VOLUntEER FORM

By Maxine Peake
Co-Directed by Terry Revell & Jose Warhurst

Auditions to be held on Sunday 22nd February at 2pm in the clubroom at Partington Theatre
Performance runs from 22nd to 27th June 2026.

PLAY SYNOPSIS

Written by actress Maxine Peake, ‘Beryl’ tells the remarkable true story of unsung champion cyclist Beryl Burton. This inspirational tour-de-force is fuelled by rhubarb, northern charm and fierce determination.

Beryl Burton is quite possibly the most successful woman you’ve never heard of. She dominated cycling in the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, becoming world pursuit champion, national pursuit champion, road racing world champion, national road racing champion, British record holder, world record holder, an MBE and an OBE. What’s even more remarkable is that Beryl had a heart condition and early in her life doctors had advised that she could never take part in strenuous activities.

When Maxine Peake was given Beryl’s autobiography as a gift, she questioned why no one had ever written a play about her, and so she wrote it herself.

The play celebrates not only Beryl’s sporting achievements but gives an insight into her personal life from childhood (highlighting the problems she had at home and her early health problems) to meeting her future husband, Charlie and becoming a member of a Yorkshire cycling club, which she belonged to all her life.

As Beryl’s journey unfolds, you become engrossed in watching her not only win her many races but bettering some of the records in the male races.

The arrival of their daughter, Denise, did not hinder her career and when Denise becomes a proficient racing cyclist, we are witness to the rivalry between them.

This fast-paced drama is both humorous and poignant, which we are sure our audiences will enjoy.

CHARACTER DETAILS

This ensemble style play requires four actors to multi-role play a range of varied characters and be on stage mostly throughout the play.
(Although there is an abundance of characters shown, some are just one-liners or non-speaking).

Cast – 2 male and 2 female – (playing a range of ages).
This is a physically demanding production, and all actors will be required to cycle for a good proportion of the play on static bikes, therefore will need a certain level of fitness to sustain throughout the play.

Yorkshire accents are essential to the authenticity of this play.

BERYL who also plays: Jo / Beryl’s Mum / Teacher / Nurse

CHARLIE who also plays: Jim / Nun / Jeff /Ged / Neil.

TOM who also plays: Beryl’s Dad / Bob / Doctor / Nun / Stan / Vicar / Charlie’s Mum Nim / Policeman / Bri the Lorry Driver / German Train Guard / German Desk Sergeant / Albert Hall Announcer / Bernard Manning-Type Comedian / Queen /Mike McNamara /Doctor / Postman.

JO who also plays: Young Beryl / Bert / Obstetrics Doctor / Midwife / Denise / Millie/ German Receptionist /Nurse / Yvonne / Tracy.

AUDITION INFORMATION

Due to the style of the play, we will require actors to take part in a series of improvisations at the audition, to showcase the actor’s ability to multi-role play, changing easily from one character to another.

Whilst the Yorkshire accent might not be perfected, we expect the auditionees to attempt the accent.

We will also read some sections of the script, copies of which are available to read prior to the audition, but they must be returned the week before the audition please.

NOTES FROM THE DIRECTORS

Terry Revell
Maxine Peake has succeeded in producing a story that I could relate to. I used to cycle race in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s (wasn’t very good) but used to read about her in the cycling weekly where she was nearly always on the front cover. At the time there was a cycling club in Glossop called ‘Glossop Velo’ and many of the members became excellent competitors.

Jose Warhurst
I am looking forward to directing again for Partington Players and was very pleased when Terry approached me with this script and asked me to assist him. I love this style and genre of play, and I am a huge fan of Maxine Peake’s work. She champions remarkable women who have been overshadowed in a male dominated world.

Should you require any further information regarding the audition, please do not hesitate to contact either Terry or Jose.