Whipping It Up by Steve Thompson

Tuesday 18^th August – Saturday 22^nd August. 

A quick-witted political satire set in the Whips' office at Westminster, Whipping it Up is a play about the grubby wheeling and dealing that go on behind the scenes and off camera as the Whips employ any means at their disposal in order to get wavering MPs to vote the 'right' way.

It's a week before Christmas in an alternative 2010, and the new Tory government is facing dissent over its latest Bill. With a majority of only three, the Whips' office is out in full force, and they’Il stop at nothing to keep the strays in line. Written in the twilight of the last Labour government, the play explores privilege, class and fears about what happens when the “old boys club” seize power.

This a funny, fast-paced farcical satire, and will be performed in our studio space which will stand in for the claustrophobic, cramped Whips office – a real delight for an actor who enjoys being up close to their audience.

Audition dates 

• Monday 18th May, 7:30pm 
• Wednesday 20th May, 7:30pm

Recalls: 21st May, 7:30pm

AUDITION INFORMATION:

At the audition you will be asked to read at least one (and possibly more) of these audition sides. You will have the opportunity to read for your first-choice character, either in the first piece you read, or a subsequent one.

You are not expected to learn them, but it is recommended that you read and familiarise yourself with any pieces involving the characters you would like to audition for.

At the audition the director will select an audition piece for you, and another actor (or actors) for you to read opposite, and you will be given some time to practice it together.

Printed copies of the audition pieces will be supplied at the audition for you to read from. There is no need to print them yourself unless you choose to do so.

The director may give you direction and ask you to read some or all of the piece again.

Audition Sides will be avalaible here shortly 

AUDITION FORM:

Please ensure you complete and submit the audition form by Monday11th May here.

If you are unable to attend please try to let us know at least 24 hours in advance for logistical reasons.

THE ROLES:

There a 6 roles in this production 4 male and 2 female. 

Alastair (Male 35-50)

Deputy Chief Whip, a smooth and slippery reptile, oozing with charm. He’s a professional fixer who knows a whispered word is usually more powerful than a threat. He subtly guides Tim and is quite concerned about the health of the Chief. (RP accent)

Tim (Male late 20s - late 30s)

The New Boy, the Junior Whip whose Dad is a wealthy donor to the party. Though Tim is just as able to do the dirty work, his upper-class colleagues make him painfully aware his Dad bought his position in the office. Keen, eager to please yet arrogant. (Estuary English/ regional accent)

Cheif Whip (Male 45+)

Leader of the pack of political bully boys, the Chief Whip is a man for whom loyalty is everything. A cynical, foul-mouthed old warhorse, he pushes the newly appointed Tim. A really delightfully odious role for a character actor.

Delia (Female 40+)

Deputy Opposition Chief Whip who disrupts the old boys club, matching manoeuvre for manoeuvre. Behind her steely disposition, she’s probably the only person who actually understands the pressure Alastair is under.

Maggie (Female 20/30s)

Whistleblowing staffer with a story about a badly behaving MP. She may be more than she lets on, but runs rings around the gormless Tim. (RP preferred)

Guy (Male 30/40s)

A New MP who's learning the ropes the hard way, and wrestling with his conscience. Possibly the most sympathetic character, if only he could find a backbone.

Diversity, Inclusion & Casting Vision

PTC is committed to diversity and inclusion. We want a membership that is reflective of the diverse communities within London. We actively encourage all performers to audition for the roles which they feel best suit their skills.

Where ethnicities are not listed against the characters, we would openly encourage actors of all ethnicities to consider those roles.

COSTS

Please note that this is an amateur production. You do not need to be a member of Putney Theatre Company to audition, but actors and crew will need to become a member of Putney Theatre Company to take part in the show. That cost is currently £30 a year.

There is also a show fee of £25 which will need to be paid by all actors in the production, which goes towards the cost of putting on the show and insurance. 

We encourage you to become a member of PTC anyway, even if not cast.

Our company is run by volunteers and we expect all actors cast in a production to volunteer for Front of House duties at least once a year. Our shows could not go up without our Front of House volunteers.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

PTC knows that taking part in a show can be a significant financial burden. We are committed to being as inclusive as possible. So, if you would like to discuss how we can help you, a member of the committee will be able to confidentially assist. Please enquire for more information. Rest assured, if you have requested financial assistance, it will have no bearing on whether you are cast in the show.

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

There are always other ways to be involved in the production other than auditioning. If you would like to be a part of the production team please. 

We are looking for people to get involved with the following roles:

• Sound
• Stage management
• Set building
• Marketing