Laughter in the Dark

Play Reading & Auditions - This week

Right ATGers we've had a few weeks' rest and now your favourite drama group is rolling up it's sleeves ready to start our November production - come and get involved! And if you're new to ATG or thinking of joining, now is the perfect time!

Get involved

Tuesday 5th August - Play Reading
Come along to read a bit of the play, meet the gang and find out what parts and backstage roles are available.

Thursday 7th August - Auditions
You'll be asked to read for the casting committee, don't worry, they're not a scary lot and then we'll all go to the pub.

Tuesday 12th August - Auditions
If you can't make the 7th come along on the 12th instead, if you can't make either, make sure you contact Christine or a This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we'll make sure you're considered for a role.

All of the above take place at our rehearsal room, lovingly called The Hut at 8pm, you can find directions here.

The play

Laughter in the Dark by Victor Lucas
To be directed by Christine Woodhead

Synopsis

Twas the night before Christmas and all over the house, spooks were stirring...

Welcome to Creeching Cheyney, a 1950s faded, eerie mansion where ghostly goings-on are a common occurrence. Into this creepy abode come the unsuspecting Budgett family – the domineering Alathea and her husband Herbert with their daughter Belinda and her boyfriend Cyril. They are greeted by the old and rambling butler, Gripe, who is surprised to learn that his master, Mr Desmond Cheyney has died abroad and his vast fortune is to be passed to the family. Everyone is even more surprised to learn that under the terms of the will they are obliged to spend a year living at the mansion – if they dare!

As the snows falls and the night draws in the group are joined by other weary travellers – a fugitive cowgirl, a smooth-talking film producer and his efficient secretary, the family lawyer and even a homicidal Native American. Throw in a few ghostly apparitions and the night is set for chills and thrills, romance and laughs!

Roles available

GRIPE - Main Part: The old retainer at Creeching Cheyney. Old and rambling, like the house. Bit of a letch. More Riff-Raff than Jeeves.

ALATHEA BUDGETT – Main Part: Wife of Herbert. Domineering and forceful woman. Used to getting her own way, but thinks she is doing it for the best.

HERBERT BUDGETT – Main Part: Husband of Alathea. Shy and a bit bashful. Down-trodden but a decent bloke.

BELINDA BUDGETT – Main Part: Daughter of Alathea & Herbert. A woman who knows her own mind and isn’t afraid to say what she thinks.

CYRIL CARRAWAY – Main Part: Boyfriend of Belinda. Slightly dim but well meaning. Is always eager to please.

BUNNY - Secondary Part: Ex-circus performer. Bubbly and friendly. Has no gile and is nice to everyone, especially Herbert.

THUNDERCLOUD – Minor Role: Native American circus performer. Is really of Mediterranean origin. Large and threatening.

GOSFORTH – Small Part: Lawyer. Polite and professional.

LYDIA PRENTICE – Main Part: Alec’s Secretary. Very business-like and efficient. However she gets in touch with her more feminine-side when romance blossoms.

ALEC OGLEBY – Main Part: Film Producer. Bit of a conman and a lothario with a gift of the gab, but basically good natured.

EMILY BUDGETT – Minor Role: Forceful and strong-willed, but not unreasonable.

Backstage

As always, there are plenty of backstage and front of house roles needed as well. If you'd like to try your hand at stage management, props, prompt, front of house, scenery painting, set building and more please come along to the play reading or auditions and we'll fit you to a role.