The Old People Are Revolting

The Old People Are Revolting

"The hit comedy about seniors seeking revenge!"

Cast: 5 female and 2 male actors.
Length: 2 Acts (110 minutes)
Genre: Comedy
Synopsis: With productions in the UK, Canada, USA, Australia, and New Zealand The Old People Are Revolting has been described by critics as 'A belter you just can't miss, with plenty of charm, hearty laughs, great social commentary and deserving of your "must-see" list'.
When the city council decides to end its rates rebate for the elderly, the pen-pushers in town hall have no idea what anarchy they are about to unleash at the Sunshine Retirement Village. Led by tough former trade union firebrand Shirley, and the ebullient former car salesman Howie, the residents hit on the idea of ceding from the rest of the nation under the United Nations Charter. Counselled by Village Resident and former High Court Judge, Patricia, they're convinced that if they become their own independent state, then the local council can't tax them. Much to Patricia's horror, the other residents are determined to start things off with a bang, and retired farmer Doug is recruited to build a home-made bomb so they can spectacularly blow up a bothersome council-owned tree. Doug couldn't be happier, he's been looking for something to do ever since he retired. With the tree destroyed and the emergency services out in force, the media climbs on board in the shape of aspiring young newscaster Ashley Hardwick. Before you know it, the story has gone viral on the internet, and the revolution becomes unstoppable. The residents appoint their own Queen, and a national anthem is written. This is serious stuff.
The revolution leads to more than just a back down by the local council, love blooms between Patricia and Howie, the Villages eldest resident, and queen, dies at a live press conference, and life and vitality are breathed into the spirits of these senior revolutionaries.
The rollicking comedy of the Old People Are Revolting cleverly explores attitudes to seniors in our communities while treating the audience to an evening of uproarious entertainment. 

Characters

5 Female / 2 Male

Patricia: Resident of the Sunshine Retirement Village. Patricia has an air of education and sophistication about her that is unmatched by the other residents. She has led the other residents to believe she was a District Court Judge when in fact she was a Clerk of the Court. Dreams of being in charge of a landmark court case.
Howie: Resident of the Sunshine Retirement Village. Former car salesman. A little crass and on the lookout for some fun. He sees himself as a bit of a ladies man but unfortunately the ladies could not be less interested in him. He has a son. Never married. Looking for love.
Shirley: Resident of the Sunshine Retirement Village. Suffering from the effects of drugs and wild living of the 1960's making her quick tempered, rather dramatic and erratic. For some reason only known to herself she steals mail and makes copies for her files. Her claim to fame is her union role in the 1968 textile workers lockout. Looking for one last opportunity to "stick it to the man".
Peggy: Resident of the Sunshine Retirement Village. Former seamstress for a suit manufacturer. Peggy is a kind, gentle and insightful woman who is never separated from her latest cross-stitch project. Looking for company.
Doug: Newest resident of the Sunshine Retirement Village. Recently and reluctantly retired from his farm after his wife passed away. He hates the retirement village because there is nothing to do... everything works so there is nothing to fix. Looking for something to do.
Elizabeth: Resident of the Sunshine Retirement Village. The oldest character by quite a margin. She is suffering from the onset of dementia and is only able to remain living independently at the Village through the assistance of the other residents.
Ashley Hardwick: Reporter for a local television station. Looking for her big break into national prime time television. Self serving, condescending, who despite her contempt for the elderly can't help herself eventually liking the residents of the Sunshine Retirement Village.

What the critics are saying


"This is one show that well deserves to go on your "must see" list."
- Bay of Plenty Times

"The Old People Are Revolting has plenty of charm, some hearty laughs and, actually, great social commentary to think about - such as the position of senior citizens in our society and the media, conflict between the older and the younger generations, and conservative versus radical sensibilities."
- Wairarapa Times-Age

We sold every single seat (117) for all 7 shows. The Old People Are Revolting is now the most successful play in HLT's 68-year history.
- Director, HLT Theater

The Old People Are Revolting And Hanover Loves It"
- Broadway World, Central Pennsylvania

"This play shows just how a skillful blend of writer, director, actors and backstage can produce a comedy that deserves to go on your "must-see" list."
- Hawkes Bay Today

"The play was received by an enthusiastic audience and I am confident the piece will be performed many times in the UK by groups in the future."
- NODA Review, UK

Productions


Temple Civic Theater, Texas, USA
Milestone Prairie Players, Canada
Sherbrooke Theatre Company, Australia
First Avenue Playhouse, NJ, USA
Carolina Moon Theatre - USA
Hanover Little Theatre - USA
Foxton Little Theatre - New Zealand
LaVeta's Theater - USA
Aubyn Live - New Zealand
Topeka Civic Theatre - USA
Douglas Theatre Arts - Australia
Finley Players - Australia
Fiordland Players - New Zealand
Thames Theatre - New Zealand
Heretaunga Players - New Zealand
New Players Theatre - New Zealand
Bridgetown Theatre - Australia
Harlequin Theatre - New Zealand
Waihi Theatre - New Zealand
Danniverke - New Zealand
Mana Little Theatre - New Zealand
Tokoroa Theatre - New Zealand
Ravenshoe Theatre - Australia
MacKenzie Theatre - New Zealand
Detour Theatre - Premier Season - New Zealand

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