Jimmie Chinn Knihy

Set in a retirement home for former performers, the story follows Maisie May, a once-popular music-hall star struggling to adapt to her new life among the elderly. Initially optimistic, she faces growing despair as her family dismisses her. The arrival of a charismatic impresario, Chris, brings a spark of hope and the promise of new opportunities for Maisie, challenging the perceptions of aging and igniting a journey of self-discovery and revival amidst the backdrop of a fading theatrical world.

In a seedy seaside boarding house, Older Edie reflects on her past, particularly her wedding day in February 1942 with Harry, who is soon to leave for war. Their night together reveals profound truths about love and uncertainty, paralleling the tumultuous era of the 1940s. The narrative intricately weaves the personal struggles of the couple with the broader societal upheavals of the time, offering a poignant exploration of relationships and the impact of war.

The central characters are Bob and Jeff. The cosy domesticity of these lovers is threatened by Jeff's crisis. Jeff is considering leaving Bob.... but for a woman, so that he can become a father. Meanwhile, Bob contends with meddling family members who are ignorant of his living situation. His mother, a domineering comic creation, complicates matters by pressing Bob to get married. She refuses to recognize that there is anything about her son which might upset her conventional sensibilities. Can Bob's family - Lois and Bill, Nona and Arthur and matriarch, Vera - help to rescue the situation? And will Bob be able to tell the seemingly ignorant Vera that the 'straight and narrow' is not the life for her favourite little boy...?3 women, 4 men

On Richard's seventieth birthday, family tensions rise as his children gather at their Isle of Wight home. Each sibling faces personal struggles: Sam grapples with her unhappy marriage and caring for her autistic son, Miles; Charlie battles alcoholism and resentment; and Ben, whose charm hides deeper issues, brings along Brice, the unexpected presence and Jan's first husband, adding complexity to the family dynamics. As the day unfolds, they confront past grievances and strive for reconciliation amid revelations and emotional moments.

The Gwendolen Kyte School for Girls is home to an eclectic group of teachers, each a social misfit navigating a turbulent new term. As a government inspector arrives, the staff faces mounting pressure from anonymous letters accusing the school of being outdated and unsafe, while questioning their qualifications. With tensions high and chaos looming, the dynamics among the ten women and one man reveal their unique personalities and struggles, setting the stage for a gripping exploration of resilience and camaraderie in the face of adversity.

A Respectable Funeral is one of the first one act plays from the sensitive and humorous pen of Jimmie Chinn. It was presented and performed as a double bill - with one of Mr Chinn's other plays, From Here To The Library - under the title of Back To Back in Oldham. Both plays can be performed separately or as an entertaining double bill.|3 women, 1 man

Albert Nuttall, an eleven-year-old poet and visionary, navigates the complexities of adolescence while profoundly impacting those around him. His unique perspective draws the attention of classmates like Primrose Macaveney, whose dreams of a musical career falter, and the isolated schoolteacher, Janet Partington. As Albert matures, he inspires deep emotional connections, revealing the transformative power of creativity and the struggles of those who feel lost. The narrative explores themes of aspiration, connection, and the influence of one extraordinary boy on the lives of others.

The story revolves around Madam, a former actress living a quiet life in West London, cared for by her housekeeper Doris and visited by the dull Sylvia, her acting student. Their routine is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Ursula, Madam's estranged daughter, who harbors a deep secret. The dynamic among these four women and one man unfolds as past grievances and hidden truths come to light, challenging their established lives and relationships.

Set in a small cotton mill town in Lancashire, the story follows Edie Hill, a tragic heroine who endures a lifetime of hard work, raising an illegitimate son while facing the loss of her family to the perils of mill life. Despite her struggles, Edie's character shines with humor, bringing warmth and levity to her poignant journey. The narrative balances the harsh realities of her world with moments of joy, creating a rich tapestry of life in the mill town.

Armstrong Armstrong navigates a lonely existence, grappling with self-image and aspirations of becoming a writer. His solace lies in cinema and his father's records until he encounters Venetia, who resembles his idealized singer. This meeting ignites hope for happiness, but as disillusionment creeps in, Armstrong seeks a deeper form of escapism by striving to embody the very icon he admires. The story explores themes of identity, longing, and the quest for connection amidst personal struggles.