Performance dates: Friday Oct 23rd – Friday Oct 30th.
Auditions: Tuesday 28th July at 7 o’clock at Athlone Little Theatre, St Mary’s Place.
Our auditions are open, so you do not need to be a member to audition. Auditions are held in front of everyone else, but the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.
The script is available to view on the link below. For copyright reasons you can not download it.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P81NFNzkM9RLWLg41hGvvIt6sb7Z2P-1/view?usp=sharing
Play and cast synopsis:
Setting: Garry Essendine’s London studio flat.
Period: 1940’s
Accents: Except for two of the characters, accents are polished, neutral English accents.
Plot: The play features a cast of witty, theatrical characters centred around Garry Essendine, an aging matinée idol who treats his actual life as a continuous theatrical performance. Supported by his pragmatic ex-wife Liz and sharp secretary Monica, Garry deals with glamorous temptresses, jealous friends, and an aspiring young playwright, highlighting themes of celebrity, ego, and theatrical absurdity. The play focuses on the chaotic interaction between these characters.
Characters. (Acting age)
Garry Essendine: (M 40-50) charismatic, self-obsessed famous London actor, matinee idol and adored by fans; he dreads getting old and losing his appeal, but in reality, fears being alone.
Liz Essendine: (F 35-45) Garry’s wife (they’ve been separated for years, but she still manages his affairs); poised, witty, pragmatic.
Monica Reed: (F 40-50) Garry’s tolerant secretary and loyal confidante for 17 years; organized, sharp-witted and patient.
Joanna Lyppiatt: (F 30-40) wife of Henry; glamorous, cunning, self-confident, seductive.
Henry Lyppiatt: (M 30-50) successful businessman; Garry’s longtime producer and friend; husband of Joanna; proper, slightly pompous but oblivious.
Morris Dixon: (M 35-50) Garry’s theatrical manager and friend; smart, suave; in love with Joanna.
Daphne Stillington: (F 20-25) pretty debutante; quirky, astute, slightly naïve, but ambitious; ardent admirer of Garry
Ronald Maule: (M 25-35) earnest, aspiring playwright; obsessed fan of Garry; slightly unstable, odd, nervous.
Lady Saltburn: (F 45-60) wealthy aristocrat; dignified but sometimes effusive; aunt of Daphne; patron of the arts.
Fred: (M 25-35) Garry’s valet; unrefined, laidback, easy-going; Cockney accent.
Miss Erikson: (F 35-55) Garry’s chain-smoking housekeeper; slow-moving, strange; attends séances; Swedish accent.
Rehearsals: First rehearsal (read-through with full cast and crew) – Tuesday 11th Aug at 7. Staged rehearsals will follow beginning Thursday 13th Aug.
Thereafter, rehearsals will be held 4 evenings a week (Mon-Thurs) at 7 o’clock.
Not every actor will be required each night.
