What's On

Current Production - Auditions being held - 6th December 2011

Romanoff & Juliet - 16-19 May 2012

by Peter Ustinov

This comedy is set in the 1960s and takes place in Concordia, a tiny European nation that is so small it does not appear on any maps, but is a fully-fledged member of the United Nations.  The country has been conquered so many times that the origins and religion of the inhabitants is extremely muddled, no-one is really sure about their nationality, but being at the heart of the cold war, they are the home to the US and the USSR embassies.

We begin the story with an important vote being split evenly between the US and the USSR. Concordia gets the deciding vote and the  previously unknown General who doesn't wish to be seen to favour any side, abstains and goes home.  The US and USSR embassies in Concordia are tasked with swaying the General to vote in their favour, but meanwhile the General has a plan to thwart their attempts.  He instigates a meeting between the Russian Ambassador's son, Igor Romanoff and the daughter of the US representative, Juliet Moulsorth who fall in love.  Both Ambassador's when they discover the romantic union fear repercussions from their own countries and a series of artful manipulations ensue as all three unions battle to save their nation.  Meanwhile the couple plot to elope.

CONCORDIANS:

The General (President of the Republic)

The President of Concordia is the ringleader of the play and a master manipulator of people.  He is seemingly very 'helpful' to both of the ambassador's, but actually favours neither.  He may possibly sing a song.  No obvious accent is required for this part.

Soldiers (two parts)

Soldiers, souvenir sellers and musicians. (Concordia has  a low population so most residents have multiple jobs).  These versatile and patriotic individuals are the mainstay of Concordia.  They may also sing a song with the general.  No obvious accent is required for these parts.

The Archbishop

A small part at the end of the show, but one of those that if played well could be the most memorable character.  The Archbishop is described as being at least 100 years old who walks with a 'royal and terrible step' and has a querulous but frightening voice.  He is also deaf!  No accent is required for this part.

AMERICANS:

Hooper Moulsworth

The American Ambassador.  Doesn't trust the Russians, loves his wife and daughter.  He pays (in kind) the general to spy for them against the Russian embassy. Text book, typical loud American.  American accent required.

Beulah Moulsworth

Wife of the American Ambassador.  Supportive wife (first lady) and caring mother. American accent required.

Juliet Moulsworth

Daughter of Hooper and Beulah. In love with Igor Romanoff, but unsure of his commitment to her. Doesn't want to upset her fiancé Freddie or disappoint her parents.  She plots to elope with Igor.  American accent required.

Freddie Vanderstuyt

Juliet's fiancée. He is very sensible and understanding of Juliet's predicament.  He meets Marfa on the journey to Concordia and they eventually fall in love.  American accent required.

RUSSIANS:

Vadim Romanoff

Ambassador of the USSR.  He and his wife are swayed by the capitalism of the west. He doesn't trust the Americans and pays the general to spy on the American embassy.  Russian accent required.

Evdokia Romanoff

Wife of the Russian ambassador. Tempted by the comparible decadence of Concordia.  Loves her son and wants him to be happy but knows that she should encourage Igor to stay true to his communist roots and marry Marfa. Russian accent required.

Igor Romanoff (son of USSR ambassador)

Son of Vadim and Evdokia.  Typical romantic male lead. He plots to run away and marry Juliet when he finds his parents will not allow the union.  Non specific accent.

The spy

Police Officer and chauffeur to the Russian Ambassador. He judges Vadim and Edvokia and points out their failings in giving in to the temptations in Concordia, but he is also found to be wanting.  Seeing his failings he decides to become a monk and devote himself to meditation and the study of manuscripts.  May or may not have a Russian accent.

Marfa Zlotochienko (Fiance of Igor)

Betrothed to Igor.  She meets Freddie on her journey to Concordia, but is shocked on her arrival by the behaviour of the people in the Russian Embassy.  She announces that she must report this decline back to her superiors.  She meets Igor for the first time and they argue, showing how differing their opinions.  She eventually falls in love with Freddie.  Russian accent required.

NB:  American accents should not be too regional specific.  i.e. Not Brooklyn (Taxi) and not South (Gone with the Wind).  Think 'Desperate housewives' or the X-Files.