Backstage
Contents
Events, Auditions and Free Workshops
2010 Programme
2011 Programme
Roleplay
Hedda Gabler
Rookery Nook
Shakespeare Revue
East of Eden
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
My Mother Said I Never Should
Merry Wives of Windsor
Events,
Auditions and Free Workshops
You do not need to be a member of
the Sewell Barn to take part in our activities: we are a friendly Company
and always like to meet new people! However, If you would like to become
a member, and receive our regular Newsletter, our Membership Secretary
Jill Fuller will be pleased to send you a form. You can contact her on
01603 715346.
Auditions
are open to anyone potentially interested in being
cast in productions. Casting notes and contact details for each director
are given below.
Audition dates may be subject to change and where possible these will
be notified via the Newsletter or email list.
Acting Workshops
are held on the first Wednesday after each production and are combined
with a social evening for Company members. Further details are given in
the Newsletter and on our foyer noticeboard nearer the time. All workshops
are mixed-ability adult groups – no experience necessary! Please
wear loose comfortable clothing (trousers recommended) and sensible shoes.
Other Activities
may be added to this programme during the year. Details of these, and
of any other alteration to this programme, will be announced in the Newsletter
and on the Company Noticeboard in the foyer. All activities are at the
Sewell Barn Theatre and start at 7.30pm unless otherwise
stated. Please arrive in plenty of time: the venue
will usually be open 15 minutes beforehand. This programme is subject
to change: please phone for updates.
If you are new to us and would like a guided tour of the venue, or would
like to get to meet up before attending an activity for the first time,
please get in touch for a chat. For further information on any
of our activities contact the Artistic Director: Clare Howard, 80 West
Pottergate, Norwich NR2 4BW. sewellbarn@freenet.co.uk. 07981 449522.
2010 Programme
Wednesday 28th July - Acting Workshop
Monday 13th September - Audition; The Shakespeare Revue
Thursday 14th October - Roleplay
Monday 17th October - Audition; East of Eden
Wednesday 27th October - Acting Workshop
Wednesday 10th November - Early Audition (key male roles); The Merry Wives
of Windsor
Thursday 25th November - Hedda Gabler
Monday 29th November - Audition; Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
2011 Programme
Thursday 13th January - Rookery Nook
Thursday 17th February - The Shakespeare Revue
Thursday 24th March - East of Eden
Thursday 28th April - Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Thursday 9th June - My Mother Said I Never Should
Thursday 14th July - The Merry Wives of Windsor
ROLEPLAY
by Alan Ayckbourn
Director; Malcolm Robinson 01508 480269 07957425355; malcy52@hotmail.com
Dates of performance; 14th –16th October and 20th – 23rd October,
including a Matinee on 23rd October.
The Play
Roleplay is one of the “Damsels in Distress” trilogy, written
by Alan Ayckbourn in 2001 and which includes “Gameplan” which
was directed by Martyn Richards for The Barn in 2008.
A young, but hopelessly mismatched couple, Justin
and Julie-Ann, both in computers, are preparing to entertain their prospective
in-laws: a potential nightmare occasion made even worse by the unexpected
arrival of a boxing promoter's moll and her minder from the flat upstairs.
The father, big in Yorkshire garden centres, is the Ayckbourn model of
racist bigotry; his “little lady” wife constantly at heel
while Justin’s mother arrives late and is already worse the wear
for drink. The guests proceed to wreak havoc on the meticulously planned
evening, revealing all the usual insights into family relationships and
class distinctions.
Described by the author as a comedy, the play also has darker social undertones.
Cast (ages are approximate)
Justin Lazenby (late 20’s)
Julie-Ann Jobson, (his fiancée) (similar age)
Paige Petite, an ex-dancer, (20-30)
Micky Rale, (ex-boxer), muscular.
Derek Jobson, (Julie-Ann’s father) (50’s)
Dee Jobson, (Julie-Ann’s mother) (40-50)
Arabella Lazenby (Justin’s mother)
Rehearsals.
Rehearsals will take place over the summer, taking account of cast members’
existing holiday commitments, but will start with at least a full cast
meeting and read-through in July. Dates will include Sundays.
