Auditions - Comic Potential 2.0

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​