Liberating Archie

'Liberating Archie' by Christopher Swann and PT Rose delves into a dark valley unearthing long hidden secrets - which should have remained hidden. In the fading light of South Wales village halls, Archie Davies keeps alive a tradition that has all but vanished. A retired shopkeeper turned pianist, Archie entertains dwindling crowds of widows and weary men at afternoon tea dances, his sequined jacket and candelabra a nostalgic nod to his idol, Liberace. Raised by his widowed mother after losing his father to war, Archie has always felt set apart—different, suspiciously regarded, yet unfailingly polite and immaculately dressed. Beneath his polished exterior lies a man marked by loneliness and a simmering sense of injustice. Only Iris has ever seen past the whispers. Her lifelong affection for Archie blossoms into a declaration of love, but her family’s hostility threatens to crush their bond. When Iris announces her wish to marry him, Archie must navigate not only the prejudice of those around them but also the darker impulses stirring within himself. Set entirely in real time, Archie The Piano Man is a poignant exploration of memory, identity, and the quiet battles fought behind closed doors. It is a story of friendship, forbidden love, and the dangerous allure of revenge—played out to the rhythm of a piano that refuses to fall silent. Characters ARCHIE Davies: He is a retired bachelor. Sophisticated and stylish. ARCHIE plays the piano in the style of Liberace at musical evenings in damp village halls for diminishing numbers of blue rinsed widows. IRIS Thomas Trusting and responsible Iris has known ARCHIE all her life. They are great friends and have supported one another emotionally across the decades. TRACEY Thomas 23 year old granddaughter. She has major issues over her gran’s friendship with ARCHIE. She distrust JORDAN Thomas IRIS' 17 year old grandson and half brother to TRACEY. He doesn't know the identity of his father. His mum Lindy, died when JORDAN was just a small baby. He is thin but good looking and has an interest in sound recording equipment. WAYNE King 28 year old boy friend of TRACEY. Likes beer, smoking dope, works for cash on building sites. No real ambition SARAH Attractive confident girl of around 17 years