This update: 26th June 2008

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MAIN THEATRE (click production name for casting confirmed to date)

HAY FEVER by Noel Coward.
Directed by Greg Hersov. Belinda Lang will play Judith Bliss and Ben Keaton will play David Bliss..
Rehearse: 2nd June 08
Prev: 2nd July 08
Press: 7th July 08
Closes: 9th or 16th August 08.
This production is about to open.

THREE SISTERS by Anton Chekhov. Translated by Michael Frayn.
Directed by Sarah Frankcom.
Rehearse: 4th August 08
Previews: 10th September 08
Press: 15th September 08
Closes: 11th October 08.
Casting is complete on this production.

ANTIGONE by Sophocles. Translated by Don Taylor.
This Autumn, Artistic Director, Greg Hersov will be directing the classic Sophocles tragedy, Antigone, translated by Don Taylor, in our Main Theatre. Following the death of Antigone’s traitorous brother, Polynices, the newly crowned King Creon makes an example to all traitors by refusing Polynices a respectable burial. Antigone is determined to honour her brother in death and in flouting Creon’s decree, she brings the fundamental laws of humanity head to head with the laws of state.
This is a real ensemble piece, with every actor taking a role and also forming part of the Greek Chorus - almost every character has at least one long monologue. There will be music, chanting and dance involved – so we need hugely imaginative, playful, emotional actors who can also hold a 750 audience spell-bound over a two page monologue.
Directed by Greg Hersov.
Rehearse: 15th September 08
Previews: 15th October 08
Press: 20th October 08
Closes: 8th November 08.
ANTIGONE (Female) 25-30.
The daughter of Oedipus and thus of royal blood. She is of high status and probably carries a natural authority. She is on the threshold of life – her death is tragic because of her youth. This role needs a mesmerizing leading actress - she is proud, intelligent and articulate. She has the fiery conviction of an activist but the fragility and humility of someone who knows she is going to die.
She may need to sing – although she doesn’t have to have a fantastic voice.
CREON (Male) 50+
A leading role which carries the whole play. This is a man who can address the audience, speak directly to them and hold their attention. The name means Ruler. Creon has waited his whole life to step into power. He is not a villain; he has a vivid idea of what he wants to achieve and is zealous in putting his plan into action. He has a dynamic executive energy. He is inspirational, not a stuffy politician – he has an earthiness about him.
The actor playing Creon will not be part of the Chorus.
ISMENE (Female) Early 20s.
THIS ACTRESS NEEDS TO BE ABLE TO DANCE – OR, at least, needs to be ‘able of movement’. She will perform a dance duet during the production – it may be more like choreographed movement, different and unusual.
Antigone’s more ordinary, less passionate younger sister, Ismene is terrified by her sister’s actions. She is desperately trying to live her life without confronting any complicated issues.
HAEMON (Male) Late 20s-30.
Creon’s son and Antigone’s fiancé, Heamon is rebelling against the institution. He has a grungy, studenty vibe. He tries to reason with his father but he’s a fiery rebel who is ultimately willing to kill both his father and himself.
TIRESIUS (Male) 60+
This actor is the natural voice of the chorus and so, in addition to his work as Tiresius, he will take on much of the Chorus’ speech.
Tiresius is the prophet of Thebes – he’s blind and as old as the hills, a man of the land, a witch doctor – rugged, strange and frightening. He is powerful in a very different way to Creon and he prophesises the tragedy which unfolds.
THE SOLDIER (Male) 25-35.
A garrulous, lower ranking soldier. Must be good with language as he’s funny and irreverent, a real chatterbox but also extremely poetic at times. An imaginative actor. Must be believable as a soldier, can’t be feeble.
THE MESSENGER (Male) 40s.
Working class, a bit rough but with a natural authority. Salt of the earth. He’s a passionate, ordinary, earthy guy. It is the Messenger who relates the tragedy which has occurred and so he must be able to connect with the audience – to speak to them.
EURYDICE (Female) 50+.
A smaller role. Creon’s wife. She’s almost like the First Lady – a Laura Bush – needs to feel strong, distinguished, proud. May need to sing....

A TASTE OF HONEY by Shelagh Delaney.
Directed by Jo Combes.
Rehearse: 13th October 08
Preview: 12th November 08
Press: 17th November 08
Closes: 6th December 08.
We'll begin to look at the casting mid July.

SEE HOW THEY RUN by Philip King.
Directed by Sarah Frankcom.
Rehearse: 10th November 08
Preview: 10th December 08
Press: 15th December 08
Closes: 24th January 09.

TRUE LOVE LIES by Brad Fraser.
Directed by Braham Murray.
Rehearse: 29th December 08
Preview: 27th January 09
Press: 2nd February 09
Closes: 21st February 09

STUDIO THEATRE (click production name for casting confirmed to date)

YOU CAN SEE THE HILLS by Matthew Dunster. A one man play with Will Ash playing the role.
Directed by Matthew Dunster.
Rehearse: 1st September 08
Preview: 24th September 08
Press: 25th September.
Closes: 11th October 08.
This production is cast.

PALACE OF THE END by Judith THompson.
Directed by Greg Hersov.
Rehearse: 5th January 09.
Preview: 4th February 09.
Press: 5th February 09.
Closes: 21st February 09.

Should you need to contact us, please write to Jerry Knight-Smith or Katherine Lawson.