Directed by Suzanne Heritage

Audition Date: Sunday 30th November 2025, 4pm

Production Dates

3rd - 7th March 2026 at 7.30pm
7th March 2026 at 2:30pm

Rehearsals

Bar Rehearsals: 4 - 17 Jan 2026
Stage Rehearsals: 1 Feb - 2 March 2026 (Days to be confirmed)   

If you are unable to make the audition date and for more information and audition pieces, please contact Suzanne on suzanneheritage@hotmail.com

The Tempest is a play about revenge, magic, love, and forgiveness, centred on the sorcerer Prospero. After being usurped and exiled to a remote island with his daughter Miranda, Prospero uses his magic to create a tempest and lure his enemies, including his brother Antonio and the King of Naples, to the island. On the island, he manipulates events, separates the survivors, and orchestrates for his daughter Miranda to fall in love with the King's son, Ferdinand.

The play features spirits named Ariel, whom Prospero commands, and Caliban, a native of the island whom Prospero enslaves. While Alonso's party is tormented and distracted by magical events, Caliban conspires with two shipwrecked drunken servants, Stephano and Trinculo, to kill Prospero and take over the island. Prospero, learning of the plot through Ariel, forgives the conspirators, which leads him to also forgive his enemies, Antonio and Alonso. In the end, Prospero renounces his magic, breaks the enchantment, and sails for home with the group to reclaim his dukedom and see his daughter marry Ferdinand.

All characters will be cast gender blind. There will be some movement work, especially for Ariel, but please don’t let that put you off! It will be very easy movement and not at all scary!

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

Prospero - The play’s protagonist, and mother/ father of Miranda. Twelve years before the events of the play, Prospero was the duke of Milan. Their sibling, Antonio, in concert with Alonso, king of Naples, usurped them, forcing them to flee in a boat with their daughter. Prospero has spent twelve years on the island refining the magic that gives them the power needed to punish their enemies. Playing age: 40s upwards depending on Miranda’s age.

Miranda - The daughter/ son of Prospero, Miranda was brought to the island at an early age. Because they have been sealed off from the world for so long, Miranda’s perceptions of other people tend to be naïve and non-judgmental. They are compassionate, generous, and loyal to their father. Playing age: Early 20s but could be older if Prospero is older.

Ariel - Prospero’s spirit helper. Rescued by Prospero from a long imprisonment at the hands of the witch Sycorax, Ariel is Prospero’s servant until Prospero decides to release them. They are mischievous and magical. Ariel will ideally be played by more than one actor – becoming a multiple entity rather than a single creature. Playing age: Any

Caliban - Another of Prospero’s servants. Caliban, the child of the now-deceased witch Sycorax, acquainted Prospero with the island when Prospero arrived. Caliban believes that the island rightfully belongs to them and has been stolen by Prospero. Caliban is a complex character and has both comic and pathetic moments. Playing age: Any

Ferdinand - Child of Alonso. Ferdinand seems in some ways to be as pure and naïve as Miranda. They fall in love with Miranda upon first sight and happily submits to servitude in order to win Prospero’s approval. Playing age: Similar to Miranda

Alonso - King of Naples and parent of Ferdinand. Alonso aided Antonio in unseating Prospero as Duke of Milan twelve years before. Playing age: Similar to Prospero

Antonio - Prospero’s sibling who usurped Prospero’s rightful place as Duke of Milan. They are power-hungry and foolish. Playing age: Roughly equivalent to Prospero

Sebastian - Alonso’s brother. Like Antonio, he is both aggressive and cowardly. Playing age: Any

Gonzalo - Gonzalo helped Prospero and Miranda to escape after Antonio usurped Prospero’s title. Gonzalo’s speeches provide an important commentary on the events of the play. Playing age: Any

Trinculo - Trinculo is Alonso’s jester, and part of the shipwrecked party. They, with Stephano, provide the more comic moments of the play. Playing age: Any

Stephano - Stephano is a drunken butler and part the shipwrecked party. They, with Trinculo, provide the more comic moments of the play. Playing age: Any

Directed by Ella Turk-Thompson

Audition Date: Sunday 12th October 2025, 6.30pm

Production Dates

27th - 31st January 2026 at 7.30pm
31st January 2026 at 2:30pm

Rehearsals

16 November – 5th December in the bar on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. 21st December onwards on stage with additional Wednesday rehearsals. Fewer Rehearsals over the Christmas period!

