Pack of Lies
by
by Huge Whitemore
links : audition dates | cast | script | audition pieces
Production dates : March 25, 26, 27 & 28 2026
Directed by : Susanne Crosby
Susanne Crosby last directed Wick Theatre’s Shadowlands in 2023 after The Exocism in 2020 and Macbeth in 2019. A prolific and versatile writer and performer who has ‘more than one string’ with productions and appearances during Brighton’s Festival. In 2021 and Suse was awarded a highly commended Outstanding Contribution to the Arts by Brighton and Hove Arts Council.
You do not need to be a member of the company to audition, but if cast then you will be asked to join and pay a membership fee.
Director’s introduction : SC writes ” ………
The Jacksons are a normal, suburban family, honest, open and truthful.
One evening they are consulted by the Police about having someone in their house for the weekend as a lookout, to watch the street for a possible courier connection to a Russian spy. As the weekend turns into weeks, slowly but steadily they find themselves drawn into the murky world of deceptions and secrets, forcing them to lie to everyone, including their best friends: their neighbours Helen and Peter Kroger; who may or may not be involved…
This is the early 1960s and the world is in the grip of the Cold War, yet while suspicions abound, it’s difficult to imagine it happening under our noses in Britain.
More shocking then, is that Hugh Whitemore’s play is based on a true story…
This is a compelling and gripping story about best friends and family forced to keep secrets from each other: a spy story about real people stuck in lies and betrayal.
Script link – please contact Suse – Email
or Julian Batstone [Producer] Email
For non members, link to membership form on the website here: 25-07-01-new-membership-form.pdf
“Show Pack” – link
Audition dates
Monday November 24 : 7.30 pm – Southwick Community Centre, BN42 4TE
&
Thursday November 27 : 7.30pm – 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 Susanne Crosby for further information either by Email
1. Genders listed are for female presenting and male presenting
2. Ages are playing ages and are guides only
3. We welcome auditions from all members of the community including every race and ability.
4. Rehearsals begin week commencing 12 January, timetable to be constructed after casting.
5. There will be a read through, scripts and planning before Christmas.”
1 : Bob Jackson : Playing age 35+
Married to Barbara, father to Julie.
Bob is a civil servant, always honest and upright. A traditional man, he would be called old fashioned by today’s thinking. Has some wonderful emotional moments through “stiff upper lip”, with a great story arc. Will be fascinating to play.
2 : Barbara Jackson : Playing age 35+
Married to Bob, mother to Julie. Best friends with Helen.
Barbara is a home maker, using the language of the day a housewife, and she would be proud to call herself this. She worries about her daughter, she paints and she bakes. She is able to be vicariously adventurous through her best friend. She is very detailed and nuanced and will be fascinating and rewarding to play. Loads of layered emotions throughout, a great challenge for a character actor.
3 : Julie Jackson :
Daughter to Bob and Barbara. Close friendship with Helen, like an aunt. Playing age 17
There is a lovely opportunity here for an actor to play emotional layers with this character, as she is a teen growing up in a traditional family situation, yet there are hints to a boyfriend and life outside. This could be a lovely fun role for someone 16+.
4 : Peter Kroger :
Married to Helen. American accent. Playing age 30+
The most contained of them all, especially compared to his wife, and a lovely opportunity to play with the emotional layering of this character. Smaller role, but crucial.
5 : Stewart : Playing age 30+
He is linked with Scotland Yard, probably MI6, and comes to their house and asks for their help. He doesn’t really understand how imposing it is, and how much this affects them all – or maybe he does. A stoic and upright character, but again, with layers.
5 : Thelma : Playing age 22+
Working for Stewart, being a lookout at the Jackson’s home. Suitable for a female presenting actor who would like a smaller role. She is respectful yet young and has a life outside of being in the house to watch the street, and she likes the family and doesn’t want to be a burden.
5 : Sally : Playing age 22+
Working for Stewart, being a lookout at the Jackson’s home. Suitable for a female presenting actor who would like a much smaller role. She only has a couple of scenes and doesn’t really care for the family, but believes in her job.
1: Bob Jackson – page 1 : pages 35 – 37 : pages 68 – 70
2: Barbara Jackson – pages 10-12 : pages 35-37 : pages 38-39 : page 63
3. Julie Jackson – page 15
4. Peter Kroger – page 21 : page 55
5. Helen Kroger – pages 10 – 12 : page 15 : page 63 : page 89
6. Stewart – page 8 – 9 : page 26 : pages 68 – 70
7. Thelma – page 34 : pages 59 – 61
8. Sally – pages 59 – 61
