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Good evening radio listeners. What are you doing a month from now? Never mind, I don't care. What you should be doing is auditioning for Bullshot 2, the ever so secret sequel to 2023s runaway success, Bullshot 1 (known in promotional print as simply 'Bullshot Crummond') What is Bullshot you may ask? Well, what would be one letter away from an all-out Freudian slip, the likes of which would make the BBC censors pass out with shock, is in fact a globe-trotting, high-flying, death-defying adventure of truly terrific proportions. Dashing heroes, evil villains and strange carpet salesmen are just a few of the participants in this outrageous new adventure. Characters new and old become embroiled in a treacherous scheme plotted by returning villain, Otto Von Bruno. Standing in his way is the lantern-jawed, statuesque and stoic man's man Captain Hugh Crummond, ready to, once again, thwart Von Bruno's evil plans and finally tie the knot with his bride-to-be, Rosemary Fenton. A Readthrough will take place on Wednesday the 29th of July, followed by auditions on Wednesday the 5th of August, both at Kew Scouts, Station Avenue, Kew TW9 3QA at 8PM sharp. Email [email protected] for an audition pack. Characters: HUGH ‘BULLSHOT’ CRUMMOND – Our dashing, chisel-jawed, movie star hero is full of pumped-up ego, but sadly wanting in brainpower. Brimming with derring-do, he is constantly on the lookout for anything and anyone who would threaten his beloved British Empire. In his mind at least, he is a warrior without a war on a lonely crusade to protect the ‘tedium’ of peacetime with manly action. Squarely in his sights is Otto Von Bruno, his symbiotic archenemy since WW1 days. Fully aware of his drop-dead looks and in the prime of life at 30-something, Crummond sadly has no clue about romance. The best he can offer up in the arena of courtship is to confess to his one-and-only Rosemary that he’s “terribly fond” of her. MISS ROSEMARY FENTON – Our heroine English rose is liberally endowed with romantic schoolgirl dreams, but only vague stirrings of female equality. In her late 20’s/early 30’s, she is as confused as Crummond about the movie-poster style “feelings” they have for each other, she is most at ease in the bucolic aura of her rustic cottage. Surprisingly, she is fearless when it comes to protecting a family member and possesses an acute intuitive sense of what to do when salvaging Crummond from a perilous situation. The latter event occurs more frequently than she – or he – would ever admit. OTTO VON BRUNO – The epitome of the 1930’s ‘B’ movie German villain: shaved head, monocle, jodhpurs, concealed Luger at the ready, etc., In his late 30’s/early 40’s, Von Bruno has been Crummond’s arch-nemesis since their glorious, actionpacked days of WW1. Ignoring the Armistice, Von Bruno has tirelessly continued that conflict, intent on destroying Crummond’s cherished British Empire once and for all, then installing himself in command of a new world order. In fact, he shares more character traits with Crummond than either would ever realize: inflated ego, dunderheadedness, blinkered worldview and unapologetic patriotism. Von Bruno enjoys (or rather suffers) a nebulous relationship with Lenya, with whom he shares a mutual distrust and lack of respect. LENYA VON BRUNO – We are never really sure whether Lenya is Otto’s glamorous mistress, his niece or (most likely) a ruthless accomplice who would destroy him in an instant, given the opportunity. In her late 20’s/early 30’s, she is unashamedly with Von Bruno for the power, the money and the potential fame, participating in his mad schemes even though they are forever thwarted by the “guile” of Hugh Crummond – for whom she has an animal attraction orchestrated by a vivid fantasy life. Lenya would be far happier living the high-life in Berlin, but feels a certain obligation to stick with Otto, who years ago (according to him) saved her from the gutters of Hamburg. DOCTOR MORTON ‘CUCKOO’ CROXLEY – (50’s/60’s) A pioneer in the arcane field of invisibility, who will happily ‘Bore For Britain’ on the subject. His early attempts achieved only temporary success; once the effect wore off, he was left standing naked. Thanks to a chance encounter in Hyde Park, Crummond had him committed