If you are unable to make the audition date and for more information and audition pieces, please contact Ella on ellatommo@hotmail.com

Comedic in tone, dramatic in action, The Lion In Winter tells the heightened, witty and bristling story of the Plantagenet family, who are locked in a free-for-all of competing ambitions to inherit a kingdom. The Queen – and wealthiest woman in the world – Eleanor of Aquitaine has been granted temporary release from imprisonment to join her family for a Christmas holiday. They are a scheming, adulterous and potentially murderous bunch who are fighting over crowns, provinces and paramours. But, as Eleanor says, ‘Every family has its ups and downs’…

Whilst there are no ‘sex scenes’ as such, the play is pretty steamy in places and we hope to have the assistance of an intimacy co-ordinator when shaping these scenes. The characters particularly involved in such moments are Henry, Eleanor, Richard, Philip and Alais.

The playing ages are a VERY rough guide. I am perfectly happy to cast older/younger as long as everyone looks the right sort of age relative to everyone else. If you would like to audition for a role but feel you may be too young/old please don’t let that stop you!

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

Henry II - In his time, men his age were either old or dead. Not Henry. He is still physically vigorous, handsome, mentally sharp and very nearly all he ever was – minor arthritis excepted. He is arrogant but not vain, sexy, clever, a great fighter and tactician, and addicted to the adrenalin kick he gets from sparring, particularly with his wife. Playing age 50s

Eleanor of Aquitaine - A force of nature, Eleanor is usually imprisoned in a castle in England, but has been let out for Christmas to join her family at Henry’s castle in Chinon, France. She is beautiful, dangerous, equally in love with and enraged by her husband and at constant war with him. Her relationship with her sons is complex, particularly with Richard who is her undisguised favourite. Playing age 60s

Richard Lionheart - The oldest living son. Not happy unless he is fighting a war. A famous soldier, he is handsome and impressive. He is also navigating some mummy issues and a sporadic but ongoing sexual relationship with Philip of France. Playing age 20s

Geoffrey - Count of Brittany, a man of energy and verve. Often called a ‘machine’ by the family, he is the brainiest of the brood but suffers from all things associated with being the middle child. Would never go down without a fight. Playing age 20s

John - By turns whiny, despicable, charming and cowardly, John is the youngest and favourite of his father. Seemingly not much gifted with either brains or brawn and inclined to teenage tantrums, John has some of the funniest lines in a very witty script. Playing age Late teens

Alais Capet - Henry’s ward and also his lover. Also Richard’s (or John’s depending on who you speak to) fiancée. Sister of Philip of France. Definitely the most honest and integral character, she is treated as a pawn although Henry’s affection/desire for her is genuine. Alais is trapped in a terrible situation but is by no means a doormat. Playing age 20s

Philip Capet - Has been King of France for only three years but has learned an awful lot in that time. He is charismatic, gorgeous and charming and although not as liable to throw his weight around as Henry, should not be underestimated by anyone. Calculating and relatively calm. Until he isn’t. Playing age 20s

Staff/Courtiers - These roles are integral but have no written lines and could double as stage crew. They will be required to perform as impeccable aids to the royal family, potentially dealing with props, scenery and badly behaved characters, being part of both the aesthetic and the castle muscle. Playing age Any

Directed by Tina Sitko

Audition Date: Sunday 21st September 2025, 6pm

Production Dates

13th December and 15th - 20th December 2025 at 7.30pm
Matinees 13th, 14th and 20th December at 2:30pm

Rehearsals

Starting mid-October (days to be confirmed)
If you are unable to make the audition date and for more information and audition pieces, please contact Tina on tinasitko@hotmail.com

The play is an adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. The play consists of 14 short scenes as we follow Alice’s adventures in Wonderland.  Along the way Alice meets a variety of creatures, from her first encounter with the time deprived White Rabbit to the changeable mood of the Royalty of Wonderland.  Alice must complete the game of chess to become a queen in order to escape the Queen of Hearts executioner.

 There are 28 characters. 6 of these characters cannot be doubled up.  However the remaining characters can be played by multiple cast members as many are only in 1 scene.  All characters except Alice and the Queen of hearts are gender blind.  All characters except Alice are age blind.

