Beautiful Thing by Jonathan Harvey

It’s the 90’s, and teenagers Jamie and Ste are living next door in working-class South London. Jamie is being bullied at school, and Ste is being bullied at home by his violent father and brother.

One night, when his home life all gets a little too much to take, Ste seeks refuge at Jamie’s, and, sharing a bed, they strike up a new, and unprecedented relationship.

Together, the boys come to terms with their sexuality and navigate through their new-found frightening feelings with the help of their rebellious and brassy friend Leah, and Jamie’s mother Sandra’s, protective and emotional support.

“Beautiful Thing offers a razor-sharp depiction of life and love on a post-war council estate, and a gloriously nostalgic trip back to the early nineties. Coronation Street writer Jonathan Harvey is at his insightful and hilarious best in this iconic story, which shows how community can lift you out of isolation and suffering.”

THEMES:

Coming out, acceptance, love, community, friendship, family, rites of passage…

CAST:

Jamie (M) – playing age of 16-year-old. He’s sensitive and shy, likes to keep to himself, and is struggling to deal with his sexuality. He is infatuated, and confused, with feelings for his classmate Ste.

Ste (M) – neighbour and classmate of Jamie. Playing age of 16. He is often the subject of physical and emotional abuse by his alcoholic father and brother.

Sandra (F) – playing age 35 – 55, single mum to Jamie. She works in a bar, and is fiercely protective of her son. She is strong and supportive. Once she discovers Jamie is gay, she wastes no time in letting him know he is accepted, just the way he is.

Leah (F) – playing age of 16-19, Leah is Jamie’s next-door neighbour. Sassy, outspoken, confident and loud, she is a stark contract to Jamie’s quiet and reserved demeanour. Nevertheless, she is a support for both boys. She is also obsessed with Mama Cass and likes to sing – loudly!

Tony (M) – Sandra’s newest boyfriend. Middle-class man in his late 20s-early 40s – (younger than Sandra) – Hippy in style, and sarcastic in nature.

The ages referred to come from the script. Ideally we are looking for actors who can work together as a creative team and the casting will be flexible to achieve this. 

Scripts have been ordered and will be available to borrow soon. 

Please feel free to email me directly to discuss more:  bigspirittheatre@hotmail.com

Performance dates: 21st January – 25th January 2025

Audition Dates

Rehearsals

Rehearsals will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.