Auditions: Separate Tables

7-17 February 2024 (10 performances)
York Theatre Royal Studio
Directed by Helen Wilson

About the play

Written in 1954, Separate Tables by Terence Rattigan are two linked one-act plays set in a shabby hotel on the south coast of England. Miss Cooper, the owner, looks after several rather mature permanent residents, as well as more colourful less permanent ones with scandalous secrets. This is an England where class is paramount, but the 1960s and the freedom this decade brought are just around the corner. All guests eat on separate tables, hence the title.

Separate Tables was censored in its day from Rattigan’s original. This play of tension, repression and reticence is a classic and a great opportunity for actors.

Roles (any ages listed are rough guides)

• Mabel: waitress (comic potential)
• Lady Matheson: aristocrat in hard times (mature)
• Mrs Railton-Bell: mature snob
• Miss Meacham: Mature eccentric bohemian
• Mr Fowler: Former school master (mysterious)
• Mr Malcolm: Journalist/former Labour party MP (40ish)
• Mrs Shankland: Glamorous aristocrat, 30s-40
• Miss Cooper: Hotel owner, 40s
• Charles Stratton: Medical student
• Jean Tanner: Art student
• Major Pollock: Mature army type
• Miss Railton Bell: Sweet sensitive young girl

There are opportunities for doubling so ideally we’re looking to cast 10 actors.

Audition information

Auditions will take place on:

• Wednesday 8 November, 7pm – 9pm (Southlands Methodist Church)
• Saturday 11 November, 10am – 1pm (Southlands Methodist Church)
• Sunday 12 November, 2pm – 5pm (Southlands Methodist Church)

Auditions will be separate and last for 15 minutes. You will get a script to read and explore with Helen, the director. Please come to your audition with a knowledge of the play (it is widely available and can be found online).

To register your interest, please fill in this form (https://forms.gle/M24YbU4nUVgfBw1d6) and we’ll get back to you with a 15 minute audition slot. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to drop us an email at yorksettlementcommunityplayers@gmail.com. If you are successful in auditioning, please note that you will be required to join YSCP – annual membership is £15 or £7.50 for under 30s, students and unwaged.

Rehearsals and performances

Rehearsals will start in late November 2023, an average of twice during weekday evenings and one daytime on the weekend, with a break for Christmas. There will be 10 performances in the York Theatre Royal Studio. The production weeks are Monday 5 to Saturday 17 February 2024.

We look forward to hearing from you!