to an asylum. Croxley’s obsession with this backwater of science intensified during his incarceration, along with his hatred of Crummond. He is eager to continue his work, even for nefarious purposes if he can wreak revenge. POLICE CONSTABLE – (4O’s) A local policeman (rural accent) out of his depth with the strange goings-on, but glad of the trusted protection afforded by his trained dog. ALGY LONGWORT – (30’s/40’s) Crummond’s loyal, buck-toothed, chinless-wonder chum. Although he is eternally eager to join in all his mentor’s adventures, he is no match for Crummond’s stamina. Frankly, Algy would rather be ensconced in a St. James’s club demolishing a stiff gin and tonic and just talking about future exploits, as opposed to actually engaging in them in the field and getting muddy boots. AUNT CHARLOTTE – (50’s/60’s) A no-nonsense, buxom British bull of a woman and Rosemary’s aunt. Despite her mannish hairstyle, sensible shoes, frumpy clothes and weapons-grade handbag, she is surprisingly heterosexual; eager to recount her conquests. Aunt Charlotte’s fondness for Rosemary and her devotion to her missing husband, emboldens her decision to navigate the perilous sands of the Sahara. TICKET INSPECTOR – (40’s/50’s) A Salt-of-the-Earth type with a bulbous nose. He was one of Crummond’s loyal fellow soldiers in the Great War. POLICEMAN ON TRAIN – (40’s) A dedicated Officer of the Law who abides by the book and expects everyone else to do the same. No exceptions. He means well. FRENCH LEGIONNAIRE – (30’s/40’s) A loyal Corporal in the French Foreign Legion. His “brigade” of Legionnaires is under his tight control (literally) and only his deep respect for Crummond prevents him from exposing his hero’s blunders. ACHMED – (30’s/40’s) A shifty, one-eyed, wall-eyed rug dealer with a suspect eyepatch. Achmed never lets a deal slip through his spidery fingers. He has all the wiles of a used car salesman when it comes to selling customized flying carpets, but is well versed in Jabar's ancient rituals and traditions. LARS LUTEFISK – (40’s/50’s) The real Master of Invisibility was driven to insanity by the process’ side effects. He devised a way to rule the world by inflicting natural disasters at the touch of a button – but needed the Eye of Jabar to trigger it. Lutefisk eventually lost his mind and ran screaming into the desert to die. He survives only as a holographic image, badly in need of a program update. He has a Scandinavian accent and his name aptly defines the gelatinous mess that his brain became. UNCLE HERBERT – (60’s/70’s) Rosemary’s uncle and Charlotte’s missing husband. He originally joined forces with Lutefisk, who, in a fit of paranoid frenzy, locked Herbert in a cell and left him to die. Rashid took care of Herbert, but months of solitude and hardship took a savage toll on his mental capacities. He now babbles, shell-shocked, speaking in disjointed, abstract phrases that only he understands. RASHID – (5,000 years old) An Ancient Egyptian slave who has survived the millennia as part of Jabar’s mythical cultural phenomena. Huge and dangerous, he patiently awaits the return of his Queen Nefertiti, loyally guarding her home. Every solstice he dreams of seeing her again and, dare he intone it, taking her as his bride.
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Rehearsals for Q2's production of Persuasion, Jane Austen's last completed novel by American author Sarah Rose Kearns, are well under way and tickets are now on sale!
Click here for tickets! This coincides with The National Archives' Love Letters exhibition, including the display of Jane Austin's will, providing insight into the iconic author’s familial relationships. Click here for The National Archives What a run! Q2 Players’ production of ‘Comic Potential’ wowed audiences across 6th, 7th, and 8th November with laughs, charm, and a touch of futuristic fun.
A sold out audience on the Friday, a visit from the Deputy Mayor and an audience singing nothing but praises for our large cast. Here are a few highlights from the three amazing days — a huge thank you to everyone who came and supported us! Click below for the full gallery: Past Productions - Q2 Players Tickets are now on sale for our Autumn production of Alan Ayckbourn's futuristic fantasy, and we are we couldn't be more excited.
