Auditions are open to anyone potentially interested in being cast in a production.  Contact details for our directors are given beside each audition date.

A series of free, mixed ability, acting workshops for adults will be held at the Theatre on the following Wednesday evenings at 7.30 pm: 24th September, 29th October, 10th December, 21st January, 25th February, 1st April, 6th May, 17th June, 22nd July.  These are very friendly events and you are welcome to come regularly or occasionally.  Other events will be announced in our Newsletter as they arise.  A leaflet is available at the Theatre with further details or contact the Artistic Director, Clare Howard, 80 West Pottergate, Norwich NR2 4BW. sewellbarn@freenet.co.uk. 07981 449522

.Auditions

See How They Run by Philip King
Director: Malcolm Robinson
Contact: 01508 480269 or malcy52@hotmail.com
Dates: 16th - 18th & 22nd - 25th October 2008 (matinee Saturday 25th October)

The Play
‘See How They Run ‘ is the classic vicarage farce. Written and performed long before Brian Rix and The Whitehall era, the story literally revolves around the idyllic village of Merton-cum-Middlewick, where the inhabitants are preparing themselves for the imminent threat of a German invasion. However, there are more pressing matters at the local vicarage, home to the recently appointed Reverend Lionel Toop and his former actress wife Penelope. An endless list of misunderstanding and mistaken identity is the catalyst for rumours and cassocks to fly. The maid, a bishop, another actor, a nosey spinster neighbour, even more vicars and an escaped prisoner of war all overrun the vicarage. Outer garments are lost, found, begged and borrowed and chaos soon begets even more chaos…. and when things go wrong they all want to hide in the broom cupboard, where else?

Characters
Lionel Toop                                   Vicar. Middle aged.
Penelope Toop                               his wife: ex actress, slightly younger than Lionel.
Ida the maid.                                  Good character part. Playing age 18-30 but flexible.
Miss Skillon                                   Village gossip. Another good character part. Gets inebriated. Playing age 40’s / 50’s
Lance Corporal Clive Winton         Ex actor, Age; to be contemporary with Penelope.
German Soldier                              Accent required. Age 20’s or 30’s
Bishop of Lax                                Uncle to Penelope. Age 50’s +
Rev. Arthur Humphrey                   Appears in Act 3; Age 40’s
Sergeant Towers                           Small part, appears twice in Act 3; officious. Age 40’s

About Rehearsals
I usually take a consensus on rehearsal days, including Sundays, but having done so I expect a good commitment. Initially 3 rehearsals per week will be needed starting week commencing 11th August.
Good timing and choreography is needed for this production, and adequate rehearsal time will be essential to achieve this.
Actors will need to be off the book by 14th September.

Casting
The audition will be held at the theatre on Tuesday 20th May @ 7.30.
Members who are unable to attend can be seen by arrangement, but please notify the Director in advance of the audition date.
The audition will be via the text, and reading copies of the audition pieces can be posted to you, in advance.

Gilgamesh by Derrek Hines
Director: Clare Howard
Contact: 07981 449522, email sewellbarn@freenet.co.uk.
Dates: 27th – 29th November, 3rd – 6th December 2008 (matinee Saturday 6th December)

The Play
‘Gilgamesh’ is a 5,000 year old poem from ancient Sumeria, now Iraq, and is often called the world’s first story. This dramatised version is based on a recent poetic re-imagining of the story. It is told in punchy modern verse and uses a combination of modern and fantasy settings. The play calls for a number of effects, movement and a high level of ensemble work. This is the amateur premiere and we have been granted special performance rights by the poet, who wishes to be involved in the production.
Gilgamesh, the King of Uruk, is arrogant and despotic. Because of his semi-divine parentage he believes he can get away with anything. His subjects petition the gods for help and they start to take an interest in his affairs. In the ensuing epic adventures with his friend Enkidu, Gilgamesh first learns to love, then humility and, ultimately, to accept his mortality. The story is linked together with a narration by Shiduri, a goddess who weaves in and out of the action.

