CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
The artistic
team are seeking 12-18 actors to make up the cast:
SPEAKING rOLES all require an AUSTRALIAN
accent.
Sam Pickles: A troubled man who takes his chance on
luck. His fingers are cut off at the beginning of the play. Sam is weak in his
nature succumbing to gambling and drinking and unable to control his wife and
children. He is pathetic, but also a likeable larrikin who in the end, just
wants the best for his family in his own spontaneous way.
Dolly Pickles: An attractive woman who knows how to
turn heads. She is harsh and blunt in her nature and has a very fractured
relationship with her daughter. She has had a troubled life and finds solace in
alcohol and the company of men other than her husband.
Rose Pickles: A thin, pretty, troubled young girl.
The daughter of Sam and Dolly who has her mother’s looks, her father’s heart,
but a big chip on her shoulder. Rose is
forthright and determined, very intelligent and determined to make something of
herself. Must look very thin as she suffers from an eating disorder for most of
the play.
Lester Lamb: A goofy, fun loving father who has the
best intention in his heart for his family. His weakness is providing the best
for his family and his yearning for fun and a less serious life than his wife.
He loves to begin things, but often lacks the drive to follow them through.
Described as a strong and tall man.
Oriel Lamb: A stern, conservative hard working
woman. Once deeply devoted to her faith, Oriel is conflicted after the accident
her son Fish was involved in. She is no nonsense and believes in tough love.
Her family and her routine are what keep her going. Takes no pride in her appearance.
Quick Lamb: A conflicted young man who suffers as
the world suffers. He blames himself for his brother’s disability and as a
result wants to punish himself. He spends most of the play wracked with guilt
trying to run away from the incident that has shaped his life. He is deeply
pensive and rough around the edges.
Fish Lamb: Left disabled after an accident at the
beginning of the show, Fish is the glue that keeps his family together. He
remains childlike as he grows up and has a deep love for and dependence on his
brother Quick. Actor would need to be extremely committed to the character.
Aboriginal Man: Spiritual guide for the characters who
live in the house given the themes of the stolen generation that flow through
the script.
Also an ensemble of eight actors of varying ages and gender
would be required to change to the different characters that appear throughout
the story.
