Summary: This one-act play is based on CS Lewis's trilemma, also known as 'Liar, Lunatic or Lord'. The plot involves three contestants in a game show, each based on Lewis's theory. Christine is a Christian, Jessi is self-centred, whilst Mr Hollywood is clinically insane and only speaks in lines from Hollywood films. The fourth member of the cast is the exasperated host. It was written for Kingham Hill School, UK. (Note: This is not the full script. To obtain the full script please contact the author, whose details are at the foot.)
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 23min
Actors: 1M, 3M/F
Characters
Adrian (game show host)
Christine
Jessi
Mr Hollywood
Script
(Three stools are on stage: SL is a prettywoman who is looking very comfortable. C is a slightly older but more glamorous woman who pinpoints members of the audience with her stare. Finally, a young man sits SR, completely oblivious to the audience. The host enters amid music.)
ADRIAN
Ladies and gentlemen. A warm welcome to 'What is your life?', the gameshow where you decide whose life is worth living. Last week we saw David win the top prize despite admitting to having an affair. So, without further ado, let's introduce this week's contestants.
Contestant no. 1 has just moved back to the UK after spending the last six months working for a Christian organisation in Outer Mongolia.
(To CHRISTINE)
Please tell us your name, age and a little about yourself.
CHRISTINE
My name is Christine Susan Lewis, I am 24 years old and I am a Christian.
(Sign saying 'Applause')
I have been a Christian for 3 years and my life is dedicated to following Jesus.
(Sign saying 'Applause')
ADRIAN
Thank you, Christine and welcome to the show. Next, we have Contestant no.2. She has just successfully completed a 7 year prison sentence for fraud and deception.
(To JESSI)
Please tell us your name, age and a bit about yourself.
JESSI
Hi, my name is Jessi Bell. I am a 36 year old narcissist. I have been married three times, widowed three times and the great loves of my life are power, money and myself.
(Sign saying 'Applause')
ADRIAN
Thank you Jessi. Finally, we have Contestant No.3. He has just this morning left a mental hospital where he was nicknamed Mr Hollywood as he can only talk in quotes from famous films.
(To MR HOLLYWOOD)
Contestant No.3, please tell us your name, age and a little bit about yourself.
HOLLYWOOD
(Pretending to remove helmet and turn towards the audience. In the style of 'Gladiator'.)
My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions and loyal servant to the TRUE emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengence, in this life or the next.
(Sign saying 'Applause')
ADRIAN
(Taken aback)
......................................
(c) Copyright Rob Jones, 2014, all rights reserved.
Performing rights: There is a flat £30 (UK) fee for all performances. All proceeds will be donated by the playwright to Open Doors, serving persecuted Christians worldwide. Please email