Giles Darling

The Pain of Glass Giles Darling

A one-act play for eight actors. Set in a courtroom in 1878 Victorian England, the play follows the trial of Mr. Jake Ashwood, a bladesmith's apprentice, for the murder of Mr. Vincent Vangilder at Mr. Vangilder's photographic studio. The counsels for the prosecution and for the defence examine and cross-examine the police constable first on the scene, then Mr. Vangilder's neighbour, Mr. Ashwood's best friend, and finally Mr. Ashwood himself. After summations by the counsels and by the judge, the audience acts as jury to decide if Mr. Ashwood is guilty or not guilty. The play has two endings depending on the verdict reached. This is a 45 minute play suitable for a small group of school children or young actors to perform. It contains lots of references and information about ordinary lives from the late 1800s.