Main characters:

There will be some doubling up, but decisions will be made during the casting process

The Children

All to be played by young adults. You will need to be over 17, but youthful looking 20’s are also welcome. *All of the children’s parts will require singing, see below for details.

Mary Lennox – a young girl, privileged, surly, unhappy, unloved, who becomes more pleasant and happy as the play progresses. Stubborn and strong throughout, she fights for what she believes in.

Martha – a servant at Misselthwaite manor, older than Mary, but still young– She has a Yorkshire accent and is honest, faithful, charming and wise.

Dickon – Martha’s brother – Yorkshire accent. He is older than Mary and Colin, but younger than Martha. An unusual young man who is very in touch with nature and who lives between the world of child imagination and adult reasoning. He is open, honest and energetic. He sings and plays a whistle (I’m sure this can be taught.)

Colin – Mary’s cousin, and similar in age. He’s spent his life in bed due to what he believes to be a heart condition, he is very stubborn and throws temper tantrums to get what he wants. He is an unhappy, sickly child at the beginning of the play and believes his father hates him for causing his mother’s death. He blossoms.

If you are auditioning for one of the children’s roles, please also send a self-tape comprising of a verse and chorus (2 mins maximum,) of a song of your choice, This can just be an a capella recording using voice recorder on your phone – it does not need to be done professionally. These can be sent via email or to me by WhatsApp on 07910 331239

The adults

Mrs Medlock: Age – flexible, but probably 45+. Housekeeper of Misselthwaite Manor. Initially cold and unyielding, she is tough, efficient and ‘no nonsense’. By the end of the play, although still stern, she acknowledges the changes and seems to understand the potential for personal growth.

Archibald Craven: Playing age 35 – 50. Colin’s father. May double as an Inspector. He suffers from curvature of the spine. Haunted by the past and afraid for the future, he locks himself away both physically and mentally. Mary painfully reminds him too much of his wife, Lily, who died ten years previously.

Ben Weatherstaff: Playing age 50+. Gardener at Misselthwaite manor. Secretly entrusted to take care of the garden after Lily’s death. He has worked for the family for many years. He calls himself “an old man.” Initially gruff, but ultimately shows kindness.

Dr Craven: Playing Age: 40 – 50. Archibald’s cousin and Colin’s Dr. He may double as Mr Lennox, (Mary’s father.) He is stuffy, officious and weak and is clearly engineering Colin’s death so that he can inherit Misselthwaite Manor.

Mrs Lennox/Mrs Phipps: Playing age 35 – 45. Mrs Lennox is Mary’s mother and is a symbol of colonial neglect. She is self-centred, emotionally distant, superficial and unobservant. Mrs Phipps is a housemaid at Misselthwaite Manor

Ayah/Dr Bres: Playing age 30’s – 40’s. Ayah is Mary’s servant in India. She is affectionate and protective of Mary. Dr Bres is a small part, but important, as she helps to unlock Archibald Craven. Energetic, intelligent and provocative

Mr Pitcher/Inspector: Any age. Mr Pitcher is a servant at Misslethwaite Manor and the Inspector features in the scene set in India.

There will also be 4 animal puppets, these will probably be manipulated by our puppet maker, Sarah, but we would like to hear from anyone who may be interested in working with her. 

Auditions

Sunday 19^th July

10.30 – 12.30 for those auditioning for the children’s roles

1pm – 3pm     for those auditioning for the adult’s roles

Please confirm your intended attendance at the auditions directly to Diane Robinson by email at therobinsoncrew@hotmail.com .If you are unable to make this date, or have any questions, also please send an email

Rehearsals will start on Sunday 27^th September.  All rehearsals will take place at Southwick Community Centre BN42 4TE and will normally be every Sunday (10.30) and 2 weekday evenings (possibly Tuesday and Wednesday, but there some flexibility depending on availability of cast members.

Please note, anyone can audition for a part, however if cast, you be required to become a member.

Please confirm intended attendance at the audition and complete and send the attached audition slip, by July 13^th, to Diane at therobinsoncrew@hotmail.com

Collection of all pieces

Mary – page 33 -34 – from stage directions after Ben’s exit to end of scene

Dickon – page 59 –  ‘Sir last spring,’ – ‘You could do it.’

Colin – page 60 – ‘I’ve called you all’ – ‘You may go’

Mary and Martha – pages 9 -12 – ‘Miss, I’m Martha Sowerbury’ to end of scene

Mary and Dickon – pages 22 – 23 –  ‘None of them like me’ to ‘We must shake on it’

Colin and Mary – pages 39 – 41 – ‘Who are you?’ to ‘Mary please tell me about the Indian cup trick’

Colin, Martha, Mary and Dickon – pages 74 – 75 – ‘I think we’re ready’ to ‘We know all about magic on the moor’

Mary, Dickon and Colin – page 50 – ‘You said you’d come this morning’ to page 51’Quick behind here.’

Mr Craven and Mrs Medlock – pages 41 – 42

Mr Craven – pages 43 -44 – ‘Sweet boy’ to ‘bear it’

Dr Craven and Mrs Medlock – page 52 – ‘Afternoon Boy’ to page 53, ‘ Now put him in position’ – Colin to be read in.

Ben – pages 63 – 64 – ‘You, what are you doing here?’ to ‘And crooked legs.’ and page 68 – ‘Did I know her,’ ‘ If only you could see thee now’ (Colin and Mary will be read in)

Mr Craven and Dr Bres – pages 66 – 67 – whole scene

Mrs Medlock, Mr Craven and Mrs Phipps – pages 77-78 – Beginning of scene to ‘what?’ (Martha to be read in)

Mrs Medlock, Mr Craven, Dr Craven – page 80 – ‘But the Doctor said’ to page 81, ‘Get him’

Mrs Lennox and Ayah – page 3 – 4 – ‘Mary Lennox, what have I told you?’ to ‘Do you understand?’

Mr Lennox and Mary Lennox  – page 5 – ‘Oh Robert darling,’ to ‘Not a word until I say’

Inspector – pages 6-7 – ‘Lord above’ to ‘are you Mary Lennox?’

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Audition Slip

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Audition Slip

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