Walterdale Theatre Associates presents
Present Laughter
By Noël Coward
Performance Dates: December 3rd – 13th, 2025
Director: John Anderson
Auditions: September 6th-7th, 2025
Callbacks: September 10th, 2025
Walterdale Theatre (10322 83 Avenue NW)
Synopsis: At the center of his own universe sits matinee idol, Garry Essendine: suave, hedonistic and too old, says his wife, to be having numerous affairs. His “harmless” affairs with infatuated debutantes is largely tolerated, but playing closer to home is not. Just before he escapes on tour to Africa, the full extent of his misdemeanors is discovered, and all hell breaks loose!
Characters:
Garry Essendine – mid 30s to 60s – He’s a witty, urbane, sardonic, sophisticated, utterly self-absorbed super star of the London stage. Women plot to seduce him. His resistance often falters. Men are slack jawed admirers. Requires the actor playing the part to play someone frequently accused of over acting in life – without actually overacting in this production. Coward’s most autobiographical part.
Liz Essendine – 30s to 50s – Garry’s divorced wife. Still a friend and member of the theatrical team. She’s a level headed, smart and resourceful problem solver. Flatly faces the truth. Sees people for what they truly are.
Daphne Stillington – early 20s – Enthralled with Garry. She relentlessly pursues him. A naïve but scheming debutante. Three scenes.
Miss Erikson – mid 30s-80s – Garry’s Swedish(?) housekeeper. Nonplussed by all the nonsense. On and off stage often.
Fred – 20+ – Garry’s valet. A hedonist in fine clothes. Often quickly on and off stage throughout the play.
Monica Reed – mid 20s to 60s – Garry’s secretary. She is a pleasant, rather austere woman. A level headed, stabilizing force in Garry’s life. On and off stage often.
Roland Maule – 20s – Aspiring playwright. A naïve, foolish, exuberant, star struck admirer of Garry. Brashly inserts himself into Garry’s life.
Morris Dixon – mid 20s to 60s – In the theater business with Garry and Hugo. Having an affair with Joanna.
Hugo Lyppiatt – mid 20s to 60s – Dapper and neat. Unaware of the affair between Morris and Joanna. Has had his own conquests.
Joanna Lyppiatt – mid 20s to 50s – She has a great deal of assurance and considerable charm. Extremely alluring. Artfully seduces Garry (kissing scene).
Lady Saltburn – 50+ – Daphne’s aunt. A majestic but rather effusive society woman. One hilarious scene.
Audition and Rehearsal Requirements:
To book an audition slot with our Production Manager, Rebecca Cave, please use this link, which includes all dates and times: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A45ADAC2AABFBC61-58025150-present#
Auditions will be in-person at the theatre. Auditioners will be reading sides from the stage play with one another. For anyone that has booked an audition slot, Rebecca will Email the audition sides in advance of the auditions. Drop-ins are welcome, and so are pre-recorded auditions as a backup to anyone who cannot make the in-person auditions. For pre-recordings, please message John Anderson to make arrangements: [email protected].
The First Read will be in-person on September 14th. Rehearsals will begin in the third week of September, and will initially occur on Sundays, plus two weekday evenings per week. Either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday, depending on availabilities. Rehearsals will increase to four per week, starting in November.
Please bring potential rehearsal conflict dates to the auditions. Headshots and resumes are highly recommended, but not required.
Copies of the script may be available through the Theatre Alberta library.
Walterdale Theatre Associates is committed to inclusive casting. Artists who are members of under-represented communities are greatly encouraged to audition.
Walterdale Theatre Associates is a volunteer/member organization. We cannot engage Equity performers.
