Janet Smith

Janet in 'The Birthday Party' by Harold Pinter
Playwright and Author
Writing Murder Mysteries, Plays for Kids, Sketches, Comedies, Short Plays, One-act, Monologues and Drama
To understand how stage works I joined our local theatre club, and trod the boards, and with other companies too. I’ve been involved in theatre for education, and also been commissioned to adapt classic poems for stage performances. Recently I’ve become a reviewer for Sardines Magazine.
My radio play for BBC R4 Afternoon Theatre ‘The Man in the Moon’ was a Radio Times pick of the week, and some short stories have been broadcast on local radio.
I took a BA Hons in Literature with Writing, at Derby University (2.1), as a mature student.
I’ve written a children’s novella, ‘Krog the Prince Frog’, which is available on Amazon, and other sites.
Many of my works have been road tested, and I’ve directed many myself; always a learning curve!
My stage plays are all on Scripts for Stage. They’ve been performed in all kinds of venues from windy, muddy tents at festivals, to churches, to village halls, to libraries – oh and theatres! All very simply, and on a shoe string. Murder Mysteries are a great way to boost your company’s coffers!
I love to see how different directors tackle my scripts, and would be very happy to support any local productions (Nottinghamshire). If your company isn’t local, do please send feedback, positive or negative, and photos, via Scripts for Stage. It would be most appreciated. Oh, and don’t be afraid to make a script your own! If something needs a tweak, give it one! It’s not Pinter! Or contact me and I’ll take a look.
Works by this Author
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Elf and Safety
Will Santa end up on his own Naughty list or will he tell the truth about getting stuck up the chimney? (7E or more)
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The Angler’s Catch
Melanie catches an enchanted fish who grants her a wish, but does she ask for too much? (1E)
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The Bell Inn
There’s something odd about the Inn in the mist; could it really be frozen in time? (1E)
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The Pardon
Set in Victorian times, the Gallows Inn is the scene of an unexpected pardon. (1E)
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The World’s End
A seed from the tropics causes concern at the World’s End. (1E)
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The Lady in Grey
A new employee at a supposedly haunted pub sees something in the cellar! (1E)
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The Queen’s Head
What would you do if Queen Elizabeth I wanted your teeth? (1E)
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The Travellers Rest
A search for a missing ruby-eyed eagle yields surprising truths for Brother Dominic (1E)
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Smee
A House party on Christmas Eve in the 40s has a ghostly visitor? (6F, 5M)
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Stories from the Snug
Four short Monologues with mystery, intrigue, deception and magic! (1E)
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More Stories from the Snug
Three short Monologues with scruples, mistrust and ghosts! (1E)
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Mummers Play
A traditional folk play featuring Robin Hood and some odd characters! (6E)
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The Thief of Time
Suspicion and fear arise when 11 days are lost overnight in this play for all the family. (2M, 1F, 7E)
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The Monkey Paw
An enchanted Monkey Paw causes tragedy with a twist in this one act play. (2M, 1F, 2E)
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Heirs and DisGraces
Murder most foul at 1940s Withering Hall – can the audience work out whodunit? (5F, 3M, 1E)
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Murder at the Library
Murder most foul at the library – can the audience work out whodunit? (5F, 3M, 1E)
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Murder at Cliff House
There’s murder at a gathering of writers in a sinister location – can the audience work out whodunit? (5F, 1M, 1E)
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Murder on the Catwalk
There’s murder at a fashion show but can the audience work out whodunit? (4F, 4M, 1E)
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If you go down to the woods
Love, murder, suicide and bird watching combine in this darkly funny 2-act comedy. (5F, 6M, 2E)
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Manifesto for Murder
There’s murder before the upcoming election but can the audience work out whodunit? (4F, 1M, 1E)
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Goldilocks and the Four Bears
Goldilocks tries to stop her wicked aunt taking over the throne in this full-length, large cast play for all the family (6F, 3M, 24E)
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An Apple in May
Concerning a 19th century pioneer of refrigeration, love, endeavour, industry, Queen Victoria – and an apple. (4F, 14M)