Auditions

The Great Divide

By David Williamson

Directed by AJ Johnson

Auditions: Sunday, 30 November, from 10am by appointment.

Rehearsal schedule: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays at 7pm.

Season: 21 February - 14 March, 2026

Copies of the script are available upon request from info@hlt.org.nz.

SYNOPSIS

When wealthy developer Alex Whittle sets her sights on the quiet coastal Australian town of Wallis Heads, she expects to buy land and loyalty with ease. But Penny, a determined solo mum, won’t let progress trample her home or community. What follows is a sharp, hilarious showdown of money, morals, and survival as neighbours take sides and the town splits over its future.

ROLES

(Ages are indicative only. If you feel you may be suitable for a role, you are encouraged to audition.)

Alex Whittle (Female, 50s – 60s)
Australia’s self-anointed Queen of Capitalism. Elegant, ruthless, and allergic to the word no, Alex can demolish a council with a raised eyebrow and build a resort before lunch. She genuinely believes she’s saving the town, just not for the people who already live there. A commanding role requiring sharp timing, confidence, and the ability to balance menace with charm.

Penny Poulter (Female, late 30s – 40s)
A battle-hardened single mum and accidental activist. Penny is fiery, funny, and full of fight as she juggles bills, motherhood, and moral outrage with the blunt honesty of a street poet. But beneath the sarcasm lie true strength and genuine heart. A grounded, emotionally rich role with enormous comic potential.

Grace Delahunty (Female, 40+)
Alex’s long-suffering PA and reluctant conscience. Efficient, empathetic, and quietly combustible, Grace has spent years managing crises for her boss – until she finally starts to question what she’s defending. A subtle, character-driven role blending dry wit and heartfelt rebellion.

Rachel Poulter (Female, 16 – 18)
Penny’s teenage daughter, smart and ambitious, desperate to escape her small-town life. Torn between loyalty to her mother and the lure of a better future, Rachel becomes an unlikely flashpoint in the fight for Wallis Heads. A fast, modern role that balances vulnerability with confidence.

Alan Bridger (Male, 50s – 60s)
The town’s well-meaning mayor and master of deflection. Once a decent man, now a bundle of compromises, Alan wants everyone to get along, preferably until after the election. A delightfully indecisive role requiring comic precision and warmth.

Brian / Brenda (Male or Female, 50s)
Editor of the struggling local paper. Cynical but not heartless, they’re caught between ethics, advertisers, and a dwindling readership. They still believe journalism matters, even if nobody’s listening. A wry, world-weary role with both humour and integrity.

Jo / Joel (Male or Female, 20s)
An ambitious young TV reporter who loves the sound of their own voice. Charming, opportunistic, and always camera-ready, they chase the story even when it’s running in circles. A fun, high-energy role with scene-stealing potential.

DIRECTOR’S NOTES
The secret to the comedy is absolute sincerity, and David Williamson’s comedies work best when they’re played straight and with conviction, not caricature. These characters don’t think they’re being funny, they think that they’re right. At its best, The Great Divide is wickedly funny, slightly horrifying, and quietly moving. A recognisable reminder that “progress” always comes with a price tag, and not everyone is going to get invited to the grand opening. We’re looking for a fast-paced, tight ensemble feel where every personality, from billionaire to shelf-stacker, thinks they’re the only sensible person in the room. Each role has a delicious rhythm and contrasting personality with rapid-fire dialogue, real emotional stakes. The ideal cast will bring honesty and intelligence to the humour, and find the humanity beneath the hypocrisy, and bring a thrill of watching these characters react under pressure. Australian accents, if used, will be subtle (no “Kath and Kim” here).

First readthrough and early character work will begin in December, with full rehearsals resuming mid-January.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
AJ Johnson is an actor, director, and photographer with over 30 years of performance experience, and whose characters have been appearing at Howick Little Theatre for the past decade. Memorable stage roles include Monty Python’s Spamalot in Wellington, The Importance of Being Earnest, Our Man In Havana, California Suite, and The Book Club Play at Howick Little Theatre, and Arcadia and The Long Weekend at Dolphin Theatre. He returned to professional performance in 2022 with Black Creatives Aotearoa’s Po’ Boys and Oysters and he regularly appears in Covert Theatre’s improv troupe. This is his second main season with Howick Little Theatre, after being Assistant Director on Aurélia in 2024, and making his directorial debut with Renovations for Six earlier this year.

Watch this space for details of the upcoming auditions for plays in our 2026 season. Meanwhile, you can sign up to our emailing list to receive advance information.