AUDITION NOTICE

The Rivals

by Richard Brinsley Sheridan

Directed by Philip Wells

Performance dates   13th - 16th October 2010

Read through at the theatre Tuesday 1st June  2010 @ 7:30pm

Audtions at the theatre   Tuesday 8th June 2010 @ 7:30pm

It’s 1775 and the fashionable world descends on Bath, to take the waters, show off their finery, enjoy the gossip and pursue romance. Amongst them are some of the most extraordinary comic characters to grace the stage: the verbally misguided Mrs Malaprop, her absurdly romantic niece, Lydia Languish, the blinkered Sir Anthony Absolute, the blustering Irishman Sir Lucius O’Trigger and the bumpkin Bob Acres. Throughout the course of a single day these suitors and schemers and their servants indulge in an assortment of hilariously extravagant intrigues before everyone is paired off to their own satisfaction.

Characters

Men

· Sir Anthony Absolute, a wealthy baronet – age 50 – 65, Large part, Father of Jack. A military man of strong morals and tradition.

· Captain Jack Absolute, his son, disguised as Ensign Beverly – age 20 – 30 – Large part, The centre male character who is intregral to the twists and turns, has an optomistic and upbeat approach.  

· Faulkland, friend of Jack Absolute – age 25 – 40 – Large part, Continuously fretting about Julia which creates a not very happy outlook on life which counteracts Jacks sunny outlook.

· Bob Acres, A country gent – age 25 + - A man of means but a bit of a buffoon.

· Sir Lucius O'Trigger, an Irish baronet – age 35 + - A gold digger who is only after Lydias money. Another strong characature part.

· Fag, Captain Absolute's servant – age 20 + - Medium role -A wise man who is involved in all of Jacks deceit.

· David, Bob Acres' servant – age 20 + - small role potential double role  

· Thomas, Sir Anthony's servant – age 20 + - small role potential double role

· Coachman – Age 25 + - small part potential double role.   

Women

· Lydia Languish, a wealthy teenaged heiress – age 17 – 25 – large Role -A wistful young lady with strong ideals.

· Mrs. Malaprop, Lydia's middle-aged guardian – Age 40 + -  Large role - A lady of means who has an intresting take on the English language.

· Julia Melville, a young relation of the Absolutes, in love with Faulkland- age 17 – 25 – Medium role – Strong minded young lady.

· Lucy, Lydia's conniving maid- age 20 + - medium role - Central to the deceit not quite as dim as her employers think.

For further information please contact Philip Wells on 01460-55935 - I look forward to hearing from you.