The Rondo Theatre Company is Auditioning...

The Deep Blue Sea

by Terence Rattigan

Directed and produced by:

Andy Fletcher, Naomi Miller and Lisa Thrower

Performance dates:

Wednesday 25th November to Saturday 28th November 2020

Audition dates:
Sunday 29 March, 6pm at the Museum of Bath at Work, Julian Road, Bath BA1 2RH

and
Tuesday 31 March 7.30pm at the Rec Pavilion, Pulteney Mews, Bath BA2 4DS

1952. Ladbroke Grove, West London. In a dreary flat, Hester Collyer reaches breaking point. When
she is found by her neighbours in the aftermath of a failed suicide attempt, the story of her
tempestuous affair with a former RAF pilot and the breakdown of her marriage to a High Court Judge
begins to emerge. With it comes a portrait of need, loneliness and long repressed passion. Widely
regarded as Rattigan’s semi-autobiographical masterpiece, The Deep Blue Sea is a powerful and
moving play of love and loss, passion and desperation set against the backdrop of post war Britain.

There are 8 great parts for men and women of different ages, with some flexibility in playing ages, so
please come and join us. You can find some brief details of the characters below. You only need to
attend one audition and there is nothing to prepare in advance. If you are not able to attend but are
interested in auditioning,

please contact Andy on 07979 531130.

Hester Collyer (playing age 35-45) – the central focus of the play, Hester has left her privileged life

to embark on a passionate affair with Freddie. She is complex and full of apparent contradictions,

with a veneer of strength and control masking great vulnerability. On stage pretty much throughout,

this is very substantial role.

Freddie Page – (playing age (28-35) – Hester’s lover. A brilliant and decorated RAF pilot struggling to

come to terms with post war life. As such, much of his conversation and demenour is still stuck in

1945. He is passionate, erratic and ultimately struggles to return the intensity of Hester’s love.

Sir William Collyer (playing age 45-60) – Hester’s husband. A renowned High Court Judge with all the mannerisms of upper middle class privilege and success. He is not a caricature though – he is

wounded by Hester’s betrayal, yet wants to love and protect her. But is perhaps more in love with

the respectable ideal of a dutiful wife.

Mrs Elton (playing age 35-80) – The landlady of the building which is owns with her (never seen)

husband. She discovers Hester, half dead at the start of the play. She knows all there is to know

about everybody, but is kind, discreet, loyal and humorous and is particularly fond of Hester. Very

flexible playing age.

Mr Miller (playing age 35-55) – the ‘doctor’ hiding a secret, Miller lives in the upstairs room and

attends to Hester following her attempt on her life. German born, he must have the hint of a

German accent. A complex man, Miller becomes Hester’s conscience and unlikely confidante as she

struggles with which life-path to choose. Retains an air of professional authority, even though he’s

now slightly shabby and wounded.

Ann Welch (playing age 20s) - Lives in another flat in the building with her husband Philip. Along
with Mrs Elton they discover Hester at the start of the play and unearth her scandalous secret that
she is not really Mrs Page. Overprotected by her husband, she is more able and intelligent that she is
perhaps given credit for.

Philip Welch (playing age 20s) – Ann’s husband who, along with her and Mrs Elton discover Hester
at the outset. Later becomes Freddie’s unlikely confidante and go-between. A civil servant by
profession, he tries to be the alpha male, but often gets in a panic.

Jackie Jackson (playing age 28-35) – Freddie’s friend from their RAF days who attempts to provide
advice and support once the truth of Hester’s suicide attempt and the reasons behind it become
clear.