Auditions.
A general audition, via the text, will take place at The Barn on Thursday
May 27th at 7.30pm.
Hedda Gabler
by Henrik Ibsen in a version by Richard Eyre
Director: Clare Howard Phone: 07981 449522 Email:
clare@clarehoward.plus.com
Dates: 25-27 November and 1-4 December 2010 matinee 4th December.
The Play
George Tesman, a worthy and well-meaning academic, has married out of
his class: the beautiful, intelligent and volatile Hedda Gabler. On arriving
at their new home following an extended and expensive honeymoon, Hedda
starts to play dangerous games with the lives of the people who now surround
her. When a face from the past, the rakish Eilert Loevborg, reappears
in the Tesman’s lives, her destructive nature is fully unleashed.
The role of the infamous Hedda is sometimes said to be the female Hamlet
and this play is so well written that her multi-faceted character is open
to a wide range of interpretations which will be explored through rehearsal
and discussion. However, this play is not a one-woman show: it offers
great acting opportunities to the whole cast. Hedda Gabler was first performed
in 1890, and is rarely off the English stage (there is a new version this
year, with Rosamund Pike). This 2005 adaptation of the play has been highly
acclaimed and serves all the characters well, allowing the play great
pace and a surprising amount of humour.
Cast: please note: ages quoted are all approximate. In particular, the role of Hedda is often played by a slightly older actor.
Hedda Tesman Daughter
of General Gabler, late 20s/early 30s
An exciting and challenging role for an open-minded actor, who enjoys
exploring character and motivation.
George Tesman Her
husband, an academic, 30s/early 40s
A well-meaning man, who is greatly attached to his elderly aunt, and
who goes to great lengths to please his brilliant wife but never quite
gets it right. A career academic, with a passion for medieval manuscripts.
Juliana Tesman ‘Aunt
JuJu’, Tesman’s aunt, 60+
A good-natured woman, anxious to please and devoted to the interests
of her nephew and invalid sister. She is somewhat overawed by Hedda.
Judge Brack An
influential circuit judge, 45-65
An old friend of the family and involved with promoting Tesman’s
career. A more sinister side to his character gradually emerges
Eilert Loevborg A
writer, 30s/early 40s
A brilliant but dissipated academic, Tesman’s old friend and
rival. Very attractive to women.
Thea Elvsted A
school acquaintance of Hedda’s, and a couple of year’s younger
In love with Eilert she revives her acquaintance with Hedda in a desperate
attempt to promote his interests.
Berthe The
maid, formerly Tesman’s nurse, 55+
Devoted to the Tesman family, but out of her depth in Hedda’s
household. Has a slight accent – possibly Yorkshire.
Rehearsals
Where possible the rehearsal schedule will be set according to the availability
of the actors. 3 or 4 rehearsals a week, usually evenings 7pm-10pm but
we may do occasional Sundays. Rehearsals will start in September. Hedda
and Tesman will be required at all rehearsals.
Auditions:
will take the form of working from the script, with a bit of group improvisation.
Monday 14th June, 7.30pm. Please let me know if you are unable to make
this date, as it may be possible to make alternative arrangements.
Please note: I know that many of you like to
look at the script beforehand. There are many translations of Hedda Gabler
available and they can be quite different. It is the Richard Eyre version
that we will be using. Also, I will need an experienced Stage Manager
and a small crew, and would welcome some help from a Set Designer
ROOKERY
NOOK By Ben Travers
Directed by Robert Little phone
01603 486245 e-mail
r.little@uea.ac.uk
Dates 13-15 and 23-26 January 2011 (matinee 26th)
The Play
A Farce in Three Acts. The action takes place in the lounge-hall of “Rookery
Nook”,
Chumpton-on-sea, Somerset. The recently married Gerald Popkiss has been
installed in a seaside cottage by his old boot of a sister-in-law, Gertrude
Twine, but his wife is delayed, and in the middle of the night a beautiful
young woman begs admittance, dressed only in her dew-soaked pyjamas and
on the run from her ferocious German step-father. Gerald gallantly provides
her with a bed (not his own) but the busybody charlady leaps to all the
wrong conclusions in the morning. Soon Gertrude Twine is on the warpath,
as are the German step-father and several others, including off-stage
cats and dogs. Gerald pleads his innocence, but no one believes him.
