Readings to cast our third play Pack of Lies by Hugh Whitemore
Produced by Thomas Perkins
This is a gripping Cold War drama based on the true Portland Spy Ring story.
The Jacksons are an ordinary suburban family, living happily beside their dearest friends, the Krogers. But when a Scotland Yard detective arrives with a shocking revelation — the Krogers are suspected Soviet spies — the Jacksons are torn apart. Asked to spy on the people they love, they must weave a web of lies, risking everything as trust turns to betrayal.
A powerful story of friendship, loyalty, and the cost of secrets — where no one is quite who they seem.
CHARACTERS
- Bob Jackson | Male | Playing age: 40s–50s
A quiet, respectable civil servant, honest and upright. Traditional, grounded, and protective of his family — tries to keep a stiff upper lip as his world unravels. Torn between duty and friendship. - Barbara Jackson | Female | Playing age: 40s–50s
Bob’s wife, a homemaker and artist. Warm, thoughtful, and deeply trusting — best friends with Helen Kroger. - Julie Jackson | Female | Playing age: 16–18
Bob and Barbara’s teenage daughter. Bright, observant, and growing up fast. - Helen Kroger | Female | Playing age: 40s–50s
Vivacious, bold, and larger than life — the Jacksons’ closest friend and neighbour. American-born, fun-loving, always full of life. - Peter Kroger | Male | Playing age: 40s–50s
Helen’s husband, a quiet, cultured antiquarian bookseller. Charming and intelligent, but private. Seemingly the perfect neighbour — yet nothing about him is quite what it seems. - Stewart| Male | Playing age: 40s–50s
A calm, authoritative Scotland Yard / MI5 officer. Polite but firm — he draws the Jacksons into the operation. - Thelma| Female | Playing age: 20s–40s
One of Stewart’s surveillance team. Practical, capable, and quietly empathetic. - Sally | Female | Playing age: 20s–40s
Another member of the surveillance team. Efficient and matter-of-fact, sometimes a little blunt.
READINGS
Readings to cast Pack of Lies will take place at 7:00pm on Monday 12th, Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th October 2026 in the theatre lounge.
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you can’t make the read-through dates and would like to be considered for a role, please contact Thomas by email: stating which character you wish to audition for. An extract from the script will be provided for you to record and submit a video audition.