Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick
by
by Terry Johnson
links : audition dates | cast | script | audition pieces
Production dates : June 10, 11, 12 & 13 2026
Directed by : Mike Wells
Mike Wells last directed Wick Theatre’s 2025 Autumn production The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time and won The Gabbus Denney Award for Best Director at the Brighton and Hove Arts Council’s full-length drama festival. Mike joined the company in 2018 and has had much success in the BHAC Awards; Bea Walters Challenge Cup for Best Overall Production 2019 Taking Sides and Best Supporting Actor 2023 Shadowlands.
Director’s introduction : MW writes ” ………
Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick is a 1998 play written by the English dramatist Terry Johnson, who also directed the original production at the National Theatre.
The play is about the off-screen love affair between Carry On film stalwarts, Barbara Windsor and Sid James.
The comedy also reveals that the filming of the Carry On series was a less than glamorous affair, characterised by leaking caravans, inadequate pay cheques and argumentative co-stars.
Most of the play’s action takes place on rain-soaked locations with Barbara taking refuge in Sid’s trailer while he and co-star Kenneth Williams carry on their notorious feud, which began when they starred together in the TV series Hancock’s Half Hour.
This is a great chance to play British screen icons. The play does not need lookalikes but the acting ability to catch the essence of the off-screen real-life people.
Sid: A rough diamond and beloved comedy actor. We are not looking for an impersonation of Sid James, but rather a performance that reflects him.
Barbara: A lively Cockney actress with depth and a serious side. Again, this is not a caricature of Barbara Windsor, but an interpretation of her character.
Kenneth: Known for his outrageous camp personality, yet his diaries revealed deep seated neuroses. The role requires portraying the complexity of the man behind the public image.
Imogen Hassell: Less widely known today, Imogen came from a comfortable middle-class background and began her career as a serious actress before taking a glamorous role in a Carry On film. She was Ivor Novello’s goddaughter – think refined and elegant. See photo below, but any hair color is fine as wigs will be supplied by Chris Horlock.
Sal (Original Character)
Sid’s dresser and the object of his affections. A rewarding role with significant development throughout the play.
Eddie
Could be any age but should embody a tough Eastender type reminiscent of characters from Minder. A smaller role, but with strong scenes later in the play.
Notes
Previous productions have featured actors who do not resemble the real-life figures, so please do not be discouraged. This is not a recreation of shows like ‘Allo ‘Allo or Dad’s Army.
The play examines the gap between public and private lives, exploring both the humour and the sadness behind the comedy.
While the story includes adult themes given the nature of the characters, this is not a Carry On farce.
Script link – please contact Mike – Email
“Show Pack” – Show launch Monday 02 February, 7.45, Southwick Community Centre BN42 4TE
Audition dates
Tuesday February 17 : 7.45 pm – Southwick Community Centre, BN42 4TE
&
Thursday February 19 : 7.45pm – Southwick Community Centre, BN42 4TE
To audition, you do not have to be member of the Company.
Do let us know if you want to audition but really can’t make the dates.
Please feel free to contact Mike Wells for further information by Email
1 : Sid James : Playing age 40 – late 50s
2 : Barbara Windsor : Playing age 25 to late 30s
3 : Kenneth Williams : Playing age late 30s to early 50s
4 : Imogen Hassall : Playing age 20s
5 : Sally : Playing age 18 to mid 30s
Sally is Sid’s dresser
6: Eddie : Playing age 30s – 50s
Eddie, big Eastender. A driver and bodyguard supposedly employed by Barbara’s husband, Ronnie Knight.
Helen brings light and joy into Barbara’s life and is probably aware that she brings Barbara out of her shell. Her outwardness hides hidden layers, and she needs to be played authentically not just larger than life. A great challenge for a character actor.
Audition pieces
1: Sid James : 3 – 6 : with Sally
audition piece : page 3 – page 4 – 5 – page 6
2: Sid James : 91 – 93 : with Barbara
audition piece : page 91 – page 92 – 93
3: Barbara Windsor : 32 – 35 : with Sid
auition piece : page 32 – 33 – page 34 – 35
4 : Barbara Windsor : 107 – 108
audition piece : page 107 – page 108
5 : Kenneth Williams : 10 – 14 : with Sid
audition piece : page 10 – 11 – page 12 – 13 – page 14
6 : Kenneth Williams : 106 : speech
audition piece : page 106
7 : Imogen Hassall : 49 – 51
audition piece : page 49 – page 50 – 51
8 : Sally : 3 – 6 : with Sid
audition piece : page 3 – page 4 – 5 – page 6
9 : Sally : 78 – 79 : with Sid
audition piece : page 78 – 79
10 : Eddie : 80 – 84 : with Sid and Sally
audition piece : page 80 – 81 – page 82 – 83 – page 84
