Performances 19-21 February 2026 in the Auditorium

Directed by Kathryn Edwards

The Glad Game is a one woman play, written and performed by Phoebe Francis Brown; an autobiographical piece that Phoebe wrote in response to her diagnosis of an incurable brain tumour. It was first produced at The Nottingham Playhouse in 2021 and then at The Hampstead Theatre in London in 2022, just weeks before her untimely death in April 2022. The Lace Market Theatre is proud to be presenting the first ever production of the play since Phoebe performed it herself and we have the full backing of her family and in particular her mum Gail.

In a first for The Lace Market Theatre, we are bringing what would normally be classed as a Studio Production to the main stage. It will be performed with minimum set and props and a very stripped back feel that will really showcase the actor's talent to tell Phoebe's story truthfully and authentically. It will require a lightness of touch and the ability to engage the audience. The intimacy of the Lace Market lends itself well to her story and I am excited to work creatively in collaboration with my actress to bring her beautiful heartfelt words to life at this wonderful theatre.

Reviews of The Glad Game:

"A mesmerising portrait of hope" - The Telegraph

"Intimate, boundary pushing, brilliant... Phoebe Frances Brown's one-woman show is a compelling and intimate demonstration of a theatre maker pushing boundaries." - The Stage

Phoebe's story is raw and real. She tells it with heart aching sincerity, humour, wit and perseverance. It is a story about the human spirit and finding light in the darkest of moments. I want the audience to be taken on this journey with Phoebe and to be laughing and crying along the way.

THE ROLE:

Phoebe is 26 years old. She is from Nottingham and has been living in London pursuing an acting career when she is hit with the devastating news that she has been diagnosed with incurable brain cancer.

I am looking for an actress who can convey all of Phoebe's quirks and humour with a lightness of touch and who can demonstrate the ability to show emotion through stillness and the capacity to listen and stay in character through moments of quiet as well as the more active and mobile moments of the piece. There are some voice over parts that will be played through the speakers to represent other people in Phoebe's life. In the audition, I may well ask the actress to listen and respond appropriately in these moments in order to see your ability to listen on stage. As Alan Rickman once said "All I want to see from an actor is the intensity and accuracy of their listening. Then what you have to say will be automatic. Then it will be free and alive. And then you can work on it and shape it and talk about it"

Although this is a one woman show, I am not looking for a "leading actress". Phoebe is best friend/girl next door vibes. She is funny and sparkling. I want my actress to command the stage. But not with a masterclass in acting technique, but rather by inviting the audience into her world through an endearing and warmth of character. There has to be intimacy in her story telling. More than anything else, the performance needs to be truthful. It is based on Phoebe's real life and I want to do it justice by being sensitive with the subject matter and really understanding who Phoebe was. Whilst lending the piece our own interpretation, which will be achieved collaboratively with my actress.

There will be two audition pieces that I will put behind the box office so actors can familiarise themselves with the text. I am not expecting you to learn the piece. But having a good grasp of it will be useful. If you have any difficulties with sight reading for any reason, do let me know so that we can take this into account.

If you would like to read the play, there will be a copy behind the box office. Please try to read it at the theatre rather than taking it away. If you would like to take a copy away to read, please get in touch so I can get your details to make arrangements and ensure the safe return as I only have a few copies.

*NB this will be colour blind casting. Actresses of any ethnicity may apply. More important is the age. So actresses who can comfortably pass on stage as 25-30.

Many thanks. I am looking forward to meeting you in the audition. Please do register your interest here and I am happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the audition.