Auditions on Sunday 5th January 12.30. Saturday 11th January 12.30. Sunday 19th January 19.00 – Call backs only if required. All in the Theatre Lounge. Playing dates 19th-24th May 2025
Readthrough Wednesday 22nd January, 19.00 Rehearsals commence Sunday 2nd February at 14.30
This tragi-comedy is about memory, loss, secrets and, above all, love. Bothered and Bewildered is described by its writer as a ‘comedy drama’; in fact, it is a clear expose’ of the devastation of dementia – the bewilderment of the sufferer and the effect on the family – and that makes a poignant, tragic story with some comic relief.
The play follows Irene and her two daughters Louise and Beth as they begin a long journey in which the girls lose their mum in spirit but not in body. As her family struggle to come to terms with her Alzheimer’s, Irene’s past passion for romantic fiction blurs with reality. She discusses with her unseen and witty companion, Barbara Cartland, how best to write her ‘memory book’, disclosing to Barbara long kept family secrets that she would never reveal to anyone else.
Characters:
Irene – Elderly widow and mother of Beth and Louise: Beth – Eldest daughter of Irene: Louise – Youngest daughter of Irene. (playing ages will be based on family fit and the dynamics of those cast).
Barbara Cartland (any age/era). Please note: I am looking for the ‘essence of Barbara – not an impression. She must be as authentic and real as all the other characters. though it would be worth checking her out on some You Tube videos to listen to her voice. Bing Videos
NHS Consultant (M or F): Community Police Officer (M or F): Consultant and Police Officer can be played by the same person or two people.
Jim (playing age 20’s): James (playing age 20’s). Jim and James must be played by the same actor.
Young Irene (playing age late teens): Shelly – Beth’s daughter, Irene’s granddaughter (playing age late teens). Young Irene and Shelly must be played by the same actor.
To express an interest in the play, or for a discussio0n about the play or characters, please contact the director, Christine Faulconbridge carichardson2391@gmail.com 07940035045.
For a copy of the script prior to auditions, please contact Sue Waller suewaller64@gmail.com 07483281644 or Owen Brooks owen.brooks@mhds.org.uk 01858 463673
Auditions are open to anyone but if you are cast in a play, or become involved in the production in anyway, you will be asked to become a member of The Market Harborough Drama Society.