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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further details  and the full script. A video of the first performance is  also available.