Audition Notice: Romantic Comedy
We are very pleased to share audition details for Romantic Comedy, by Bernard Slade, coming to Wokingham Theatre next June.
This charming, witty play is about the complex relationship between two Broadway collaborators whose professional partnership evolves into something deeper over the course of nine years.
The story begins on Jason Carmichael’s wedding day, when he meets Phoebe Craddock, a mousy Vermont schoolteacher who becomes his new writing partner. Despite Jason’s marriage to society belle Allison St. James, he and Phoebe develop an immediate creative chemistry that produces a string of Broadway hits. Over the years, their professional success is shadowed by a growing romantic tension that neither act upon.
The partnership thrives until Jason’s destructive affair with pushy Hollywood actress Kate Mallory. Jason’s wife, Allison divorces him for a life in politics, and tired of unrequited love Phoebe marries journalist Leo Janowitz and moves to Paris, where she becomes a successful novelist.
Jason’s world collapses—his career declines, his health fails, and he suffers a near-fatal heart attack. Meanwhile, Phoebe returns to New York transformed from mousy schoolteacher into a confident, sophisticated, and independently successful playwright.
The crisis forces Jason to confront his emotional immaturity, ultimately allowing both collaborators to reconcile their personal and professional relationships.
Characters
| Role | Profile | Description |
| JASON CARMICHAEL | Male, 40s-50s, British | A successful but arrogant Broadway playwright whose journey spans from self centered success through personal destruction to potential redemption. Uses wit and sarcasm to mask emotional immaturity. His affair with Kate destroys his relationships, leading to decline and a heart attack that catalyses his growth into someone capable of genuine love. |
| PHOEBE CRADDOCK | Female, 20s-30s, American | Initially a naive Vermont school teacher who transforms into a confident, accomplished playwright. Possesses genuine talent and integrity. Her arc. moves from eager admirer to independent artist who can meet Jason as an equal. Represents artistic authenticity and the capacity for both forgiveness and self-respect. |
| BLANCHE DAILEY | Female, 40s-60s, American, brash, witty | Jason’s agent and moral compass—a former showgirl with a sharp tongue who combines street smarts with loyalty. Serves as Jason’s surrogate mother and conscience throughout the play’s nine-year span. Famous for telling Jason to “try to be a better person.” |
| ALLISON ST. JAMES | Female, 30s-40s, softer American | Jason’s society belle wife who represents conventional marriage and social standing. Gradually becomes isolated from Jason’s creative world and aware of his feelings for Phoebe. Eventually divorces Jason to pursue her own political ambitions, growing from dependent wife to independent woman. |
| LEO JANOWITZ | Male, 30s-40s, American | An intelligent, emotionally mature journalist who marries Phoebe when she flees her unrequited love for Jason. Contrasts sharply with Jason’s emotional immaturity. Ultimately demonstrates understanding and generosity by recognising he cannot compete with Jason and Phoebe’s connection. |
| KATE MALLORY | Female, 30s-40s, American showgirl | A manipulative Hollywood actress whose affair with Jason serves as the catalyst for his downfall. Represents the shallow, ego-driven aspect of show business. Her pushiness contrasts with Phoebe’s genuine talent and integrity, causing Jason to compromise both artistic and personal relationships. |
Readthrough: Monday 5 January
Auditions: Weds 7 and Friday 9 January: 7.45pm WT foyer
Performances: Wednesday 3 – Saturday 13 June 2026
MEL HAMPSHIRE • Director
mel@melhampshire.com
SOPHIE VALLELY • Production Manager
sophiev@wokinghamtheatre.org.uk
Please note, any non-members wishing to audition will need to become a member if they are cast, before they are able to take part in the show. You can find out more about membership here.