DUOLOGUES

FANCY DRESS

by Philip Jamieson

Suitable for Grade 3

Stage directions

River is sitting and looking through an imaginary mirror towards the audience, poking and prodding at their face. Avery is watching from the doorway.

Excerpt

River

Argh! Why now? Why do you choose the night of Eden’s party to erupt? Isn’t it bad enough that I’m nervous about going? Why do you have to disfigure me as well?

Avery approaches and stands behind River

Avery

What’s the matter River?

River

Look at them. They make me look like a freak!

Avery

They’re just a couple of spots.

River

They’re so ugly. And I can feel more of them, just under the skin, about to pop up and make me look even more terrible. 

Avery

Well, don’t keep touching them. Leave them alone.

Hints & tips

  • This duologue is ideal for Grade 3 exams – but can also be used at other levels.
  • Either of the characters River and Avery can be male or female.
  • You will need a table and a chair facing the audience.
  • River can imagine looking at a mirror on the table.
  • You can add additional props on the table to make it look more like a dressing table.
  • Avery can move around either side of River to make the piece more interesting.