Malvern Theatre Co. Inc.
VDL Awards Entry: 2022
Author: Alan Bennett
Director: Nick Opolski
Genre: Drama
Agent: Origin Theatrical Pty Ltd
Synopsis
This is the true story of the relationship between writer, Alan Bennett, and the singular Miss Mary Shepherd, an elderly woman of uncertain origins, who takes up residence in a London street where many famous names live. She is a well-known ‘character’ around Camden Town, sometimes mocked and persecuted by passers-by as she lives in a decrepit, hand-painted yellow van crammed with old shopping bags and bits of carpet. After systematically outstaying her welcome outside every other house in the street, Miss Shepherd ‘temporarily’ parks in Bennett’s driveway and proceeds to live there for 15 years. Their unique story is funny, poignant and life-affirming. The Lady in the Van is her story as seen through Alan Bennett’s eyes.
Characters
Characters Summary:
Alan Bennett (2 actors required)
Mam
Rufus
Pauline
Social Worker
Leo Fairchild
Characters Description:
Alan Bennett – lead role, male, aged 30 – 40 years old, Yorkshire accent:
1. the public persona: the character that interacts in the real world
2. the inner persona: the narrator to the audience
Mam – Alan’s mother, female, 60+ years old, Yorkshire accent, will double as the Doctor
Rufus – Alan’s neighbour, male, aged 35 – 60 years old, married to Pauline
Pauline – married to Rufus, female, 35 – 60 years old
Social Worker – female, aged 30 – 40 years old
Leo Fairchild – Miss Shepherd’s brother, male, 60+ years old
All actors will need a convincing English accent, with some regionalised accents (as indicated). Some characters only have a scene or two, but will also appear as various nameless characters throughout.
Precast Characters:
Miss Shepherd
Audition Venue & Dates
Audition Dates and Times:
7:30pm on:
- Sun 14th Aug 2022
- Mon 15th Aug 2022
Audition Venue Name: Malvern Theatre
Audition Venue Address:
29 Burke Rd, Malvern East, VIC, 3145
Audition Enquiries Contact: Nick Opolski E: nopolski@hotmail.com M: 0400 507 788
Performances
Season Dates: 28 Oct 2022 - 12 Nov 2022
Showtimes:
2:00pm on:
- Sat 29th Oct 2022
- Sun 6th Nov 2022
- Sat 12th Nov 2022
8:00pm on:
- Fri 28th Oct 2022
- Sat 29th Oct 2022
- Wed 2nd Nov 2022
- Thu 3rd Nov 2022
- Fri 4th Nov 2022
- Sat 5th Nov 2022
- Wed 9th Nov 2022
- Thu 10th Nov 2022
- Fri 11th Nov 2022
- Sat 12th Nov 2022
More info
Other Information
Other Information:
Auditions are strictly by appointment only.
Successful cast members MUST BE available for rehearsal period (11 September to 27 October 2022) as well as all production dates. Please check you are available for all performance dates before booking your audition time. Please also inform the Director at your audition, if there is a possibility of you taking on professional acting work that may conflict with rehearsal and performance dates.
A copy of the script will be provided, together with a list of the sections to be read at audition. It is expected that auditionees will have read the play and have a reasonable understanding of it.
You will be required to submit a resume and headshot prior to the audition via our online audition form.
If you are successful, you will be required to become a member of the Malvern Theatre Company, if you are not already and abide by our Association Rules & Policies.
