AUDITIONS: A Double Bill in the Studio

Auditions: A Double Bill in the Studio

Audition Date: Tuesday 7th January 2025 at 7.30pm

Scheduled Performances: Tues 11th to Sat 15th March 2025

Ashes to Ashes by  Ann Gawthorpe and Lesley Brown

Directed by Moyra Brookes

The basic premise is the observation that a pretty young girl will often have a much plainer sidekick – the twist is that their roles were reversed in middle age. This two-handed black comedy begins when they bring home the ashes of Margaret’s husband Max. Margaret, who used to be subservient to Divora is now the dominant one but this changes when Divora realises that Max’s death was not an accident. But the balance of power between them constantly changes throughout this play.

• Margaret– a well-preserved middle-aged woman, bleached blonde, has worked hard to better herself and lose her  accent, but it surfaces at times of stress as indicated
• Divora– Margaret’s best friend at school, was a pretty girl but married young and let herself go, plump, broad accent

Physical attributes such as hair colour and size can be provided via wigs and padding

An amateur production by arrangement with Stagescripts Ltd.

Gardening Leave by Nicolas Ridley

Directed By Nikky Kirkup

Bob is on ‘gardening leave’ and has been for a few months. He’s more than a little anxious ‘to get back in the saddle’ because work is Bob’s life.It must be the right job, of course; not that money isn’t important. Bob’s son is starting boarding school, his daughters are buying ponies and the family has recently moved to a bigger house with a bigger mortgage.

This has meant his wife has had to return to work. Fortunately, her old firm welcomed her back  and it’s been a case of onwards and upwards. Her success is marvellous, but it’s taken a toll on their personal life.

A solution seems in sight. Bob has arranged to meet Tom, a friend of a friend, to explore any available opportunities. Can Tom point Bob in the right direction? Better still, does Tom have any openings himself?

The problem is… Well, there are lots of problems. Mistaken identity, crossed purposes, an extraordinary revelation and – finally – a terrible let-down.

Bob’s desperation and lack of self-awareness adds a tinge of tragedy to the piece, and his relationship with Tom, who remains mystified throughout, is in constant flux.

Bob and Tom are contrasting characters who give both actors an ample opportunity to explore their comic talents. Bob’s wife, Fiona, who appears towards the end of the play, is a cameo part that adds enormously to the fun of the piece.

Characters: Bob, Tom, Fiona

An amateur production by arrangement with Stagescripts Ltd.