A Happy and Holy Occasion

Williamstown Little Theatre

announces auditions for

A Happy and Holy Occasion

Written by John OÂ’Donoghue

Directed by Vicki Smith



O'DonoghueÂ’s A Happy and Holy Occasion is an intricate play, set in Newcastle in 1942 on the eve of the fall of Singapore. Denny and Mary OÂ’Mahon are hosting a party for their son Christy to celebrate his entrance into the seminary. In Irish tradition, the play has some wonderfully comic moments which are overcast with the conflicting issues of mateship, fidelity in marriage, the work ethic, veneration of the priesthood and the uneasy alliance between Britain and Australia during the second world war. The play gives a wonderful portrait of the Irish-Australian heritage of romanticism, ebullient humour, guilt and vulnerability.



Audition Dates: Sunday November 27 and Monday November 28 by appointment

Time: 1.00pm and 7.00pm

Where: Williamstown Little Theatre, 2 – 4 Albert St, Williamstown

Enquiries: Please call Vicki on 0419 329 052 or email vsmith@macarthurcook.com.au

Season Dates: February 16 to March 4, 2006



Characters:



Mary OÂ’Mahon 30s, Married to Denny. Australian. Fragile

Denny OÂ’Mahon 30s. Irish. Struggling to support family. Staunch catholic

Christy OÂ’Mahon 12. Son of Denny and Mary. Australian

Houses OÂ’Halloran 50s. Father of Mary. Australian

Tocky Keating 30s. Friend of Denny. Resentful of Mary. Irish

Father OÂ’Gorman 40s to 50s. Priest with questionable vocation. Irish

Breda Mulcahy 30s. Barmaid seen as a prostitute and sinner in the eyes of the church. Irish

Cecilia McManus 70s. Australian. Pillar of the catholic church



An accent coach will be available however auditionees will need to demonstrate at the audition that they have a reasonable grasp of a basic Irish accent.