Performances 12,14-19 November 2022 in the auditorium

Directed by Peter Konowalik

The play takes place over the course of a weekend in the Hall of the Bliss’s large English country house in the summer of 1924. The play blends over-the-top hijinks, slapstick, satire, and a comedy of manners to present a unique portrait of a wacky and dysfunctional English family oblivious to their behaviour.

Here we find the eccentric, artistic Bliss family. Judith Bliss, a retired actress for whom the entire world is a stage, her writer husband David, and their two grown-up children, Simon and Sorel. Resolutely in love with themselves and their bohemian ways, they have no room in their heads to consider the wants and even the feelings of other people. Over the top in their actions throughout, the family delight in winding each other up and provoking a dramatic reaction from each other.

Each member of the family has invited a guest to their home for the weekend with a plan for romantic liason. This is unbeknown to anyone else, so more guests arrive than there are rooms to accommodate them. It soon becomes clear that it is not them who will be the problem, but the family themselves as the Blisses indulge their artistic eccentricities in a whirlwind of flirtation and histrionics, and the hapless guests eventually wonder if they’ve landed in a madhouse whether they can survive with their own wits intact.

Note:

• In keeping with the period there are many references and stage directions to smoking. Some instances can be dropped from the script. For others I have not yet decided how to address this but be assured that no one will be put in a position they are uncomfortable with regarding smoking.

• There is a scene in Act II when Judith is flirting with Richard when she plays a piano and sings. We will not have a piano on stage which should eliminate any concerns regarding playing or singing for those who might consider auditioning.

• If you require any adjustments to enable you to audition, such as coloured acetates, coloured paper or a specific font, please contact the director at least three days before the audition. If we can offer any other support then do please let the director know.

• If you cannot make 16th August auditions please contact the Director as soon as possible to express your interest and discuss arranging another convenient time either before(preferred) or after that date. This notice and a synopsis of the play are available via the internet through this link. Alternatively please contact the Director for a copy here.

• The play will be the centenary gala production on the evening of 12th November 2022.

• Casting Advisers are Jenny Timmins and Colin Treliving.

Characters

The ages of all characters below are indicative – it’s what you project and the image you create that is important, rather than your actual age.

Judith Bliss: Female, 40-55

Mother to Simon and Sorel, wife of David. She lives, breathes and exudes theatre. She is beautiful, charismatic, glamorous, flamboyant and absolutely eccentric, living every aspect of her identity as a performance, never losing an opportunity to be the centre of attention. The nightmare weekend becomes her own private play, with her family and guests the supporting actors. Recently retired, she keeps insisting she will return to the stage as she has not adjusted well to country life. She invites Sandy Tyrell as a weekend guest.

David Bliss: Male, 40-60

Judith’s husband, Sorel and Simon’s father; a writer of second rate romantic novels that the entire family often argue about. Occasionally loud and pompous, he hides away for long periods of time attempting to write his latest novel. He invites Jackie Coryton as a weekend guest.

Sorel Bliss: Female, 18-25

Simon Bliss: Male, 18-25

The spoiled, petulant and self-absorbed children of Judith and David who resolutely refuse to grow up and are in constant competition for their Mother’s attention. The banter between them is fast-paced with school-like insults full of “Darlings”, “Dears” and dramatics. Sorel is educated in the arts; fresh, vibrant, intelligent but bored with her life. She invites Richard Greatham as a weekend guest Simon is an aspiring artist who invites Myra Arundel as a weekend guest.

Myra Arundel: Female, 30-45

Described by Judith as a "self-conscious vampire" who "goes about using sex as a shrimping net." A well-dressed, sophisticated socialite; invited to the Bliss house by her admirer, Simon.

Richard Greatham: Male, 40-50

Sorel’s invited guest, a proper English diplomat; somewhat stiff, who “always says something exquisitely diplomatic”. A true dapper gentleman he remains polite and conversational for as long as he can.

Sandy Tyrell: Male, 20-35

A young boxer and overall sporty ‘type’. A devoted fan of Judith who has invited him for a weekend of flirtation. A sweet man who wears his heart on his sleeve.

Jackie Coryton: Female, 20-30

David’s literary ‘inspiration’. A ditzy Flapper with a lot of heart. Shy, nervous and completely out of her depth in this company.

Clara Female, 50 – 60+

Long-suffering, put upon maid, who used to be Judith’s dresser. Plain speaking and used to the peculiarities of her employers.

Audition pieces

Copies of these pieces are available via the internet through this link. Alternatively please contact the Director for a copy here.

Judith Bliss:

Page 21 (from Judith “You must forgive me”) to bottom Page 24

Page 51 (Judith “David’s been a good Husband ...”) to Page 53 (Richard “Exactly”)

David Bliss:

From entrance bottom Page 60 to bottom Page 64

Sorel Bliss:

Pages 1 to 4. Page 5 (with Clara)

Simon Bliss:

Pages 1 to 4. Page 5 (with Clara)

Sandy Tyrell:

Page 21 (from Judith “You must forgive me”) to Page 24 (to Judith “Sandy!”)

Richard Greatham:

Page 31 (from Simon & Myra exit) to top Page 35 ( Sorel entrance)

Page 51 (Judith “David’s been a good Husband ...”) to Page 53 (Richard “Exactly”)

Myra Arundel:

From entrance bottom Page 60 to bottom Page 64

Jackie Coryton:

Page 31 (from Simon & Myra exit) to top Page 35 (Sorel entrance)

Clara:

From entrance bottom Page 4 to exit Page 5

Audition format will be duologues with other auditionees.