by Beth Steel
Directed by Chris Hannigan
Play Reading: Tuesday 15 December 2026 at 7.45pm, in the studio
Auditions: Friday 8 January 2027 at 7.45pm or Sunday 17 January at 2pm, in the theatre
Performance Dates: 29 April – 8 May 2027
This is, quite simply, a barnstormer of a play.
WhatsOnStage called it “A blistering comedy, full of the deepest, saddest truths about life. It is Chekhov on Heineken – reaching the parts other plays cannot reach.” It’s funny but it’s angsty in equal measure. A huge opportunity for actors to really let rip on stage. We will hold nothing back. We will turn this one up to eleven!
Set in Nottinghamshire we will need to tune in to the East Midland brogue. We need to create a highly believable, close-knit family unit. Your director grew up in a mining community in Leicestershire and can’t wait to flatten your vowels – but it will take dedication inside and outside the rehearsal room.
Hazel, Maggie and Sylvia are the three daughters of widower and ex-miner, Tony. Pete, Tony’s estranged brother, also an ex-miner, is married to Carol – an absolute tour-de-force mother replacement for the sisters. Hazel is in a loveless marriage with John, who has eyes on another.
Together they have two daughters, Leanne (14) and Sarah (10). Completing the lineup is Marek, a Pole who moved to the area five years ago and has worked his socks off to finally own his own business.
It is Sylvia and Marek’s wedding day. It will start in a blur of hair-straighteners and lip-liner and end with everyone’s life being changed forever.
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with NICK HERN BOOKS.
Characters
Hazel | 35-40
Maggie | 35-45
Sylvia | 30-35
Auntie Carol | 55-65
Leanne | 14 (ideally an older actor playing younger)
Sarah | 10
Tony | 60-70
Pete | 60-70
John | 35-45
Marel | 30-40