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The Cast

Principals

Cinderella            Stephanie Kay

Prince                   Lucy Burr

Dandini                 Nikki Bradley

Buttons                 Daniel Williams

Baron                    Pete Bradley

Devillia                 Zara Morley

Beryl                     Barry Harrison- Fudge

Cheryl                  Charlie Mclean

Snitch                   Catherine van't Riet

Snatch                  Julia Heathcote

Fairy                     Claire Williams

Major Domo        Mike Humphries

Dumpling             Felix Cuthbert and Jay Garland

 

Chorus 

Julie Edwards

Liz Foley

Ben Aveyard

David Barraclough

Juniors

Evelyn Cooper

Thalia Round

Arthur Hall

Freddie Birley​​

Performance dates

Saturday 15th February 2025  Matinee and evening

Sunday 16th February 2025  Matinee

Thursday 20th February 2025 Evening

Friday 21st February 2025 Evening

Saturday 22nd February 2025  Matinee and evening

CALL FOR AUDITIONS

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Characters in the play

Please note that the playing age is the age of the character and is a guide to the actor in his approach to portraying the role.

The play is set in a village somewhere in the West Country and the East End of London during the period between September 1939 and Autumn 1940.


LEAD ROLES

MR TOM OAKLEY. Elderly


For the role of Mr. Tom Oakley, the audition panel will be looking for an actor who can portray a transformation from a reclusive and gruff figure to someone who is a compassionate and loving guardian to William. The character displays a range of emotions from, initially, reluctance to deep affection and protection. A mature presence, coupled with the ability to convey vulnerability and warmth, is essential.

WILLIAM BEECH, a London evacuee. Playing age 9 to 11

The character of William Beech requires a young actor capable of undertaking a remarkable journey from a timid, abused boy to a confident and happy child. The actor must be able to show physical and emotional scars and then gradually reveal William's resilience and growth through his newfound friendship and love for drawing and painting. A genuine and touching portrayal of innocence and love is essential.

ZACH, a Jewish evacuee from a theatrical family. Playing age 10/12.

Zach calls for an actor with high energy, optimism, and a sense of adventure. The character's imaginative and exuberant nature should come alive on stage, providing a stark contrast to William's initial timidity. The actor must be able to portray a deep, supportive friendship and handle the
emotional impact of Zach's tragic fate. The role includes singing and dancing but this does not have to be to a trained standard.


MRS BEECH 30s to 40s

The role of Mrs. Beech demands an actor who can inhabit the intensity of a deeply religious and abusive mother. The character's darker aspects must be convincingly portrayed, showing the psychological and emotional turmoil she inflicts on William. Strong physical acting is essential and the
actor must be prepared to inflict physical abuse on William.


PUPPETEER/ SAMMY THE DOG. Any age, male or female

This is a very demanding role, particularly on the knees, and the actor is on stage for a lot of the play. The actor will unobtrusively operate and move Sammy throughout the play. Apart from making a few barks, it is a non-speaking role, but the actor must portray through the manipulation of the puppet a great deal of emotion and empathy. Sammy the dog is responsible for creating most of the atmosphere that is an essential element of the
play.


SUPPORTING CHARACTERS

Although these are all relatively small roles in terms of lines, they are all involved in ensemble scenes in character and as extras in scenes in the village, London and in the village production of Toad of Toad Hall. There will also be some doubling up which will be allocated after the auditions.
These are the supporting roles to be auditioned. Choose the character you wish to audition for but as always you may not be cast int the role you initially chose.


MRS FLETCHER Wife and mother, 20s 30s

An actor for Mrs. Fletcher should bring a nurturing and supportive presence to the stage, symbolizing the kindness and generosity of the people in the village. The role requires warmth and a genuine concern for William's well-being.

MISS THORNE. Village Librarian. Any age either young or an “old maid”.

Efficient and kindly. Also runs the village amateur dramatic society.

MRS ANNIE HARTRIDGE, 20s

Schoolteacher. Married to David. Happy and caring. Bravely accepts the death of her husband.

MRS MILLER any age small role with doubling

Works in the Post Office cum village shop with her husband Mr Miller. Appears quite stern but underneath has a kind heart.

GLAD, mature

Cockney life and soul of the gathering in the underground shelters. Has a solo “White Cliffs of Dover” which is sung in character with warmth and conviction rather than an operatic performance.

BILLETTING OFFICER . Mature

Very bossy, officious and rather brusque in her manner with the children. Stands no nonsense.

DR. LITTLE. Mature

Dr. Little needs to project a sense of professionalism and care, providing medical support to William and the villagers. This character is highly respected and a stalwart of the Community.

CHARLIE RUDDLES. Any age

ARP warden. Takes his role very conscientiously.

DAVID HARTRIDGE. 20s/30s

RAF fighter pilot. Proud and friendly.

MR MILLER. Any age.

Runs the village post office with his wife. Small role with doubling up.

MR STELTON. A psychiatrist.  30s plus.

Has a very uncaring approach and treats the symptoms than the patient. Cold and clinical.

VICAR, mature.

Small role but will double up other roles. Typical sanctimonious village vicar

CARRIE, 10/11

Bright and clever.

GINNIE, 10/11.

Cheeky happy-go-lucky.

GEORGE FLETCHER, 9/11.

Initially unkind to William but soon becomes his friend.

Other children will be a part of the ensemble and extras.


CONCLUSION

Auditioning for Goodnight Mr Tom involves bringing to life a variety of richly drawn characters promoting the themes of this play of healing, friendship, and resilience. All of this contributes in creating a moving production demonstrating the power of compassion, love and community.

Meg Bray
Director.

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