Audition

The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race

22 Sep 2024 @ 7:00pm,
23 Sep 2024 @ 7:30pm
Malvern Theatre Co. Inc.

Author: Melanie Tait

Director: Helen Ellis

Genre: Comedy

Agent: Cameron's Management

Synopsis

When Penny returns to her hometown of Appleton in NSW to set up as the local GP, she is excited to embrace the town and all its quirky pastimes, including the biggest event of the year, the famous Potato Sack Race. However, when she learns the prize money for the women is 5 times lower than that for the men, well, she just can’t stay silent. But she isn’t prepared for the battles she is about to face …

Inspired by Melanie Tait’s own experiences, ‘Appleton’ tackles gender politics and the fight for equality in an exuberant, warm-hearted comedy. This sparkling play has enjoyed return, sell-out seasons across the country, and has been adapted into a movie. Malvern Theatre Company is delighted to present its first Victorian production.

Characters

Acting Roles:

Penny Anderson: Local GP –practicing medicine in Appleton having returned after a long time away (in the Big Smoke) – a bit lost, frustrated, how she sees things is not always (practically never) how the rest of the town sees things

Genders: Female

Ages: 30-40, 40-55

Bev Armstrong: Appleton Show Society President – strong on the outside, controlling, set in her ways – not much happens unless she makes it happen

Genders: Female

Ages: 65+

Barb Ling: Appleton Show Society Secretary and aunt to Penny and Nikki (described as tall and thin) – the peacemaker – supportive and caring – doesn’t’ want to make a fuss – Bev’s best friend and sidekick

Genders: Female

Ages: 65+

Nikki Armstrong: Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race Former Champion and hairdresser – loud and opinionated but insecure (Penny’s Cousin and polar opposite)

Genders: Female

Ages: 30-40, 40-55

Rania Hamid: Artist, Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race Recent Former Champion and new Appletonian (middle eastern appearance) – quiet but friendly, smart and practical, doesn’t want to make a fuss (at first)

Genders: Female

Ages: 30-40, 40-55

Precast Characters:

none

Audition Venue & Dates

Audition Dates and Times:

7:00pm on:

  • Sun 22nd Sep 2024

7:30pm on:

  • Mon 23rd Sep 2024

Audition Venue Name: Malvern Theatre Company

Audition Venue Address:

29 Burke Rd
Malvern East VIC 3145

Audition Enquiries Contact: Helen Ellis via email: ellisproductions@me.com

Performances

Season Dates: 14 Feb 2025 - 1 Mar 2025

Showtimes:

2:00pm on:

  • Sat 15th Feb 2025
  • Sun 23rd Feb 2025
  • Sat 1st Mar 2025

8:00pm on:

  • Fri 14th Feb 2025
  • Sat 15th Feb 2025
  • Wed 19th Feb 2025
  • Thu 20th Feb 2025
  • Fri 21st Feb 2025
  • Sat 22nd Feb 2025
  • Wed 26th Feb 2025
  • Thu 27th Feb 2025
  • Fri 28th Feb 2025
  • Sat 1st Mar 2025

More info

Other Information

Other Information:

ALL roles, excluding Rania – must have strong Australian accents. This is a character driven piece with close and strained relationships. Colloquial, a story of legend, and a story of fighting for what’s right and just and for the future.

Rehearsals will commence on or around 7 December 2024 and allow for a 2-week break over the Christmas period. Rehearsals will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:30pm to 10pm-ish and on Sundays around 2:30pm – 5:30pm.

Auditionees must have read the script. Please contact Artistic Director, Nicholas Opolski, for a copy of the script, nopolski@hotmail.com

Please email the Director to book an audition time – via ellisproductions@me.com