I think you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who really likes auditioning. The very essence of what’s happening is pretty unpleasant: you’re competing not only for a specific role, but for the chance to be involved at all – and not only against strangers, but possibly also against friends.

Over the years, I’ve tried to take a less-anxious approach to auditions. I wouldn’t go as far as to say ‘relaxed’, but I have tried to enjoy it. Partly to make the experience less dire, and partly because I think it shows favourably in your performance. (And I think a few years of stand-up comedy have helped – auditions have never been quite as bad since!)

This time, you might think, I was safely sat on the other side of the table. But the director’s chair is no less nerve-racking. In fact, it may be more so.

Not getting cast is disappointing, but then you just have to go out and do something else with your time. Not getting a cast – or not getting a good cast – means your play is screwed.

Luckily, I have an excellent cast. And keen, too: two of them have already beaten me to this blog! Here they are:

Left to right, top: Joshua Steinberg (Jez), Riikka Faucher (Scarlett), Samuel Burton (Alf), Daniel McMullen (Milton) & Pauliina Munukka (Gloria) Bottom: Anna Rawlings (all the weirdoes) & Stina Halmetoja (Meredith)