Charley's Aunt Auditions - February 2012

Charley's Aunt

A Comedy by Brandon Thomas
Director: Richard Collett
Production Dates: 04 - 14 July 2012

Synopsis

This classic evergreen farce is set in Oxford during Commemoration Week. The imminent visit of Charles Wykeham's Aunt from Brazil, Donna Lucia, provides an excuse for Charles and Jack to invite their young ladies to meet her.

When a telegram arrives postponing Donna Lucia's visit, they persuade their amiable friend Babbs (since they must have a chaperon) to impersonate the aunt. Here the fun begins, Babbs thoroughly enjoys being kissed and caressed by the girls, and receiving their confidences, but finds his ingenuity is severely taxed when brought face to face with the real Donna Lucia.

Moreover, Donna Lucia amuses herself by concealing her identity while declaring that she knew Donna Lucia's husband most intimately. All ends, of course, most happily, and hymeneally....

Director's Comments

This will be certainly be a fun show to be involved with, there are lots of laughs and situations, and with a reasonably short rehearsal time too, it promises to be a great show to be involved in! Think of a stylised look with clipped accents, and don't forget - it is set in 1892, and it will be played faithfully to the original script. A variety of characters of varying ages are needed - the ages shown are "guideline" ages!

Cast

• Colonel Sir Francis Chesney, Bart. - Late Indian Service. 40's- 50's, Male.
• Stephen Spettigue - Solicitor, Oxford. 50's-60's, Male.
• Jack Chesney - Undergraduate at St. Olde's College, Oxford. 20's, Male.
• Charles Wykeham - Undergraduate at St. Olde's College, Oxford. 20's, Male.
• Lord Fancourt Babberley (Babbs) - also at St Olde's College, Oxford. 'Shorter', 20's, Male
• Brasset - A College Scout (Manservant). 40/50's, Male.
• Donna Lucia D'Alvadores - From Brazil. 40's-50's, Female.
• Kitty Verdun - Spettigue's Ward. 20's, Female.
• Amy Spettigue - Spettigue's Niece, 20's. Female.
• Ela Delahay - An Orphan. Late teens - early 20's, Female.

Auditions

Auditions will be held in the Theatre Foyer at the following times:

• Sunday 12 February at 3.00pm.
• Thursday 16 February at 7.30pm

If you would like a script in advance, please contact the Director, Richard Collett, via our Contact Us page.

Present Laughter Auditions - Auditions in November

PPresent Laughter

A Comedy by Noel Coward
Director: Dixie Atkins
Production Dates - 02 - 12 May 2012

Synopsys

Gary Essendine, famous actor, has it all: wealth, fame, good looks, and a tightlyknit group which panders to his every whim. The group consists of his friends, Henry and Morris, his ex-wife, Liz, and his secretary, Monica.

Trouble looms when Henry marries Joanna: young, beautiful and predatory. She is determined to break up the group. Having seduced Morris, she sets her sights on Gary. As Liz and Monica try to foil her plans, the situation becomes increasingly complicated.

Add a stage-struck girl and her battle-axe mother, a wildly-eccentric young writer, a Swedish housekeeper and a cheeky manservant, and you have all the ingredients for one of Coward’s funniest plays.

Cast

In the 13 months since the play was cancelled, circumstances have changed and some of the original cast are unavailable. Therefore, the following parts are available for audition:

• Daphne Stillington - Stage-struck & star-struck! Rich, spoiled, naïve but underneath lies determination and a strong will. 20's.
• Miss Erikson - Swedish housekeeper. Totally eccentric and unintentially funny. 40's - 60's.
  Doubles with Lady Saltburn - Daphne's Aunt. Upper class, charming and good-mannered in all circumstances.
• Morris Dixon - Garry's producer. Nervous, sentimental, always in love, usually with married ladies.
• Liz Essendine - wife to the central character, Garry. Intelligent, witty, sophisticated. Always in control, and the only one who can handle Garry. 30's-40's.

Auditions

Auditions will be held in the Rehearsal Studio at the following times:

• Thursday 03 November 2011 at 7.30pm
• Sunday 06 November 2011 at 3.30pm

For scripts please contact the Director, Dixie Atkins, via our contact us page.

