Ben Elton’s Gasping is a sharp, fast-paced black satire set in the late 1980’s / early 1990’s about corporate greed, consumerism, and monetising the very air we
breathe. Set in the gleaming offices of the fictitious Lockheart Corporation, the play follows three ambitious executives who invent “Suck and Blow”: a device that captures designer air for sale to the public. As profits soar and ethics collapse, the team’s moral compromises grow ever more absurd. Elton’s witty dialogue and biting humour expose the dangers of unregulated corporate excess, environmental exploitation, and the relentless pursuit of a single goal. The result is a biting commentary on humanity’s willingness to monetise anything, even life itself.
| Directed by | Oliver Mander |
| Production Manager | Jan de Geest |
| Audition Date | Sunday 16 November Callbacks 17-20 November if required |
| Performance Dates | March 18th – 28th |
| Rehearsals | Monday/Thursday/Saturday – Commencing late November |
Rehearsals & performances
Rehearsals will start from late November 3 times a week, with more added closer to opening. There will be a break over the Christmas/New Year period. The show will open on Wednesday the 18th of March, with the final performance on Saturday the 28th of March. Please make sure you note on your audition form any times during the rehearsal period that you are not available.
Audition details and preparation
Auditions will be held in small groups, for approximately 45 minutes. You will be asked to:
– Perform prepared excerpts from the script. These will be sent to you prior to your audition, depending on your character preferences.
– A short group ‘warm-up’ exercise
– Auditionees are expected to be able to maintain a British accent.
To book an audition, please fill out the form below by Friday 14 November – we’ll be in touch to confirm your audition date and time. If you have any questions please get in touch at auditions@wellingtonrepertory.org.nz.
Please complete the audition form below to register your interest.
Audition Details and Venue
| Audition Dates | Sunday 16th November Callbacks 17th-20th November if required |
| Venue | TBC |
Character Descriptions
| Character | Description |
| Sir Chiffley Lockheart | Older Male, with great comedic timing.
The charismatic, urbane, larger-than-life CEO of Lockheart Corporation. Loves the pitch, the spotlight, and the deal; morals are…negotiable. A master manipulator with a commanding presence who embodies old-school charm and ruthless ambition. |
| Philip | Male, late 30s(ish), with a strong emotional range.
Mid-level executive who is looking to impress his boss. Rises rapidly in Sir Chiffley’s estimation after pitching the bottled-air idea. Intelligent but morally pliable, he is ultimately torn between conscience and success. |
| Sandy | Male, younger than Philip.
Bright, ambitious, and pragmatic. Often the voice of reason but very aligned with the corporate ‘machine’. Strong chemistry with Phil. Develops a romantic connection with Kirsten. |
| Kirsten | Female, “a top ad lady”, compatible in age with Sandy.
Glamorous, incisive, stylish, and relentlessly results-driven. She shapes the campaign that turns bottled air into a must-have brand. Switches from ‘charm’ to ‘steel’ in an instant. Engages in a romantic and moral entanglement with Sandy. |
| Miss Hodges / Weather Presenter / Minister | Female, any age.
Minor roles at key moments in three scenes in the play. Will suit an actor with limited time availability but who enjoys the versatility of multiple roles! |