Two by Jim Cartwright (subject to performance rights)
Performance dates: To be confirmed, but likely to be end September / early October.
Auditions: 1 August at the Welsh Church Hall.
Ever sat in a pub wondering just who some of your fellow boozers are? In "Two", we invite you for a night down the local, where you'll get to know some of the regulars and find out what's really going on in their heads. Originally performed with just two actors, this production will feature a full cast. What you'll see and hear is, by turns, funny, moving, frightening and sometimes just downright daft. A little bit like life really…. but a lot like a night down the pub.
The play was written with the intention that all of the parts could be played by two actors. In this production, we are planning to use a full cast, but we might consider doubling-up some parts. We would not, however, double-up the landlord and landlady, as these are the most demanding parts in the play and they have to carry the main plot-line. The other parts are self-contained and smaller, which might suit actors who might, for example, be involved in another production. However, they are all very strong character parts, which are challenging, but offer a lot of scope to do things with. The main emphasis of rehearsal will be on character development.
In terms of staging, one of the drawbacks of seeing this performed on a stage is that it doesn't actually feel like being in a pub. Therefore, we are intending to stage this in an actual pub (subject to confirmation of venue) and the acting space will be in amongst the audience. It is important therefore, that all actors in the cast are comfortable with this kind of physical proximity to the audience.
Characters
Landlord and Landlady - The central characters and the only recurring roles in the play. On one level, they are the archetypal bickering couple, but it transpires that there is a lot more going on between these two than meets the eye. Both actors in these roles would need to be equally comfortable playing comic and emotional scenes.
Old Woman - A regular who pops in for her half of stout after getting the groceries in and tending to her ailing husband.
Old Man - A widower, who's not really here for the company. Rather, he just likes a drink and his thoughts for company.
Moth and Maudie - Moth is an ageing lothario who hasn't so much lost it, as never really had it to begin with. Maudie is his long suffering girlfriend, enduring his constant scheming to get into her purse and every other girl's pants, whilst trying to figure out how she can induce him to make an honest woman of her.
Mr and Mrs Iger - Mrs Iger is obsessed with "big men", and delivers a detailed monologue on their virtues. Strange then, that she is married to someone too meek to even manage to get the attention of the bar staff to get a round of drinks in.
Roy and Lesley - Roy is essentially a thoroughly despicable individual, relentlessly bullying and browbeating his girlfriend Lesley to the point where she is afraid to look anyone in the eye. The challenge in playing Roy is to avoid playing him as a one-tone character and to hint at some of his own insecurities that might lead to his obnoxious, controlling behaviour. The challenge in playing Lesley is to communicate much of her tortured and frustrated mindset non-verbally.
Fred and Alice - This couple could be described as having special needs. They certainly have issues, including an unhealthy fixation with Elvis and obscure extras in B-movies. Potentially a very funny scene, but requiring quite a lot of sensitivity in how it is played.
The "Other" Woman - Has been having an affair with a married man who frequents the pub and comes to confront him on his own turf.
Young Boy - A youngster who wanders into the pub looking for his Dad. We may, or may not, cast this up front. It would be quite a daunting role for a youngish child to play, although I wouldn't rule it out. It's possible that we may use an adult actor, but I'd rather leave it open for the moment.