The Mating Game by Robin Hawdon

London poster

The Mating Game was Robin Hawdon’s first big commercial success. Now updated.

‘One of the most enduring comedies on the international theatre circuit since its long run in London’s West End in the 1970s.  Five in the cast and a set which almost outacts them all!’ – Amazon editorial

Set in a smart Mayfair apartment, full of gadgets with a mind of their own, the story concerns the frantic attempts of a trendy young TV personality, to both lose his virginity and avoid true love, whilst at the same time preserving his image as a notorious stud.

Despite some poor initial reviews the play was hugely popular with audiences, became a regular on the British touring circuit for the next twenty years, and is still frequently revived abroad.

Cast

  • DRAYCOTT HARRIS (T.V. star)
  • JAMES HARRIS (His elder brother)
  • HONEY TOOKS (his P.R. girl)
  • JULIA (his secretary)
  • MRS FINNEY (his housekeeper)

Setting

The action of the play takes place in Draycott Harris’s luxury penthouse flat somewhere in Park Lane, Mayfair, London. The flat serves both as Draycott’s private apartment and his place of business. At the press of a series of buttons, the room is turned into an efficient modern office.

The dressing table revolves and out comes a desk complete with computer, telephones etc. The ward­robe revolves and in its place is a filing cabinet. The bed swings up into the back wall (occasionally with someone in it!) and on the underside is a large blown-up photograph of Draycott Harris in his TV studio.

Two more pieces of equipment can be used in either bedroom or office mode. One is a low cocktail cabinet concealed in the wall down R. which slides into the room at the press of a button. The other is the T.V. set which comes down from the ceiling to a position 6 ft. from the ground at the foot of the bed. Everything is ultra modern.

For small house productions, the set need not be as elaborate as described. The various revolves can be trucks or drawers which slide in and out. The bed can be a truck on wheels which is pushed in and out.

Reviews

Bright, frothy, knockabout nonsense. – Daily Mirror

Audiences nearly raised the roof! – Daily Telegraph

Audience laughed fit to bust. – Financial Times