Audition Notice
Tom’s Midnight Garden, by Philippa Pearce, Adapted by David Wood
Directed by Steven Adams
Sunday 8th October 2023, 12noon
For more information and audition pieces, please contact Steven on stevenadams1969@gmail.com.
Production Dates
9 &12—16 December 2023 at 7.45pm
9, 10 and 16 December at 2.30pm
Rehearsals
Sunday 29 October to Friday 8 December (6 weeks), probably Mon, Weds, Thurs evenings and Sunday afternoons.
About the Play
And there shall be Time No Longer!
Quarantined in his aunt's and uncle's stuffy flat, ten-year-old Tom is restless and bored. Intrigued by a grandfather clock, Tom is startled one night to hear it strike 13!
Slipping out of bed he discovers a beautiful 1880s Victorian garden, which before was just a small back yard. In the garden he meets unhappy orphan, Hatty.
Join Tom and Hatty as they share fun and adventures together in the magical garden. Philippa Pearce's 1950s classic is brilliantly adapted for the stage by David Wood.
This is a brilliant time travelling fantasy and a haunting adaptation of a classic novel which promises to be a great Christmas production. The story of two lonely children who become friends across time, the play takes place in the 1950s and 1880s/90s. There are a range of brilliant parts for all ages.
I’m looking for a cast of about 10-12 so there will be some doubling. Possible doubling is noted below, For the children’s parts I’m looking for young-ish or young looking adults, but no younger than 16 and having finished Year 11 at school.
The younger male parts could be played by female actors.
BLT actively encourages auditionees from ethnic minority communities and any of the
below 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.
Characters
1950s
Tom (playing age 10) – adventurous and lonely boy moves between 1950s and 1880s/90s. This is a great opportunity to play a younger character who should be able to demonstrate a strong relationship with the lead female character (Hatty). The actor playing this role must be strong enough to hold the audience and help create the magical quality of the play.
Mrs Bartholomew (70s) – eccentric landlady of Uncle Alan and Aunt Gwen
Uncle Alan (30s - 50s) – Tom’s Uncle (affable and witty). Possibly doubled with Abel.
Aunt Gwen (30s - 50s) – Tom’s Aunt (strong and supportive). Possibly doubled with Aunt Grace.
Peter (playing age 8) – Tom’s brother (story teller)
1880s/90s
Hatty (playing ages 6-19) – lonely but adventurous orphan who meets Tom. This is another great opportunity to play a younger character who should be able to demonstrate a strong relationship with the lead male character (Tom). Needs a strong actor to work well with Tom and help create the magical quality of the play. Mostly plays 10-19 but in one short scene has to play age 6.
Aunt Grace (30s - 50s) – Hatty’s Aunt (austere and controlling). Possibly doubled with Aunt Gwen.
Susan (any age) – maid (independent and self-assured). Possibly doubled with Ely Cathedral Guide, The Angel and/or Dog Puppeteer.
Abel – (30s – 50s) gardener (suspicious but kind). Possibly doubled with Uncle Alan.
James (playing ages 12-22) – Hatty’s cousin (understanding and supportive)
Edgar (playing ages 11-21) – Hatty’s cousin (bully). Possibly doubled with Ely Cathedral Guide, The Angel and/or Dog Puppeteer.
Hubert (playing ages 14-24) – Hatty’s cousin (selfish). Possibly doubled with Barty.
Barty (playing age 21) – Hatty’s boyfriend 1890s (romantic and supportive). Possibly doubled with Hubert.
Ely Cathedral Guide 1890s – small role.
The Angel (Tom’s Nightmare) – physical role
Dog Puppeteer – a strong physical performer who can work with a dog puppet to create a believable animal.
Geese Puppeteers, Skaters, Sightseers, Voices of House (to be played by members of the cast and crew)