Reading & Auditions
Swan Auditions
Readings and auditions take place at the Swan Theatre. Readings are open to all, members and non-members alike, and provide an excellent opportunity for members to introduce their friends to The Swan and all that we do.
Following a play reading, audition pieces are given out. There are usually 2 audition dates, however if you are unable to make either date you may be able to arrange an alternative with the Director. Auditions are relaxed and fun and rarely involve the learning of an audition piece, although familiarity with it and some characterisation are expected. You will be informed as soon as possible if you have been successful in securing a part, usually once the whole play is cast.
It is not Swan policy to telephone people and invite them to audition so, if you would like to be in a show, please do come along to the reading and the auditions.
The rehearsal period is approximately 8 weeks of 2-3 rehearsals per week, although this may increase over the 2 weeks and the weekend preceding performance.
The Unfriend by Steven Moffat, the Swan Theatre Production for May 2026
The Unfriend by Steven Moffat, the Swan Theatre Production for May 2026
If you are unable to attend the reading or auditions, but would like to be considered for a part, please let me know, so that alternative arrangements can be made.
While on holiday, Peter and Debbie befriend Elsa: a lusty, Trump loving widow from Denver, USA. She’s less than woke but kind of wonderful. They agree to stay in touch – because no one ever really does, do they?
When Elsa invites herself to stay a few months later, they decide to look her up online. Too late, they learn the truth about Elsa Jean Krakowski. Deadly danger has just boarded a flight to London! But how do you protect all that you love from mortal peril without seeming, well, a bit impolite? Because guess who’s coming…to murder!
The Unfriend takes a hilarious and satirical look at middle-class England’s disastrous instinct always to appear nice.
Steven Moffat’s The Unfriend introduces a cast of sharply drawn characters whose quirks drive this darkly comic tale. At its heart are Peter and Debbie, a polite British couple whose fear of confrontation traps them in a spiral of awkwardness. Their holiday acquaintance, Elsa Jean Krakowski, is a flamboyant, outspoken American whose charm hides a sinister edge. Adding to the chaos are their moody teenage children, Rosie and Alex, a nosy Neighbour, and the well-meaning but bumbling PC Junkin.
Ages are not really relevant, apart from the obvious family dynamics.
Please come along to the reading. If you can’t make either date or would like to contact me beforehand to discuss further, please call me on 07775 803861 or email sarah.valentine1@yahoo.com.
I look forward to seeing you at the reading.
Sarah Ambrose, Director