Kevin, a desperate accountant, approaches a local criminal, Ashley, with a plan to kidnap his boss's daughter for ransom. Driven by financial pressure and a deep-seated resentment over his father's history with the company, Kevin attempts to convince a skeptical Ashley that the crime is both justifiable and lucrative.
KEVIN: How would you like to make half a million pounds?
ASHLEY: Sorry?
KEVIN: It’s not something I could do on my own. I’ve thought it through, I’ve thought through most of the details. But I’d need help.
ASHLEY: Do you want a beer?
KEVIN: Not really.
Format: Duologue · Genre: Crime Drama · Source: Happy Valley · Author: Sally Wainwright · Characters: Kevin, Ashley
This compelling duologue throws two men, Kevin and Ashley, into a fraught negotiation over a truly audacious, criminal plan. Set in a contemporary crime drama, the scene builds immediate tension as Kevin, an accountant burdened by financial woes and a simmering desire for revenge, pitches a kidnapping scheme to Ashley, a local criminal. It’s a masterclass in desperate manipulation versus skeptical assessment, revealing the deep-seated motivations that drive individuals to extreme actions.
Kevin is presented as a character teetering on the edge, driven to an unthinkable act by financial pressure and a profound, long-held grudge against his boss. He is nervous but determined, revealing a meticulous, if misguided, thought process behind his plan, yet simultaneously exposing his lack of experience in the criminal underworld. Ashley, in stark contrast, is composed and watchful, representing the pragmatic, dangerous element. He is not easily swayed, weighing the proposition with a chilling absence of emotion, embodying a cold professionalism that underscores the scene's dark undertones.
This scene is a fantastic choice for auditions due to its immediate high stakes and clear, contrasting character objectives. It allows actors to showcase a broad emotional range within a short timeframe, moving from nervousness and desperation to calculated manipulation or detached appraisal. The inherent tension and the shocking nature of the proposal guarantee captivating viewing, demanding actors to make bold, specific choices in their portrayal of complex characters operating under immense pressure.
This audition piece is particularly well-suited for male actors in their 30s to 40s who can convincingly portray characters with an edge, whether that's the "everyman" pushed to criminal lengths or a seasoned, intense anti-hero. It’s ideal for performers looking to demonstrate their ability to handle dense, tense dialogue, and to embody individuals grappling with moral ambiguities. The scene's contemporary setting and crime drama genre make it perfect for actors targeting roles in gritty, character-driven television dramas.
Actors approaching Kevin should lean into his visible nervousness and the underlying desperation, ensuring his determination cuts through his anxiety without appearing cartoonish. Focus on the internal struggle between his moral compass and his intense desire for retribution. For Ashley, less is often more; his power comes from his quiet assessment and dangerous composure. Maintain a subtle intensity and allow small, measured reactions to convey the calculating nature of the character, letting the weight of the proposal land with a chilling neutrality.