Huddersfield Thespians are seeking actors for our 106th season of quality local theatre in Huddersfield.
Once again, we’re offering four great plays, two at the Lawrence BatleyTheatre in Huddersfield and two at Longwood Mechanics Hall. This season promises an entertaining mix of new comedy, festive fun, classic drama and royal gossip…
Interested? Get your Expression of Interest to casting[@]huddersfieldthespians.co.uk by 20th July – let us know: 1) your name 2) which production(s) and part(s) you’re interested in and 3) any unavailable dates in July and August.
The Unfriend
Playwright: Steven Moffat
Venue: Lawrence Batley Theatre
Dates: 15-18 October 2025
Synopsis
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. 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!
| Character | Playing Age | Gender | Role | Additional Information |
| Debbie | 40s | F | Main | Peter’s wife |
| Elsa | 50s+ | F | Main | American accent required |
| Peter | 40s | M | Main | Debbie’s husband |
| Rosie | Late Teens | F | Support | Debbie & Peter’s daughter |
| The Neighbour | 60s+ | M | Support | |
| PC Junkin | 30+ | M | Cameo | |
| Alex | Late Teens | M | Support | Debbie & Peter’s son |
| Presenter | Any | M/F | Pre-recorded | Pre-recorded and subsequently presented on video |
The Flint Street Nativity
Playwright: Tim Firth
Venue: Longwood Mechanics Hall
Dates: 10-13 December 2025
Synopsis
Mizzis Horrocks’ class of seven-year-olds is about to perform their nativity play at Flint Street Junior School for the proud mums and dads – and the occasional social worker. Squabbles arise when Gabriel wants to play Mary, the Star grumbles he’s not a proper star like they have at NASA, Herod won’t stop waving to his mum and dad and the subversive Innkeeper is determined to liven up the traditional script. And then the stick insect escapes…
This warm, witty, funny play is an ideal alternative to the usual Christmas fare with original lyrics set to the tunes of the usual Christmas carols.
| Character | Playing Age | Gender | Role | Additional Information |
| Innkeeper | 40s max | M | Ensemble | Plays child and adult |
| Star | 40s max | M | Ensemble | Plays child and adult |
| Ass | 40s max | M | Ensemble | Plays child and adult |
| Narrator | 40s max | M | Ensemble | Plays child and adult |
| Herod/Joseph | 40s max | M | Ensemble | Plays child and adult |
| Wise | 40s max | M | Ensemble | Plays child and adult |
| Frankincense | 40s max | M | Ensemble | Plays child and adult |
| Shepherd | 40s max | M | Ensemble | Plays child and adult |
| Mary | 40s max | F | Ensemble | Plays child and adult |
| Gabriel | 40s max | F | Ensemble | Plays child and adult |
| Shepherd | 40s max | F | Ensemble | Plays child and adult |
| Wise Gold | 40s max | F | Ensemble | Plays child and adult |
| Angel | 40s max | F | Ensemble | Asian; plays child and adult |
Educating Rita
Playwright: Willy Russell
Venue: Longwood Mechanics Hall
Dates: 11-14 March 2026
Synopsis
Frank is a tutor of English in his fifties whose disillusioned outlook on life drives him to drink and bury himself in his books. Enter Rita, a forthright 26-year-old hairdresser who is eager to learn. After weeks of cajoling, Rita slowly wins over the very hesitant Frank with her innate insight and refusal to accept no for an answer. Their relationship as teacher and student blossoms, ultimately giving Frank a new sense of self and Rita the knowledge she so craves.
| Character | Playing Age | Gender | Role | Additional Information |
| Rita | Late 20s+ | F | Main | Liverpool accent ideally |
| Frank | 50s | M | Main |
Backstairs Billy
Playwright: Marcelo Dos Santos
Venue: Lawrence Batley Theatre
Dates: 3-6 June 2026
Synopsis
1979. Clarence House, London. The Queen Mother’s receptions are in full swing, and the champagne is flowing. Guiding the proceedings is William ‘Billy’ Tallon, page of the backstairs, keeper of the keys, holder of the royal corgis – and the royal secrets.
Backstairs Billy examines the fifty-year relationship between the Queen Mother and her most loyal, most outrageous servant, who joined her household at the age of fifteen.
| Character | Playing Age | Gender | Role | Additional Information |
| The Queen Mother | 60+ | F | Main | |
| “Billy” Tallon | 35+ | M | Main | Must be comfortable playing camp |
| Annabel Maud | 30+ | F | Support | Can be combined with Lady Astlebury |
| Lady Astlebury | 30+ | F | Support | Can be combined with Annabel Maud |
| Gwydion | 30s+ | M | Support | |
| Kerr | 40s+ | M | Support | |
| Young Billy | 20s+ | M | Support | |
| Ian | 30+ | M | Support | |
| Mr Harrington-Bahr | 50+ | M | Support | Can be combined with Mr Harrington-Bahr |
| Hugo McCoyd | 50+ | M | Support | Can be combined with Hugo McCoyd |
| Mrs Harrington-Bahr | 50+ | F | Support | Can be combined with Mrs Harrington-Bahr |
| Lady Adeline | 50+ | F | Support | Can be combined with Lady Adeline |
| Palace staff | Any | M/F | Non-speaking |
Interested? Get your Expression of Interest to casting[@]huddersfieldthespians.co.uk by 20th July – let us know: 1) your name 2) which production(s) and part(s) you’re interested in and 3) any unavailable dates in July and August.