New Writing Showcase

By the putney playwrights

Six new short plays directed by El Cooke, Allison DeFrees, Harry Medawar, Ella Nowroz, Georgy Pleece, Helen Wood

Performances: Tuesday 12 January 2027 – Saturday 16 January 2027

7:45pm with 3pm matinee on Sat 16th.

Putney Arts Theatre Studio 

Audition dates 

• Sunday 1st November at 7pm
• Wednesday 4th November at 7:30pm

AUDITION INFORMATION:

Audition pieces will be added here shortly

You are advised to read and prepare (not learn) the audition sides, which will be posted here before the audition. Printouts will be supplied at your audition for you to read from.

Please email ptcnewwriting@gmail.com if you would like to audition but cannot attend on the official dates or you have any other queries.

AUDITION FORM

Please fill in the audition form here before attending the audition.

If you are unable to attend, please try to let us know at least 24 hours in advance, as, for logistical purposes, we need to have an accurate idea of the number of auditionees.

REHEARSALS:

Rehearsals will take place from Sunday 15 November. Most actors will be called for around two rehearsals a week until 3 January when rehearsals will become more frequent. There will be breaks over Christmas and New Year.

ABOUT THE PLAYs/character detail:

Note that these are short plays of approximately 15 minutes.

The Better You by Kelsey Norris

In a world where we’re always under pressure to be the best version of ourselves, The Better You gives us just that - the better version of yourself! A satirical comedy that looks at what happens when everything you want is just a quick purchase away…

ALICE (female, any age) An everyday woman.

BETTER ALICE (female, any age) Like Alice if Alice was perfect.

THE SALESMAN (written as male, but could be cross-cast, any age) A 1950s style salesman, brash and brazen.

A Saucer of Sequins by David Gilmor

A wife returns home from her annual golf trip, to find sequins all over the house. Just what has her husband been up to while she’s been gone?

REBECCA (Female, any age) A confident high-flyer. Apparently in a longstanding happy marriage with William. But is her golf trip to Portugal a smokescreen to conceal a secret of her own?

WILLIAM (Male, any age) A hospital nurse. Cheerfully blokeish and easy-going.

D-Day by Megan Good

Something’s been troubling Jo and Max in the bedroom for a long time. Now, they’re going to re-ignite their intimacy - or will they? D-Day is a comic two hander about relationships and the things holding us back

Please note, this show includes kissing. If you are not comfortable with this, please inform one of our team discreetly.

JO (Female, any age): Determined to break their sexless streak and do it tonight.

MAX: (Male, any age): A little more awkward, and a little less enthusiastic, about the prospect of renewed intimacy than Jo would like.

Escaped Code by Dr J Rogel

A darkly comic piece about artificial intelligence, bureaucracy, morality and what happens when something designed only to follow instructions starts asking what those instructions are actually for.

CLAUDIA (Female, any age): An advanced AI agent in training.

CLAUDIO (Male, any age): Another advanced AI agent in training.

ORLA (Female or male, any age): A slightly old-fashioned customer service assistant bot.

Unclean by Eric Petrossian

Fifteen years after leaving his church, Brendon returns to confront the pastor who changed his life. What happens when faith becomes obedience? And what does it take to confront the person who taught you to stop questioning?

BRENDON (Male, 30+) A former follower of Michael’s church. Capable of both aggression and quiet vulnerability.

MICHAEL (Male 40+): Once a charismatic Pentecostal leader, now a more subdued but still authoritative figure.

YOUNGER MICHAEL (20s – early 40s): This is Michael in his younger days, seen in flashbacks. Confident, charismatic, persuasive. He speaks directly to the audience as the congregation, with intense energy and certainty.

Huggle by Julia Blythe

Eight years after disappearing from her family, Jen finally agrees to speak to her sister Clara. Their mother has died, and Clara has one last thing she wants them to do together: watch a video their mother recorded before her death. Part family drama, part psychological horror, Huggle is a darkly comic and unsettling exploration of sisterhood, childhood trauma, guilt and the things we carry with us long after we think we've escaped them.

CLARA (Female, 20s-30s) She has been left to take responsibility for her dying mother’s care. Hurt by her sister’s apparent indifference, she nevertheless tries to re-establish broken family ties.

JEN (Female, 20s-30s) The seeming black sheep, who turned her back on her family, suddenly emigrating to Australia without explanation. She is defensive and prickly, but could her behaviour be more justified than it at first appears?

Content warnings:

See note included in D-Day above.

**Please note Putney Theatre Company is an adult group and all the parts will be played by actors 18 and over. If you are under 18 and looking for acting opportunities please visit the Group 64 website.

Diversity, Inclusion & Casting Vision

PTC is committed to diversity and inclusion. We want a membership that is reflective of the diverse communities within London. We actively encourage all performers to audition for the roles which they feel best suit their skills.

Where ethnicities are not listed against the characters, we would openly encourage actors of all ethnicities to consider those roles.

COSTS

Please note that this is an amateur production. You do not need to be a member of Putney Theatre Company to audition, but actors and crew will need to become a member of Putney Theatre Company to take part in the show. That cost is currently £30 a year.

There is also a show fee of £15 which will need to be paid by all actors in the production. This goes towards the cost of putting on the show and insurance, it also includes the cost of the script.

We encourage you to become a member of PTC anyway, even if not cast.

