Saving Grace - Audition Notice
Audition date: 9th July 7.30 pm at Lewes Little Theatre.
Rehearsal dates: 3rd August to 9th October. Mon, Wed & Fri evenings 7.30 pm – 10.00 pm.
Production dates: 10th – 17th October 2026.
The play takes place in Jonathan and Grace’s garden over a period of several months. The first scene brings neighbours and friends together to ‘celebrate’ the imminent world’s end according to some ancient prophecy. But the main interest for them all – with the exception of Jonathan – is Jonathan’s wife Grace. A woman who has long ceased speaking (and playing piano) due to the traumatic disappearance of her father in her early teenage years. Grace has become the silent canvass upon which they each paint their hopes and imagined futures. Jonathan’s accident on the roof with his homemade firework temporarily removes him from the picture and provides the opportunity for the others to ‘move in’ on Grace. Their respective needs and longings soon intensify, driving Grace to breaking point. Escaping into her room and banging her fists on the never-played piano, she discovers letters hidden within that bring closure to the mystery of her father’s disappearance. Grace is no longer silent as her voice gradually returns. Jonathan’s reappearance with his ‘well-meaning’ plans for them both is the catalyst that prompts Grace to announce her sudden departure in order to explore her new-found musical talent and voice.
A character driven comedy drama exploring the theme of people who try to live their lives through others and one woman’s journey from silent suppression to independence and re-discovered creative freedom.
Characters
Ages of characters are given as a guideline and can be flexible. Playing age, as always, is taken into consideration.
GRACE – early forties. Silent and withdrawn but discovers her voice and self-belief during her journey within the play.
JONATHAN – around fifty. Grace’s husband. Initially moody, bitter and controlling, but after his transformation into the ‘new’ Jonathan he has become a more benign, peaceful – yet arguably still as controlling – person.
MATTHEW – early forties. Grace’s brother. A people-pleaser and over-sharer. Now back indefinitely in his childhood bedroom to avoid addressing his shaky marriage and parental responsibilities. He carries a shameful secret that could have saved Grace from years of suffering.
FRANCES – mid forties. Headmistress and friend to Grace. Intellectual, sharp and very little tolerance for the foolish. While having her own future plans for herself and Grace, she attempts to rescue Grace from the ‘toxic’ people surrounding her.
CHLOE – late fifties. Neighbour. Eccentric spinster and believer in the E.T.’s imminent arrival which will transport her and Grace back to their home planet.
ERIC – mid forties. Neighbour. Married to the unseen, but frequently heard, Vicky. He is a frustrated fantasist, desperate to escape his present life and start a new one with Grace in a cottage somewhere on the south coast of England.