Essendon Theatre Co.
Author: Ted Tally
Director: David Collins
Genre: Drama
Agent: Music Theatre International
Synopsis
The story of Captain Scott’s expedition to the South Pole, his discovery that Amundsen had preceded him, the bravery and sufferings of his team, the self-sacrifice of Captain Oates and the final tragedy are recounted in a mixture of fantasy and realism which underlines both the human and epic qualities of the deathless adventure. In particular this is achieved by the presence of Amundsen, who appears in a variety of guises: chairman of a congratulatory gathering, as rival, even as a French waiter; and especially as critic, commentator, friend and monitor, when he is visible to Scott alone. Scott’s wife, Kathleen, also comes to him – as a bride, companion and mother to his son, Peter. The play opens and closes with Scott writing in the famous journal from which all the details of the final weeks are known. Period 1910-12.
Characters
Characters Summary:
There are roles for 6 men and 1 woman
Characters Description:
Captain Robert Falcon Scott: Male, 35-50. Leader of the expedition. Scott is determined and stoic, yet distant and socially inept.
The role of Captain Robert Falcon Scott will require a British RP accent.
Kathleen Scott: Female, 25-35. Kathleen is Robert’s wife. A strong, confident figure in her own right. Kathleen may not fully understand Robert’s passions, but she respects them. Robert is haunted by the memory of Kathleen throughout the play.
The role of Kathleen Scott will require a British RP accent.
Roald Amundsen: Male, 35-50. Leader of his own expedition, which was ultimately successful in beating Scott to the South Pole. Amundsen’s presence in the play is via hallucinations by Captain Scott - challenging him, pointing out his hubris, as well as also providing comfort and support for Scott in the face of ever-worsening circumstances.
The role of Roald Amundsen will require a Norwegian accent.
Lieutenant Henry Robertson Bowers: Male, 25-35. The real Bowers has been described as, “a gallant and noble gentleman,” which are qualities retained in the play. Bowers is dependable, unselfish, and one of Scott’s closest friends.
The role of Bowers will require a British RP accent.
Captain Lawrence Oates: Male, 25-35. The only former soldier on the team, Oates disagrees with Scott on many aspects of his leadership and expedition logistics. Near the end of the expedition, Oates walks into a blizzard lest his ill-heath compromise his colleague’s chances of survival any further.
The role of Oates will require a British RP accent.
Dr. Edward Adrian Wilson: Male, 30-40. A qualified physician, Scott described Wilson as, “the finest character I have met,” and during the play is the only character Scott confides his inner fears to. Even in the face of disaster, Wilson’s dedication to others is paramount.
The role of Wilson will require a British RP accent.
Petty Officer First Class Edgar Evans: Male. 30-50. Considered the most robust member of the team, Evans was well regarded by the others for his strength and resourcefulness. Evan’s journey in the play takes a difficult turn when a severe hand injury causes him to deteriorate physically and mentally.
The role of Evans will require a Welsh accent.
Audition Venue & Dates
Audition Dates and Times:
2:00pm on:
- Sat 26th Jun 2021
- Sun 27th Jun 2021
Audition Venue Name: Essendon Theatre Company
Audition Venue Address:
Bradshaw Street Community Hall
9-11 Bradshaw Street (off Buckley Street)
West Essendon VIC 3040
Audition Enquiries Contact: David Collins, on email divcollins@gmail.com
Performances
Season Dates: 9 Sep 2021 - 18 Sep 2021
Showtimes:
2:00pm on:
8:00pm on:
- Thu 9th Sep 2021
- Fri 10th Sep 2021
- Sat 11th Sep 2021
- Thu 16th Sep 2021
- Fri 17th Sep 2021
- Sat 18th Sep 2021
More info
Other Information
Other Information:
Please apply to organise your audition day/time and for any further information. Please send your completed audition form (found on the ETC website here: http://essendontheatrecompany.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/ETC-Audition-Form.pdf) with your audition enquiry email.
The script may be viewed on request. For the audition itself, we’ll be reading from various scenes and moments in the play. There’s no need to memorise any lines from the text for the audition, however, some familiarity with the character/s you’re applying for would be beneficial.
Please Note:
Please check you are available for all performance dates before booking your audition time.
Depending on what character you may be cast as, it may not be compulsory that you attend every rehearsal, but please discuss any potential clashes with the Director when you audition.
ETC is a community theatre company and, as such, no actors are paid.
