The Philadelphia Story

Playing dates Feb 5th – 10th 2024. 

 Audition: 6th August 10am in the Studio

Think of a world of wealth, class and 1940’s American sophistication all rolled up into the screwball romantic comedy that is

 THE PHILADELPHIA STORY

The plot involves Tracy Lord, an inhibited and spoiled daughter of the privileged.  She is recently divorced from C.J. Dexter Haven and is now engaged to be married to a successful young snob from a lower class.  A gossip magazine sends a reporter and a photographer to report on the upcoming nuptials in return for not running an article on her father’s relationship with a show girl.  Mistaken identities, confusion and a happy ending, what more can you want?

If it all sounds familiar then you may have seen the film adaptation or ‘High Society’ which was the musical film version of the play.  The actors who have played these roles include, Grace Kelly, Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and James Stewart.  Whilst wanting to emulate the comedy of these performers I by no means want to copy them.  Whomever is cast will find their own way of playing the role.  What it will require is an American accent, preferably New England, but as long as we all sound alike it will be fine.  

I will start rehearsing at the end of November, have a break for Christmas then from the New Year onwards.

The characters are, below with their playing age range, this does not mean you have to be that age to audition as it depends on looks and chemistry between the actors

Seth Lord, father, the one having the affair with the show girl, a little pompous (40 – 60)

Uncle Wille, step-brother, a philanderer and flirt, comic! (60 -70)

Margaret Lord, mother, matriarch of the family, matter of fact (40 – 60)

Tracy Lord, daughter, the main character and goes through the journey of falling in love with Dexter again, feisty but romantic (25 – 35)

Sandy Lord, son, tries in vain to sort the mess out, stoical (25 – 35)

Dinah Lord, daughter, aiming to get Tracey and Dexter back together again, very funny (15)

C.K. Dexter Haven, previous husband, suave sophisticated and has always been in love with Tracey, gets the girl in the end (25 – 40)

George Kitteridge, new fiancé, pompous ass! (25 – 40)

Mike Conner, reporter, from New York, writes novels, is a reporter to pay the bills, awkward in these surroundings (25- 40)

Liz Imbrie, photographer, from New York, an artist who takes photos to pay the bills, down to earth, is in love with Mike (25-40)

There are a number of maids and butlers which can be doubled up and of any gender.

If anyone is interested or would like to look at a script, my mobile number is 07904 362393 and email undie@outlook.com.

Director: Graham Buckingham-Underhill 

As with all auditions at The Talisman Theatre, there is very much an open audition policy in place and we welcome anyone to come along to the theatre and audition for the available roles. Please see our diversity statement below for more details.