NOTE ON CASTING: We are committed to a diverse and inclusive audition process. For every role, we invite and encourage actors of all ethnicities and racial backgrounds to audition. Please note that the ages listed below are the characters' ages. We are looking for performers 18+ who can portray these ages.

Jamie Gangel
Male Identifying | Character Age: 15 | All ethnicities encouraged

A 15-year-old schoolboy who is sensitive and often bullied at school for his dislike of football. He lives with his single mother, Sandra, and is coming to terms with his sexuality.

Seeking: A young actor to portray Jamie’s sensitivity, shyness, and reserved nature as he navigates his emerging sexuality. This role requires an actor who can convey a profound internal world and the quiet courage of a character coming of age. The actor must be comfortable with staged intimacy (including a first romance with Ste) and physical fight choreography with the character of Sandra. We welcome and encourage gender-nonconforming and non-binary actors to audition for this role, with the understanding that the character identifies as a young man.

Ste Pearce
Male Identifying | Character Age: 16 | All ethnicities encouraged

Jamie’s next-door neighbor and classmate. He is athletic but suffers from domestic violence at the hands of his father and brother. He is initially guarded but finds comfort and love with Jamie.

Seeking: An actor to portray the character's outwardly athletic persona while revealing the deep-seated fragility of a young man facing domestic challenges. This role requires significant physicality and emotional depth. The performer must be comfortable with staged intimacy and choreographed physical movements. We welcome and encourage gender-nonconforming and non-binary actors to audition for this role, with the understanding that the character identifies as a young man.

Sandra Gangel
Female Identifying | Character Age: 35 | All ethnicities encouraged

Jamie’s mother, described as a "visceral, vulgar, and hard-faced" single mom with a massive heart. She is ambitious for a better life and protective of her son

Seeking: A powerhouse actor to portray a visceral, "hard-faced" exterior and a fiercely protective heart. The actor must have impeccable comedic timing and the emotional range to handle high-stakes conflict. This role requires the actor to be comfortable with staged intimacy with the character of Tony and physical fight choreography with the character of Jamie. We welcome and encourage gender-nonconforming and non-binary actors to audition for this role, with the understanding that the character identifies as a woman.

Leah
Female Identifying | Character Age: 16 | All ethnicities encouraged

A neighbor and "outsider" character who has been expelled from school. She spends her days listening to Mama Cass records and observing the lives of those on the estate.

Seeking: A dynamic performer to portray a sassy, outspoken, and defensive personality. The actor must have a bold stage presence and be comfortable portraying a character experiencing a drug-induced "bad trip," requiring a high level of physical and vocal expression. We welcome and encourage gender-nonconforming and non-binary actors to audition for this role, with the understanding that the character identifies as a young woman.

Tony
Male Identifying | Character Age: 27 | All ethnicities encouraged

Sandra's younger, somewhat "hippie" boyfriend. He is often a source of tension or comic relief as he tries to fit into the lives of Sandra and Jamie.

Seeking: An actor to portray an earnest "middle-class hippy" energy and a sarcastic nature. The actor serves as both comic relief and a source of domestic tension. The actor must be comfortable with staged intimacy with the character of Sandra and being seen in costumes suitable for a domestic setting. We welcome and encourage gender-nonconforming and non-binary actors to audition for this role, with the understanding that the character identifies as a man.

Instructions for Actors: Please select one of the following monologues for your initial video submission. We are looking for grounded, authentic performances. You may use your natural speaking voice, or the South East London/Estuary dialect.

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SIDE A: SANDRA

Context: Sandra has just discovered her son Jamie and his friend Ste in bed together. In this moment, her protective "lioness" persona shifts from humor to a raw, fearful honesty about the world her son is about to face.

"I’ve spent my life being the joke, Jamie. The girl who got pregnant too young, the woman who couldn't keep a man, the barmaid with the big mouth. I didn’t care. Because I had you. And I thought, if I can just get him out... if I can just get him to be something more than this estate... more than me... then I’ve won. And now look at you. You’re making it so hard for yourself. Do you have any idea how hard they are going to make it for you out there? It’s not about being 'right' or 'wrong,' it’s about being safe. And I don't know if I can keep you safe from this."

