Audition Notice

THe Railway Children, adapted by Mike Kenny from the novel by E Nesbitt

Directed by Steven Adams

Sunday 24th April, 5pm

For more information, audition pieces and to book an audition slot, please contact Steven on stevenadams1969@gmail.com.

Production Dates

Brighton Open Air Theatre: 10th — 13th August 2022 at 7pm, Matinees 1th — 13th August at 2pm
(note if you work week daytimes you will need to take time off for the matinees on 11 & 12 August)

Brighton Little Theatre: 16th — 20th August at 7.45pm

Rehearsals

13th June – 3rd July & 17th July – 9th August (6 weeks, days and times to be confirmed)

About the Play

Meet Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis as they tell the story of how they became The Railway Children. Their lives change dramatically when their father is mysteriously taken away. Transported from London to rural Yorkshire, they befriend the local railway porter, Perks, and embark on a magical journey of discovery, friendship and adventure. But the mystery remains – where is Father and is he ever coming back? This, imaginative, widely acclaimed adaptation of a beloved classic, captures the anxieties and exhilarations of childhood with great tenderness and insight.

Characters

Smaller roles will be doubled. Playing ages are for guidance only, in particular for the children’s roles I’m seeking young adult actors over the age of 16.

BOBBIE Playing age: 14 to 18. The eldest daughter. Roberta. Brave, thoughtful and intelligent. She is considerate and caring and often acts as a mediator, resolving the arguments of her younger siblings. Requires a strong and capable actress, as she acts as narrator for much of the play. Appears briefly as her adult self.

PETER Playing age: 12 to 16. The middle child. Intelligent and honest. He demonstrates bravery and resilience in the face of danger but does enjoy bickering with his younger sister. Acts as a narrator for some of the play. Appears briefly as his adult self.

PHYLLIS Playing age: 11 to 14. The youngest child. Phyllis can be naïve; nevertheless, she is imaginative with a sensitive and considerate nature and shows as much heroism as her siblings. Also acts as a narrator for some of the play. Appears briefly as her adult self.

MOTHER Playing age: 35 to 55. Considerate and resourceful, she does her best to protect her children from the rumours surrounding their father and helps them to adapt to their new lifestyle. She has an incredible capacity for love and, despite the hardships she faces, remains proud and determined. Will need to speak a few lines in French.

PERKS Playing age: 30 to 50. The Station-Master. He befriends the Railway Children and supports them in their time of need as he is a father himself. A proud but friendly and likeable character who provides some comic relief in the play. Yorkshire accent.

FATHER Playing age: 40 to 55. He is caring, hard-working, tolerant and maintains integrity and dignity despite the charges levelled against him. Doubles with: DOCTOR Playing Age: 40 to 55. The local GP who treats Mother and Mr Schepansky. Firm but kindly. Yorkshire Accent

OLD GENTLEMAN Playing age: 50 to 70. A passenger of the London train that helps the Railway Children in many ways, eventually re-uniting them with their father. Yorkshire Accent.

MR SCHEPANSKY Playing age: 30 to 50. A Russian emigrant that falls ill and is taken in by the Railway Children. This character speaks both Russian and French in the play. Doubles with: DISTRICT SUPERINTENDANT of the railway who presents the children with their awards for bravery

MRS PERKS Playing age: 30 to 50. The station-master’s wife. Mother to several (unseen) children including a baby. Gentle, humble but also proud. Can be forceful when needed. Yorkshire accent. Doubles with: MAID at the children’s London home.

MRS VINEY Playing age: 35 to 55. A kind-hearted local that supports Mother and looks after the children. Yorkshire accent. Doubles with COOK at the children’s London home.

JIM Playing Age: 16 to 18. A pupil at the local grammar school who is injured in the railway tunnel during a game of Hare and Hounds.. Doubles with: BUTLER at the children’s London home.

Other small roles to be played by the Company or Stage Management.

BLT actively encourages auditionees from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities and any of the above parts could be played by any race.