by Jonathan Harvey
Director
Tom Scudamore
Contact
tomscudamore15@gmail.com
Performance dates
4 – 6, 10 – 13 June 2026
Auditions
Thursday 29 Jan 7 pm – 10 pm & Saturday 31 Jan 11 am – 2 pm
The play
It’s the 90s, and Jamie and Ste live next door in working-class South London. Jamie’s being bullied at school, Ste at home by his violent dad and brother. Then one night they’re both under Jamie’s roof, sharing a bed, and find love. Beyond, the boys navigate these feelings – not without help from rebel classmate Leah, neo-hippie Tony, and Jamie’s protective lioness of a mum, Shirley. An enchanting Queer tale of community, where gritty reality and stubborn utopia coalesce, these characters share a quiet determination for peace.
This timeless script by Jonathan Harvey, who went on to write Corrie, resonates more than ever in these times. To create a nostalgic, realistic experience – one which flirts with a freer, more heart-warming world – the rehearsals will focus on creating an ensemble, a group who together can discover emotional depths, and embrace freedom of movement and choreographed intimacy.
Beautiful Thing’s world is a council estate and the aesthetic in costumes and lights, which will swim through the rainbow’s colours, shall capture the colour of the decade. An actual(!) rainbow intends to fly, with the hope this production can attract LGBTQ+ identifying individuals, whether as performers or audience – young people, especially. I welcome creative actors, of all experiences and walks of life, who can unearth their role’s essence, and immerse themselves in all its dimensions.
Casting will prioritise chemistry and the ability to play drama and comedy. Broad south-east London accents are needed. Tony is middle-class but tries to have street cred. Jamie and Sandra have a fight, while intimacy scenes are saucy for Tony and Sandra, and tender for Jamie and Ste. These all will be realised with conversation, consideration and care for those involved. For actors seeking to play Tony and Ste, playing moments shirtless isn’t essential but might aid with communicating the world, openness of character, and theme of freedom.
Casting
Please note that actors must be 18+
Jamie (M)
16, sensitive, shy and reserved, and struggling to deal with his sexuality. ‘Plain looking’
Ste (M)
16, the subject of physical and emotional abuse by his alcoholic father and brother. ‘Attractive in a scally way’
Sandra (F)
35-45, single mum, strong, and fiercely protective of Jamie
Leah (F)
16-19, sassy, outspoken and supportive – and can sing, obsessed with Mama Cass! ‘Attractive in a rough way’
Tony (M)
20s-35, Sandra’s newest boyfriend, middle-class, hippy in style, sarcastic in nature
Also heard is Ste’s Irish dad, Ronnie, a role that can be doubled up by the actor playing Tony
Auditions
Auditions will take place on Thursday 29 January, 7-10 pm and Saturday 31, 11 am-2 pm. They will take the shape of pair and small group work. Please contact Tom for an audition form in advance, and he will assign you a slot and provide you with an audition piece. If you can make neither audition but are still interested, please let Tom know. Recalls will test chemistry and provide a small taste of the intimacy work, to help you decide whether it’s for you.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals will begin the weekend of Saturday 15th March. The final schedule will be confirmed after casting, but a mix of evening and weekend rehearsals look likely. This being a five-hander, committed availability is key to success, so please consider if you’ll be available for the period.