Audition Notice

The future of Christmas itself is at stake!

On the train Kay meets an old magician, Cole Hawlings, who charges Kay with safeguarding a wondrous device that has time-travelling powers. It’s an instrument that Cole’s nemesis, the wicked sorcerer Abner Brown, will stop at nothing to steal for himself. And so when the old man mysteriously disappears, Kay faces the fight of his life. He must protect both the Box of Delights and the people he loves. A magical and festive adventure in which Kay must confront past secrets to defeat the evil in the present.

This is an incredibly well written story based on a novel by poet laureate John Masefield from 1935 and adapted by acclaimed children’s author Piers Torday. The story was televised by the BBC 40 years ago in 1984 and this version led to a very strong fan base for the tale. It has also had numerous radio and audio versions. This stage version was first performed to sell-out audiences at Wilton’s Music Hall in London in 2017 and 2018. Then a revised version was premiered by the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon last Christmas. We will be the first amateur company to present this version.

I’m looking for a strong ensemble of about 15-20 people to present the play. Other than the main parts most of the other roles will be doubled. Even the smaller roles are a lot of fun and give plenty of opportunity for strong characterisation. Although most roles will be played as either male or female presenting, I’m fully open to gender blind casting so parts could be played by people of any gender.

This will be an extremely challenging technical play and I’m also looking for a strong backstage team. So do contact me if you are interested in any of the below:
Assistant Stage Managing
Rehearsal prompting
Puppet making and possibly operating
Model and special prop making
Costume and Make-up design
Set and Scenic painting
Sound Design and Music
Lighting and sound operation
Projections and Video effects

BLT actively encourages auditionees from ethnic minority communities and any of the parts could be played by any race.

You do not have to be a member of the company to audition, but if you are cast you must join.

Note although some of the characters are played as children all actors cast in the play must be adults over 16 years of age and have finished their last term of secondary school.
Ages below are approximate so don’t let them put you off.

Characters

Kay Harker - Male presenting. The main child hero of the play. A dreamer. Brave, loyal and resourceful. Both of his parents are dead and he is bought up by his guardian Caroline Louisa and attends a boarding school. 12 (to be played by adult over 16)

Cole Hawkings - Male presenting. An ancient showman and wandering magician. A kindly person with many fantastical abilities. He guards the Box of Delights from his mortal enemy Abner Brown who would misuse its powers. Often accompanied by his dog, Barney. Over 1,000 years old! (to be played by someone 50+)

Charles - Male presenting. A slimy wolf, sometimes literally. An underworld criminal masquerading as a cleric. Very pompous and posh. 25-50+

Joe - Male presenting. Another slimy wolf, sometimes literally. Also an underworld criminal masquerading as a cleric. Much more common than Charles and a bit rough around the edges. Ideally a bit plump/largish but this is not essential. 25-50+

Syliva Daisy Pouncer - Female presenting. The villainess of the play. Probably an actual witch. Also an underworld criminal masquerading as a Lady. Consort to both Charles and Abner Brown. Handy with her words and her weapons. 25-50+

Caroline Louisa - Female presenting. Kay’s Guardian. Kindly and good hearted but can be tough as well. 30-50+

Maria Jones - (note pronounced Ma-ri-ah). Female presenting. Friend or cousin of Kay’s and also staying with Caroline Louisa this Christmas. A complete tomboy and lets everyone know that! A very tough shell but underneath has compassion and is very loyal to Kay and her brother, Peter. 11 (to be played by adult over 16)

Peter Jones - Male presenting. Friend or cousin of Kay’s and also staying with Caroline Louisa this Christmas. A bit of a wet blanket and self described ‘plank’. But when the going gets tough he rises to the occasion. 12 going on 55! (to be played by adult over 16)

Abner Brown - Male presenting. The black-hearted Villian of the play. A wizard without a drop of compassion or kindness. He hasn’t lived as long as Cole but due to the time travelling properties of the box has existed in many time periods. He kills enemies and friends with ease. Appears outwardly charming and is disguised as a bishop. He must stop this Christmas or become stuck in his own time. 40+

Train Conductor/Police Inspector/Ensemble - Male or Female presenting. The train conductor is quite a small role near the beginning. The Police Inspector is a kindly figure who appears throughout the play. They are not very clever and are easily led but again help with the conclusion of the play. 30-50+

Herne the Hunter/Ensemble - Female presenting. A mystical forest figure and friend of Cole Hawlings. Appears sporadically throughout the play to assist the children and Cole. Kindly, knowing and magical. Will probably also double with other parts/ensemble. 25-50+

Rat/Mayor of Tatchester/Ensemble - Male or Female presenting. Rat is an actual rat! A spy for Abner Brown. A disgusting creature who eats disgusting things and does disgusting acts. The Mayor is rather stiff and not very effective. They mostly deliver bad news! 20+

Ellen/Head/Ensemble - Female presenting. Ellen is Caroline-Louisa’s rather sullen and cantankerous maid who does things only if asked in the correct way! Head is an ancient trapped being who is forced to serve Abner Brown. They are literally just a head on a plinth. Don’t audition if you are claustrophobic! 20+

Bishop of Tatchester/Ensemble - Male presenting. A bit of a worrier. Kindly forgives the people and children around him. Full of goodness. Will probably also double with other parts/ensemble. 40+

The Duchess of Musborough/Papergirl/Ensemble - Female presenting. Two small but fun roles. The Duchess is very regal and very proud. The Papergirl has one great scene where she leads the action. Duchess – 35+

Papergirl – young but could be any age

As well as listed parts above there is an ensemble needed to play train passengers, stall holders, party guests, Cathedral choir members, prisoners and various puppeteers. These roles are either wordless or with just a few lines but will be fun to do and will be busy throughout the play. Some may be doubled with the smaller roles above. Puppeteers will be needed to operate Barney dog, a phoenix, a flying car and other things!

There will be some group choral singing in the production, but you don’t need to be a strong singer.