Review: Fleabag – The Original Play Script (NHB Modern Plays)

Author: Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Format: PDF / Paperback (Nick Hern Books)
Context: Original 2013 Edinburgh Fringe one-woman show (pre-dates the BBC/Amazon TV series)

Please note that some scripts might be available for a limited time or in specific regions. Make sure to verify the availability and legitimacy of the script sources before downloading or purchasing.

5. Who Should Download the PDF?

| You’ll love this script if… | Skip it if… | |--------------------------------|----------------| | You want to write a one-person show | You only love Season 2 for the Hot Priest | | You study monologue structure | You dislike raw, unfiltered grief | | You prefer the TV Season 1 over Season 2 | You need a traditional three-act resolution |

The Play Script: Originally performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the play script is a monologue. It focuses entirely on Fleabag’s internal psyche and her direct relationship with the audience.

3. The Script’s Greatest Strength: Boo’s Tragedy

The TV series gave Boo a quick backstory (accidentally walked into traffic after a cheating boyfriend). The play script dedicates 15 pages to the fallout:

1. Breaking the fourth wall: Fleabag's protagonist, Fleabag (played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge), frequently addresses the audience, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy. This narrative device allows the viewer to feel like they're part of the story, making the show's themes and emotions more relatable.
2. Witty dialogue: The script is full of clever, rapid-fire conversations that showcase the characters' personalities, relationships, and quirks. The dialogue is both humorous and poignant, often tackling complex topics like grief, trauma, and relationships.
3. Complex characters: Fleabag's characters are multi-dimensional and flawed, making them more human and relatable. The show's portrayal of female characters, in particular, has been praised for its nuance and authenticity.

Here is the Fleabag script play pdf