The Cast 5 men and 6 women plus a cat and a dog. The age range is all about getting the balance right so this could be flexible.
Mrs Leverett (Mature) a critical
suspicious type of seaside resident
Gertrude Twine (30’s – 50’s) a
stout tweed formidable type –hen pecker
Harold Tweed (30’s – 50’s) Married to Gertrude-
a feeble, nervous type (eats his hat). Always seems to get into situations
he can’t get out of.
Clive ( 20’s – 30’s) is a sport
– sharp witted.
Gerald Popkiss (20’s – 30’s) married
to Clara young –smiling and cheerful man.
Rhoda (20’s -30’s) young very pretty
, always gets a second look.
Putz ( 30’ – 50’s) Rhoda’s
step-father. He is a finely built German
Admiral Juddy (retired) a fierce weather-beaten veteran with
heavy eyebrows. Swears in Chinese.
Poppy Dickey (18- late 20’s) young pretty local maiden
has a cuckoo laugh
Clara ( 20’s – 30’s) newly married
to Gerald – nice girl – the type you marry- young. and pretty
Mrs Posset ( Gertrude’s mother) – out
of the same mould – this is a very small part and could be played
by the Stage manager or assistant
Rehearsals
There will be a need for some work on accents (posh and local). My normal
rehearsal times will be Mon, Wed, & Thurs 7.00 -10.00pm and Sun 2.00
– 7.00pm.
I tend to call people who are needed to rehearsal until we get into runs.
We will have a break over the Christmas holiday and then “kick on”
after the new year. I intend to start rehearsals some time in Nov.
Auditions
The audition date is on Monday 19th July at 7pm at the Barn. I like to
see ensemble workshopping, followed by some text work. It is all about
the balance of the cast. I will talk to those who attend about how I will
let people know if they have been successful.
The Shakespeare
Revue
compiled by Christopher Luscombe &
Malcolm McKee
Director Cassie Tillett Musical
Director Selwyn Tillett. Tel
01603 880895, 07802 475110 (Cassie – mobile),
email: cassie@tillett.org.uk selwyn@tillett.org.uk
Dates 17-19 February & 23-26 February 2011 (matinee
26 February)
The Show
The Shakespeare Revue was put together by members of the RSC in 1994.
It was first produced at the Barbican, and afterwards in the West End
and on a long successful tour in the UK and the States. It’s a totally
unserious look at the world of Shakespeare, his plays and their actors,
done in a traditional revue format of songs and sketches,
with extracts from musicals, plays, comic novels, Music Hall numbers,
Cambridge Footlights, and quite a number of new items written specifically
for the show. The selection of authors includes Stephen Fry, Victoria
Wood, Maureen Lipman, Alan Bennett, Richmal Crompton, with some bits of
yer actual Shakespeare thrown in; composers include Cole Porter, Sandy
Wilson, Fascinating Aida and Stephen Sondheim. There are 39 items altogether,
of which 21 are sung. The costumes and set will be simple, leaving the
cast (with help from occasional props, such as a mobile balcony for Juliet
– I kid you not) to provide the colour.
The Cast
All the cast need to be good comic actors first, preferably with some
revue and comedy-play experience, or at least being able to work very
directly with an audience. All to be good team players, but there’s
also plenty of opportunity to score in solo numbers. Shakespeare knowledge
not essential! Broadly speaking, you need to be able to at least
>
sing confidently enough to contribute at least the odd solo line in group
numbers and join in confidently in choruses
>
move well enough to be able to take part in very simple choreographed
routines (we’re talking less 42nd Street and more step-together-step-kick
here) – and preferably
be able to walk without putting forward the same arm as leg
>
have exceptionally good comic timing and delivery
These are the minimum requirements. Ideally, we need at least one person who can do a decent tap routine; one of each sex who could be called a good singer; and every performer must be able to place a comic line to perfection. A full tap routine in one number would be fantastic; a cast who can do perfect four-part harmony, magic; but don’t let it put you off auditioning if you don’t feel you match up to all these demands.
