Overview
Synopsis
In the long, hot summer of 1976, the Webb sisters assemble in their childhood home in Blackpool, where their mother, Veronica, lies suffering in the final throes of terminal stomach cancer. Jillian has never left, but stayed to become Veronica’s carer, while Gloria and Ruby fled the nest to make families of their own and have not returned in some time. However, one sister is missing, despite being at the forefront of many arguments. Joan has not been heard of in 20 years since leaving for America, but Jillian is adamant that their mother’s favorite will not let her down in her final hour of need. As the family comes together during this bleak time, the house goes back in time to the 1950s when the girls were teens and being groomed by Veronica to become the next Andrews Sisters. But when a chance meeting with an American talent agent opens a door to potential stardom, Veronica makes a decision that will blow the family apart for the rest of their lives.
Show Information
- Book
- Jez Butterworth
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 3
- First Produced
- 2024
- Genres
- Drama, Comedy
- Settings
- Period, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- A guest house in Blackpool, 1976, 1950s
- Cast Size
- large
- Ideal For
- Professional Theatre, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Adult, Early Teen, Late Teen, Mature Adult Characters, Large Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano, Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Soprano, Alto, Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A scene that happens earlier than the main story, often to enhance that main storyline or reveal important information.
A work that is primarily a straight play, but incorporates music or musical elements to tell the story.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher