BESSELL: You get a funny sort of folk living
BESSELL: on the shore. Like they’ve reached
BESSELL: the edge of the world and can’t go
BESSELL: any further. Artists and drop-
BESSELL: outs, and failures like me. Still!
Plotting with Alligators — A Very English Scandal
Two men discuss a murder plot orchestrated by a powerful politician while hiding out on the coast. They grapple with the absurdity of the plan and the strange, magnetic hold the man has over their lives and loyalty.
Format: Duologue · Genre: Comedy-Drama · Source: A Very English Scandal · Author: unknown · Characters: BESSELL, DAVID
About This Scene
This duologue, "Plotting with Alligators," is a brilliantly dark comedy-drama from the television series A Very English Scandal. It features BESSELL and DAVID, two men caught in the bizarre orbit of a powerful politician's murder plot. The scene finds them on a secluded oceanside patio, initially wary of each other, as they cautiously navigate the absurdity of their predicament and the strange, enduring loyalty they feel towards the unseen figure pulling their strings.
Character Analysis
BESSELL is presented as a "failure" and a "drop-out" who lives on the fringes, attempting to find a new purpose by writing a children's book. He initially avoids the grim subject, preferring to talk about his creative endeavors, revealing a softer, perhaps more naive, side. DAVID, on the other hand, is the more direct and practical, though equally bewildered, messenger of the murder plot. He meticulously outlines the plan with a map, demonstrating a strange dutifulness while simultaneously harboring profound doubts. Both characters ultimately share a sense of bewilderment and relief when they discover their mutual distaste for the gruesome task, highlighting their underlying humanity despite their involvement in a criminal conspiracy.
Why This Works for Auditions
This scene offers fantastic material for auditions due to its immediate conflict, rich subtext, and clear emotional journey for both characters. The dynamic shift from wary acquaintances to relieved allies provides a compelling arc within a short timeframe. Its blend of dark humor and genuine concern allows actors to showcase a range of emotional colors, from awkward avoidance and macabre planning to profound relief and shared incredulity. The naturalistic, contemporary dialogue also makes it highly adaptable for various casting scenarios, particularly for character actors or those playing an "Everyman" type.
Best Suited For
"Plotting with Alligators" is particularly well-suited for male actors in the 35-45 age range looking for material that leans into comedy-drama with a dark edge. It's an excellent choice for a Character Actor or an Everyman type who can navigate the nuanced blend of absurdity and seriousness. The British humor embedded in the dialogue makes it ideal for actors comfortable with that style, and it's a strong selection for self-tapes, agent showcases, or general practice where demonstrating range and naturalism is key.
Performance Tips
When performing this scene, lean into the initial awkwardness and the underlying tension that both characters feel. For BESSELL, focus on his attempts to deflect and his visible deflation when DAVID brings up the murder plot, highlighting his reluctance. For DAVID, play the detailed explanation of the murder plan with a deadpan earnestness that subtly hints at his own unease. The pivotal moment of shared relief should be a palpable release of tension, transforming their dynamic instantly. Pay close attention to the subtle shifts in tone as they move from discussion of the plot to their shared incredulity, and finally, to their realization of the manipulative hold the powerful politician has over them.