Bouncers — Audition Notes

Bouncers by John Godber first performed as a two-hander at The Edinburgh Fringe in 1977, was expanded to four actors in 1983. It was written as a piece of work to fully engage the audience with the actors, so is intended to be performed with a minimal set and few props. Bouncers is a social commentary on club culture in the 80's, "working class Britons at play" and is one of the top 100 plays of the 20th century (National Theatre). The actors must switch quickly and easily between characters, describing social observations of the day, whilst acting out various scenarios and dancing to a vibrant soundtrack.

The quartet play other characters, but they are fundamentally nightclub bouncers. They convey a sense of threat and a 'don't mess with me' attitude with a potential for violence. "The darker elements of the play should act as a constant undercurrent" But this play is a comedy, using spoken and physical humour to make some hard-hitting observations, still very relevant today. In between the nostalgic references and sharp dialogue there are many moments of hilarity. Bouncers contains bad language, and has numerous references to sex in line with the misogynistic attitude of the era.


CAST (The age range is a guide!)

Lucky Eric – in his 40's
The eldest of the four, he has seen all human life and is a troubled soul. Had enough of this environment and is close to the edge. Bit of rivalry with Judd. Eric is a fiery and moody character. Potentially violent – yet also sensitive and at times vulnerable. Recently separated from his wife. Has four spotlight monologues reflecting on the nightclub scene and how women are treated.

Les – mid 20's
Is the youngest of the group, impressionable and always up for a fight. Reasonably happy-go-lucky but can switch to a more menacing mood in a moment.

Ralph – 20's to 30's
Is young, but a bit less volatile/aggressive than the others and the voice of reason. Does judo and is described by Eric as 'Mr Inner Calm'

Judd – 20's to mid-30's
Is all brawn and very little brain. Left school with one GCSE in metalwork, and has been involved in petty theft. Happy to get stuck in and use his fists, always trying to pick a fight with Eric.

Booking tickets

When checking out, we recommend the 'Fast Checkout' option followed, if necessary, by 'Checkout as guest (you may need to scroll down to find this)'. If you are an unregistered customer, you do not need to create an account, in fact it's probably easier if you don't.

If you want to create an account, click on one of the sign-up options shown; the 'email' option is possibly the easiest. Be aware that your basket will time out after 15 minutes (there is a 'time remaining' indicator top right of the screen).

Whichever checkout method you choose, please complete the 'Full name' field with your first and last names only. Please do not include your title or middle names.

APS Cancellation Policy

If you need to move your seat or seats from one performance to another of the same production, we can do this very easily for you at no additional cost to you. There is no need to cancel and rebook. Just contact the APS Box Office. Note that the change can only be to seats in the same area as the seats in the original order.

If you are unable to attend an event for which you have purchased tickets, we would be grateful if you would let us know as soon as possible, so that we can cancel your order and release the seats. However, please note that we do not, under any circumstances, offer refunds if a ticket order is cancelled after it has been processed.

When your ticket order has been cancelled, if the seats are resold and the performance is sold out, we will offer you a discount code that can be used to purchase tickets for another production. The value of the discount code will be the value of the tickets you cancelled, less a £2.00 admin fee per ticket. The discount code will be time limited and usually valid only for a maximum of six months.

If you order a ticket by mistake and inform the APS Box Office within 24 hours of your purchase that you wish to cancel it, we will offer you a discount code as described above.

If a production is cancelled by APS, you will receive a full refund for the amount you paid.


If you wish to cancel tickets or move your seats to a different performance, please contact the APS box Office
07353 074944 (9.00 am - 7.00 pm, please); email admin@aps-sherborne.co.uk

BOUNCERS

It's Friday night, it's disco night – time for Bouncers to come alive; Do you remember the 80s?  

John Godber's social commentary on club culture is just as fresh and funny as it was when first performed in 1977. Join our four alpha lads as they take you on a nostalgic trip back to the 1980s when disco was king, and neon colours and shoulder pads were the very height of fashion.

This is a play with plenty of humour yet it achieves some hard-hitting moments too, which are still very relevant today. With a minimal set, the focus is on the larger-than-life main characters with their tough guy banter reminiscent of the decade that brought us Spandau Ballet, Die Hard and the 'mix tape'. 

The whole gang are out on the town so expect fabulous tunes, sharp dialogue and some great dance moves. Make sure your name is on the guest list, and come and experience a great night out!

 Be warned this play contains strong language and strong references to sex.

Written by John Godber        Directed by Sarah Webster

Play Reading; Monday 19th May, 7.30 pm
Auditions: Tuesday 10th June, 7.30 pm
Audition Notes

Performances

Mon 8th - Sat 13th Sept, 7.30 pm
Sat 13th Sept, 2.30 pm

Tickets for Bouncers will be on sale from August 11th.

Before clicking the 'Book tickets' button, please read our
Booking Notes and Cancellation Policy


If you need help, call the APS Box Office -- 07353 074944 (9.00 am - 7.00 pm, please)
or email admin@aps-sherborne.co.uk

Make your evening out complete with a preshow meal at the Newell French Bistro in Greenhill, just a few minutes walk from the Theatre. Note that the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

3-course menu (excluding wine) £28.50
with a full à la carte menu to choose from.

Menu Book a table
01935 710386