keeping up appearances
By Roy Clarke
Directed by Kat Steed
6th - 8th november, BOULEVARD THEATRE, MILFORD HAVEN
Keeping Up Appearances is a BBC television sitcom created and written by Roy Clarke. Centred on the life of eccentric, social-climbing snob Hyacinth Bucket (who insists that her surname is pronounced "Bouquet"), the show follows an obsessive and determined snobbish middle class woman who desperately and continually looks for opportunities to climb the social ladder by attempting to impress people (particularly rich people) and portray herself as more affluent than she truly is, despite being wedged between a working class background and upper class aspirations.
This specially written for the stage script revolves around Emmet ( the poor chap who lives next door to Hyacinth and lives in constant fear of her singing ) who is directing a play at the local village hall, but when Hyacinth is cast in the play's leading role disaster is in the making.
Registration is now open and here are some important dates:
Familiarisation - Come and meet the team and find out more about the piece - Thursday 24th July - 7.30pm at Vision Arts, Haverfordwest
Auditions - 31st July at Vision Arts, Haverfordwest
Rehearsals Commence on Thursdays from 14th August
ALL ROLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR CASTING - HERE ARE THE CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS:
Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced "BOUQUET")
Role: Ambitious and overbearing amateur actress.
Description: Social climber obsessed with appearances and cultural refinement. Hyacinth is domineering, theatrical, and oblivious to how others perceive her. Cast as Lady Malvern and the Cook, she brings drama on and off stage.
Playing age 45+
Speaks in exaggerated RP accent which falls into a northern one when flustered
Emmet
Role: Director of the community play and actor within it.
Description: Emmet is intense, artistic, and often exasperated—especially by Hyacinth. He’s passionate about theatre, determined to stage a professional-quality production despite the chaos around him. Frequently sarcastic and often overwhelmed.
Playing age 40+
Liz (Elizabeth)
Role: Emmet's sister and play assistant.
Description: Supportive, practical, and level-headed. Liz helps Emmet manage the production and navigate local personalities. She’s witty and often diffuses tension with calm logic or understated humor.
Playing age 45+
Daisy
Role: Hyacinth's sister and Onslow's affectionate and optimistic wife.
Description: Sweet, devoted to Onslow, and determined to keep romance alive. Cast as the Duchess of Hereford. She contrasts sharply with Hyacinth’s pretensions.
Playing age 40+
Onslow
Role: Local man, actor in the play.
Description: Laid-back, scruffy, and sarcastic. Onslow is Hyacinth’s brother-in-law and enjoys winding her up. Plays the Detective Inspector in the play. Dry wit and total lack of pretension define him.
Playing age 40+
Milly (Edward Milson)
Role: Newcomer to town and new to acting.
Description: Shy, nervous, recently divorced. Despite his initial lack of confidence, he is cast as Major Forbes-Elliot. Kind-hearted and eager to fit in, he quickly becomes a charming part of the group.
Playing age 35+
Rose
Role: Flirtatious and romantic character.
Description: Bold, confident, and very open about her love life. She is Hyacinth’s sister and quickly shows interest in Milly. Cast as Cressida Swan, the glamorous actress in the play.
Playing age 40+
Mrs. Debden
Role: Reginal charity organiser.
Description: May offer Hyacinth a role of responsibility. Her presence is a constant concern for Hyacinth’s public image.
Playing age 35+
Daddy
Role: Hyacinth's father.
Description: ex soldier, believes the second world war is still in progress. Appears without his trousers. Doesn't really say anything, but likes to threaten with a homemade bayonet.
Playing age 70+
Local art teacher
Role: teaches in the community center.
Description: Very put out the play has taken over the art exhibition area.
Playing age: any
Can double as Mrs. Debden.