VRONNY CHARNWOOD
When her branch of the family fell on hard times, Vronny was “adopted” by her cousins’ parents as an honorary sister. Although she could rely on her aunt and uncle’s on-going support, she is determined not to take advantage of their hospitality and instead strike out independently as an artist specialising in creating automata. After a chance meeting with Arwen, she is initially surprised but subsequently comfortable with the idea of being “adopted” as an honorary sister once more. Vronny and Arwen are essentially both “chalk and cheese” strugglers trying to get by in the world, only with Vronny having the advantage of education, and her own niche skills to build on.
ARWEN EDWARDS
Essentially, the Artful Dodger with ethics. Well aware that she’s not gifted, either academically or intellectually, this pragmatic waif is determined to prove that’s she’s got something to offer on her own terms, however idiosyncratic. Having come from a broken home, Vronny becomes the sister she never had. She is proud of being able to get by on two local jobs, however humble, in an area with few opportunities for someone like her. She only wants what is rightfully hers, no more, no less, and not envious of high achievers, unless they look down on her. She also has an ability to see past other people’s more unsociable traits if she senses well-guarded good intentions.
FENELLA WENTWORTH-HUGHES
A tireless martyr to community arts promotion, with a tendency to act as a gatekeeper of taste. Despite initially coming over as haughty and elitist, anyone with insight (like Vronny and Arwen) can tell that a sincere and caring personality awaits to be released, like a genie from a bottle (but any rubbing is merely metaphorical; anyone considering the literal interpreatation would be well advised to think twice before acting).
CAPTAIN MILLIE URMSTON
First impressions, a smooth-talking Bond villain, only without a fluffy white cat. Get to know her better, and you find an Army officer who’s humane but a firm enforcer of the rules, knows where her duty lies and doesn’t need to bark orders to put her point across. Where civilians are concerned, she tolerates their eccentricities with a droll if understated sense of humour if they are friends, not foes.
ALLISON CHARNWOOD
Vronny’s cousin and a reliable professional and working mother whose interest in history and training as an accountant led her by degrees to become a museum manager. Supportive and diplomatic, she relates well to others, irrespective of their backgrounds, once she knows that she doesn’t need to be defensive.
MONICA DYLAN
Happy-go-lucky freelance children’s book illustrator, cartoonist, art gallery trustee and, when opportunity presents itself, enterprising wheeler-and-dealer. Life is never to be taken too seriously and there are few flash points that can’t be ignored, bypassed or deflected with humour.
GLENN CHARNWOOD
Vronny’s irrepressible cousin and Alison’s older sister. Loveable rogue. Manipulative minx. Lateral thinker. Practical joker. Loves tearooms and telling tall stories. Not one to miss an opportunity for adventure, especially if it has the potential to entertain the girls at her next night out.
REHEARSALS
Actresses Fiona Rodrigo (Fenella Wentworth-Hughes), Chelcie Thomas (Captain Millie Urmston), Emily Lawson (Allison Charnwood) and Jess Nesling (Arwen Edwards) rehearsing with director Vanessa Labrie (Vronny Charnwood).