Acorn Antiques - The Musical - Auditions in October

Acorn Antiques - The Musical

A Musical by Victoria Wood
Director: Stephen Boden
Choreographer: Sue Biddle
Musical Director: Claire Tyler
Production Dates - 19 - 31 March 2012

Synopsys

Acorn Antiques was first seen on BBC Television 21 years ago and has been a firm favourite with the nation ever since.

The musical follows Miss Babs' struggle to keep her antiques business open, as shop after shop in the High Street is forced out by faceless chains... Can she afford to turn down the offer from The Guilty Bean (the world's second biggest chain of coffee shops - "We're second so we grind harder") and, if they do update the shop, can they still afford to employ Mrs Overall? And will Mr Clifford ever get his memory back, and remember who he's engaged to? And, most worryingly, will Mrs Overall be able to tap dance while holding the tray?

Cast

We are looking for a cast of ten female and eight males to take part in this brilliantly funny musical. All the cast will need to be able to sing well and some movement/dancing ability will be required! There is plenty to do for everyone in this show, even the smaller roles.

Principal Cast

• Miss Babs - the voluptuous, overwrought and lovelorn owner of Acorn Antiques, who moves from one 'crisis' to another. Played by Celia Imrie in the original tv series and musical. Age 20's - 40's
• Miss Berta - Miss Babs partner in Acorn Antiques and her sister. More frumpy than Miss Babs and desperate to find love again. Played by Victoria Wood in the tv series and Sally Anne Triplet on Stage. Age 20's - 40's
• Miss Bonnie - The third sister, who is desperate to turn Acorn Antiques into a coffee house. She is ruthless and business focussed and sharp. Age 20's - 40's
• Mrs Overall - the elderly tea lady, who believes all problems could be solved with a nice cup of tea, a macaroon and an anecdote. Turns out to be the mother of the three sisters, Miss Babs, Miss Berta and Miss Bonnie. Julie Walters [played the part on tv and in the musical. Age 40's - 60's
• Mr Clifford - the stolid, reliable leading man who is suffering from Amnesia. He supports the girls in the Antiques shop. Played by Duncan Preston in the tv series and musical. Age 40's-60's
• Hugh - young lad on the YTS scheme, sent to the Antique shop for training. Age late teens - early twenties
• Mimi - young lass on the YTS scheme, sent to the Antique shop for training. Age late teens - early twenties
• Tony - a loan shark, describes himself "my jaw is chiselled, my body is lean but my heart is cold..." Mid twenties

Secondary roles

• Christine - Proprietor of Christines Corsets - Any Age
• Miss Willoughby - Proprietor of Willoughby's Wools - Any Age
• Mr Furlong - Proprietor of Furlongs the Drapers - Any Age
• Minchins Lad - Young lad, the gofer at Minchin's Hardware Store
• Mr Watkins - A soberly dressed gentleman shopper - Age 40's-50's
• Derek - Mr Watkins' partner, slightly camp and flamboyant - Age 40's

Minor roles/Ensemble

• Miss Cuff - Lady shopper, a spinster - Age 50's-70's
• Miss Wellbelove - Lady shopper, a spinster - Age 50's-70's
• Postman - Young male
• Lucy - Young female, postman's girlfriend 

Auditions

Auditions will be held in the Rehearsal Studio at the following times:

• Sunday 02 October 2011 at 6.30pm
• Sunday 09 October 2011 at 6.30pm

We would like auditionees to attend both audition calls if possible. We will be holding a dance/movement call on Sunday 02 October, in addition to a company singing call. We shall discuss the characters and audition pieces ahead of the full auditions on Sunday 09 October.

For scripts, audition pieces, music and further information, please contact the Director, Steve Boden, via our contact us page.

The Hound of the Baskervilles - Auditions in September

The Hound of the Baskervilles

A Comedy by Steven Canny & John Nicholson
Based on Authur Conan Doyle's original story
Production Dates - 01 - 11 February 2012

Synopsis 

An ancient family curse, a desolate moor, a spectral hound and a deranged killer on the loose. The Hound of the Baskervilles is a most celebrated Holmes story of all, a masterpiece of mystery and suspense.