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

Characters

Description

Playing Age

Alice - (Not doubled) Alice is around aged 6 in the book however we are going older in order to use adult casting. Playing age 12 - 16)(Actor must be over 18)

Queen of Hearts - (Not doubled) The Queen of Hearts is a very changeable character.  One minute she is nice as pie and the next shouting ‘Off with their head’ to her ever present and seemingly rather busy executioner.  Bold brash and a bit bonkers. She holds court with an icey glare and a pack of cards. Playing age Any

White Rabbit - (Not doubled) Nervous creature who has too many Royal duties and never enough time.  The white Rabbit stands for the anxiety of hurried life.  Dictated by time and the time piece that they check constantly. Always jittery and on edge. Terrified of displeasing the Queen of Hearts. Playing age Any

Mad Hatter - (Not doubled) The eccentric Hatter that has gone slightly mad from the years of Mercury poisoning from Hat making.  The Hatter has an array of ornate Hats that and just loves to show them off to anyone that will show interest.  Rather suave and charismatic by nature with glimmers of madness. Playing age Any

March Hare - (Not doubled) Good friend of the Hatter who may benefit with time away from them. A tad sarcastic towards both Alice and the dormouse. Playing age Any

Dormouse - (Not doubled) The ever tired and sleepy dormouse.  Every word spoken seems to be such an effort. Playing age Any

The following characters appear in each act and can be doubled/tripled

ACT I

Mouse - Swims to save Alice and sings a small song

Caterpillar - Very relaxed hookah smoker

Frog Footman - Footman to the Queen of Hearts

Fish Footman - Footman to the Queen of Hearts

Duchess - Larger than life character who wants to ‘throw the baby in the fire’

Cheshire Cat - Probably projected

Act II

2 of Spades - Guard of the Queen of Hearts

5 of Spades - Guard of the Queen of Hearts

7 of Spades - Guard of the Queen of Hearts

Gryphon - Possible will be a puppet

Mock Turtle - Depressed reptile who will be lying on a moving truck. Sings a small song

Knave of Hearts - Suave nephew of the Queen of Hearts, that lies about stealing the tarts

Kings of Hearts - Compliant husband to the Queen of hearts

Act III

Red Queen - Authoritative indignant but warms to Alice to help become a Queen.

White Queen - Her memory works backwards and is rather out of time with the world. Whirls to move.

Tweedledee - Sings a story to Alice with his brother

Tweedledum - Sings a story to Alice with his brother

Humpty Dumpty - Egg shaped and darn proud of it

Directed by Carolyn Chinn

Audition Date: Sunday 31st August 2025, 4pm

Production Dates

28th October - 1st November 2025 at 7.30pm
Matinee 1st November at 2:30pm

Rehearsals

21st September - 27th October 2025 (days to be confirmed).
If you are unable to make the audition date and for more information and audition pieces, please contact Carolyn on cp.chinn@gmail.com

In Women Only, newly divorced Laura drags her recently widowed mum, Ruth, to a dreary holiday “chalet” for what’s meant to be a relaxing and restorative mother-daughter holiday. But as the rain pours and the gin flows, Ruth lets loose a litany of truth bombs that blow Laura’s world to smithereens. Family secrets and shocking revelations derail this hilariously disastrous getaway - because it’s not just the weather that’s about to break. This sharp, one-act comedy offers juicy roles for two female-identifying actors.

Written by David Tristram, acclaimed author of The Extraordinary Revelations of Orca the Goldfish and the Little Grimley series.

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

Laura - Laura is a woman whose life has taken a nosedive. After a whirlwind marriage that crashed and burned in just six months, Laura is left humiliated, and emotionally raw. To make matters worse, her father has just passed away, leaving her to navigate grief, bitterness, and her complex, often combative relationship with her mother, Ruth. Hoping to find solace, Laura books a “restorative” mother-daughter getaway to a dreary chalet in the English countryside. But any hopes of healing evaporate, when Ruth begins casually dropping truth bombs like emotional landmines. With each shocking revelation, Laura spirals deeper into disbelief and emotional chaos. She flails between comical despair and full-blown hysteria, clinging to a thread of sanity as her world unravels before her. Actor’s Notes: Play Laura with high energy and a sense of mounting, tightly coiled panic. She’s not cool under pressure. Her reactions should teeter between wide-eyed disbelief, comic rage, and stunned silence. Think physical comedy meets emotional exasperation. She is, above all, very funny - but always grounded in genuine emotional stakes. Female identifying 30-50s

