Synopsis
The spirit of Oscar Wilde returns to the WLT stage in the most famous of his plays. The play itself needs no introduction: it has been described as ‘a trivial comedy for serious people’. Although this classic was first performed in 1895, its high farce and witty dialogue have helped make it one of the most performed and enduring of Wilde’s plays.
It has been performed by almost every theatre company worldwide, with the role of Lady Bracknell being played by world famous actors. Our challenge is to give it ‘something different’
Characters
Characters Summary:
5M (2 x 20s-30; 1 x 40s; 2 x 60s)
4F (18; 30; 2 x 60s)
Characters Description:
Algernon Moncrieff – Mid 20’s. A confident, aristocratic, stylish bachelor, a man about town. Enjoys the good things in life, is bored by conventions and looks for excitement.
John (Jack) Worthing – 30ish. Successful, witty, charming friend of Algernon. From good stock but not an aristocrat. He is about to take his place in society by proposing to Gwendolen Fairfax.
The Honorable Gwendolen Fairfax – 30ish. A socialite, believing style to be more important than sincerity. She’s romantic, hard-headed and opinionated, much like her mother, Lady Bracknell.
Lady Augusta Bracknell – 60’s. Extremely aristocratic, a perfect symbol of upper class earnestness , believing that social class barriers are to be enforced. A stubbornness to move with the times, she is a strongly opinionated matriarch who bullies everyone in her path.
Cecily Cardew – 18. Jack Worthing’s ward. Being brought up in the country by her governess, she is bubbly, romantic, imaginative and has a slightly mischievous nature.
Miss Prism – 60 +. She is educating Cecily to have no imagination or sensationalism in her life. Outwardly a symbol of morality, she reveals a secret life of passion, including having written a three volume sensational novel.
Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D. – 60 +. Local vicar, a source of moral judgments but easy going and pleasure seeking nonetheless. His proudest achievement is the ‘all purpose’ sermon which can be used for Christenings, Weddings and Funerals alike.
Lane – 40ish. and Merriman – 60ish. Servants in the households of Algernon and Jack. Both solemnly watch the follies of their ‘betters’ and save them from embarrassment. They are the pillars upon which the easy going lifestyle of their employers rest.
** Note: We would ideally like for Lane and Merriman to be played by the same actor, allowing the actor more scope given the age difference of the two characters. However, we could cast separately if we had two actors prepared to take on these smaller roles.
Precast Characters:
none
Audition Venue & Dates
Audition Dates and Times:
12:00pm on:
1:00pm on:
Audition Venue Name: Williamstown Little Theatre
Audition Venue Address:
2 Albert Street, Williamstown 3016
Audition Enquiries Contact: Ellis Ebell - ellis@pagebell.com
Performances
Season Dates: 9 Feb 2022 - 26 Feb 2022
Showtimes:
5:00am on:
- Sun 13th Feb 2022
- Sun 20th Feb 2022
8:15pm on:
- Wed 9th Feb 2022
- Thu 10th Feb 2022
- Fri 11th Feb 2022
- Sat 12th Feb 2022
- Tue 15th Feb 2022
- Wed 16th Feb 2022
- Thu 17th Feb 2022
- Fri 18th Feb 2022
- Sat 19th Feb 2022
- Tue 22nd Feb 2022
- Wed 23rd Feb 2022
- Thu 24th Feb 2022
- Fri 25th Feb 2022
- Sat 26th Feb 2022
More info
Other Information
Other Information:
AUDITION PROCESS and COVID SAFETY
NOTE:We request that you be fully vaccinated by the date of your audition.
Auditions are only by appointment with the Director.
For an audition appointment, to make enquiries, and for information about the script please contact Ellis Ebell: email – ellis@pagebell.com
Ellis will forward a copy of the script advising you which scenes he will be using for the audition. Please DO NOT learn the script prior to auditioning but bring the pages that apply to the role you’re casting for.
PLEASE NOTE: A few days prior to your audition you will be required to email the Production Co-Ordinator, Maria Haughey, at mhaughey@wlt.org.au a completed audition form downloaded from www.wlt.org.au/auditions together with a head shot (need not be a studio portrait but a clear photo of you).
WLT has a COVID SAFE PLAN that will apply through auditions, rehearsals and performances. It can be viewed at www.wlt.org.au
You will receive a reminder before the audition with questions regarding COVID symptoms and a link to the most up to date COVID precautions for attendance at the theatre.
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE & PERFORMANCE DATES
Before auditioning, please ensure that you will be, if successful, fully available for all scheduled rehearsals and performances. However, if you have a commitment affecting one of the proposed rehearsals please advise the Director at the time of auditioning, and wherever possible, it will be accommodated.
There will be 16 performances; evenings at 8.15 pm and Sundays at 5.00 pm.
At this stage, rehearsals will be held on Sundays at 2 pm and Mondays at 7.30 pm.
The first read through will be Monday 29th November at 7.30 . It will be a chance to meet the cast, read through the play and allow the costume designer to measure up for costumes.
* NOTE: Audition and 1st read dates are subject to restrictions being lifted.
