NEXT WEEK!

BOX OFFICE NOW OPEN
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

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.