Ruth - At first glance, Ruth appears docile, pushed along in a wheelchair by her frazzled daughter, Laura. But it doesn’t take long to realise that this cardigan-clad matriarch is anything but helpless. Ruth is a badass in orthopaedic shoes: a woman who’s lived a far more colourful life than her daughter could possibly imagine. Newly widowed, Ruth uses this dismal “mother-daughter” holiday as a chance to offload decades of well-kept secrets. With blunt force and zero sugar-coating, she begins casually dismantling Laura’s reality, one truth at a time - each more outrageous than the last. She appears to take pleasure in watching her daughter spiral, but beneath the scathing jabs lies something deeper: tough love. She knows that, sometimes, the truth has to break you before it can set you free. Actor’s Notes: Ruth is brutal and hilariously unrepentant. Let her dry delivery land with deadly precision. Her power comes from understatement and impeccable timing. Build her revelations in waves - creating a crescendo of comedic chaos. Though she might seem unsympathetic early on, allow flickers of warmth and vulnerability to seep through by the end. Female identifying 50-70s

Directed by Craig Hearn

Audition Date: Sunday 17th August 2025, 6pm

Production Dates

28th October - 1st November 2025 at 7.30pm
Matinee 1st November at 2:30pm

Rehearsals

21st September - 27th October 2025 (days to be confirmed).
If you are unable to make the audition date and for more information and audition pieces, please contact Craig on craig.g.hearn@gmail.com

The year is 1968, and Clufton Bay is spanned by a huge cantilevered railway bridge which requires painting endlessly.

 Albert has a degree in philosophy and with a job as bridge painter has a new perspective on life up high. Through CPSs and programmed efficiency, he replaces four painters and the bridge is all his. He has a wife, a child, and all seems well in the world.

But his distant perspective soon begins to alter his view of life on the ground…

Trigger Warning: this play includes conversations about suicide.

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

Albert - Well meaning and thoughtful, Albert’s head is both figuratively and literally in the clouds. Through his Sisyphean task he learns to find joy in the act itself, rather than its outcome. Male presenting. 20 - 25

Kate - Albert’s wife Kate is caring, but long-suffering. Formerly a family servant she must deal with the ever present reality Albert is so keen to avoid. Female presenting. 20 - 25

Chairwoman/Mother - The Chairwoman is a smart, practical, no nonsense authority figure. The kind of person who could host the television show QI. Mother is Alberts mother, she loves him but is frustrated by his seemingly casual attitude to life and employment. Female presenting. 40 - 60

Fraser/Dad - Dad is proudly working class and has worked on the bridge for most of his career. Largely uninterested in the world beyond Clufton Bay. Fraser is a reluctant potential bridge jumper. His arguments and differing viewpoints are an increasing frustration to Albert’s self-imposed isolation. Male presenting. 30 - 60

Fitch/Father - Fitch is a classically cut number cruncher. Intelligent but perhaps overly rational, he may not always see the wood for the trees. Responsible for many of the “efficiencies” that disrupt the bridge. Officious but not uncaring. Father is Albert’s father and a successful businessman. He is disappointed in his son’s lack of ambition and life choices. Male presenting. 40 - 60

Bob/Dave - Bob is a bridge worker, happy with their lot in life. Dave is a sycophantic Council worker. Ambitious but not the brightest, they are happy to implement any and all changes regardless of rationality. Gender blind casting. 20 - 40

Charlie/George - Charlie is a bridge worker with a chip on their shoulder. Dislikes Albert’s education and attitude. George is a competent Council worker. They could be a voice of reason but are thwarted by their lack of authority. Gender blind casting. 20 - 40

The Crucible is a powerful and enduring play written by Arthur Miller in 1953. It’s a dramatised and partially fictionalised story of the Salem witch trials that took place in colonial Massachusetts between 1692 and 1693.

The play begins in a Puritan town in Massachusetts where a group of girls, led by Abigail Williams, are caught dancing in the woods and are suspected of witchcraft. To avoid punishment, they start accusing others in the community of consorting with the devil. Fear, paranoia, and hysteria quickly spread, and a witch hunt ensues.

At the centre of the play is John Proctor, a local farmer who tries to expose the falsehoods and save his wife, Elizabeth, who has been accused. His past affair with Abigail complicates matters. Ultimately, Proctor faces a moral crisis, choosing between integrity and survival.

Though based on real events from the 1690s, Miller wrote the play in the early 1950s during the Red Scare in the United States. It served as an allegory for McCarthyism, when the U.S. government blacklisted and persecuted people accused of being communists. Miller himself was questioned by the House Un-American Activities Committee.

