This is a re-write of a previous post. I'm not certain why Nicola is chosen rather than Lawrie, but I'm not sure that Lawrie's comparative immaturity is completely plausible as an explanation as her significant talent as an actress seems pretty much agreed,including by Miss Kempe. The play was originally cast on character not talent, though, and Miss Keith may be trying to make a clumsy point in character formation. It is true that she did not directly re-move Nicola from the netball team, but most likely knew and approved of it ( it goes on Nicola's permanent record as "over-confidence" in Attic Term). Possibly she feels that Marlow over-confidence is a bit of a problem (in her Miss Keith way) and that both Nicola (the netball team) and Lawrie ( the play) not getting what they really want will be good for their characters. Maybe this is harsh on Miss Keith, but AF does seem continuely sceptical of her manipulations (as are Nicola and Rowan). It is a relief when a bit of Christmas luck sorts it all out (despite the glorious row ).