Character breakdown

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(All actors have standard (RP) British accents except for Costanza who is Italian)

• Lotty Wilton (age 30-40) – Lotty is a middle-class Englishwoman, wife to family solicitor Mellersh.  She has been serving her husband uncomplainingly for years but desperately needs a change. Under the Italian sun she completely transforms into a joyous and dynamic person.

• Rose Arnott (age 35-45) – Following the devastating loss of a baby, Rose has withdrawn into her religion, and away from the husband she loves very much. She initially has a rather stern and judgmental personality but she also find happiness in Italy.

• Mrs. Graves (age 60-70) – Proper, unforgiving, and determined to have her way, Mrs. Graves is still living in the past and is quite obnoxious initially. Her sense of humor and fun emerge as the play develops.

• Lady Caroline Bramble (20-30) – Beautiful and rich, Caroline appears like a superficial party girl.  But her recent loss has led to loneliness and she comes to discover what she has been missing.

• Costanza (age 50-70) – the loving, nurturing caregiver, Costanza is the keeper of the house, literally. This character speaks almost exclusively in Italian.

• Mellersh Wilton (age 30-45) – a family solicitor who’s forgotten his own creativity and passion in favor of looking important. He has a manner that seems older than his years, but his sternness turns to warmth as the play progresses. (Note: there is a scene where the character wears only a bath towel which momentarily slips when his back is to the audience)

• Frederick Arnott (age 35-45) – a successful and charming author who has turned away from his talent as a poet to write more popular fiction and to embrace a party culture.  However, he loves his wife and we see that their connection can be authentically rekindled.

• Antony Wilding (age 20-30) – the owner of the magical Italian villa. He is kind, charismatic, and appealingly attentive to everyone staying at the villa.  He is a gifted painter who served in WWI and who sees the best in everyone.