Ostler's Ford by Lamplight

An original play for voices inspired by 'Under Milk Wood.'

Written in verse, 'Ostler's Ford by Lamplight' follows the narrator, and the picaresque Master of Time, as they make their magical, mystical way through the peaceful streets, interacting with inhabitants. They delve into the dreams of sleepers, pulling invisible puppet strings, and influencing them irrevocably towards their fates. 

Residents of the fictional, fenland town include know-it-all busybodies and lovelorn college students. As the reader is transported on a meandering journey through the back alleys behind terraced houses that border the river, they cross paths with an ageing theatrical has-been; an over-the-hill footballer; a depressed barista, and a pair of small-time crooks. The stories of all the residents are entwined - from the lowly employees of the local cabbage factory, to a preacher struggling with his faith. En route, Evelyn Waugh's ghost appears, dispensing advice to a jealous underachiever. And, later, an old-age pensioner falls into a sleep from which she is destined not to wake.

The play's action all takes place over the course of an evening. When the next day dawns, heartbreaks have been healed; despair has been diverted; love has triumphed; death has cast its shadow, and hope has endured. The full gamut of human emotions has been successfully navigated, and the natural order of things is restored.