Audition Notice
The Great Divide
BY DAVID WILLIAMSON
DIRECTED BY DAMIAN JONES
GENRE: COMEDY
PERFORMANCE PERIOD
26 FEBRUARY – 7 MARCH 2026
SYNOPSIS
Golden sands, turquoise waters and a lush green golf course — Penny Poulter leads an almost idyllic life in one of Australia’s best kept secrets, Wallis Heads. But when this hidden coastal gem is discovered by the ruthless and immensely wealthy Alex Whittle, ambitious plans to put the town firmly on the tourist map spark a bitter rivalry. How can the local community fight back against this human bulldozer with money to burn.
This is a contemporary play, first performed professionally in March 2024.
Alex Whittle – Wealthy businesswoman, self-driven, sharp property developer with a track record of getting her own way. Age not specific, but likely to look 50s-60s
Grace Delahunty – Long suffering personal assistant of Alex, used to being trodden on, but with an intelligent and perceptive mind. To look 50s-60s
Penny Poulter – long term resident of Wallis Heads, single mother to teenager Rachel, struggling to make ends meet, but driven to keep Wallis Heads the way it is. To look 35-40.
Rachel Poulter – Talented teenage surfer, about to finish secondary school, doesn’t always agree with her mother, a little feisty. To look 17-18ish.
Alan Bridger – long term mayor of Wallis Heads, limited in capability and vision. Good intentions, but can be manipulated a little. 50s +
*Brian – long term owner of the Wallis Heads newspaper, which is slowly failing. Hanging on to the past a little. 50s+
*Joel – local television reporter
Note: The roles of Brian and Joel will be played by the one actor.
DATES:
Sunday 19 October 2025 from 2.00 – 5.00pm and Monday 20 October from 7.30 – 9.00pm
LOCATION:
Unit 8/417-419 Warrigal Road, Cheltenham
Book an Audition below
Download script The Great Divide script-3
This is for reference purposes please do not share
or,
contact the director, Damian Jones by phone on 0419 537 871 or e-mail: damianjones1@gmail.com
Please note: Anyone who is offered a role will be asked to pay a $20 fee for membership and insurance.
All rehearsals will occur at The Girl Guide Hall, Glebe Avenue, Cheltenham. Rehearsal schedule will be Sunday afternoons, Tuesday and Thursday evenings
Thursday 26 February – Opening Night
Friday 27th February – Evening Performance
Saturday 28th February – Matinee & Evening Performances
Sunday 1st March – Matinee performance
Wednesday 4th March – Evening Performance
Thursday 5th March – Evening Performance
Friday 6th March – Evening Performance
Saturday 7th March – Matinee & Final Evening Performance
Please ensure you would be available for all performances before auditioning. If you have a conflict with any of the rehearsal dates, please advise the Director at audition and if it becomes relevant, every effort will be made to work with it.
Download script here, do not share
Please note that there is no need to fully “memorise” the below sections, but please familiarise yourself fully with the play and the character’s development.
The sections for you to prepare for the auditions are as follows:
Alex – pgs 2-6, 6-9, 20-22, 26-28
Grace – pgs 6-9, 16-17, 44-45
Penny – pgs 9-11, 13-15, 26-28, 38-39
Rachel – pgs 13-15, 20-22, 38-39, 41-42
Alan – pgs 2-6, 40-41
Brian/Joel – pgs 1-2, 9-11, 47-49