‘Piece of Mind’ is written by Melbourne playwright Emma Wood. A quirky comedy, it nevertheless tackles some universal themes: ageing and mortality, financial insecurity, difficult relationships and the vitality of women’s friendships.
Synopsis
With not-so-comfortable retirements looming, long suffering nurses Gwen and Allie launch a daring (and maybe-not-entirely-thought-through) business venture — a peaceful parlour featuring a really quite splendid coffin which couples can rent by the hour as means of ‘getting things off their chest’. It’s quick-fix relationship therapy with a bit of funereal cosplay for fun. What could possibly go wrong? Especially when Gwen and Allie leap in with more enthusiasm than business acumen? Throw in some cross-generational confusion, a few less than stable clients, a dynamic, tech-savvy daughter, and a fearsome octogenarian aunt with deep pockets and things quickly get out of hand, threatening Gwen and Allie’s savings, their future and even their friendship.
Characters
Gwen (50s/60s): Creative, good-humoured and practical
Allie (50s/60s): Daring, energetic, and a bit wild. Mother of Tess.
Rowena (70s/80s): Caustic, sharp as a whip, and does not suffer fools gladly. Gwen’s aunt.
Tess (teen/20s/possibly 30s): Smart, adaptable, and open-minded.
Clients: (2 actors to play in broad comic interludes)
Ellie and Ed: Young sex-tapers
John and Julie: Bitter, conflictual older couple
Margot and Michael: Couple on the edge
Applicants: Bickering older couple, young ‘fun’ cosplayers, neglected woman with a dog
Playwright
Emma Wood is an award winning, internationally produced playwright. With a determination to write stories both entertaining and thought-provoking, Emma’s plays have been widely acclaimed by audiences and critics around the world. Her ability to create passionate, substantial roles of all ages delights actors and audiences. Emma’s full-length plays are very different but have common threads: engaging characters, sparkling dialogue, and a satisfying story to tell. She has become known for writing plays that feature challenging, dynamic lead roles for middle aged and older women and narratives exploring issues that affect them.
Emma’s work has been produced by professional and community theatre companies in UK, Australia, USA and Asia. Her most recent play, Piece of Mind, premiered in L.A. with Write Act Repertory, receiving rave reviews. Her perfectly pitched prequel to Pride and Prejudice, Mr Bennet’s Bride, has garnered wide acclaim in 10 productions to date. Other producing companies include Newcastle Theatre Company, Malvern Theatre Company, Lilydale Athenaeum, Priory Theatre, Canberra Repertory, Ballarat National Theatre, KrisP Productions, Grassington Players and Elanora Players among others.
Director
Stephen Mitchell is a writer, actor and director. His radio drama ‘Margaret and Mimi’; was produced by ABC Radio National, and he won an Australian Writers’ Guild Award for his SBS teleplay ‘Wee Jimmy’. In 2012, he directed and acted in ‘The Local Stigmatic’ for Castlemaine Theatre Company, going on to appear in productions of ‘The Ghost Train’ and ‘As You Like It’, as well directing the acclaimed ‘Frankenstein’s Children’ in 2019. He has performed in numerous theatre productions and a handful of films since the late 80s, as well as fulfilling many off-stage roles, and is a regular contributor to CTC as designer and photographer.
Performance Dates
Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees 14-30 November, 2025.
Rehearsals
Beginning in August. Weekday evenings or Sundays, TBC upon casting according to cast availability.
Tech Rehearsal on Saturday 8 November, Dress Rehearsal on Sunday 9 November.
WHAT TO PREPARE FOR THE AUDITION
In the booking process, please indicate the part/s you are interested in, and we will send you a monologue or script segment to familiarise yourself with. You will not need to memorise the script for your audition. If possible, you may be scheduled to audition in pairs.
SIGN UP TO AUDITION
Auditions will take place on Sunday 27 July. Clink this link to access the audition form on Trybooking. Please be sure to indicate the times that best suit you to audition and the days you are NOT available to rehearse.
Please contact the director, Stephen Mitchell, if you have any questions on 0412489236 or email stephen@essem.com.au