Audition notice: Hansard
We are pleased to announce the audition notice for Hansard by Simon Woods, coming to Wokingham Theatre in September 2026.
A sharp, witty and quietly devastating story over a single summer afternoon in 1988, when the Tory government were making swingeing changes to the fabric of British society, including the passing of Section 28.
A marriage is at breaking point, where words are weapons, but silence can be just as destructive. Hansard premiered at the National Theatre in 2019.
It explores how politics affects personal lives through the marriage of Robin, a Tory MP and Diana, his heavy drinking and disillusioned wife. The play starts with witty, but barbed sparring eventually leading to much darker secrets that they have hidden from each other.
Its title refers to the official, edited verbatim transcript of British parliamentary debates within both the House of Commons and House of Lords, known as Hansard.
The play is an intelligent and darkly funny exploration of power and politics and how personal lives are shaped by these forces. This is a two hander with magnificent parts for both actors, each showing a huge range and depth of emotions.
| Robin Hesketh, middle to late middle age | A fictional, witty, and deeply cynical Tory politician. He returns home one summer morning, eager to spar with his wife, bringing a mixture of political identity and brutal honesty. |
| Diana Hesketh, middle to late middle age | Robin’s sharp-tongued wife of 30 years. Liberal, Guardian reader, disillusioned, drinker, but highly intelligent, quick-witted and articulate. |
The play is approximately 80-90 minutes long. Because there are only two characters, we would anticipate about two rehearsals a week until the final few weeks.
Readthrough: Monday 18 May: 7.45pm, WT foyer
Auditions: Monday 25 May 7.45pm and Saturday 30 May 2pm, WT foyer
Rehearsals: Dependent on cast availability and holiday period, rehearsals are likely to be held twice a week, starting in early June
Performances: 9-19 September
Director: Jerry Radburn (jeremyradburn@icloud.com)
If you are interested in auditioning but are unable to make these audition dates please contact Jerry to arrange another time.
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.