Venue: SPOTLITES Venue 278. 22 Hanover Street. EH2 2EP
Time: 4.30 - 5.45
Dates: 8 - 13 August 2011

Book by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall Adapted from the novel by Arnold Bennett Music by Tony Hatch Lyrics by Anthony Drewe Original lyrics by Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent

PARTS TO AUDITION FOR
1. Countess of Chell - Elegant patron and the local aristocrat, eager to let her hair down. Mentor of Denry's little schemes.
2. Nellie Cotterill - Young juvenile lead—rather shy and madly in love with Denry. Mezzo soprano.
3. Mrs Machin - washerwoman, Typical 'mum-forever' long-suffering mother giving Denry good advice.
4. Ruth Earp - Impecunious, scheming, 'gold digger' dancing teacher of the Dancing Academy in Bursley Modern type vocalist.
5. Denry Machin - the 'Card' - A young man full of bright ideas—go-getter type. Light baritone.

ENSEMBLE PARTS TO BE ALLOCATED

6. Jessie - the Countess of Chell's Lady in Waiting
7. Miss Watkins - the Countess of Chell's secretary
8. Paper Girl - of the Staffordshire Signal
9. Mrs Codleyn - bossy lower-middle-class client of Mr Duncalf
10. Mrs Hullins - hard-up rent payer
11. Page Girls - programme sellers at the Municipal Ball
12. Duncalf - town clerk, leading solicitor, chairman of Bursley United and owner of Staff Signal
13. Etches - guest at Ball / Headmaster - at school / Peabody - co-owner of emporium / Vicar
14. Mr Shillitoe - proprietor of the Bursley Jailor's Shop / Sir Magnus Cope - an elderly gentleman
15. Councillor Calvert - councillor of Bursley / Steward - at the Liverpool Docks
16. Parsloe - young clerk at Duncalf's office
17. Truelove - co-owner of a Bursley emporium / Fearns - guest at the Municipal Ball
Schoolchildren, People of Bursley, Guests at the Municipal Ball, Tenants, Townsfolk of Llandudno, Holidaymakers, Hucksters, Fishermen, Lifeboatmen, Waiters, Passengers

ORCHESTRA
TRUMPET (sax/cl) TROMBONE (Oboe/Tenor sax), PERCUSSION,
2 KEYBOARDS, KIT, Violin and Flute

Synopsis
Opens with a scene set in Bursley Town Hall where Denry is being installed as Mayor of the town. In 18 flashback scenes we follow the career of Denry Machin from a lowly worker in the employment of of the unsavoury Mr. Duncalf. Denry has the necessary will to succeed, however. Seizing the moment, he purloins some tickets for THE society ball of the year. As these tickets are much coveted, he is able to exchange one for some dancing lessons with a pretty dance instructor, Ruth Earp. Another ticket he exchanges for suitable evening wear. In his new clothes, Denry cuts a dash, so much so, that he ends up dancing at the ball with the Countess of Chell.
His duplicitous life is eventually found out and he leaves Mr Duncalf's employment. He sets up business on his own account - that of rent collector. When he calls on Miss Earp for her rent, she cannot pay. Denry however, wins her over. Ruthlessly he sets out to make his way in the business world where he makes his mark with his invention - a credit card system. He pursuades to Countess of Chell to become the company's patron and things really take off. The final boost to his acceptance in the society he craves - and to his fortune - is when he supplies a famous star to the town's poorly performing football team.
As he reaches to highest level - where the play begins - he abandons Ruth who has been at his side, urging him along, and supporting him in his efforts. Denry has fallen in love with his adoring secretary, Nellie Cotterill.