Audition Notices
The Monkey's Paw And Other Stories
Auditions:
About the Production:
We are delighted to invite performers to audition for our upcoming production of The Monkey’s Paw (and other stories).
A haunting and atmospheric drama, The Monkey’s Paw tells the story of the White family, whose quiet domestic life is upended when they receive a mysterious talisman said to grant three wishes. As curiosity gives way to desire, each wish brings unforeseen and devastating consequences. Blending suspense, psychological tension, and the supernatural, this adaptation explores fate, grief, and the terrifying cost of trying to control the unknown.
Rehearsal schedule: To be confirmed – availability will be discussed at audition
We are looking to hold evening performances: 15 and 16, 2 performances on 17 - an early evening and a late night performance.
What to Prepare
Auditions may include a cold reading from the script. Devising ensemble candidates may also take part in a short group workshop
How to Attend
No need to book — just come along on the evening. If you have any questions in advance, please get in touch with Caroline: caroline.donald80@gmail.com .
Additional Notes
We welcome performers of all backgrounds and experience levels. This production offers opportunities both for traditional scripted acting and collaborative devised work.
Roles:
Principal roles
- Mr White - 50-70, male, Curious and impulsive. A warm, affectionate father whose fascination with the unknown leads to devastating consequences.
- Mrs White - 50-70, female, Loving and practical, with strong emotional depth. Her arc moves from warmth to grief and desperation.
- Herbert White - 20-30, male, Playful, light-hearted and witty. His teasing nature contrasts with the darker events that unfold.
- Sergeant-Major Morris - 40-60, male, World-weary and authoritative. Brings a sense of foreboding with stories of his travels and the cursed object.
Additional roles
- Storyteller / Narrator - 18+, any gender, Guides the audience through the story, setting tone and atmosphere. Strong presence and storytelling ability essential.
- 3-4x Devising Ensemble - 18+, any gender, These roles will be collaboratively developed, drawing on stories from the history of the theatre. Previous devising or ensemble experience is desirable Performers should be open to physical theatre, improvisation, and collaborative creation
N.B.
- Ages are a rough guide.
The Accrington Pals
Auditions:
About the Production:
Rehearsals commence: Thursday 3rd September 2026
I am so looking forward to presenting this play which is a warm-hearted, thought-provoking and surprisingly funny window into history. The story is set in the early years of the First World War and centres around the young men who joined up together as ‘Pals’ and went off to fight on the Somme, and the community of women who were left behind. It is poignant, political and moving, with themes that are recognisable today. That said, this is a very human story with relatable characters who are often honest and opinionated.
This play offers ten roles, 5 female, 5 male, with ages that range from fifteen to forty plus. I would love the audition to be an opportunity for people to come along and read. I have no set ideas and am willing to shift ages as needed in order to match people.
As the name suggests the play is set in Accrington and it would be great for us to be as close to the accent as we can be, (I am told Bumble for cricket fans is a good example!) but for me, the most important thing will be the heart and characterisation people bring to the roles.
If you are interested and would like to have a look at a script, please email me on nilutludu@gmail.com . I would be really happy to chat about this truly wonderful play which I hope will move our audience and keep the story alive for another generation.
PS if you have a script that you have already read and have finished with please could i have it back so I can pass on to other people. Thank you!
Roles:
- May - late 20s+, female, a stallholder: This is a large role. May lives with Tom, who was taken in by her father when his parents died. They were raised together but there is a clear attraction between them. Strong, independent spirit but traditional in her views. Inexperienced romantically. Can struggle to express her feelings.
- Tom - 19ish, male, an apprentice: Good sized role. Tom trained at art school. Socialist and progressive views (as opposed to May), she describes him as a dreamer.
- Eva - 19ish, female, a mill girl: Good sized role, comes to work on the stall with May who she gets on well with. In a relationship with Ralph. Calm, confident and open. At times, can shock May.
- Ralph - 19ish, male, a clerk: Good sized role, quite laddish and cheeky. In a relationship with Eva but not faithful. Contrasts with Tom.
- Sarah - mid 20s, female, married mill worker: Earthy and vulgar and aware of the position women hold in society compared to men. We hear about her husband but don't see him.
- Bertha - 18, female, a mill girl: Naive and gullible. Has worldly experience but not necessarily the depth of understanding.
- Annie - late 30s+, female, a housewife: Can be seen as comedic haridan, but is quite violent to her son. She is married to Arthur after having Reggie by another man. Occasional glimpses of a softer nature.
- Arthur - late 30s+, male, Arthur, Annie’s husband: Defined by his religion. Devoted to his pigeon ‘England’s Glory’. Seems ill-matched with Annie.
- Reggie - 15ish, male, Reggie, Annie and Arthur’s son: Generally in trouble with his mum Annie. Ends up helping on the stall.
- Company Sergeant Major Rivers - 40s+, male, Company Sergeant Major Rivers, a regular soldier: some longer speeches. A bit of a shadowy character and an outsider. Experienced soldier. Inscrutable.
N.B.
- Ages are a rough guide.