FORTHCOMING SHOWS

Auditions for 'The Hollow'!

Returning to Barrie's favourite play genres of murder and suspense, The Hollow is a play by that most excellent playwright Agatha Christie (although never performed by Axstane Players!). World renowned for her English country house whodunits this one seemingly fits the bill but is also so much more. The “murder” part of the mystery is rather overshadowed by the unravelling character relationships as the play progresses, which keep an audience guessing well into the action.

Set in post war 1950’s England, social change is very evident in this play as Sir Henry and Lady Angkatell still cling to a 1920’s country house complete with butler et al, whilst younger cousin Midge has to take employment as the Empire has recently gone and it’s a different world out there! Further pioneering characters for its time include glamourous Hollywood actress Veronica Crayle and the independent and intellectual sculptor Henrietta. Please see detailed notes on characters in the Character Synopsis.  

N.B. Directorially, Barrie looks at this as a character-based drama about relationships rather than a stereotypical Murder Mystery romp.  

As with other plays Barrie has produced (his last being The Noble Spaniard 2019), he envisages a lavish set complete with set dressing and props, and period costumes. Please see Production Team positions that need filling. These are just as important as Cast for this production to be authentic and a tight nit operation.

Auditions will be in February. Please check dates of all meetings, rehearsals and performances etc (listed below) and make known your own availability to me should you be interested in taking part in The Hollow in any way.

Box office for this production will open on the 24th February 2025.

Auditions
Monday 17th February 2025 8pm at Farningham Village Hall
Wednesday 19th February 2025 8pm at Farningham Village Hall

First Rehearsal
Monday 24th February 2025 8pm at Farningham Village Hall

Rehearsals every Monday & Wednesday from 24/02/25 – 07/05/25
Sunday afternoon rehearsal on (04/05/25)

Performances
Friday 9th May 2025 7.45pm
Saturday 10th May 2025 7.45pm

Barrie Payne
Producer & Director
The Hollow 2025


‘The Hollow’ Character Synopsis

Henrietta Angkatell (25-35) – one of the Angkatell Cousins. Cristow’s current mistress (it’s implied it’s more than just a fling) Artist, sculptor, kind, compassionate, unscrupulous, loves her art work. Has a degree. Emotionally strong woman. “Bright young thing”

Sir Henry Angkatell K.C.B. (50-60) – Owner of The Hollow, former distinguished diplomat, married his distant cousin Lucy, conveniently owns a large amount of guns!

Lady Lucy Angkatell (50-60) – charming, sociable, charismatic, childlike, flakey, vauge, ditzy persona which allows her to get away with most comments and situations. But…intelligent with much personality! “She could charm the birds from the trees”. A mind that works at a rate of knots compared to others. A persuasive charm which no doubt was practiced and honed as a diplomat’s wife.

John Cristow M.D., F.R.C.P (30-45) – successful Harley Street Doctor, comes across as charming, charismatic character but is somewhat stifled with small talk and socialising and is actually driven by his intellectual career. Serially unfaithful to his wife. Possibly doesn’t really understand himself, as appears to be frustrated in his marriage as his wife doesn’t intellectually challenge him. Narcissistic. Never satisfied.

Gerda Cristow (25-35) – Married to John Cristow. Plain, placid, timid, clumsy, worries, idolises John, blames herself for her problems, self-deprecating, inspires the sculpture “The Worshiper” by Henrietta. (“Nice, but no intelligence”). Often emotionally paralysed with fear by John and her own self-doubt. The audiences reason to dislike John and his behaviour.  

Veronica Craye (30-40) – famous movie actress, beautiful, narcissistic. Wanted Cristow to abandon his early career to follow her to Hollywood but he rejected her. Returns to create an opportunity to rekindle their previous romance and relationship. She also demonstrates change in social attitudes as she was an independent woman at that time.

Edward Angkatell (30-45) – inherited the family estate “Ainswick” where they all grew up spending summers. Bookish, quiet, shy, overshadowed by John, been in love with Henrietta for many years, been turned down by her for marriage. Romantic old money landed gentry on his ‘Estate’.  

Midge Harvey (20-35) – the poorer Angkatell cousin who’s father’s business is slowly dying. She is a shop sales assistant. All the family pity her, and don’t understand. Warm-hearted, sweet and practical.

Gudgeon (60-70) – comedy butler straight out of Jeeves and Wooster, immensely loyal to Lady A, 1st and only duty is to the house and the master, devoted to his job. Double act with Lady A in certain scenes.

Doris (15-25) – young maid. Half-witted, but wide eyed when it comes to dealing with celebrities and the police. Simple but also engaging character by her naivety.

Inspector Colquhoun, C.I.D (40-55) – thoughtful, quiet, sympathetic with a sense of humour.

Detective Sergeant Penny (25-35) – young, keen, works well with his superior.

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Alternatively, contact our Box Office, when open, to secure your seats at
07882 043567 or axstaneboxoffice@gmail.com

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