Performances 27 October-1 November 2025 in the Auditorium

Directed by Payash Raslan

Home, I’m Darling by Laura Wade is a clever and thought-provoking comedy that explores what happens when nostalgia becomes a way of life. Judy has stepped away from the modern world to embrace the role of the perfect 1950s housewife. However, perfection often comes at a price. Behind the smiles and immaculate surfaces, tensions begin to simmer. Home, I’m Darling is a sharp, stylish comedy with a layered take on nostalgia, feminism, and the complexities of relationships. It explores how we construct and cling to our own versions of reality, and what happens when those carefully built narratives start to unravel.

JUDY (Main Role | Female | Playing Age: 30s to early 40s)

Judy is the central character and is on stage for almost the entire play. Intelligent, idealistic, and deeply committed to the retro lifestyle she has chosen, she presents herself as the perfect 1950s housewife. With polished charm and precision, she keeps up appearances, but as her grip on control weakens, her carefully built world begins to unravel. This is an important role that combines humour with emotional depth.

Includes choreographed jive dancing and one sensitively rehearsed intimate scene with Johnny.

Audition pieces: Act I, Scene II (pp. 11-12) and Act II, Scene I (p. 61)

JOHNNY (Main Role | Male | Playing Age: 35 to 45)

Judy’s husband. He initially seems fully on board with their 1950s style life, but as the outside world creeps in, Johnny begins to question their choices. He is a charming and supportive husband, but over time, his unease and frustration begin to surface.

Includes one sensitively rehearsed intimate scene with Judy.

Audition pieces: Act I, Scene 1 (p. 3) and Act II, Scene II (p. 70)

FRAN (Supporting Role | Female | Playing Age: 30s to 40s)

Fran is Judy’s close friend and Marcus’s wife. She’s intrigued by Judy’s choices and, along with Marcus, represents a more modern couple with their own set of challenges.

Audition piece: Act II, Scene III (pp. 80–81)

MARCUS (Supporting Role | Male | Playing Age: 30s to 40s)

Fran’s husband and part of Judy and Johnny’s social circle. Outgoing and opinionated, Marcus provides some comic moments, but his views and actions create tension in the group.

Includes choreographed jive dancing.

Audition pieces: Act I, Scene V (p. 45) and Act II, Scene V (p. 95)

SYLVIA (Supporting Role | FEMALE | Playing Age: 60s and above)

Judy’s outspoken and feminist mother. Sylvia is shocked and disappointed by her daughter’s retreat into domesticity. Although she appears in only a few scenes, they are powerful, especially a standout monologue that provides a sharp generational contrast.

Audition piece: Act II, Scene III (pp. 82–83)

ALEX (Supporting Role | Female | Playing Age: late 20s to 30s)

Johnny’s manager at the estate agency. Smart, professional, and modern, Alex represents a direct challenge to Judy’s world. This role adds to the growing pressure around Judy and should be performed with confidence and nuance.

Audition piece: Act II, Scene IV (pp. 88–89)

Audition Information:

Audition pieces will be available at the Lace Market Theatre. If you'd like a PDF version, please get in touch. Although not essential, actors are strongly encouraged to read the play beforehand. A copy of the script is available at the Lace Market Theatre, but it must not leave the premises.

There will be some warm-up exercises as part of the audition, so please wear loose, comfortable clothing and footwear. There will also be one additional activity during the audition, which doesn't require any preparation. Actors might be called back for a second audition on 3rd July. Rehearsals will start in mid-July, exact date to be confirmed.

If you are interested in auditioning or have any questions, please get in touch.