SIDE B: LEAH

Context: Leah has been ostracized by the other neighbors and is feeling the weight of being "the girl everyone hates." She is trying to convince herself—and anyone listening—that she is meant for a more glamorous life than the housing estate.

"Everyone’s always looking at me. Like I’m some kind of infection. 'There goes that Leah, don’t talk to her, she’s mental, she’s on the glue.' I’m not mental. I’m just bored! I’m bored of the walls, and the concrete, and the smell of old cooking fat. I look at the telly and I see people living. Really living. In houses with gardens and stairs that don’t smell like piss. I’m gonna be like them one day. I’m gonna go to London—the proper London, not this dump—and I’m gonna find a stage. And I’ll sing until their ears bleed. And they’ll have to look at me then, won’t they? They won’t be able to look away because I’ll be the only thing shining in the whole bloody city. But today... today I just need to find me tapes. I just need a bit of Mama Cass to make the sky look a bit less like a wet pavement."

SIDE C: STE

Context: Ste has been physically abused by his father and brother. He is trying to convince Jamie to let him stay the night without admitting how much danger he is truly in at home.

"It’s just... it’s better here. My brother, he’s got this thing, right? He thinks he’s the king. And my dad, he just lets him. If I go back there now, and the door’s locked... I have to walk around the estate until morning. And it’s cold, Jamie. You don't know how cold it gets out there when you’ve got nowhere to sit down. Every time a car goes past, you think it’s the police or someone coming to jump you. I just need a bit of floor. I won't even move. I’ll be like a ghost. You won't even know I’m there. Please. I can't go back tonight."

SIDE D: JAMIE

Context: Jamie is explaining to Ste why he hates the traditional "masculine" expectations of school and sports, revealing his desire for a life that is quiet and honest.

"I don't see the point in it. Running around a muddy field chasing a bit of leather while Mr. Grant screams at you for not being 'aggressive' enough. What's aggressive about getting a kick in the shins? I’d rather stay in here. I’d rather listen to my tapes and wait for the day when I don't have to look at these four walls anymore. Everyone thinks I’m weird because I don't want to be like them. I don't want to end up like my dad or Tony or any of 'em. Is that so mental? Just wanting something... quiet? Something that doesn't involve shouting or hitting people?"

SIDE E: TONY

Context: Tony, Sandra’s "new age" boyfriend, is trying to justify his eccentricities and his refusal to conform to the rigid social rules of the housing estate.

"You see, Sandra, you’re looking at the world through a prism of negativity. You’re vibrating at a low frequency. I’m just trying to elevate the energy in this flat. That’s why I wear the robe—it’s about flow. It’s about not letting the architecture of the estate dictate the architecture of the soul. We’re all just stardust, really. Stardust trapped in a three-bedroom council flat. We gotta find the light where we can, even if it’s just in the bottom of a rolling paper. You call it 'acting soft,' I call it 'spiritual resistance.'"

A Note on Artistic Interpretation

While we are looking for you to bring your own perspective and individuality to these characters, we are aware you may not be familiar with the play. The video clips provided are meant for informational purposes and are not a template for your performance. 

Production History & Context

Beautiful Thing premiered in 1993 at the Bush Theatre in London before transferring to the Donmar Warehouse and later the Duke of York's Theatre in the West End. Written by Jonathan Harvey when he was just 24, the play was a revolutionary departure from the "tragedy-only" queer narratives of the era. Instead, Harvey crafted a "suburban fairy tale" that found hope, humor, and tenderness within the harsh, concrete reality of a South East London housing estate.

The play’s massive success led to a celebrated 1996 film adaptation, which helped cement its status as a modern classic of British drama. Set against the backdrop of the 90s—complete with the iconic soundtrack of Mama Cass Elliot—the story remains a poignant reminder of the courage it takes to be oneself in a world that demands conformity.

Audition Resources & References

To assist with your preparation, we have curated the following resources. Please use these to understand the rhythm of the dialogue and the atmosphere of the setting:

• 1996 Film Trailer: For a sense of the Thamesmead estate’s "look and feel."

• Audience Reactions - 20th Anniversary Production: 

• 30th Anniversary Production: We point to this production specifically as an example of the many ways this show can be cast.

• Mama Cass Elliot Playlist: To understand the musical pulse of the play and the character Leah.

