Auditions "Life and Beth" by Alan Ayckbourn

Everyone is welcome to come and audition for our March show "Life And Beth" by Alan Ayckbourn.

Audition dates:

Monday 16th September 7:30pm

Thursday 19th September 7:30pm

Performances dates:

Tues 4th - Sat 8th March 2025

Synopsis

Beth Timms is mourning the recent death of her husband, Gordon, a Health and Safety officer. She is quietly adjusting to life without him, becoming used to it. But Beth’s son, Martin, and her sister-in-law, Connie, have other ideas. Along with Ella, Martin’s sad and emotional girlfriend, they come to stay to ensure Beth has a stress-free Christmas.

So much for good intentions.

The only comfort for Beth comes from David, the local vicar who says a prayer for her, which unwittingly summons Gordon’s ghost, who returns to ‘help’ her manage her life. But does she want or need his help? And what happened to Wagstaff, the cat?

The Cast of Characters (3 men, 3 women)

Please don’t be put off auditioning due to the stated ages. They are a guide, and there is flexibility.

• Beth Timms is in her 50s, old enough to have an early 30-ish son. Her husband Gordon used to manage almost everything whether she wanted him to or not. She is now learning to live and cope without him, although no one around her thinks she can.
• Gordon Timms - 60s. Beth’s deceased husband, a Health and Safety officer who was equally ‘efficient’ at home.
• Connie Bunting - Late 50s to 60s. A widow. Beth’s sister-in-law, older sister of Gordon by one or two years. Has a soft spot for the local vicar… and red wine.
• Martin Timms - 30s. Car salesman. He thinks he can fill his father’s shoes. In fact, he has inherited many of Gordon’s habits, mostly the annoying ones.
• Ella Packer - Mid to late 20s, early 30s. Martin’s sullen, emotionally volatile, much put-upon girlfriend who rarely speaks. When she does, she is off-stage. Also causes chaos in the kitchen.
• David Grinseed – Mid-40s - 50s. The well-meaning local clergyman, a widower. Not good with names.
• There are also two police officers (man & woman) heard off-stage in conversation with Martin. 

If you would like a copy of the play before the audition, or if you would like any further details, please email: backdrop@thamesplayers.co.uk