Study Guide for IGCSE Drama Pre-Release
Material (May/June 2025)
Play Excerpt 1: The Odd Couple by Neil Simon
Context and Background
● Playwright: Neil Simon (1927–2018), one of America’s greatest comedy playwrights.
● First Performed: 1965, Broadway.
● Genre: Comedy (with elements of drama).
● Setting: Oscar Madison’s apartment, Riverside Drive, Manhattan, New York.
● Synopsis: The play follows two mismatched roommates—Oscar Madison, a carefree
and messy sportswriter, and Felix Ungar, a neurotic and obsessively clean
journalist—who struggle to cohabitate after their respective divorces.
Characters
● Oscar Madison: A divorced, slovenly sportswriter who enjoys life but struggles with
responsibility.
● Felix Ungar: A recently separated journalist, fastidious and controlling, who takes over
Oscar’s apartment with his cleanliness.
● Murray: A New York policeman, part of the regular poker group.
● Speed: A sarcastic and grumpy card player.
● Vinnie: An easy-going, often ridiculed card player.
● Roy: A dry-humored friend in the poker group.
● Cecily & Gwendolyn Pigeon: Two British sisters, a widow and a divorcée, who live in
the building and become love interests.
Summary of the Excerpt (Act 2, Scene 1 & 2)
● The scene opens in Oscar’s apartment, which has undergone a drastic transformation
thanks to Felix’s obsession with cleanliness.
● The poker game has lost its casual, messy charm, with Felix micromanaging everything.
● The group of friends become frustrated with Felix's overbearing habits.
● Oscar and Felix argue about Felix’s behavior and Felix’s reluctance to move on from his
marriage.
● Oscar sets up a double date with the Pigeon sisters, hoping to lighten things up.
● Their dinner plans go awry when Oscar arrives late, Felix gets upset, and the meal is
ruined.
● The scene ends with Oscar’s increasing frustration and Felix’s emotional breakdown,
reinforcing their incompatibility.
Themes
1. Friendship and Compatibility: The contrast between Oscar and Felix shows how
different personalities clash.
2. Divorce and Male Loneliness: Both characters struggle with post-divorce life and seek
companionship.
3. Control vs. Chaos: Felix represents extreme order, while Oscar represents disorder.
4. Comedy of Manners: The play humorously explores social norms and the difficulties of
living together.
5. Transformation and Resistance: Felix tries to transform Oscar’s life, but resistance
leads to conflict.
Symbolism
● The Apartment: Represents the contrast between Oscar’s chaos and Felix’s order.
● The Poker Game: Symbolizes male bonding, which is disrupted by Felix’s presence.
● The London Broil (Ruined Meal): A metaphor for their dysfunctional partnership.
● Air Purifier: A humorous representation of Felix’s obsessive need to control the
environment.
Staging and Performance Considerations
● Set Design: Transition from messy to sterile, showing the extreme shift in Oscar’s
lifestyle.
● Props: Playing cards, drinks, napkins, and food enhance realism.
● Costumes: Oscar in casual, sloppy clothes; Felix in neatly pressed attire.
● Physical Comedy: The interactions with props (cleaning, handing out napkins, ruined
meal) add humor.
● Dialogue Delivery: Quick wit, comedic timing, and exaggerated reactions enhance the
humor.
Key Quotes
● Oscar (sarcastically): “We’re cooped up here with Mary Poppins 24 hours a day.”
● Felix: “I take pride in what I do!”
● Oscar: “If you don’t like it, he’ll make you a meat loaf. Takes him five minutes.”
● Felix: “I haven’t even thought about women in weeks.”
Play Excerpt 2: Alice by Laura Wade
Context and Background
● Playwright: Laura Wade (b. 1977), known for contemporary adaptations and social
commentary.
● First Performed: 2010, Crucible Theatre, Sheffield.
● Genre: Adaptation, fantasy, coming-of-age drama.
● Setting: Wonderland, a surreal version of Alice’s reality, with links to Sheffield.
● Synopsis: A modern reimagining of Alice in Wonderland where Alice, grieving her
brother’s death, finds herself in a bizarre Wonderland where she must navigate
challenges to return home.
Characters
● Alice: A 12-year-old girl, traumatized by her brother’s death, who enters Wonderland.
● Duchess: A quirky, forgetful character who guides Alice.
● Queen of Hearts: A powerful, tyrannical ruler who resembles Alice’s mother.
● King of Hearts: A passive character who enables the Queen’s behavior.
● White Rabbit: The Queen’s loyal servant, a symbol of control and anxiety.
● Knave of Hearts: The undefeated croquet champion and the Queen’s favorite.
● Hedgehog & Flamingo: Alice’s croquet equipment, which comes to life.
● Commentators: A humorous duo providing sports-style commentary.
Summary of the Excerpt (Act 2 – Croquet Game)
● Alice arrives at the Queen’s croquet ground, where a big match is taking place.
● She realizes the Queen strongly resembles her mother.
● Alice volunteers to play against the Knave, the undefeated champion.
● The game is rigged, with the Queen constantly giving the Knave extra turns.
● Despite the unfair game, Alice, Hedgehog, and Flamingo strategize and ultimately win.
● The White Rabbit announces stolen tarts, and the Queen’s fury shifts away from Alice.
Themes
1. Grief and Acceptance: Alice’s journey parallels her struggle with loss.
2. Authority and Rebellion: The Queen’s tyrannical rule contrasts with Alice’s defiance.
3. Fate vs. Free Will: Alice challenges the predetermined outcome of the game.
4. Coming-of-Age: Alice’s character growth from passive to assertive.
5. Illusion of Fairness: The game represents societal bias and corruption.
Symbolism
● The Queen: Represents Alice’s mother, controlling and powerful.
● Croquet Game: Symbolizes life’s unfairness and Alice’s fight against fate.
● Hedgehog & Flamingo: Show how unexpected allies help overcome challenges.
● The Commentators: A parody of how media shapes public perception.
Staging and Performance Considerations
● Set Design: A surreal croquet ground with whimsical elements.
● Props: Flamingo mallets, hedgehog balls, crowns, and medals.
● Costumes: The Queen’s regal attire contrasts with Alice’s casual look.
● Movement & Blocking: Fast-paced croquet action and exaggerated royal gestures.
● Lighting & Sound: Spotlights on key moments, whimsical sound effects.
Key Quotes
● Queen: “I simply cannot tell you how pleased you are to be here.”
● Alice: “She looks like my mum!”
● Commentator: “A triumphant first hoop for the Knave.”
● Alice: “Let’s do it for Harold.”
Final Exam Preparation Tips
● Know the Characters: Be able to describe personalities, relationships, and
development.
● Understand Themes: Connect themes to staging and real-world relevance.
● Analyze Symbolism: Explain key props and motifs.
● Consider Performance Choices: Think about vocal delivery, movement, and set
design.
● Prepare Example Answers: Practice responses about character interactions, directorial
decisions, and thematic interpretations.
