Discretion at 7 (1982) by Steven Scanlan

Discretion at 7 is a tense one-act play, set in 1982, in which an ordinary evening gathering begins to fracture under the weight of buried resentments, private histories and social performance. As the hour moves on, the polite surface gives way to sharper truths, exposing the fears, ambitions and contradictions each character has tried to keep hidden. With wit, pressure and emotional unease, the play examines reputation, appearances and the moment civility starts to collapse. Also available: Discretion at 7 Keywords: comedy, London, buried resentment, private, funny, clever Genre: Dramatic Comedy Acts: 1 Run time: 60 minutes Suitable for students 16+ss Cast size: 6 actors Male roles: 4 Female roles: 2 Casting breakdown: EDDIE MARSH: Early forties. Sharp suit, sharper temper. A man who thinks being the provider makes him the boss. CLAIRE MARSH: Early thirties. Quick, controlled, and practical. She protects what matters and does not waste words soothing men. RICKY SMYTHE: Early thirties. Eddie’s mate. Camp, quick, flashy. He loves Claire like a sister and defends her with jokes that land like punches. MR PHILLIPS: Mid-forties. Family solicitor. Polite, dry, hard to corner. He speaks like a man who bills by the syllable. MAUREEN BRACKEN: Late fifties to early sixties. Eddie’s mum. Immaculate, iron-willed. She can freeze a room with a look. GRAHAM BRACKEN: Late forties. Maureen’s husband. Smooth, dodgy, and well practiced at sounding innocent.