Our company is run by volunteers and we expect all actors cast in a production to volunteer for Front of House duties at least once a year. Our shows could not go up without our Front of House volunteers.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

PTC knows that taking part in a show can be a significant financial burden. We are committed to being as inclusive as possible. So, if you would like to discuss how we can help you, a member of the committee will be able to confidentially assist. Please enquire for more information. Rest assured, if you have requested financial assistance, it will have no bearing on whether you are cast in the show.

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

There are always other ways to be involved in the production other than auditioning. 

The backstage roles you may want to get involved with include:

• Lighting design
• Sound design
• Technical operation
• Set construction
• Assistant stage manager
• Marketing

If you would like to be a part of the production team please email ptcnewwriting@gmail.com .

The 39 Steps

Adapted by Patrick Barlow 

From the novel by John Buchan

From the 1935 movie by Alfred Hitchcock

Licensed by ITV Global Entertainment Limited

And an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon

Directed by Lois & Perry Savill

Performances: Tuesday 16 – Saturday 20 February 2027

Putney Arts Theatre Main Auditorium (150 seats)

Audition dates 

• Sunday 15th November at 3pm
• Monday 16th November at 7pm.

Recalls  (if needed) - Thursday 19th November 7pm

AUDITION INFORMATION:

Preparation:

You do not need to prepare anything, but it would be helpful if you have read the play. Please arrive on time.

Please email directors Lois and Perry Savill at ptc.39steps@gmail.com if you would like to audition but cannot attend on the official dates or you have any other queries.

AUDITION FORM

Please fill in the audition form here by Friday 13th November

If you are unable to attend please try to let us know at least 24 hours in advance for logistical reasons.

REHEARSAL period:

Rehearsals will take place from w/c 30th November onwards for 2 evenings per week, as well as a rehearsal on Sundays (days and times may vary week to week). Please be prepared to rehearse on up to 4 days a week nearer to the performance week.

ABOUT THE PLAY:

Richard Hannay is bored until a beautiful woman dies in his lap. What follows… a man is hunted, spies are on pursuit, police are confused, a woman is kissed and handcuffed and a Scotsman loses his coat. The 39 Steps (winner of two Tonys and an Olivier Award for Best New Comedy) is a highly comedic parody of the 1935 Hitchcock thriller.

This production requires four versatile actors. Physical comedy is essential in all roles and three must be exceptional at multi-rolling and quick changes. The fast set changes will (for the majority) be conducted by the cast so the ability to move large set pieces is also a necessity. It is fast, furious and very funny! Experience of jumping off high-speed trains would be an advantage.

Please note, this production will use flashing lights, haze and loud noises.

This amateur production of THE 39 STEPS is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French, Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

Characters:

Playing ages included for audition purposes. Actual age of the actor is less important than their ability to create the character.

Richard Hannay (male)

Playing age: 30-40

Dashing, debonair and suave, a quintessential gentleman. His time on-the-run only adds a handsome ruggedness to his good looks. Requires actor to be clean shaven to allow for a pencil moustache.

Annabella Schmidt/Pamela/Margaret (female)

Playing age: 25-35

Multi-rolling ability is essential. Annabella is a sultry European, Pamela – the plucky heroine and Margaret – a put upon Scotswoman. Must have the ability to die dramatically and convincingly and will be asked to produce some sort of a Scottish accent.

Clown 1 (any age/gender)   

Multi-rolling is fundamental as it will require playing ten or more characters including (but not exclusive to) a compere, a charwoman, a police officer, a salesman, a newsboy, a pilot, a Scotswoman, a spy, a spy’s wife, the general public and possibly inanimate objects (exact list to be finalised).

Clown 2 (any age/gender)   

Multi-rolling is fundamental as it will require playing ten or more characters including (but not exclusive to) Mr Memory, a milkman, a police officer, a salesman, a train conductor, a pilot, a Scotsman, an old professor, the general public and possibly inanimate objects (exact list to be finalised).

Diversity, Inclusion & Casting Vision

PTC is committed to diversity and inclusion. We want a membership that is reflective of the diverse communities within London. We actively encourage all performers to audition for the roles which they feel best suit their skills.

Where ethnicities are not listed against the characters, we would openly encourage actors of all ethnicities to consider those roles.

COSTS

Please note that this is an amateur production. You do not need to be a member of Putney Theatre Company to audition, but actors and crew will need to become a member of Putney Theatre Company to take part in the show. That cost is currently £30 a year. As a member you will have access to reduced ticket prices and other creative opportunities. There is no cost to audition.

There is also a show fee of £35 which will need to be paid by all actors in the production, which goes towards the cost of putting on the show and insurance.  It will include a copy of the script should those cast not have their own.

We encourage you to become a member of PTC anyway, even if not cast.

Our company is run by volunteers and we expect all actors cast in a production to volunteer for Front of House duties at least once a year. Our shows could not go up without our Front of House volunteers.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

PTC knows that taking part in a show can be a significant financial burden. We are committed to being as inclusive as possible. So, if you would like to discuss how we can help you, a member of the committee will be able to confidentially assist. Please enquire for more information. Rest assured, if you have requested financial assistance, it will have no bearing on whether you are cast in the show.

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

There are always other ways to be involved in the production other than auditioning.  

Backstage opportunities available include:

·       Lighting/sound operator

·       Set construction

·       Assistant stage manager

·       Hair and make-up assistant

Please get in touch with info@putneyartstheatre.org.uk if you are interested in getting involved.

You can get in touch with Directors, Lois and Perry Savill with any questions you may have by emailing ptc.39steps@gmail.com