The original show had a cast of four (two girls, two men) but this is actually pretty tough – it’s a hard working show! It works very well with three of each sex (plus the pianist who does a couple of numbers from the piano and sticks in the odd line of dialogue here and there - Selwyn’s already bagged this one!). The four characters described below are the minimum; bear in mind, therefore, that the numbers performed by the two girls below will probably be split between three girls in reality, and likewise the men.
Girl A: A reasonably straight classical high voice but some good jazz numbers, so needs to be able to let her hair down. A bit of convincing coloratura at the sharp end would be good, too, but doesn’t have to be Lesley Garrett; both Janie Dee and Louise Gold played this originally. Plays, for example, the Princess in a superb parody (almost word-for-word) of the French scene in Henry V (with Girl B as her maid Alice) – this is pure music hall / pantomime (“my side are better than your side…”)
Girl B: Belter-comedienne,
more spoken material than sung. Needs to be able to really point and time
the show’s best selection of one-liners. Think Susie Blake or Julie
Walters. Performs items like Which Witch, which was originally performed
by Hermione Gingold.
Man A: If it was a Carry On film this would
be Jim Dale. Light voice, good comic timing; slightly camp manner might
help? Kind of sneaky, comes near to stealing most of the ensemble numbers
he’s in – as well as playing Just William.
Man B: Marked contrast to A; heavy
and bold, plays most of the Kings and outsize characters (including “Sir”
from The Dresser). A real AC-TOR, laddie, and don’t you forget it!
Donald Sinden type? Some superb sketches; for example, Othello with Desdemona’s
mother, Lady Brabantio, played as Jack Worthing and Lady Bracknell.
We haven’t specified ages here. The original cast were probably somewhere in their late 30s or early 40s; but we could work with the right people, as long as they can move, sing and speak well, pretty well anywhere across the age spectrum. It would be equally good to have a cast who were all of similar age or a real mixture across the decades. We’ll see what we get at auditions!
Rehearsals
We have some limitations here as our Musical Director, being a Church
of England priest, has a rather complicated diary! We know for certain
that, for the duration of the rehearsal period, we will definitely work
on all Thursday evenings (it’s his only day off) and Sunday afternoons.
We will then add at least one more rehearsal each week for Cassie to work
on spoken-word items, but these dates will be worked around those cast.
We would like to start by having around four rehearsals in the first half
of December, primarily for trying-out, distribution of items (which again,
depends on the combination of cast) and note-bashing; definitely 2nd &
9th December, and one or two more to be arranged. We will then start in
earnest on 2nd January.
Auditions
Monday 13th September, 7.30pm – if you can’t make this date
please contact us to arrange an alternative. All cast need to be flexible
singing actors (rather than acting singers), so pieces should be things
you already know well that show off your vocal range and comic timing,
especially in dialogue. At least one sung (two if you wish to show off
a contrast), one spoken. Bring the music – your pianist is very
accomplished, but only operates well with the dots in front of him!
Sung: anything suitable of your choice from lighter 1940s/50s musicals, Noël Coward, Music Hall. Girls especially, maybe bring a second contrasting number - something bluesy, a torch song, a Sondheim ballad?
Spoken: something from farce, drawing-room comedy (Wilde, Coward), more modern comedy. Items performed straight to the audience are also appropriate. Look at good monologue writers: Alan Bennett, Joyce Grenfell, Victoria Wood.
If you especially want to listen to the actual show beforehand, it’s available as a recording which we’re happy to lend you. In a show with quite a mixture of styles and a fairly small cast, it’s important to see every side of your multi-talented persona.
This is a very rewarding show, both for the cast
and the audience, and something quite different from anything The Sewell
Barn has done recently (or possibly ever). We’re very excited about
it and delighted to have the opportunity to present our favourite intimate
revue format in the beautifully intimate atmosphere of the Barn. Go on,
be brave!
