The physical journey from childhood to tragedy.
Click a character to reveal their physical ageing process and acting profile.
Click a node on the web to view acting notes, vocal skills, and physical journeys.
Status: Working Class | Theme: The Victim of Society
Mickey has the most extreme physical journey in the play. He goes from a hyperactive, imaginative child to a completely broken, depressed, and addicted adult.
Age 7: Fast pace, high pitch, broad Scouse accent. Shouts.
Adult: Slow pace, low pitch, monotone mumble. Pauses frequently.
Age 7: Large, uncoordinated gestures. Skipping, running.
Adult: Closed posture, shoulders hunched, avoiding eye contact. Twitching (pills).
Status: Middle Class | Theme: Ignorant Privilege
Edward is warm and well-meaning, but fundamentally ignorant to the struggles of the working class. His money and education protect him from real life.
Age 7: Very articulate, clear RP (posh) accent. Over-pronounces words.
Adult: Deep, booming, confident projection.
Age 7: Restricted movements, hands by his side.
Adult: Open posture, head held high, chest out. Strides confidently across the stage.
Status: Working Class Mother | Theme: Fate & Trapped by Class
She is the emotional heart of the play. Despite her deep love for her children, she is trapped by poverty, lack of education, and superstition.
A warm, maternal tone with the children. When singing, her voice should carry deep emotion and longing for a better past (the "Marilyn Monroe" motif).
Physically exhausted. Slumped shoulders from the weight of her life. However, she uses highly affectionate touch (hugging, ruffling hair) with her kids.
Status: Middle Class Mother | Theme: Manipulation & Madness
She uses her wealth to buy a child, but the guilt and fear of being found out slowly drives her into severe paranoia and erratic behavior.
Starts with a crisp, commanding, and cold RP accent. As she loses her mind, her voice becomes sharp, erratic, and breathy.
Starts with a perfectly rigid spine and poised posture. By Act 2, she is physically twitching, pacing frantically, and invading personal space.
Status: Omniscient / Fate | Theme: Guilt & Judgment
He breaks the fourth wall (Brechtian technique). He represents the Devil, fate, and the mothers' inescapable guilt. He also multi-roles as various authority figures (Milkman, Policeman).
A relentless, rhythmic, almost poetic delivery. Uses a strong, resonant voice with perfect diction to ensure every threat is heard.
Predatory proxemics. He stands unnaturally still, often upstage or on raised levels, looming over the other characters like a vulture.
Status: Working Class | Theme: The Cycle of Poverty
The bridge between the two boys. She starts as a fiercely loyal, energetic tomboy but is ultimately ground down by the same cycle of poverty that destroyed Mrs Johnstone.
Age 7: Loud, confident, fiercely defends Mickey.
Adult: Tone becomes softer, weary, and desperately pleading as she tries to save Mickey from himself.
Age 7: Hands on hips, leading with her chin (defensive).
Adult: Physical exhaustion, wringing her hands, carrying the physical weight of a struggling housewife.