyway - we'll talk about it later - I hear the kids coming.
Enter Kay and Kevin. It's obvious that Kay has been drinking and she still has a bottle in her hand. Will goes to the drinks table.
RAY: Here they come - my little Rays of sunshine. Hah! Get it? Little Rays of sunshine?
KAY: (in a temper and shouting) Don't tell me what I can and can't do. I'm going out tonight and that's that.
KEVIN: Tell her Mum - she won't listen to me. Dad has just been killed and she wants to go out with her friends - probably on another bender.
FREYER: You are going nowhere my girl. The police will want to talk to all of us.
KEVIN: See - I told you.
KAY: (mimicking) See - I told you. Shut yer gob little goody two shoes. If I say I'm going out, then I'm going out and you or the Police or anyone is not going to stop me.
KEVIN: Don't talk to me like that - tell her Mum. She's been drinking again. You know what Dad said - he wants you out of the house until you sort your drinking problem out.
KAY: Yeah, well Dad's not here now, is he? Just back off Kevin before I clock you one.
FREYER: All right you two - that's enough. I think you had better go and sober up. You're making a scene in front of our guests.
KAY: I couldn't give a..
FREYER: Stop it right there, Kay. Do as you're told and have some respect. Where's Violet? She needs keeping an eye on.
KEVIN: Violet's in the back room on her iPad. She's (referring to Kay) in no fit state to look after anyone.
KAY: Me - in no fit state? Me? You've no room to talk.
KEVIN: What are you going on about?
KAY: Oh, come on. Your little secret's out now and Dad knew all about it just before he died, didn't he?
FREYER: What little secret? What's going on?
RAY: Ah - I think more of my memory is coming back - you had better listen to this one.
KAY: Your favourite son here has been a naughty boy, haven't we?
KEVIN: You've had too much to drink.
KAY: Hah! You and Dad thought he was out with friends in the evenings and all the time he was secretly working as an escort for the more mature ladies!
FREYER: What? Is this true?
KEVIN: Don't listen to her - she's a spiteful cow who's had too much to drink.
KAY: And an escort that gives extra favours to his women friends at the right price. He's making loads of money.
KEVIN: She's lying.
KAY: Dad found out about it the other day and threatened to cut him out of his will over the whole thing. I can prove it. Look (showing his mobile) I found his profile online.
KEVIN: Give me that you stupid idiot.
They grapple for the mobile and get into a bit of a tussle and start arguing. Freyer tries to intervene but thinks better of it. Will stays well clear. They end up by the drinks table and Ray pours some water over Kevin's head.
KEVIN: What the? What the hell did you do that for?
KAY: What do you mean? I didn't do it.
KEVIN: You're the one with the bottle in your hand.
KAY: (examining his hair closely) That doesn't smell or feel like alcohol to me. It's just water.
WILL: Do you know - I'm sure I saw a glass hovering over your head.
KAY/KEVIN: What?
WILL: A glass - I'm sure I saw it hovering over your head.
KEVIN: How much have you had to drink, Will?
WILL: You know I don't drink alcohol.
KAY: Well perhaps you should. Did you see anything Mum?
FREYER: No, I didn't see anything. You must have imagined it, Will.
WILL: I did not imagine it. Well - I don't think so.
Enter Violet– she is mid-teens and is very argumentative.
FREYER: There you are, Violet - are you okay?
VIOLET: (very angry) What's going on? I can hear you from outside.
FREYER: It's okay - stay in the back room for a while.
VIOLET: Not until you tell me what's going on.
KAY: We're just having a discussion.
VIOLET: A discussion!? You were shouting and arguing. And you've been drinking again.
KAY: We'll talk about it later - just stay in the back room.
VIOLET: No - I won't - and you can't make me.
FREYER: Now come on, Violet - be a good girl.
VIOLET: (stamping her feet)I’m staying here until you tell me what's going on.
KAY: Look - do as you're told - now! (She tries to grab her arm to push her out).
VIOLET: Get off me. Leave me alone. I hate you! I hate you! I hate you! You're horrible. You're all horrible.
Violet storms out.
RAY: That went well then. She's got a bit of a chip on her shoulder, hasn't she?
KAY: That’s the problem with Violet. She’s always just one letter away from being violent.
RAY: I've always said she needs counselling. It's true about Kevin though. I was shocked and very upset. What a family I have. I mean had...
WILL: Can I suggest we all have a drink and calm down a bit?
All except KAY: Shut Up, Will.
KAY: I'll have a drink. (She goes to the drinks table – she is about to pick up a bottle and Ray moves it out of the way) Hey, come back you! (She goes to pick it up again and Ray moves it again – the others are distracted by talking to each other) What the hell's going on? This bottle keeps moving. Did you hear me? I said, this bottle keeps moving.
KEVIN: Now you definitely have had too much to drink.
KAY: I tell you...
FREYER: That's enough, Kay. You two – out. I'll speak to you later when I've had a chance to calm down. And sort that daughter of yours out. She's doing my head in.
KAY: But?
FREYER: Out! Now!
Kay and Kevin Exit.
RAY: (to guests) I must apologise for my family Ladies and Gentlemen. It’s a stressful time and the Police will be here soon.
WILL: (looking around and feeling a bit nervous) Look - I've got a couple of calls to make on the mobile - I'll go outside.
Ivor enters as Will starts to exit. Ivor wears smart clothes and wears his watch on his right hand. He has a habit of having the face of the watch on the palm side of his wrist and checks the time regularly.
IVOR: Ah, Will. It's a sad time for everyone.
RAY: Especially me.
WILL: Yes. Look after Freyer. I'll catch you later. Just need to make a call.
RAY: Ivor Trump, my business associate. Now this will be interesting.
IVOR: Freyer, Freyer. I'm so sorry about Ray.
RAY: I bet you are.
IVOR: Look, if there's anything I can do, just let me know. Anything at all. It's a big shock and you need a friend. You know I've always looked out for you and care about you.
RAY: I know what you're up to chum, and you can stop right there.
Ray moves a chair slightly, in anger.
IVOR: What was that?
FREYER: What was what?
IVOR: That chair - I'm sure it moved by itself.
FREYER: Have you been drinking as well?
IVOR: No, I haven't.
RAY: I'm starting to enjoy this.
FREYER: You're a kind man Ivor - I'll get through this. Besides, you have some explaining to do.
IVOR: How do you mean?
FREYER: Don't come the innocent with me. Ray told me that you were in financial problems and trying to wrangle more agents’ commission out of him.
RAY: You tell him, babe.
IVOR: Well yes, I did try and negotiate a better deal. As his agent I've made him millions - It was all very amicable.
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