The Crucible is a critique of ideological extremism, mob mentality, and injustice. It explores how personal grievances, and hidden agendas can warp legal proceedings.

The play remains relevant today as a warning against the dangers of groupthink and moral panic.

BLT actively encourages auditionees from ethnic minority communities

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

M and F represent the gender of the character and that will not change but we are happy for people of any gender to audition to play the roles.

Characters

For dramatization purposes the ages of the players may differ from the real life Salem inhabitants and they are only ‘guidelines’ please do not be put off by ages.

Rev. Samuel Parris - 35-45 (M). Puritan minister of the Church in Salem. Uncle of Abigail Williams father of Betty Parris. Self serving, power hungry, insecure. Dislikeable, controlling, obsessed with reputation. Rev. Parris stumbles across the girls led by Tituba dancing in the woods ….dancing is forbidden ….and so the witchery begins …. Powerful preaching voice

Abigail Williams - 17-25 (F). Antagonist and Villain.  The real Abigail Williams was only 11 or 12 years old during the Salem trials, however, we are playing her older to enable the proposed relationship between she and John Proctor.  One of the first girls to falsely accuse neighbours of witchcraft she is profoundly dishonest, ego-centric, opportunistic – willing to do whatever it takes to get what she wants. She turns the entire town against itself. Niece to Rev Parris. Physical / Movement required.

John Proctor - 40-60 (M). A landowner – and the plays tragic hero. Honest upright and blunt spoken, a good man but one with a secret fatal flaw – an affair with Abigail Williams – which contributes to jealousy and ultimately sets the entire witch hysteria in motion. A proud man who places great emphasis on his reputation. John Proctor was one of the first men to be executed for witchcraft along with his wife and all of his children. (Note: John was actually about 60 but we are playing and therefore can be flexible in age here).

Elizabeth Proctor - 35-50 (F). Quiet, loving, religious, a stereotypical puritan woman, strong in faith and dedicated to her family. Whilst she represents the ideal wife and mother – she lacks self esteem and struggles to recognise her own worth. She appears plain and a little sickly. She is aware of John’s affair with Abigail and struggles to forgive him. Elizabeth pleads the belly to escape execution. Note: I will be looking to cast a believable couple in John and Elizabeth Proctor.

Tituba - 30+ (F). Enslaved native American woman residing and working in the Parris household. She loves little Betty Parris.  Probably taken into the home as young as 12 years old and grew up as part of the Parris family. Tituba leads the dancing in the woods with the girls of Salem and is one of the first women to be accused of witchcraft. There is little known information about Tituba in the records of Salem though she was the first to confess to witchcraft. Kind, caring, honest but also vulnerable and easily manipulated. Physical.

Mary Warren - 17-25 (F). A young servant girl in the Proctor household. She is an accuser in the witch trials and confesses to witchcraft herself. She is fickle, submissive, fearful and weak. She is easily influenced by others (in particular Abigail Williams) and symbolises just how easily a society can be moulded and shaped by panic.  It is clear that she does not really believe that she is witched but allows herself to be swept up into the frenzy. Physical.

Rev John Hale - 40-45 (M). John Hale is the puritan pastor of Beverly, Massachusetts. One of the most prominent and influential ministers associated with the witch trials, presented as a knowledgeable and confident expert in identifying witchcraft but his belief in the trials is ultimately challenged by evidence and his growing awareness of injustice. Begins as a leader in the witch hunt, encouraging confessions and supporting the courts proceedings, but later denounces the trials and attempts to save lives. He ends a broken man realising his part in the execution of innocents.

Betty Parris - Very young. 10-18 (F). Betty is a child, probably only about 10 – daughter of Rev Parris who falls into a strange comatose state after being caught dancing in the woods with other girls and Tituba.  Her illness and that of another young girl, Ruth Putnam, initially fuel the rumours of witchcraft in Salem.  Her fear of punishment for dancing leads her to follow Abigail’s lead and accuse others of witchcraft. Young, fearful, vulnerable easily influenced by others. I’d like a very young looking adult or possibly a confident and mature child actor. Movement /flexibility required.

Mrs Ann Putnam & Sarah Good - 40-50 (F). Ann Putnam wife of a landowner, is well known in the town as a hysterical, dramatic gossip and very jealous woman. She is ‘haunted by dreams’ and obsessed with the loss of her seven babies and unable to focus on anything else. Ruth Putnam is the only surviving child of Thomas and Ann Putnam – she is asked by her mother to try to conjure the spirits of her seven dead siblings. She is also an official in the court. (Doubles with Sarah Good).

