Audition Notice – The Effect

AUDITION NOTICE: THE EFFECT

by Lucy Prebble

Audition date: October 13, 2026 @ 7pm in 52 Down (Rehearsal Room), Albion Street

Production dates: April 7-10, 2027 in the Haywood Studio

Dir. Kane Gray

Amateur Status Only – Unpaid

ABOUT THE PLAY

The Effect is a play by British writer Lucy Prebble about two young volunteers, Connie and Tristan, who fall in love while participating in a clinical trial for a new antidepressant. As their romantic feelings intensify with higher doses, they struggle to determine if their chemistry is genuine or an artificial side effect of the experimental drug.

CHARACTERS (All ages are flexible, but the characters will need to be appropriately matched)

Connie (F) – An inquisitive and intelligent psychology student. She approaches her growing feelings for Tristan with heavy scepticism.

Tristan (M) – A flirty, confident, and unrestrained drifter who joined the trial mostly for the cash and adventure. He dives headfirst into his physical attraction to Connie.

Dr Lorna James (F) – The resident psychiatrist directly running and monitoring the trial. She is meticulous and professional, but she wrestles with her own mental health history.

Dr Toby Sealey (M) – Lorna’s superior and former romantic partner. He is confident, ambitious, and corporate-minded, viewing the trial and human emotional data through the lens of career advancement.

Please be aware that the roles of Connie and Tristan have some very strong intimacy scenes, so please read the script thoroughly and ensure you are comfortable with this type of performance. All intimacy scenes will be approached correctly and safely. 

Rehearsals to start in early February 2027

Contact info: kane.gray@thelittletheatre.co.uk

Please get in touch to register interest in auditioning. Scripts available from the theatre office or contact the director for a PDF version.