All very familiar, but Steven Canny and John Nicolson’s 2007 adaptation turns the traditional story into a hilarious romp. Whilst true to the original story - all the characters are there Holmes, Watson, Mortimer, Sir Henry Baskerville, Stapleton, Mr & Mrs Barrymore (but not at the same time!) Cecille, and various yokes and others - the difference with this version is that all the characters are played by just 3 male actors. (Homes by an actor with a dodgy Spanish accent.)

With the help of wigs, beads and braids the 3 take us through the story from Baker Street to Baskerville House via the moor and all that it holds.

This is a hilarious script in the style of the recent “39 Steps” needing 3 very energetic and versatile actors to play the 16 characters in quick succession - sometimes more than one at once.

Readings

Readings will be held at the following times/locations:

• 25 September 2012 - 3.00pm - Theatre Foyer
• 29 September 2012 - 7.30pm - Rehearsal Studio

Interested in Auditioning?

Turn up to one (or both) of the readings above or, if you have any questions beforehand, contact the Director, John Evans, via the Contact Us page. The script is not published, but an electronic version is available should you wish to see it before auditioning - please contact John to obtain a copy.

Dick Whittington - Auditions in June/July 2011

We're pleased to announce auditions for our 2011/12 Pantomime

Dick Whittinton

A Pantomime by Steve Boden
Directed by Mark Jefferies

Synopsis

This year's traditional family pantomime sees Dick Whittington set on a journey towards London to find streets paved with gold.

Along the way Dick meets a very friendly cat whose talents of ridding the house (where he has been taken in by Alderman Fitzwarren and his cook) of rats earns Dick the love of the beautiful Alice Fitzwarren. Unfortunately for Dick, this also angers King Rat who creates some unpleasant situations for Dick and his cat, sending them away to foreign lands for more adventures and on to a fairytale ending...

Auditions

Auditions will be held at the Priory Theatre on Sunday 19th June and Sunday 03rd July:

• 10.00am - 12.00pm for Children/Chorus
• 12.00pm - 2.00pm for Principles

Characters

The characters are:

• Dick Whittington - Our Hero - Traditional principal boy, so will be played by a female. Ideally 5’5" - 5’6" or taller, knee high boots, thighs, and a short tunic. Must be a strong singer.
• Fairy Bow Bells - Feisty cockney sparrow, she is the spirit of the bells and defender of goodness. Must be a strong singer and can be of any age.
• King Rat - East-end wide boy, and we mean wide (padding maybe needed). He is power mad, slightly megalomaniac. Character singing required and involved in some Comedy pieces.
• Dame Sarah the Cook - Traditional Dame. She is a cook and motherly figure to the Fitzwarrens. She quite fancies the Alderman, in fact any man for that matter. She MUST have a warmth and a good sense of fun. She will do a lot of the comedy and provide an anarchic thread to the story. She needs to connect to the story in a family-friendly way.
• Idle Jack - Comic. He is the comedian of the piece. Needs good comic timing and a warmth to the audience. He will get messy in the slap-stick scene and work closely with the Dame.
• Alderman Fitzwarren - Older man, the proprietor of Fitzwarren stores. He is looked upon by the townsfolk as a 'Leader' figure, but even he can’t keep control when London is invaded by a plague of rats.
• Alice Fitzwarren - Principal girl - she is the Alderman's daughter. Single, attractive, and attracts Dick in an instant. Must be a good singer.
• The Sultan of Morocco - He is muscular young and good looking. Maybe a rap singer or the like.
• Captain - Cunning and smart. Soon becomes King Rat’s henchman.
• Tommy the Cat - Needs to be a young athletic person, in tight skin with made up face, think Cats. Good physical skills required to portray this role.

There are also a number of chorus roles playing ghosts, rats, townsfolk, sea creatures, etc.

Interested in Auditioning?

Either turn up at one (or both) of the auditions or, if you have any questions beforehand, get in touch via the Contact Us page.

The Unexpected Guest

Alec Brown, the Director of The Unexpected Guest, is looking for an actor to play the part of the Sergeant.
Ideally, the role requires a slight Welsh accent and is for someone in their mid-30s (or has the appearance of being in your mid-30s), though the latter is not essential.

