The Anniversary

By Bill MacIlwraith
Directed by Allan Burne

Auditions: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026
Callbacks: Monday 9 November 2026
Rehearsals: Begin mid-November; Tuesday, Thursday and Sundays with possible additional rehearsals closer to opening
Performance Dates: Wednesday 3 February - Saturday 13 February 2027
Packout: Sunday 14 February 2027

Set in South London in the late 1960s, The Anniversary is a dark comedy centered on a dysfunctional family gathering. Now Dad’s gone, Mum uses her wedding anniversary to control and manipulate her three sons. But this year is different. Her sons each have something to reveal that will change the family dynamic forever.

The play offers three strong female roles and has attracted actors such as Bette Davis and Sheila Hancock to the stage and screen versions. Actors will balance tension and comedy while steering their characters through their personal arcs. South London accents are required from all cast.

Please note, as this is a community theatre production, all roles (cast and crew) are unpaid/voluntary.

Content note

The Anniversary is a dark comedy that was written in the 1960s and reflects the attitudes of that time toward 'cross-dressing', and brief references to incest and miscarriage.

Characters

Shirley (early to mid-twenties)

Meeting her fiancé Tom’s family for the first time.  Kind and demure but strong and courageous. A force to be reckoned with. 

(Onstage for most of the play. Requires kissing with Tom)

Tom (early to mid-twenties)

Engaged to Shirley.  He’s cocky, outspoken and deeply insecure.  He’s manipulative and determined to defeat his mother whatever the cost. 

(Onstage for most of the play. Requires kissing with Shirley and Mum)

Terry (late twenties to early-thirties)

Anxious, weak and desperate to please. Driven by guilt and the need to gain his mother’s approval. Married to Karen and a father of six

(Onstage for most of the play)

Karen (late twenties to early-thirties)

Weary, from battling Mum, but still going.  Just once, she’d like to have her needs put first. A mother of six married to Terry.

(Onstage for most of the play)

Henry (mid-to late thirties)

Gentle, kind and considerate. He’s a doting uncle and looks after Mum.  Though we never see him wearing them, Henry is most comfortable in women’s clothing, acquired from the local washing lines. 

(Intermittently in acts 1 and 2 on stage throughout Act 3).

Mum (55-60)

Charismatic, cruel and manipulative with a cutting tongue. Often funny and charming, but ultimately evil.  Central to the play, she’s the malevolent force that needs to be overcome. 

(Onstage for most of the play – Requires kissing with Tom)

To book an audition slot please complete the audition form or, if you have questions about the production, please contact auditions@stagecraft.co.nz