Characters (ages are playing, not actual ages)
Male
Gilgamesh,                              King of Uruk Goes from 20’s to old age. Likely casting mid 20s-mid 40s
Enkidu,                                   his friend 20s-30s
Actor 1                                  Any age 50+ (likely parts: Anu (head of the Gods), Panon (an army veteran), Ur-Shanabi (Ferryman of the Dead)
Actor 2                                  20s (likely parts: Zeus - an apprentice God - and a soldier)
Actor 3                                  Any age 30s-50s (likely parts: a Director and Buzzon - a tabloid journalist)
Actor 4                                  20s-40s (likely parts: Citizen, Bridegroom, Corporal, Guard, Drunk)
Female
Shiduri                                  (a wise goddess, the narrator) 20s-40s
Ishtar                                    (goddess of love & lust) / Shamhat (temple prostitute, Ishtar’s earthly form) 20s-40s
Actress 1                              any age 45+ (likely parts: Anu’s wife, Citizen, Wedding Guest, Guardian of Hell)
Actress 2                              20s-30s (likely parts: Secretary, Bride, Street Vendor)
Those doubling roles will also be required for brief appearances as a number of other characters – mortal and immortal.

About Rehearsals
Rehearsals are likely to start week commencing 29th September. As far as possible I set rehearsal dates taking account of the cast’s preferences but once the schedule is set I expect high levels of commitment. We will rehearse for three or four evenings a week and I would like to avoid Sundays if possible, except for two Technicals on 16th and 23rd November. Rehearsals will involve quite a bit of movement work.

Casting
The audition will be held at the theatre on Friday 20th June at 7.30 and will involve text work and workshop exercises. If you can’t make that date, please get in touch with me in good time. I have copies of the play, and the source poem, for borrowing.

Loot by Joe Orton
Director: Mike Dunne
Contact: 01603 464156, email mickjdunne@hotmail.co.uk
Dates: 8th – 10th & 14th – 17th January 2009 (matinee Saturday 17th January)

The Play
After robbing a bank, Hal and Dennis hide the money in the coffin of Hal's recently deceased mother, complete with corpse. However, their plans are thrown into chaos upon the arrival of Inspector Truscott and the two thieves hide both the coffin and corpse around McLeavy's house. The play descends into a masterpiece of black farce as the upper hand and power swings between Hal and Dennis, Nurse Fay and Inspector Truscott. As stinging and funny today as when it first spilled from the wicked pen of Joe Orton.

Characters
McLeavy:                             is a naive soul and Hal's widowed father. As honest and respectful as the day is long. (Playing age late 40s - 60s)
Fay:                                      murderous, gold-digging Irish nurse who claims to be a strict Catholic, though she has been through seven husbands in ten years! (Playing age                                             late20s - late 30s)
Hal:                                      McLeavy's son is a common thief who, despite his recent bank robbery, is compelled to tell the truth at all times. (Playing age early - late 20s)
Dennis:                                 Hal's bisexual companion who is shrewd at manipulating the circumstances around him. (Playing age early - late 20s)
Inspector Truscott:                overbearing and shamelessly abusive, Inspector Truscott fancies himself as an uncommonly gifted detective! (Playing age 40s - 60s)
Meadows:                            Truscott's unctuous assistant. (Playing age 30s - 50s)

About Rehearsals
I have an easygoing but committed and disciplined style to rehearsals where collaboration and cooperation leads to hard work but great fun! The actual rehearsal schedule will be formulated around the availability of the cast and the needs of the production.

Casting
Auditions will be on Monday 14th July, 7.30pm at the Barn. This will involve working on extracts from the play and off-script improvisation.

A Matter of Life or Death by Jon Hyde & Jonty Rea
Director: Robert Little
Contact: 01603 486245, email r.little@uea.ac.uk
Dates: 12th – 14th & 18th – 21st February 2009 (matinee Saturday 21st February)

The Play
Based on Powell and Pressburger’s famous film staring David Niven and Kim Hunter, set during WW2. Squadron Leader Peter Carter has to bail out in a thick fog. He should be dead, but the Angels miss him in the fog. After surviving his crash he falls in love with June. Heaven want him back so they can get their records correct. He insists that he should be allowed to stay on earth alive as it wasn’t his mistake, and it would break June’s heart as they are very much in love. He has to battle it out with a heavenly court. Will love prevail or is it just a dream he is having during a life or death operation?