Rehearsals start in April, and the production runs from 22 June - 02 July.

If you are (or know of someone who may be) interested, please contact Alec using our Contact Us form.

The Winter's Tale - Auditions in February 2011

We are pleased to announce auditions for our October 2011 production of:

The Winter's Tale

A Drama/Comedy by William Shakespeare
Directed by Dixie Atkins

Synopsis

The jealousy of King Leontes brings tragedy to his family and his new-born baby is cast out. Sixteen years later, we see her as a young woman, deeply in love and surrounded by joy and gaiety. As always, the path of true love does not run smooth, but soon all is resolved; families are re-united and everything ends happily.

Readings

Thursday 17th February - 7.30pm
Sunday 20th February - 6.30pm

Both readings will take place in the Rehearsal Studio.

There is a pre-audition meeting on Sunday 13th February at 2.30pm for those who would like to try Shakespeare but have concerns about the language, etc. It's an opportunity to chat, ask questions and try the audition pieces in a relaxed atmosphere. Please contact us for details of location.

Characters

The minimum cast size is 9 men, 5 women and 1 child with some doubling - exactly how much will depend on the number of people cast.

Male Characters

• Leontes - King of Sicilia - this part has already been cast.
• Polixenes - King of Bohemia. 30s-40s. Gracious and generous but can be quick-tempered.
• Florizel - Son of Polixenes - 20s. Romantic, resolute and proud. Part 2 only.
• Camillo - Sicilian Lord. 40s-60s. Strong, sensible and intelligent.
• Antigonus - Sicilian Lord. 40s-60s. Faithful and compassionate. Part 1 only.
• Cleomenes & Archidamus - Sicilian Lords. Any age.
• Autolycus - Pedlar - 30s-40s. Complete rogue. Comic and sings. Part 2 only.
• Old Shepherd - 60+ (age in the play 70-80). Comic, simply and good-hearted. Part 2 only.
• Clown - Son of the Old Shepherd. 20s-30s. Comic. Fancies himself as a ladies' man.

Small speaking parts: 

• Mariner
• Gaoler
• Servant
• Officer.

Many non-speaking parts are available - servants, guards, lords and shepherds.

Female Characters

• Hermione - Queen of Sicilia. 30s-40s. Strong, patient and dignified.
• Perdita - Daughter of Hermione. 20s (age in the play is 16). Innocent, loving and sensible. Part 2 only.
• Paulina - Wife of Antigonus. 40s-60s. Very strong, brave and intelligent.

Small speaking parts (all 20s-30s):

• Emilia - 1st Lady
• Bianca - 2nd Lady
• Mopsa & Dorcas - Shepherdesses.

A number of non-speaking parts - ladies and shepherdesses.

Interested in Auditioning?

If you want more information, or to see a script, please contact Dixie Atkins, the Director, using the Contact Us page.

Unexpected Guest - Further Auditions - 13.02.2011

We are pleased to announce further auditions for specific roles in our June/July 2011 production of:

The Unexpected Guest

A Crime Thriller by Agatha Christie
Director Alec Brown

Synopsis

Lost in the fog, Michael Starkwedder stumbles into Richard Warwick's study to find him dead and Richards wife, Laura, standing near him with a gun. Warwick was a detestable brute hated by his entire household, so when Laura confesses to his murder, Starkwedder agrees to give her an alibi.

The police suspect everyone but are especially puzzled by a set of unidentified finger prints. They discover that Warwick made a violent enemy of a man called MacGregor who had gone to Canada after Warwick had killed his child.  Are the fingerprints his? Or do they belong to Laura's lover, Julian Farrar, whom Laura has lied to protect.

After Warwick demented half-brother confesses to the murder and then accidentally shoots himself, the police leave satisfied that the case is closed..... or is it ??

Readings

Sunday 13th February 2011 - 1.00pm - Theatre Foyer

Characters

Some characters have already been cast, and therefore this audition is for the following roles only:

• Michael Skarkwedder (visitor) 35 – 45
• Miss Bennett (housekeeper) 50's
• Jan Warwick (half brother) early 20's, demented character
• Mrs Warwick (Richard's mother) elderly (65-75 depending on Richard)
• Henry Angell (man servant) 40's
• Julian Farrar (Laura's Lover) Mid 30's, upstanding character – becoming MP.

