12/06/2026
Audition notice: The Accrington Pals by Peter Whelan
Director: Tulin Udul
Playing dates: 28th to 31st October and 3rd to 7th November
Audition Date: Monday 20th July 7:30 in the bar
Rehearsals commence: Thursday 3rd September
I am so looking forward to presenting this play which is a warm-hearted, thought-provoking and surprisingly funny window into history. The story is set in the early years of the First World War and centres around the young men who joined up together as ‘Pals’ and went off to fight on the Somme, and the community of women who were left behind. It is poignant, political and moving, with themes that are recognisable today.
I would love the audition to be an opportunity for people to come along and read. I have no set ideas and am willing to shift ages as needed in order to match people.
Roles:
May, a stallholder, late 20s+: This is a large role. Strong, independent spirit but traditional in her views. Inexperienced romantically. Can struggle to express her feelings.
Tom, an apprentice, ~19: Good sized role. Socialist and progressive views, described as a dreamer.
Eva, a mill girl, ~19: Good sized role. Calm, confident and open.
Ralph, a clerk, ~19: Good sized role, quite laddish and cheeky.
Sarah, mill worker, mid 20s: Earthy and vulgar and aware of the position women hold in society compared to men.
Bertha, a mill girl, 18: Naive and gullible. Has worldly experience but not necessarily the depth of understanding.
Annie, a housewife, late 30s+: Can be seen as comedic haridan, but is quite violent to her son. Occasional glimpses of a softer nature.
Arthur, Annie’s husband of similar age: Defined by his religion. Devoted to his pigeon ‘England’s Glory’.
Reggie, Annie and Arthur’s son, ~15: Generally in trouble with his mum.
Company Sergeant Major Rivers, a regular soldier, 40+: some longer speeches. A bit of a shadowy character and an outsider.
If you are interested and would like to have a look at a script, please email me, Tulin, on [email protected]. I would be really happy to chat about this truly wonderful play which I hope will move our audience and keep the story alive for another generation.
