Adapted by Roy Clarke; Directed by Jason Munn
Performance: 5th – 10th October 2026
Casting: 3rd August 2026
Based on the beloved British sitcom by Roy Clarke, Keeping Up Appearances – The Stage Play brings the hilarious world of Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced ‘Bouquet’) to life in a brand-new script written especially for the theatre.
Set in a modest church hall, this comedy-of-manners follows the ever-pretentious Hyacinth as she throws herself into two cultural events: a local art exhibition (featuring her own amateur painting, Willows by Moonlight) and an amateur dramatic society’s production still searching for a leading lady. Naturally, Hyacinth is determined to claim the most prestigious rôle – that of Lady Melvern – much to the horror of her long-suffering neighbour and reluctant director, Emmet.
As chaos unfolds, audiences are treated to appearances by Hyacinth’s eccentric family – including the slobbish Onslow, sensual Rose, and droll Daisy – as well as quirky newcomers like the tech-savvy Milly, the formidable Mrs Debden, and a bewildered revolving door of mistaken artists.
A heartwarming and riotous look at British social climbing, family dysfunction, and theatrical ambition, this stage adaptation is a delightful homage to a cultural classic.
Cast Required
- Hyacinth Bucket (‘Bouquet’) – Overbearing, socially aspirational, obsessed with etiquette and appearances. Large rôle with high energy and vocal variety. Female. Playing Age: 50s–60s.
- Daisy – Hyacinth’s warm-hearted sister. Dreamy, romantic, and loving despite her messy surroundings. Working-class accent. Female. Playing Age: 40s–60s.
- Onslow – Daisy’s slobbish husband. Laid-back, sarcastic, beer-drinking TV lover. Physically relaxed but comically sharp. Male. Playing Age: 40s–60s.
- Rose – Flirty and flamboyant. Dresses provocatively and often involved with unsuitable men. Bold physicality. Female. Playing Age: 30s–50s.
- Emmet – Hyacinth’s weary neighbour and local am-dram director. Artistic, high-strung, and trying desperately to avoid Hyacinth’s ambitions. Male. Playing Age: 40s–60s.
- Elizabeth (Liz) – Nervous next-door neighbour. Gentle, polite, and perpetually anxious around Hyacinth (especially near the china). Female. Playing Age: 40s–60s.
- Sheridan (voice only) – Hyacinth’s unseen son. Dramatic and theatrical. Communicates via phone with exaggerated formality. Male. Playing Age: 20s–30s.
- Milly – A shy, nerdy computer enthusiast. Intelligent but socially awkward. Catches Rose’s attention. Female (can be Male or Non-binary depending on casting). Playing Age: 20s–30s.
- Mrs Debden – Dominant chair of the local charity committee. Commanding, dry-witted, and highly proper. Female. Playing Age: 50s–70s.
- Mrs Cavendish – A refined, upper-class woman involved with the local society. Elegant and traditional. Female. Playing Age: 50s–70s.
- Mr Milson – Awkward, intellectual type. Becomes the target of Rose’s flirtation. A comedic straight man. Male. Playing Age: 20s–30s. (Could be merged with or replaced by Milly)
- Two Artists – Eccentric, confused, and comedic. Appear at the wrong times for the art exhibition. Strong timing and physical humour required. Any gender.Playing Age: 20s–50s.
- Daddy (Hyacinth’s Father) – A silent, eccentric presence. Appears in costume (e.g.,Union Jack boxers). Physical comedy rôle; no lines but strong stage presence. Male. Playing Age: 70s+.
- Mrs Debden’s Assistant / Committee Member (optional) – Minor support role that can add depth to the committee scenes. Flexible line load. Female. Playing Age: 40s–60s.
Received Pronunciation or affected ‘posh’ accent required for Hyacinth and Mrs Debden. A northern/working class accent required for Daisy, Onslow, and Rose. Natural regional variations of accents for others depending on casting style. Several roles require physical comedy, quick entrances/exits, and expressive movement (e.g., Daddy, Artists, Hyacinth). An emphasis on ensemble interaction and comic timing is required by all.
Contact Details: jasonjmunn@gmail.com