Audition Notice

Kemble’s Riot, by Adrian Bunting

Directed by Tess Gill

Sunday 18th February 2024, 2pm

For more information and audition pieces, please contact Tess on tess.gill@gmail.com

Production Dates

Friday 3rd May - Sunday 5th May 2024, with matinee performances on 4th and 5th May 2024.

Rehearsals

Starting 17 March Intending to be Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

About the Play

Kemble’s Riot is a joint production with BOAT. We have been commissioned to start the 10th anniversary season of BOAT with this special play from Adrian Bunting, the founder of BOAT. It is a huge honour and we want to ensure that this is a spectacular version.

Based on the true story of John Kemble, an actor / manager at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th century. The Theatre Royal Covent Garden (which he managed) burned to the ground and after he acquired a hefty loan to rebuild the theatre he raised the prices of the tickets however this caused protests for approximately 3 months until eventually the theatre had to give in and reduce the prices to the previous costs.

The play is a joyous celebration of theatre but also the right to protest – there is a lot of audience participation and any/ all cast members have to be comfortable engaging with the audience, and reacting to whatever might happen in character.

There are 6 speaking parts in the production however there are other opportunities for members to participate as we are looking for people who can support within the audience as this has a lot of audience participation. We are also very interested in anyone who can play the violin and would be willing to participate in the production.

If anyone is interested in helping with costume or backstage please do let me know as I will be looking for crew.

BLT actively encourages auditionees from ethnic minority communities and any of the below parts could be played by any race.

You do not have to be a member of the company to audition, but if you are cast you must join.

Characters

John Kemble - A pompous actor manager. John Kemble is arrogant and focused. He has a strong personality and he is energetic. He was known for playing all the Shakespearean lead roles. He is described as handsome, tall and elegant within the script. 35-50

Sarah Siddons - John Kemble’s elder sister a famous actress known for her tragic roles. She is a big draw for the theatre and knows it. She is also much more reasonable than her brother. Late 30’s – early 50’s

George Cooke - An actor, best known for his large performances, he has a bad reputation for being unprofessional and drinking on the job. Can be belligerent, flirtatious and difficult. Although he is grateful to Kemble for the work – he had , he does not have a lot of respect for him. 40-60s

Dorothy Jordan - A young new comic actress – known for the finest legs in Europe. She has worked in the provinces but is eager to prove herself. She is attractive and used to attention. (She went on to be the mistress of a prince). 20’s

Henry Clifford - Main audience antagonist – he is a lawyer outraged by John Kemble’s increase in ticket prices and leads the audience in protest – must have energy and be charismatic enough to engage the audience on his side. Any age.

Mary Austin - Second audience antagonist. Very respectful of John Kemble and loves Sarah Siddon – she is the more reasonable side of the protest. Initially she leads the audience to stand against Henry Clifford. Any age.