Opportunities for disabled people to perform in amateur theatre are few and far between, writes Nick Brunger.
But now Stroud’s award-winning Cotswold Players are urgently seeking a young woman wheelchair-user to take on one of the leading roles in a brand-new production due to be performed early in 2026.
Local writer and performer Philip Douch’s new play ‘Misconceptions’ will feature three couples and explores themes of infertility and adoption as well as disability.
The character of Fran is a feisty university student – funny, assertive and vulnerable.
“Sadly, there is no ready pool of talent for the Cotswold Players to draw on,” says Philip, whose previous productions exploring disability include the award-winning “Charlie”
“Unfortunately, the play will have to be shelved if we cannot cast this leading role in the next couple of months.”
“Ideally we hope to be able to cast a local woman in this role but we do understand that we may have to cast our net a little wider.”
“Even a slightly older woman might fit the bill with the help of our expert make-up artist.”
Anyone interested in auditioning – either with previous acting experience or keen to have the chance to perform for the first time – should contact Philip at douchphilip@gmail.com
