About the Play
When Beach Haven Rest Home faces closure at the hands of a large-scale developer and a dodgy councillor, the residents resolve to raise the money required to stay put.
With the blessing of Sarah, the rest home manager, and the help of some younger allies, Ivy, Rose, Pauline, and Angela adopt alter egos to attract paying chat line clients. Some residents embrace their new vocation effortlessly, while others find their stride more slowly — and hilariously.
This play features many characters you'll swear you've met before, endless laugh-out-loud moments, and heartwarming interactions that will have you reaching for the tissues. One thing's for certain: the residents' plans pay off in the most satisfying of ways.
"A brilliantly written and uplifting comedy — with witty one-liners and convincingly real interactions, poignant moments and flashes of comic genius."
BroadwayWorld.comWhy Stage Call Girls?
Call Girls has a proven track record of strong audience numbers and outstanding word-of-mouth. Phoenix Theatre in Auckland reached their break-even point before opening night and played to full houses throughout the entire season — an uncommon achievement for any community production.
The play works for a wide range of audiences: it's warm, funny, and never difficult, but it has real heart. The characters are vivid and distinct, offering excellent material for a varied cast. With ten roles spanning a range of ages and temperaments, it rewards strong ensemble work while giving individual performers clear moments to shine.
"We knew we were onto something when ticket sales started rolling in. We reached our break-even point before opening night and had full houses through the whole season."
Phoenix Theatre, AucklandThe Characters
- PaulineCreative, flamboyant, pompous. A retired boarding school art teacher with delusions of grandeur.
- IvyQuick-witted, sarcastic, fiercely protective. A single mum before it was accepted.
- AngelaSharp-minded and financially savvy. A secretary turned accountant, divorced and wiser for it.
- RoseGentle, kind, apparently innocent. A widow with a warm heart and a suspicious memory.
- SarahOwner of Beach Haven. Kind, dedicated, a touch naive, and stronger than she looks.
- LeonardTown Councillor. Officious, odious, on the take. Covets both Sarah and her property.
- KirstyIvy's granddaughter. A uni student, sharp, loyal, and the perfect accomplice.
- PlusCarla (yoga instructor), Pip (TV producer), Glen (reporter), Tim (IT), Dinkle (TV personality), Priest, Jack, Mayor.
Production Notes
The play is set in a traditional privately-owned rest home on prime beachfront real estate in an English seaside town, though the author is open to considering alternate location settings on request.
Scene changes within each act are transitional rather than heavily defined. The cast set the stage as required, with lighting and sound effects denoting time and atmosphere. The original lighting and SFX plan is available upon request through Playmarket.