Interested in Auditioning?

If you are interested in auditioning, or want more information, please contact Alec Brown, the Director, using the Contact Us page.

The Odd Couple - Auditions in February 2011

We are pleased to announce auditions for our September 2011 production of:

The Odd Couple (Female Version)

A Comedy by Neil Simon
Directed by Stuart Lawson 

Synopsis

In this 1980s adaptation of Neil Simon's 1965 Tony Award Winning comedy, Olive Madison, a successful television producer and slob, and Florence Unger, a meticulous housekeeper, superb cook and decorator, are thrown together when Flo breaks up with her husband.  The consequences as the two complete opposites vie for control are dynamic and hilarious.

The action takes place in Olive's New York apartment.

Readings

Sunday 6th February - 7.00pm - Theatre Foyer
Thursday 10th February - 7.30pm - Rehearsal Room 

Characters

In addition to the 2 main characters there are four excellent supporting women's roles, and two great supporting men's roles. Ideally, all characters would be in their 30s/40s. 

• Olive Madison - A successful television producer. She is intelligent, attractive, and wisecracking, with a good sense of humour - and she's a complete slob when it comes to her surroundings. She has an encyclopaedic understanding of sports, is a complete pushover for her ex-husband, and a good friend.
• Florence (Flo) Unger - is attractive, very well groomed, neat and has just broken up with her husband. She takes herself very seriously, likes to clean, decorate and cook and is very good at all three.  Flo is also intelligent, although she doesn't realize it, warm-hearted (in her own way), and has no sense of humour (at least about herself) - she does NOT make jokes.  She can also, without meaning to, make Olive feel guilty.
• Sylvie - has a tendency to be sarcastic, complaining, and even a little mean. She can get irritated with her friends, but has a good sense of humour, especially about her husband.  She is pregnant in the last scene.
• Renee - Sylvie's best friend, can be very plain-spoken, especially when she points out Olive's failings as a hostess - and then Flo's. She is single and dating a doctor.
• Vera - is very sweet, very nice, but not quite all there. Although quite smart, she is often a step or two behind her friends.  She's very funny, but doesn't realize it. Vera is married.
• Mickey (female) - is a police officer, who is down-to-earth, plain talking, and has a good understanding of people. Sometimes she can take the "police bit" too far and she tries very hard to be in control of all situations.
• Manolo Costazuela - is from Barcelona.  He showers both Olive and Flo with attention.  He must have good comic timing, as he gets VERY emotional.  He is sensitive and appreciates Florence's sensitivity.
• Jesus (pronounced Hay zoos) Costazuela - is Manolo's younger brother. He also gets very emotional, and truly appreciates Florence.

Interested in Auditioning?

If you want more information, or to see a script, please contact Stuart Lawson, the Director, using the Contact Us page.

Iron - Auditions in January 2011

We are pleased to announce auditions for our May 2011 production of:

Iron

A Drama by Rona Munro
Director Andy Woolley

Synopsis 

The play is set in a women’s prison and centres on Josie who after a 15 year absence decides to find her mother who is in prison for murdering her husband.

Josie has no recollection of that time in her life and has since gone on to become a successful business woman. Over a series of visits to her mother the events of her youth start to unfold and the relationship between mother and daughter is rekindled, or does Fay have alterior motives for her behaviour ?

The guards give another insight into Fay and prison life which may not be the way that Josie wants to perceive her mother. 

Readings

Tuesday 25th January - 7.30pm - Theatre
Sunday 30th January - 2.00pm - Theatre Foyer

Characters

Character list is shown with playing age:

• Josie - age 20-40
• Fay - age 40+
• Guard 1 - age 40+ (male)
• Guard 2 - age 20-30

This is going to be a challenging piece as a majority of the show is set in a prison visiting room so there will be very little stage movement. Scottish accents would be preferred but not essential.

Interested in Auditioning?

If you are interested in auditioning, or want more information, please contact Andy Woolley, the Director, using the Contact Us page.

Update on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 7:13AM by Priory Theatre

Update

The Auditions for Iron will be held in the Theatre itself on both occasions.