Barb runs a busy riding stable while trying to manage her elderly father with dementia. On a seemingly-ordinary day between lessons, a storm is brewing, both literally and figuratively. A visit from the village police sergeant alerts Barb and her students to a tree down on their dead end road, blocking exits or entrances. On top of this, a dangerous convict has escaped from the nearby prison, and over-imbibing Clara and sometimes ‘camp’ Morris don’t look like they’ll be much help in protecting them all, as everyone settles into the loft and tack room to spend the night.
But a trio of unlikely heroes, including the disabled rider Lorraine, saves them— just at the storm’s climax. A play full of humor, wordplay, exciting suspense, and diverse characters with potential for 4 to play dual-roles.
Keywords: #suspense, #comedy, #horses, #ruralsetting, #stormy, #thriller, #one-act
Chosen, along with The Pistol's Report, for rehearsed readings with professional filming in London UK in April 2025, with the film chosen for inclusion in the digital component of the Alabama International Fringe Festival, September 2025.
Genre: Comedy, Thriller
Acts: 1
Run time: 40 minutes
Suitable for students 14+
Content notes: Lots of sound effects necessary to add to setting and suspense, high-paced action with lowered lights.
Cast size: 10 actors
Male roles: 5
Female roles: 5
Trans/Non-Binary/Gender Non-Conforming roles: 2
Casting notes: There are 12 characters, but with dual-roling, may be played by 8.Â