Auditions

It's Christmas, and Beth Timms is mourning the recent death of her health and safety officer husband, Gordon. Beth's sister-in-law Connie and son Martin have come to stay determined to ensure that she should have a stress-free Christmas, but between Connie's drinking problem and Martin's unspeaking and emotionally volatile girlfriend Ella, their intentions prove to be short-lived.

Only David, the local vicar, provides Beth with any comfort, but when he says a prayer for her bereavement he unwittingly summons Gordon's ghost to return to the family home.

Gordon has been busy implementing health and safety measures in the afterlife and is now determined to stick around to help Beth manage her affairs. It soon becomes apparent, however, that his return is not altogether welcome.

Whilst comedic on the surface Life and Beth has a darker side: Michael Billington's review in The Guardian said "Few dramatists in history have painted a more devastating picture of the emotional damage wrought by bullying men."

It is clear that Martin's misguided and inadequate interactions with his girlfriend Ella are Gordon's legacy to his son.

Gordon's death might just mean Life! for the family he left behind.

Parts to be cast:

Beth Timms             Recently widowed, middle aged
 

Ella Packer               Martin's girl-friend (Note: Non-speaking role)

Connie Bunting      Beth's sister-in-law, also a widow, middle aged

Crew positions are also needed to be filled.