East of Eden,
by John Steinbeck, Adapted for the stage by Roger Parsley
Director: Roger Parsley e-mail: parsleyplays@googlenet.com,
01603 – 633931
07940 417705
Dates: 24-26 March and 30 March – 2 April (+ matinee
on 2nd April)
The Play:
This is a parable of good and evil, carrying echoes of the Adam and Eve
story. It features two very different brothers, a girl-friend that one
brother has, and the other wants, a father who has largely left the world
behind since his wife departed, his good friend Will, and his wife, who
is now, unknown to the boys, a madam running a local whorehouse. It is
an emotional piece, demanding real insight and commitment from the actors.
The Cast: 4M, 2F
Adam Trask 50’s
– 60’s
A man who has lost his way, but who has one great idea left, though
it isn’t a good one!
Will Hamilton 50’s
– 60’s
Adam’s friend. A businessman – steady, reliable, and wise.
Aron Trask Late
teens, early 20’s
Wants to be a preacher, but finds the purity he seeks just out of
his grasp
Cal Trask Late
teens, early 20’s
A moody but deep-thinking young man, emotionally engaged in “discovering
himself”
Kate Trask 50’s
Wife of Adam. Has no faith in humanity, especially men!
Abra Late
teens, early 20’s
Aron’s girl-friend, and confidante of Cal, who she really loves
Rehearsals
All need American accents. As it’s a relatively small cast, most
actors will be required for all rehearsals, though there can be a little
flexibility. Mostly three rehearsals a week, starting 30th January.
Auditions
We’ll be using the script as the basis for the auditions (Reading
and moving) They will be on Sunday 17th October at 7.30
Dr Jekyll and
Mr Hyde by Robert
Louis Stevenson, adp by Jeffrey Hatcher.
Director: Rob Morris
Tel 01603 466555 / 07876238634 Email: robjmorris@ntlworld.com
Dates 28 - 30 April 11 and 4 - 7 May 11 No Matinee.
The Play:
A thriller, not without comedy, set in the 1833 streets of London. With
the exception of Dr Jekyll and Elizabeth all the other roles are played
by the remaining four cast members, including four different Hydes. This
is a fast moving piece of theatre lasts no more than ninety minutes, but
that ninety minutes is packed with action. The story looks at the two
sides of the mind of an individual, the good and the evil personality
that can, and probably does, exist in men. This tragic play involves passionate
love, vicious murder, body snatching and deception, and that’s without
getting into the subtleties of the writing. It is an extremely clever
script that will need an incredible discipline from all concerned to make
it work.
Cast: 21 characters played by four men and two women, four of whom will be playing multiple roles.
Characters Playing Age
Dr. Henry Jekyll Middle aged
1. Edward Hyde/ Gabriel Utterson.
middle aged
2. Edward Hyde/ Sir Danvers Carew/
Late forties to mid fifties
Richard Enfield/ O.F. Sanderson/
Inspector.
3. Edward Hyde/ Dr. H. K. Lanyon/ Mid
twenties to mid thirties
Police Doctor/ Surgical Student.
4. Edward Hyde/ Surgical Student/
Forties to fifties (female)
Police Doctor.
Elizabeth Jelkes. Late teens / early twenties
Orderlies and more.
Rehearsals:
Rehearsals will be three times weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays,
beginning approximately 28 Feb 2011. This will be an extremely challenging
play, the language needs to be of the period and with multi-role playing
using differing voices and postures the demand on the actors will be intense.
Auditions: Will be held on 29 November 2011. Because of the nature of the characters required the audition will involve the use of the script and improvisation to show how far an actor will be prepared to go to acquire one of these fantastic parts.
Set: The set will be simple if not plain with virtually no dressing, the only major requirements will be a small collection of fully functioning, moveable doors that will be moved around the stage by the actors themselves.
Lighting:
Lighting this production will be as challenging to the crew as the play
is to the cast. A considerable amount of choreography for set and lights
will be involved to make this play work to its maximum effect, so early
rehearsals will be needed for all those involved behind the scenes.