'Q2 Players are journeying into the not-so-distant future with Alan Ayckbourn's highly praised Comic Potential. The story involves a young writer with wild ideas about reviving traditional comedy, who finds himself drawn to a synthetic actress, or 'actoid', because she's inexplicably able to laugh. The play features comedy and romance, all set within a retro-future aesthetic, and questions whether a machine can ever truly understand love and laughter.' Show times are below, book early to avoid disappointment. Thursday 6th November 7:45PM Friday 7th November 7:45PM Saturday 8th November 2:30PM and 7:45PM The National Archives, Kew, Richmond TW9 4DU Tickets: £14 (£12 concessions) https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/91330 Q2's November production of Comic Potential has been cast!
Following a few setbacks earlier in the year, we are delighted to be running with a full cast for Alan Ayckbourn's retro-futuristic comedic take on Artificial Intelligence, showing on the 6th, 7th and 8th of November at The National Archives in Kew! Jacie - Anna Piggott Adam - Paul Huggins Chandler - Tony Cotterill Carla - Karen Heyworth Prim - Susan Gerlach Trudi - Andrea Wilkins Lester - Stephen Tester Mother/Wife - Harriet Muir Marmion/Son/Technician - Harry Doyle Doctor/Farmer/Man in Dress Shop/Turkey - Colin Rogal Shop Assistant/Prostitute - Enid Gayle Woman in Dress shop/Restaurant - Antonella Harrison Hotel Receptionist/Waiter - Christopher Hodges Tickets will be available nearer the time. Until then, keep your eyes peeled for trailers and updates via social media and through the Q2 email list. Comic Potential is a romantic science fiction comedy set in a near-future world where television shows are acted out by androids called "actoids." The story follows Adam Trainsmith, a young, idealistic writer, who discovers that one of the actoids, JC-F31-333 (nicknamed "Jacie"), has developed an unusual sense of humor—a trait considered a malfunction in androids.
As Adam tries to nurture Jacie’s comic abilities, he clashes with the cynical producers and executives who see her only as faulty equipment. Their growing relationship raises deeper questions about creativity, individuality, love, and what it means to be human. Ayckbourn’s play is both a sharp satire of the entertainment industry and a touching exploration of artificial intelligence and emotion, blending comedy, romance, and futuristic speculation. Attached are the audition pieces, an audition slip and below is some information about the characters. Auditions are being held at the Kew Scout hut, Station Avenue, Richmond TW9 3QA next Wednesday the 20th of August at 8PM. If you are unable to make this date, you can contact us to make other arrangements. The show will be performed at The National Archives, Richmond from the 6th to the 8th of November 2025. If you would like an audition pack, or have any questions, please contact us. Contact - Q2 Players Lead Characters: JCF 31333 - Jacie Triplethree (20's - 30's) Jacie is an android (actoid) who laughs at one of the errors another actoid makes; she is not meant to be able to do that, which sets her apart from other actoids. Jacie is witty, clever and physically strong. She has a unique charm that sets her apart, and sometimes above, the other human characters. Adam Trainsmith (20's - 30's) Adam is a naive yet aspiring writer who becomes attracted to Jacie and begins creating a story that is based around her for a new tv soap opera; he is desperate to prove himself to those around him. When Jacie is in danger, he takes her away and hides with her in various hotels in the city. Chandler 'Chance' Tate (Late 50's) Chandler was a film director with a good reputation, but now has ended up working with community television and a cast of "actoids" (non human actors), churning out TV Soap Operas. He gradually realises Jacie's potential. Lester Trainsmith In his 80's, who doesn't speak (until later scenes). He is in a wheelchair. He is the wealthy owner of the television station. Marmion (30's) Marmion is the speaker for Lester Trainsmith and voices Lester's thoughts and opinions. Prim Spring, programmer. (30's) Prim is responsible for the actions of the actoids and if there is an issue or problem, she needs to rectify it. Prim can alter the emotional responses of the actoids. Trudi Floote, technician. (30's) Trudi is like a floor manager and oversees technical aspects of the filming. Carla Pepperbloom (40's - 50's) Carla is flamboyant, demonstrative, quite theatrical, histrionic and overbearing. She is ambitious and sees herself as the next director of Lester's company. She would be an awful employer. ENSEMBLE: Doctor Actoid Gives the young man in the hospital bed the bad news about his operation. The doctor is the actor who mucks up his lines which sets Jacie off. Son Actoid Young man, a patient in the hospital bed. Mother Actoid (40's - 50's). Tearful and emotional, she is sad about her son's condition. She is able to be much more emotional when she is programmed to cry and be much sadder about her son. Hotel Desk Clerk Registers Jacie and Adam in the hotel. Waiter 1 Serves Jacie and Adam in the hotel restaurant. He whispers to Jacie that he is aware she is an actoid and she needs to leave immediately or will blow her cover. Waiter 2 Serving other customers. Man in Dress Shop Rich, older man who is impatient about having to wait while his young partner tries on outfits. Girl in Dress Shop Rich man's young, slender girlfriend dressed in a skimpy outfit. Dress Shop Assistant She happily assists Jacie who enthusiastically chooses outfits. Prostitute Mature woman. A rough diamond. She jumps to conclusions about why Jacie and Adam are in the hotel room. Turkey A pimp. He also jumps to the conclusions about why Jacie and Adam are in the hotel room and approaches them aggressively Farmer - Adam's TV Plot An older man with kindly intentions. Farmer's wife - Adam's TV Plot A mature woman who helps Jacie in need Tickets for the next Q2 Players production, Laburnum Grove by JB Priestley, are on sale now!
This show, at The National Archives in Kew, will run from 15th to 17th May 2025 at 7.45 pm, with a matinee at 2.30 pm on Saturday 17th. Tickets from: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/80709 or on the door. (poster with details and QR code attached) Set in the 1930’s in the North London suburb of Shooters Green, it’s the story of George Radfern who is a decent, respectable householder. He likes to spend his Sunday evenings in his greenhouse listening to the wireless. When his money-grasping relatives try to coax money from him, the façade of middle-class respectability falls away, as George reveals he has a completely different side to his character. Is this a ploy to scare off the spongers or is there more to it? The play observes the changes in family dynamics as the various members come to terms with what George reveals. Auditions for Comic Potential written by Alan Ayckbourn will take place on Wednesday the 29th of January at Kew Scouts, Station Avenue, Richmond TW9 3QA at 8 PM. Please arrive promptly as there is a lot to go through.
Characters: Adam: A young(ish) impetuous and aspiring writer with romantic ideas of making 'real comedy'. Jacie: An actor android (or Actoid) who learns about love and laughter for the first time. Chandler: A bitter and down-trodden, formerly great movie director relegated to the slums of TV soaps. Prim: A charismatic and caring producer who does all the real work. Trudi: Prims techy partner. Carla: A ball-busting senior TV exec. Lester: An aging TV tycoon. Marmion: His flamboyant assistant. Ensemble: Various waiters, technicians, restaurant goers, dress-store patrons and fellow Actoids. This is a lively and vibrant play with lots going on and with an opportunity to bring a variety of unique characters to life, all within a retro-futuristic setting. If you have any questions, are unable to make the auditions or want to request audition pieces please email [email protected] Step Into the Retro-Future with Q2 Players!
Q2 is journeying into the distant future of 1999 with Alan Ayckbourn’s highly praised COMIC POTENTIAL! The Story: A young writer with bold ideas about traditional comedy finds himself captivated by a synthetic actress, or “actoid,” who’s mysteriously able to laugh. Packed with romance, humor, and a unique Neon-Noir aesthetic, this play offers plenty of laughs and heartfelt moments, along with some fun technical challenges! What We’re Looking For: • 5 male roles & 5 female roles (many can be doubled, depending on auditions). • Backstage crew to help bring the magic to life! Key Dates: • Read Through: Wed, 22nd Jan 2025 • Auditions: Wed, 29th Jan 2025 Kew Scouts, Station Avenue, Richmond TW9 3QA Show Dates: 15th–17th May 2025 The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, TW9 4DU |
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