Directed by: Nadine Beasley
Performance dates: 3rd – 7th November 2026
Members’ dress rehearsal: 1st November 2026
Rehearsals start: 4th August 2026
Auditions in the theatre lounge are on
Tuesday 30th June at 7pm
Thursday 2nd July at 7pm
And there will be another session in the Harlequin Room at Harborough Theatre on
Tuesday 14th July at 7pm
In this very funny and deeply human exploration of family, faith, tradition and tolerance, David Highland, a Devonshire Parish priest, with a propensity for drink and a wandering eye, a kind man with good standing in the community, finds his faith and determination challenged as he feels compelled to take an unpopular stand in the organisation of a funeral for a young girl. As he finds himself isolated from social media fuelled public opinion regarding Disney balloons, the cracks and disorder in his own family life become ever more apparent, and David faces a future that could threaten everything he holds dear.
The cast of 9 includes 3 men and 6 women. Age stated is playing age and can be flexible, as the important part is a convincing character.
Although some roles are obviously larger than others I prefer to work in a team, where size of role or number of words said is not the defining issue. To me everyone works together towards a credible ensemble
Characters:
David Highland – Middle Aged – Devonshire vicar. Not a local. Penchant for wine and women. Not sure about song! Very firmly held beliefs, dry wit, charming and self aware.
Lee Southbury – 20-30 – Uncle of the deceased child. West country accent. Troubled, manipulative, seethes with working class rage, often malicious with strange intentions.
Naomi Highland – Late 20s-30s – Naomi is the younger adopted daughter of the Highlands. Preferably a woman of colour. Left home to become an actress. Outspoken in words and dress, cynical and struggling with identity. Loves a pub and stretches boundaries.
Janet Oram – 40-50 – Bossy wife of local doctor. Busybody, snobbish and self appointed community campaigner.
Susannah Highland – mid 30s – Older daughter of the Highlands. Dutiful, unmarried school teacher, lonely, repressed and scared of losing her home.
Mary Highland – middle aged – Steely long-suffering wife of David. Descended from local gentry, she has coped for long enough with her husband’s problems. She is quietly spoken but determined.
Craig Collier – 30s – Young progressive gay curate sent to assist with the problem. Has his own hidden demons and struggles with the rules of the church.
Joy Sampson – 30s – Local no nonsense pregnant police officer. Pragmatic and unflappable, with a good heart that sees the best in people.
Tina Southbury – early 30s – Grieving mother of Taylor, the child. Brutally damaged, fiercely strong and outspoken, whose explosive grief drives the central conflict.
This production contains themes of child loss and racism, with some strong language.
I hope many of you like the idea of getting to grips with this. If so, please contact the director on 07711285155 or nadinebeasley@btinternet.com for more information. Scripts are available from Owen in the theatre office.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME
Everyone is welcome to attend MHDS open auditions and be considered for any role. No prior experience is necessary. If you’re successfully cast, you will need to become a member of Market Harborough Drama Society.