Inspired by the life and work of Clarice Cliffe.

In the North Staffordshire Potteries in the 1930s, Jessie Frost works for a small traditional firm, hand painting traditional designs in the time-honoured fashion… until the arrival of Jim Rhys as the firm’s new art director. A man possessed with both high ambition and strong views of the future, Jim’s views on design create tension with the factory owner, and his political beliefs gradually lead him into conflict within the small community. But in Jessie Frost, Jim recognises a special talent, one which he promptly sets out to nurture though not necessarily with her blessings. The result is a play of great warmth, charm, passion and grace, an exploration of the true nature of the art of politics, and the politics of art.

Casting Information

4 male and 6 female presenting actors aged early 20s to 50s.

Open Reading and Auditions

There will be an open reading of this play on Sunday 12th January at 7:30pm in the Theatre bar. All are welcome, including those who just like to hear a play read aloud and would like to enjoy this critically acclaimed play. Anyone who is interested in auditioning is encouraged to come along.

Auditions will then be held on Tuesday 14th January at 7:30pm and Sunday 19th January at 3:00pm.

Please contact the director Peter Bagley if you would like to come along and audition for further information.

EDI Assessment

In line with our EDI policy, we undertake an EDI impact assessment of all our artistic programming. The play 'Bright and Bold Design' deals with issues of social class and the place of women craft workers in 1930s Britain. There can be flexibility over playing ages and complete neutrality on race/ethnicity. For the purposes of the narrative, certain characters are specified as needing to be female- or male- presenting.