Whisky Galore
Play Reading 14th October
Theatre – 3pm to 5pm
16 Male, 8 Female (Possibly)
This is a preliminary reading to see whether we feel the play holds to together as a piece with all its complexities not least being the accents.
During WWII, the cargo vessel S.S. Cabinet Minister is wrecked off a remote Scottish island group — Great Todday and Little Todday — with fifty thousand cases of Whisky aboard. Due to wartime rationing, the thirsty islanders have run out of the "water of life" and see this as an unexpected godsend. They manage to salvage several hundred cases before the ship sinks. But it is not all clear sailing. They must thwart the efforts of the authorities to confiscate the liquor, particularly in the shape of misguided, pompous English Home Guard Captain Paul Waggett. A cat-and-mouse battle of wits ensues.
(The story was based on a real-life incident that occurred in 1941 on the Hebridean Island of Eriskay[1] when the SS Politician ran aground with a cargo including 28,000 cases of malt whisky. Official files released by The National Archives show that it was also carrying a sum of cash. In all, there were nearly 290,000 ten shilling notes which would be worth the equivalent of several million pounds at today's prices. Not all of this was recovered from the wreck.)
On paper there are 16 male and 8 female characters, however, there will be doubling of actors as well as some cross dressing (possibly)
I would be delighted to see as many people as would like to discover the joys of an afternoon of Whisky!
Pete Bagley