Walk Like A Man
Outline
Mick and Michelle have two grown up sons, Michael and Jack. Both are plumbers, but that’s about where the similarities end. Like his dad, Michael is football mad and loves a boozy night on the tiles. Jack, however, is different.
Despite being the youngest, Jack’s had enough of the drunken nights out and needs more cultural pursuits: film, theatre or a bit of live music are his passions. And as for football, well, he doesn’t know a corner from a corner shop, or a throw in from a lock in.
With his girlfriend now an ex, Jack is sick of feeling an outcast when he suggests taking in some culture to his mates. Much to his adoring mother, and her best friend, saucy “Auntie” Sue’s delight, Jack has thrown himself head first into his own performances. The problem is, he hasn’t been able to tell them the whole truth – in fact nowhere near it. Can there ever be a right time to come clean?
After finding an unexpected ally in workmate “Uncle” Derek, the time may have come for Jack to dare reveal his chosen artform . . . and his sequined alter-ego. When plumbing’s a drag, walk like a man.
Characters
Jack
Male 20s
Jack is a deep thinking dreamer who refuses to go along with the stereotypes that the world around him expects. Although he’s dedicated and conscientious in his work, he longs for his ideal world, one of music, dance and expression. Jack is a Geordie lad, and although he’s as rough and ready as the other local lads, he’s just not the same. Walk Like A Man is Jack’s story, telling of his need to break the mould.
*Actors interested in the role should be comfortable with drag, be competent dancers, and confident working on a choreographed scene. We’re not talking Strictly or tap dancing here, but there’s a few moves.
Mick
Male 50-60
Mick is a typical Geordie bloke. Knows what he likes and likes what he knows, and the well-being of those around him depends on the success of his beloved Newcastle United. He is heavily principled, as long as those principles are based on his own, stone-set values, and he never wastes an opportunity to offer his opinion.
Michelle
Female 50-60
Michelle is a doting mother to Jack and Nick, a very tolerant and loving wife to Mick, and the fulcrum around which family life revolves. She shares Jack’s love of the arts and is, like Jack, one of life’s dreamers. Michelle is very down to earth and tries to see the good in everyone, although she’s fiercely protective of her men at all times.
Michael
Male 25-35
Nick is a lot more Jack the Lad than his brother, who he spends his time aggravating. Nick is a proper Geordie lad, in the mould of his dad and workmates, and lives life to the full. Big nights out, football and girls are his focus that he doesn’t allow the inconvenience of work get in the way of.
Auntie Sue
Female 50-60
The boys’ “Auntie” Sue, despite not being a blood relative, or even a local lass, is a neighbour and Michelle’s best friend. She is often found with Michelle at the kitchen table gossiping time away, although small doses seem best for everyone. Sue makes no secret of the constant, burning ache she has where men are concerned, and is forever trying to lure her unsuspecting better half, “Uncle” Derek, in to making her fantasies happen.
* Sue has a heavy, non-local accent – Cockney, Manc, Scouse, Glaswegian etc
Uncle Derek
Male 50-60
Long-suffering Derek is Sue’s husband, Mick’s best pal, and a fellow plumber. Another football preacher, Dek also loves a night out…but only until Sue summons him home. But Derek’s affable, unambitious demeanour hides a side that has yet to come out.
Ray the Barman
Male 35-50
Ray is the landlord of the local, The Queen’s Head. Seeing the fortunes of his boozer suffering, he decides it’s time to make some changes to make sure “The Queens” remains the place to be. His re-vamped entertainment ideas could have a bigger effect than he thought.
Eddie the Mackem
Male 40-60
Eddie is a work colleague of the other lads and enjoys the banter on site, but it’s never long before it turns against him, due to his dark private life – Eddie’s a Sunderland fan! As such, when the conversation turns to football, Eddie is always on the receiving end.
Interested In A Role?
If you’re interested in a role then get in touch, as detailed below.
The character outlines above are exactly that – outlines. The ages stated are the ages of the character. We’re not into nonsense, so if you think it’s for you then get cracking. We’re just interested in seeing the best actors for the job. End of.
Auditions
The second audition session for Walk Like A Man will be held in central Newcastle. The date is yet to be set but will be in the first week of April 2024.
Although the first audition workshop has now taken place, there’s still an opportunity for the right actors to get involved so please don’t hesitate, and send your information without delay. Please send showreel, Spotlight link, CVs, headshot etc to info@blackstarmaniacs.com. Please make sure you state the part you’re interested in.
We understand there may be actors that might be suitable for roles who are just getting started, so don’t worry if you don’t have a showreel, or you’re not on Spotlight, we’d still like to hear from you. Send in any supporting material you have, along with the role that you’re interested in.
(Please contact us at info@blackstarmaniacs.com to discuss auditions after this date)
Further Information
Walk Like A Man will be performed for a short run in the summer, as well as an unpaid one-off promotional event in Newcastle. For the three night run, all roles are paid.
More information will be provided at the audition.