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."
Why 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: warm, funny, and never difficult, but with real heart. The characters are vivid and distinct, offering excellent material for a varied cast. With ten roles (or up to fifteen with individual casting) spanning a range of ages and temperaments, it rewards strong ensemble work while giving individual performers clear moments to shine.
"A wonderful and cheeky romp full of twists and turns, that is well worth going to see."
The Characters
The play can be performed with 10 cast members (6F / 4M), with three female roles, two male roles, and one further male role shared by a single performer each. For companies preferring individual casting, roles can be expanded to 15 (8F / 7M).
- 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. 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.
- KirstyIvy's granddaughter. A uni student, sharp, loyal, and the perfect accomplice.
- Carla / Pip / KirstyYoga instructor; TV producer; Ivy's granddaughter (can be shared or individually cast).
- Priest / Jack / MayorThree supporting male roles (can be shared or individually cast).
- Glen / TimLocal reporter; IT nerd (can be shared or individually cast).
- DinkleA suave, Lovejoy-type TV celebrity personality.
Production Notes
Set in a traditional, privately-owned rest home on prime beachfront real estate in an English seaside town. 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.
Call Girls was first produced in October 2024 by Phoenix Theatre at The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna, Auckland, directed by Liz Cannon.
Reviews & Press
- Review: Call Girls at The PumpHouse TheatreBroadwayWorld
- Theatre Review: Call GirlsAndrew Whiteside
- World Premiere Comedy at The PumpHouse TheatreChannel Magazine
- The Lines Are Ringing Red Hot for Call GirlsChannel Magazine
- Call Girls Rang Red Hot, Opening Night CoverageChannel Magazine
- Call on the Call Girls When You're on the Lookout for a Few LaughsRangitoto Observer
- Call on the Call Girls When You're on the Lookout for a Few LaughsDevonport Flagstaff
- World Premiere Production ScrapbookPhoenix Theatre