• Estuary/Cockney Dialect: For a reference on the "working-class" vocal energy of the piece.

Beautiful Thing is a tender and humorous urban love story set on a South East London council estate during a mid-90s heatwave. The play explores the relationship between two teenage boys, Jamie and Ste, as they navigate their sexuality, domestic struggles, and the vibrant community around them. The play contains mature themes and content that some may find distressing or triggering. Please consider your comfort level with these themes and situations before auditioning. 

Specific content includes:

• Coarse Language: The script features frequent use of profanity and 1990s-era British slang, reflecting the blunt, urban environment of a South East London housing estate.

• Mature and Sexual Themes: The play candidly explores teenage homosexuality and the emotional complexities of coming out. It includes scenes of physical intimacy and characters sharing a bed. (NO NUDITY)

• Depictions of Domestic Abuse: The character of Ste is a victim of off-stage physical abuse by family members. The play depicts the emotional and physical aftermath of this violence, including visible bruising.

• Substance Use: The play depicts the use of various substances. The character Leah is shown "tripping" on glue/solvents. Additionally, characters (Tony and Jamie) are depicted sharing a marijuana joint on stage.

• Stage Smoking: The characters of Leah and Sandra are required to smoke cigarettes on stage.

Actor Requirements & Physicality

Actors will be asked to portray emotionally vulnerable and high-stakes themes, including first love, domestic trauma, and intense familial conflict.

Stage Combat & Physical Conflict: * The actors playing Sandra and Jamie will engage in a choreographed physical fight. This involves intense emotional escalation and controlled physical contact. Actors must be comfortable with high-energy movement and following strict safety protocols for stage combat.

Physical Intimacy: * The actors playing Jamie and Ste must be comfortable with close physical contact, including cuddling, sharing a bed, and kissing. The actors playing Sandra and Tony must be comfortable with on-stage kissing and portraying a romantic/sexual relationship.

Costuming & Appearance: * The actor playing Tony will appear shirtless and will be required to wear a women’s dressing gown/robe. The actors playing Jamie and Ste may appear in stage underwear or pajamas for bedroom scenes. The actor playing Ste will have theatrical makeup (bruising) applied to their body.

Stage Effects: * The actors playing Leah, Sandra, Tony, and Jamie must be comfortable with the use of stage-appropriate herbal cigarettes and simulated drug paraphernalia (a joint).

Dialect: * All actors will be expected to utilize a working-class South-East London (Cockney/Estuary) accent.

The play will be performed exactly as written. All participants are highly encouraged to read the published script and familiarize themselves with the material. 

Trauma-Informed Practices and Intimacy Coordination will be used during this production to create a respectful and supportive environment. All intimate moments will be discussed and choreographed with actors' input regarding boundaries. 

If you or anyone you know is struggling:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress.      

• Bullying Crisis Hotline Text HOME to 741741

LGBTQ+ Identity and Coming Out

Beautiful Thing is a foundational "coming out" story. The emotional weight of discovering one’s sexuality—especially in an environment that may not be initially supportive—is a central theme.

• The Trevor Project: Provides 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ young people. They offer excellent "Coming Out" handbooks that can help actors understand the internal psychological journey of characters like Jamie and Ste.

• PFLAG: The first and largest organization for LGBTQ+ people, their parents and families, and allies. They offer resources on navigating family dynamics and building supportive networks, mirroring the evolution of Sandra’s relationship with Jamie.

Domestic Violence and Trauma

The character of Ste deals with the physical and psychological aftermath of abuse. For actors, portraying this requires a safe space to explore the cycle of violence and the fear associated with it.

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline: Offers 24/7 support for those experiencing abuse. Their educational materials on the "Cycle of Violence" are helpful for actors to understand the "guarded" nature of survivors like Ste.

• Safe Connections (St. Louis Local): As you are producing this in St. Louis, Safe Connections is a premier local resource providing counseling and support for survivors of domestic and relationship violence.

Substance Use and Mental Health

Leah and Tony use substances as a form of escapism, while Leah specifically struggles with social isolation and erratic behavior.

• SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration): Provides resources for understanding the intersection of mental health and substance use. Their "National Helpline" is a standard resource for anyone struggling with addiction.

• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Offers support and education for individuals dealing with mental health challenges and the families who support them.