Informal auditions (i.e. no learning of audition pieces necessary) willl be taking place at The Women's Hall. The production itself is taking place on 9th, 10th and 11th November.
The Rivals is a comedy set in Bath in the 18th century, a town that was legendary for conspicuous consumption. Wealthy people went there to "take the waters," which were believed to have healing properties. Bath was much less exclusive than London, and hence it provides an ideal setting for the characters of this play who are, let’s say, not quite top notch!
The characters are as follows:
Men
Sir Anthony Absolute, (45-65) - a wealthy baronet, impulsive, dogmatic, volatile.
Captain Jack Absolute, (25-35) - his son, sometimes disguised as “Ensign Beverley” – handsome, dashing - in love with Lydia.
Faulkland, (25-35) - a friend of Jack Absolute – gloomy, depressive, pessimistic – painfully in love with Julia.
Bob Acres, (any age) - a friend of Jack Absolute – idiot, country bumpkin – totally out of his depth in fashionable society. Has been led to believe he is to marry Lydia, who actually despises him.
Sir Lucius O'Trigger, (any age) - an Irish baronet – psychopath. Could start a fight in an empty room. Engaging in an exchange of love letters with “Delia” whom he believes to be Lydia but is actually Mrs Malaprop.
David, (any age) - Bob Acres' servant.
Women
Lydia Languish, (18-25) - a wealthy young heiress – romantic, but headstrong. In love with "Ensign Beverley".
Mrs Malaprop, (40-60) - Lydia's middle-aged guardian aunt. A widow. The main comic character. Tries to impress by using long words which, while they sound similar to what she intends, actually mean something totally different (origin of the word “malapropism”).
Julia Melville, (25-35) - a young relation of the Absolutes, in love with Faulkland. Kind and sensible, she has the patience of a saint putting up with Faulkland’s jealousy.
Lucy, (any age) - Lydia's conniving maid – pretends to be a bit dim, but is actually leading everyone a merry dance and lining her own pockets at the same time.
Sara, (any age) - a servant of Captain Absolute.
Maria, (any age) - a servant of Sir Anthony.
Let us know if you can't make the dates but would like to audition.
If you have any questions please contact us.