Synopsis

The play takes place entirely within the living room of Beverly and Laurence. They are hosting a drinks party for their new neighbours Angela and Tony who are new to the area and Sue from next door whose teenage daughter Abigail is having a party.

The play unfolds over the course of the evening revealing the social awkwardness, marital tensions and class anxieties of the characters. The conversations are filled with small talk, cliches and passive aggressive remarks which highlight the characters superficiality and lack of genuine connection.

As the evening progresses, the tension between Beverly and Laurence escalates, revealing their strained marriage. Sue, meanwhile, is increasingly anxious about her daughter's party. The play culminates in a dramatic climax when Laurence collapses and dies of a heart attack.

Characters

Playing ages are a guide

•  Beverly Moss – 35+

Beverly is the play's central figure, a domineering and socially ambitious hostess. She's obsessed with appearances and material possessions, striving for a level of sophistication that often comes across as garish and overbearing. She's characterized by her relentless attempts to control the evening. Beneath her confident facade, however, lies a deep insecurity and a yearning for validation. She uses her sexuality and forceful personality to mask her vulnerabilities. Need to be able to portray both the comedic and the darker, more vulnerable aspects of Beverly.


• Laurence Moss – 35+

Laurence is Beverly's husband, an estate agent who is stressed and frustrated by his wife's behavior and their strained relationship. He aspires to a more refined lifestyle, attempting to introduce elements of "high culture" into the evening, such as classical music and literary references. He is often portrayed as weak-willed, struggling to assert himself against Beverly's forceful personality. The role demands an actor who can convey a sense of suppressed frustration.


• Angela Cooper – 25+

Angela is the "newlywed" neighbour, portrayed as naive, eager to please, and somewhat lacking in social awareness. She is a nurse, and her enthusiasm for the evening is often out of sync with the growing tension in the room. She is trying to fit in, but often says the wrong thing. She is married to Tony. A naive, and youthful character.


• Tony Cooper – 30+

Tony, Angela's husband, is quiet, brooding, and generally disengaged from the social interactions.He is a former footballer, and projects a sense of suppressed aggression.He is uncomfortable with the social situation, and his minimal communication adds to the awkward atmosphere.He is very reserved, and gives off an air of wanting to be anywhere else but at the party. A quiet and somewhat intimidating character.


• Susan Lawson – 40+

Susan is the divorced neighbor, whose teenage daughter, Abigail, is holding the offstage party.She represents a more refined and reserved social class compared to the other characters.She becomes more and more uncomfortable as the evening progresses, and is forced to endure the increasingly vulgar behavior of Beverly.She is very uncomfortable with the situation, and is dealing with her own emotional turmoil. A refined yet nervous character.

Abigail's Party
Audition Pieces
Sue