Characters
This production will require a large cast or lots of doubling. I tend to use people who are in the show to move set etc. Named characters are:

June Warman                                               an American accent
Peter Carter                                                 very English
Recorder                                                      could be male or female
Hank                                                            USA Bomber crew
Bernie                                                          USA Bomber crew
Moe                                                             USA Bomber crew
Larry                                                            USA Bomber crew
Bob Trubshaw                                              Peter Carter’s crew
Chief Recorder                                             could be male or female
Castson                                                        originally played by one actor (needs to be tight with Marie)
Marie                                                           originally played by one actor (needs to be tight with Castson)
Goat Herder                                                 boyish looking
Mrs Tucker                                                  Frank’s Housekeeper
Frank Reeves                                               June’s friend and medical specialist
Betty                                                            could be male or female
Annie                                                           could be male or female
Loretta                                                         could be male or female
Marilyn                                                         could be male or female
Vicar                                                            older and a director of Shakespeare
Dr Gaertler                                                   Brain specialist
Dr McEwan                                                  Brain specialist
The Judge                                                     Wisdom Personified
Farlan                                                            the 1st American to be shot by the British (Boston)
Plus citizens of the other world and of this one, played by the ensemble

Rehearsals
I like usually to work three evenings (Mon, Wed, and Thurs) during the week and a longer rehearsal on the Sunday where we will bring lunch or tea depending on what time we agree. I hope to start rehearsing early Dec and probably have an earlier reading and cast meeting.

Casting
I will be holding an audition where I will be using workshop techniques and some script work but I tend to look at how people work together, as I feel it’s my job to help you to give a performance during the rehearsal process.

Audition Date: Tuesday 16th September.

Gaslight by Patrick Hamilton
Director: David Hare
Contact: 01953 607080, email revvie@tesco.net.
Dates: 19th – 21st & 25th – 28th March 2009, (matinee Saturday 28th March)

The Play
‘Gaslight’ first appeared in 1939 and quickly became a popular thriller for the theatre, and later for the screen. It is set in a down-at-heel area in Victorian London, surrounded by poverty and the fogs of winter. There are three main roles offering demanding, but stimulating work from the actors. The play was revived recently at the Old Vic in London to great critical acclaim. A thriller, by definition, does not admit of the plot being given away beforehand!

Characters
Jack Manningham,                                             aged about 40 with some flexibility either way
Bella Manningham,                                            wife of the above, aged 25-40 (approx)
Inspector Rough,                                               retired police inspector, genial and friendly
Elizabeth,                                                          housekeeper, mature and trustworthy
Nancy,                                                              maid, pert and flirty, with designs on Manningham
Two police constables                                      (very brief appearance, and in non-speaking roles)

About Rehearsals
I like to do three rehearsals a week for five weeks and four for two weeks (approx). I prefer week-nights although am not averse to a full-day rehearsal on Saturday or Sunday if this suits the cast.

Actors will need to be off-book three weeks before opening at the latest.

Casting
The audition will be held on Thursday 6th November 2008 at 7.30pm prompt.

Those unable to attend, please notify me in advance of audition date and alternative arrangements can be made. It is hoped that copies will be available to take away following the Company Workshop Day on 18th May, when members may also express an interest.


Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf by Edward Albee
Director: Jenny Hobson.
Contact: 01263 822908 or jenny.hobson@freeuk.com
Dates: 23rd – 25th April & 29th April – 2nd May 2009 (no matinee)

The Play
Set on the Campus of a New England University, the main characters George and Martha arrive home after a faculty party at 2am in the morning. Unbeknown to George, Martha has invited a new young professor (Nick) and his wife Honey to come in for a post-party party. The young couple become increasingly ill at ease as they find themselves embroiled in a night of vicious wrangling and bickering. All four are drawn into playing games which become savage verbal attacks against each other. In the final act which is aptly entitled exorcism, everyone’s secrets are revealed and purged, leaving George and Martha to try and rebuild their shattered marriage.

Characters
Albee has specified certain ages in the script, however I am happy to offer a degree of flexibility, hence the suggestions below are fairly broad. The play offers four wonderfully challenging roles.
George                                  Disillusioned University professor who has had little success in his career. Age range late 40/50's.
Martha                                  Georges blowsy alcohol-fuelled wife. Disappointed by her husband’s inadequacy… spends her time nagging him. Age range, around the same                                              as George, though some flexibility either side.
Nick                                     University teacher. Younger than George, vigorous and full of ambition. Age range 40s
Honey                                   Nick’s wife. Infertile, drinks heavily. Only partially aware of what goes on around her! Age range 30's/40s

About Rehearsals
Commencing end of February beginning of March. Probably Monday, Thursday, and Sunday. Some flexibility to suit those involved. All characters will be needed at rehearsals, as they are totally involved with each other throughout the action.
Books down April 1st.

