Elmwood Players

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  • Hold The Arsenic

    15 minutes
    Hold The ArsenicBy Marilyn OllettDirected by Matt HollandPresented by Elmwood PlayersAuditions will be held at the Elmwood Auditorium, 31 Aikman's Road, from 4:00 pm to 6:30pm on Saturday 25th January & 3:00pm to 6:00pm Sunday 26th JanuaryOn stage: April 17th - April 26th, 2025, with matinee on the final day.The PlayHold the Arsenic is a sharp and witty comedy about friendship, resilience, and daring to embrace the unexpected. Four middle-aged women—Angela, Brenda, Carole, and Diane—find themselves navigating life’s challenges and decide to take matters into their own hands. Their book club becomes the unlikely catalyst for a bold and unconventional plan. Set in Angela’s kitchen, the play explores themes of reinvention, loyalty, and the power of camaraderie as the women face fears, push boundaries, and find creative ways to reshape their futures.This play offers dynamic roles filled with humour, heart, and a touch of mischief, perfect for actors who enjoy layered characters and quick-witted dialogue.The CharactersAngelaAngela is a mid-fifties, divorced mother whose life is spiraling out of control after being scammed by her boyfriend. Desperate to save her home, Angela is impulsive, witty, and resourceful, with a penchant for bad decisions and a sharp sense of humour. She’s a dynamic character who blends vulnerability with resilience, making her the emotional and comedic heart of the play.BrendaBrenda is Angela’s older sister, a pragmatic and nurturing woman who often acts as the voice of reason within the group. Though initially uncomfortable with their unconventional scheme, Brenda’s loyalty and dry humour shine through as she supports her sister in navigating life’s chaos. Beneath her reserved exterior lies a surprising strength and quick wit.CaroleCarole is fiercely independent, career-driven, and unapologetically blunt. She is a realist with a sharp tongue and a no-nonsense approach to life, often providing comedic relief with her sardonic humour. Though she keeps her vulnerabilities well-hidden, Carole’s loyalty to her friends reveals a softer side to her tough exterior.DianeDiane is a sweet-natured widow who surprises everyone, including herself, with her bold ideas and adventurous streak. Her vulnerability is balanced by an emerging confidence, as she learns to embrace life on her own terms. Diane’s quirky sense of humour and empathetic nature make her the group’s quiet optimist and an unexpected catalyst for their daring plan.MattMatt is a charming and confident professional escort who becomes an unlikely mentor to the group. With his sharp wit, worldly experience, and practical advice, he helps the women navigate their unconventional venture. Matt’s charisma and kindness provide a steadying presence amidst the chaos, making him a key figure in their journey of reinvention.AuditionsAuditions (every 15 mins). Please arrive 10 mins prior to your audition. If on the day you are unable to make your audition, as a courtesy please text Matt on 027 260 9970. An audition pack will be sent out with further details.Venue: Elmwood Auditorium, Aikmans Rd, Merivale

    Hold The Arsenic

    By Marilyn Ollett

    Directed by Matt Holland

    Presented by Elmwood Players


    Auditions will be held at the Elmwood Auditorium, 31 Aikman's Road, from 4:00 pm to 6:30pm on Saturday 25th January & 3:00pm to 6:00pm Sunday 26th January


    On stage: April 17th - April 26th, 2025, with matinee on the final day.



    The Play


    Hold the Arsenic is a sharp and witty comedy about friendship, resilience, and daring to embrace the unexpected. Four middle-aged women—Angela, Brenda, Carole, and Diane—find themselves navigating life’s challenges and decide to take matters into their own hands. Their book club becomes the unlikely catalyst for a bold and unconventional plan. Set in Angela’s kitchen, the play explores themes of reinvention, loyalty, and the power of camaraderie as the women face fears, push boundaries, and find creative ways to reshape their futures.

    This play offers dynamic roles filled with humour, heart, and a touch of mischief, perfect for actors who enjoy layered characters and quick-witted dialogue.



    The Characters


    Angela

    Angela is a mid-fifties, divorced mother whose life is spiraling out of control after being scammed by her boyfriend. Desperate to save her home, Angela is impulsive, witty, and resourceful, with a penchant for bad decisions and a sharp sense of humour. She’s a dynamic character who blends vulnerability with resilience, making her the emotional and comedic heart of the play.


    Brenda

    Brenda is Angela’s older sister, a pragmatic and nurturing woman who often acts as the voice of reason within the group. Though initially uncomfortable with their unconventional scheme, Brenda’s loyalty and dry humour shine through as she supports her sister in navigating life’s chaos. Beneath her reserved exterior lies a surprising strength and quick wit.


    Carole

    Carole is fiercely independent, career-driven, and unapologetically blunt. She is a realist with a sharp tongue and a no-nonsense approach to life, often providing comedic relief with her sardonic humour. Though she keeps her vulnerabilities well-hidden, Carole’s loyalty to her friends reveals a softer side to her tough exterior.


    Diane

    Diane is a sweet-natured widow who surprises everyone, including herself, with her bold ideas and adventurous streak. Her vulnerability is balanced by an emerging confidence, as she learns to embrace life on her own terms. Diane’s quirky sense of humour and empathetic nature make her the group’s quiet optimist and an unexpected catalyst for their daring plan.


    Matt

    Matt is a charming and confident professional escort who becomes an unlikely mentor to the group. With his sharp wit, worldly experience, and practical advice, he helps the women navigate their unconventional venture. Matt’s charisma and kindness provide a steadying presence amidst the chaos, making him a key figure in their journey of reinvention.



    Auditions


    Auditions (every 15 mins). Please arrive 10 mins prior to your audition. If on the day you are unable to make your audition, as a courtesy please text Matt on 027 260 9970.


    An audition pack will be sent out with further details.


    Venue: Elmwood Auditorium, Aikmans Rd, Merivale

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