My Mother
Said I Never Should By Charlotte Keatley
Director: Michelle Montague Email
: michelle.montague1@ntlworld.com
Performance Dates: 9-11 & 15-18 June 2011
The Play
This award winning play, written in 1987, movingly depicts the relationship
between mothers and daughters over four generations from the Second World
War to the 1980s. While examining the changing expectations of women during
the twentieth century, it tells the delicate story of a family secret
and its impact on the women involved.
Chronologically the play goes back and forth. The playwright made this
choice because it is not a play about memory, but about the emotional
inheritance which impinges on our daily decisions. Likewise, the child
remains inside the woman, often shouting what the adult refuses to hear.
In its revelations of mother-daughter emotions
over the years, the play is without rivals.
It’s a classic.
Jeremy Kingston, The Times
Casting
a play for 4 women
Doris Partington
Born: Oldham, 1900. Engaged 1923, married Jack Bradley in Oldham, 1924
Playing ages: Age 5 (as in 1905) to age 87
Margaret Bradley
Born: Cheadle Hulme, 1931. Married Ken Metcalfe in London, 1951
Playing ages: Age 9 (as in 1940) to age 56
Jackie Metcalfe
Born: London, 1952
Playing ages: Age 9 (as in 1961) to age 35
Rosie Metcalfe
Born: Hulme, Manchester, 1971
Playing ages: Age 8 (as in 1979) to age 16
8 year old character will also be expected to do all sound effects,
of which there are many, visibly onstage
Rehearsals
Rehearsals will be initially on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Fridays
will be included during the latter stages and there will be two Sunday
rehearsals (first full run and tech). Where possible it is expected that
all actors will be at every rehearsal – exceptions can be made.
Lighting design is integral to the production and a lighting technician
will be present during the rehearsal process.
Audition
Monday 17 January 2011 - 7.30pm
I would hope that those auditioning had read the play. Auditions will
take the form of working from script (including monologues) and possible
group improvisation. Please note that the actor for the part of Rosie
must be at least eighteen by the beginning of rehearsals .
The Merry Wives
of Windsor by William Shakespeare.
Director: Carole Lovett Phone
01603 453809 Email carolelovett@btinternet.com
Dates: 14-16 and 20-23 July 2011
The Play
One of Shakespeare’s most popular plays. A domestic comedy set in
the surroundings of Windsor. Short of funds, the fat knight Sir John Falstaff
decides to seduce both Mistress Ford and Mistress Page in pursuit of their
rich husbands' money. Wise to his tricks, the women retaliate with a series
of humiliating assignations and a handy laundry basket.
The setting and costumes will be late Elizabethan/ early Jacobean.
Cast:
Sir John Falstaff age
late forties to early sixties. A larger than life character, as regards
to both his personality and his physical appearance.
Bardolf }
Nym }
Falstaff’s
disreputable associates
Pistol }
Frank Ford age
late thirties to early fifties. A prosperous middle-class businessman.
Alice Ford married
to Frank, age late thirties to mid forties.
George Page age
late thirties to early fifties. Another prosperous middle-class businessman
and like his friend Frank, a pillar of the community.
Meg Page married
to Frank, age late thirties to early forties, best friends with Alice
Ford.
Anne Page age
eighteen, daughter of George and Meg
Fenton mid
twenties to early thirties, in love with Anne Page.
Sir Hugh Evans a
Welsh parson
Host of the Garter Inn
Doctor Caius a
middle-aged French doctor
Mistress Quickly his housekeeper,
age mid thirties to mid fifties.
Robert Shallow an
elderly Justice of the Peace
Abraham Slender his nephew,
age late twenties to late thirties.
John and Robert, manservants.
Age indeterminate but must be physically strong.
Serving women various
ages but all involved in the plot and not just ‘walk-on’ roles.
This cast list is correct at the moment of going to press but may have been slightly rethought by the time the audition stage is reached.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals will generally be on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays but
because of the scope of the play some Sunday afternoon rehearsals will
have to be added in. In the early stages not all cast members will be
required for all rehearsals.
Auditions
20th and 21st February 2011. 7.30pm
An earlier audition for the roles of Falstaff, Fenton, Bardolf, Nym and
Pistol will be held on 10th November 2010, 7.30pm.