SISTERLY FEELINGS by ALAN AYCKBOURN

 

Helen writes:

I am delighted to be directing ‘Sisterly Feelings’ in this very special 75th year for the Funtington Players.

This is a play that has two different versions that could be played, dependent on the actresses choices. However, we have rigged one of the versions for our production and we have chosen the route to provide more ensemble playing.

It will be great fun to perform, I played Abigail many years ago and I have fond memories of cycling, kite flying, sandwich switching and running races! What more could you want on Pendon common.

This play is family fun, unpure and simple.

An ensemble comedy with many well-crafted contrasting characters.

Following the funeral of his wife, Ralph brings his family to a favourite spot on Pendon Common. With him are his two daughters, Abigail and Dorcas - businessman husband Patrick and radical poet boyfriend Stafford respectively; his student son, Melvyn - with his fiancée Brenda and her brother Simon, and his brother-in-law, Detective Inspector Len, with his wife Rita. Both Abigail and Dorcas are attracted to the very good looking, athletic Simon. When Patrick has to leave prematurely to attend a business meeting, the rest are left with insufficient cars to get them all home, Abigail and Dorcas toss a coin and Abigail walks home with Simon. The ramifications of this simple, single act are felt throughout the rest of the play. Ayckbourn masterfully weaves a plot full of complications as he follows the ups and downs in the fortunes and changing relationships of all his rich characters.

 Characters

Ralph - Playing age 60-80, A retired doctor who is becoming slightly forgetful

Abigail – Ralphs daughter: Playing age Mid 30’s to mid 40’s

Dorcas – Ralphs daughter: Playing age Mid 30’s to mid 40’s

Melvyn – Ralphs younger son: Playing age 20-30’s – Student doctor

Len - Ralphs brother in law: Playing age 50’s to 70’s

Rita – Lens wife: Playing age 50’s – 70’s

Patrick – Abigail’s husband Playing age Mid 40’s+ - a successful businessman

Brenda – Melvyn’s fiancée: Playing age 18-25

Simon – Brenda’s brother, Playing age 30’s to Mid 40’s

Stafford – Dorcas’s partner, playing age mid 30’s to mid 40’s - a poet

Murphy – A small role, the police champion runner

AUDITIONS – Thursday 18th of April at 7.30pm,West Ashling Village Hall

The auditions will take the form of an informal workshop/read through of sections. Details of the dialogue selections that will be selected for reading will be available prior to the audition and scripts will become available in due course.  Keep an eye on the website for further details.

I look forward to seeing as many people as possible at the audition.

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