The Bet
Plot Summary
The Bet is a short story published by Anton Chekhov in 1889. The story revolves around two young men (the Banker and the Lawyer) who meet at a party and get into a debate about whether it is more humane to sentence somebody to the death sentence or a life in prison. Unable to agree, they decided to challenge each other to a bet: the Lawyer will stay imprisoned in a lodge in the Banker’s garden for fifteen years, and if he makes it through the whole time, the banker will pay him a large sum of money.
The story follows the two men over this time, with the Banker looking in on the Lawyer through a small window, as he goes through phases of depression, loneliness, but also a determination and desperation to make a life for himself within the severe restrictions.
The Music
Listen to the first demos of the brand new musical
Nothing To Gain
This song describes the moment that the two men agreed to the bet. The song is sung by the Banker who looks back on the moment with regret, and struggles to understand what either of them stood to gain from something so pointless.
Silent
This song describes a point in the story where the Lawyer has suddenly stopped. The Banker looks in through the window and wonders what is going through the Lawyer’s mind and how he is able to live his days, confined to the isolated lodge.
Discover ‘The Bet’ Musical
It is very much the beginning of the journey for this show as the songs are being completed, but I hope to eventually have it performed at fringe festivals.
Intended for Intimate Venues
The show is intended for small and intimate venues, and can be performed with as little as two actors and a piano.
Based on the work of Anton Chekhov
Based on the haunting short story by Anton Chekhov. Which you can read here.
I was drawn to this story due to the intriguing premise, and the dynamics between the two characters, which felt perfectly suited for musical theatre.
Have a listen!
Listen to the rest of the demos, and backing tracks on Soundcloud