Casting
There will be a casting workshop for the parts of George, Nick and Honey on Monday December 1st at the Barn 7.30pm. Please take the opportunity to read the play before if possible. The setting requires American accents.
A separate audition for the character of Martha will be held on Thursday October 30th in the Rehearsal room at the Barn 7.30pm.
If you are unable to attend on these dates but wish to be considered, please advise me BEFORE those dates when I will be happy to see you by arrangement.
These casting workshops are open to everyone. It is always pleasant and helpful to have a good turn out, so put the dates in your diary now. You can be sure of a warm welcome.


Teechers by John Godber
Director: Jenny Richards
Contact : 01603 451456 or jenny@activeshakespeare.com
Dates: 4th – 6th & 10th – 13th June 2009 (no matinee)

The Play
‘Teechers’ by John Godber is funny, fast moving and very much in the style of John Godber’s other works. It concerns three fifth-formers using the format of an end of term play. It looks at the progress of a new drama teacher at the school. It is written for three actors to play over twenty characters. The style of acting is physical. Very few props and costume changes.

Characters
Salty                                        (playing Teacher B,Nixon, Pete Saxon, Oggy Moxton, Mr Fisher, Mr Hatton, Deanie)
Gail                                         (playing Teacher A, Ms Whitham, Oggy Moxon, Mr Basford, Misss Prime, Barry Wobschall, Dennis ,Dough, Mrs Coates)
Hobby                                     (playing Mrs Parry, Ms Jones, Mr Basford, Ron, Piggy Paterson, Oggy Moxon, Mrs Clifton)

I am looking for three actors - one male and two females.
Need to be able to play between 15-50yrs.
I’m really looking for actors who are prepared to take risks and enjoy the rehearsal process as much as the performances.

About Rehearsals
It is essential for this play that actors are totally committed to all rehearsals as everybody is on stage all the time so not for the faint-hearted! It is very much an ensemble piece.
I shall want to rehearse on Sundays and at least another evening in the week. We will start in April.

Casting
This will be my first play at Sewell Barn and I am very much looking forward to it. I have taken several workshops now and have got to know some of you already. I have also seen most of the productions over the last year. If you see me and are interested in auditioning please do contact me.
Auditions will take place in January – dates to be announced. Please let me know if you are interested and I will make sure that you receive confirmation of the date. I will audition as a workshop.
Please bring some information about yourself and what you have done. I am fore-mostly looking for enthusiasm and energy. I look forward to hearing from you.

Cold Comfort Farm by Paul Doust (adapted from Stella Gibbons)
Director: Trudy McGilvray
Contact: 07833 506011 or trudymcgilvray@hotmail.com
Dates: 9th – 11th & 15th – 18th July 2009 (no matinee)

The Play
The story follows Flora Poste, a recently orphaned, impoverished young lady who thinks she has a talent for novel writing. She descends on her eccentric relatives, who live on a derelict farm, and proceeds to tidy up their messy dysfunctional lives and thus provide the material for her novel. Stella Gibbons’ much-loved satire of the English rural romantic novel has remained consistently popular since its publication in 1932. Set some time in the then future, it pits the higher common sense of its heroine, Flora Poste, against the morbid suffering life of the Starkadders of Cold Comfort Farm. The action is set thirties Sussex and Paul Doust has compressed the novel into a handful of key scenes. There is much to pack in and the play moves at considerable pace. There are a number of the special effects involved, a plethora of lighting and sound effects, exploding clocks, growing and exploding plants.

Characters
Range in age from 20s to ‘very old’. If there is a lot of interest then I shall cast 15 + chorus. If interest is less I shall cast 10 with doubling.

Flora Poste                                                           Reuben Starkadder
Judith Starkadder                                                  Amos Starkadder
Elfine Starkadder                                                  Sneller
Aunt Ada Doom                                                   Urk Starkadder
Poor Daft Rennet                                                  Richard Hawk-Monitor
Mrs Hawk-Monitor                                              Adam Lambsbreath
                                                                            Mr Neck
                                                                            Seth Starkadder
                                                                            Charles
Chorus: Could be separate or part of the above. Integral to the action and perform a number of roles.

About Rehearsals
Rehearsals set according to availability of actors. Evening rehearsals 7pm – 9.30 pm and Sundays, afternoons or evenings. No more than three per week until the run up to the show.

Casting
The audition will be held at the theatre on Monday 16th February 2009 at @7.30.

Members who are unable to attend can be seen by arrangement, but please notify me in advance of the audition date.