Headgate Theatre Productions

Home, I’m Darling by Laura Wade

Director’s Notes

• The character ages mentioned are a guide, based on the original production. They are not necessarily fixed – but casting will need to be age appropriate – taking into account the overall casting.
• This is a slightly longer rehearsal timeframe to account for specialist rehearsals looking at jive dancing, movement and stage intimacy
• Stage intimacy will be discussed with those cast and developed at a level everyone feels comfortable with
• Actors cast do not need to be dancers! We will have rehearsals where we’ll all pitch in and learn how to jive together
• Some fantastic music will be used throughout the rehearsal process and in the final production
• The play is set in England, but it is not vital for everyone to have a native English accent (with the exception of Judy and Sylvia). The set is a 1950s suburban semi.
• The play deals with some themes of workplace sexual harassment and sexism, and includes swearing.

Director – Sharon Carter

Sharon co-directed Equus in 2024 and was part of the award-winning team for her performance in Our Walk Through the World in 2025.

Assistant to the Director   

Please email htp@headgatetheatre.co.uk if you wish to develop skills in directing.  There will be opportunities for new directors during 2027.

Production Week: w/c Sunday 11^th October.  Performances 14^th-17^th October (two on Saturday)  Cast are expected to be available for the whole of the production week.

Rehearsals: Monday and Wednesday evenings from 22^nd June.  During August, rehearsals will be reduced to 1 per week.

Read through: 8^th April 2026 at 7 pm in the Rehearsal Room, Headgate Theatre.

Audition arrangements:

There are 4 female and 2 male roles.

Auditions are scheduled for 10 am on Saturday, 11^th April and Sunday, 12^th April  at The Headgate Theatre. You are strongly advised to attend the read-through prior to auditions.

To complete the audition registration form, please click here

Note:  A performance fee of £25 is payable which includes the provision of a script.

Home, I’m Darling Synopsis

Home, I’m Darling  is a sharp, witty comedy by Laura Wade that explores nostalgia, gender roles and the pursuit of perfection.  When Judy and Johnny choose to live their life in an idealised way, their picture -perfect 1950’s world starts to crack, revealing the heart-breaking consequences of chasing an alternate reality.

Winner of the 2019 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy.

Character Descriptions and Skills