Thomas Putnam - 40-60 (M). Landowner who regards himself as intellectually superior to the majority of Salem’s population.  As such, he is a vindictive, resentful person, holding grudges and running campaigns against other people in the town – in particular with regard to land disputes. Unsurprisingly, many accusations against people in Salem are in the handwriting of Thomas Putnam.

Rebecca Nurse - 70+ (F). Rebecca is a prominent and respected older woman in the Puritan community known for her wisdom, piety, and upright character.  She is a calm voice amidst the chaos. Despite her good reputation she is falsely accused of witchcraft. Angelic, compassionate and humble.

Francis Nurse - 70+ (M). A landowner in Salem who is responsible for settling legal disputes amongst the people.  A fair minded man, Francis is well respected and generally considered a good man but many people resent his rise to wealth. Arguments over land have resulted in physical fights with Thomas Putnam.

Giles Corey - 70-80 (M). An English-born farmer accused of witchcraft along with his wife Martha. After being arrested he refused to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty – He was then tortured by the form of applying weight upon his person – he was dead after 3 days of weight being piled upon him.

Deputy Governor Danforth - 60+ (M). Thomas Danforth is a successful, intelligent and highly respected Puritan judge. His job is to oversee the persecution of those accused of witchcraft. He is dilusional, authoritative and arrogant. He believes that his word is final. Responsible for the deaths of many innocent people and for the destruction of John Proctor’s family.

Judge Hathorne - 40+ (M). A puritan judge arrives in Salem with Gov Danforth. He is ‘chief interrogator’ and prosecutor in the trials. Bitter, remorseless, sides with Abigail in the courtroom. Known as the ‘Hanging’ judge.

Mercy Lewis - 17-25 (F). A young unmarried servant girl to the Putnams. Sly, merciless, cares for Ruth Putnam and friendly with Abigail Williams.  Vulnerable to manipulation and pressure. Participates in the ritual in the woods.

Susanna Walcott - 17-25 (F). A nervous and hasty girl, younger than Abigail. She works at the Doctor’s office – participates in the ritual in the woods. Falsely accuses others of witchcraft at the trials.

Cheever/Herrick/Hopkins/Willard - 20+ (M or F). Will combine/double these characters to make one larger role for a confident actor – Likely to just be called ‘Marshall’ or similar.

Please note that some of these roles are minor yet very important.  Girls who have minor roles will be heavily involved in the court case movement and the preamble piece involving the dancing in the woods.

Nettie is seeking a sound and lighting tech to operate during the run and a stage manager.

‘Look out, the wild washerwomen are coming!’

 Once upon a time, there were seven unhappy washerwomen. They had far too much washing to do and the owner of the laundry, Mr Balthazar Tight, was simply dreadful!

So, one day, they decide to go on strike.

Delighted by their newfound freedom, they undertake a wild rampage through the land. Seemingly uncontrollable and unstoppable, the Wild Washerwomen careen through village after village with their goat cart, stealing hats, climbing trees, swinging on bell ropes and having a marvellous time! Nobody can stand in their way. That is until seven woodcutters come along with a cunning plan up their sleeves, eager to teach the washerwomen a lesson. But perhaps the washerwomen will teach the woodcutters a thing or two instead, and everyone might just live happily ever after…

 A brand new adaptation of this wonderful, anarchic, classic children’s picture book.

A family musical with lots of singing and running about, heaps of silliness, and people getting very dirty and also very clean.

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.

In this particular production the roles are all age and gender blind. It is very much an ensemble piece so rocking up with only a vague idea of who you wish to play is totally fine. It is also fine to be completely specific. Everyone will be involved in some singing but the solos are sung by ‘Winnie’, ‘Mr Balthazar Tight’ and ‘Lysander’. If you want to go for these roles please prepare a song for the audition. Do get in touch for advice on song choice: Winnie has quite a virtuosic song but Tight and Lysander have more character-type songs and there is no need to have a brilliant voice, just boundless enthusiasm. All songs are original and can be transposed into any key.

Characters

Minnie - Minnie grew up the eldest of 11 children and excelled at laundry from the age of six. To this day she has never been beaten by a stain. Or in an arm wrestle. Something of a matriarch. Any age

Winnie - Before becoming a washerwoman Winnie would come to the river for a quick dip in the cold water and then eat her lunch on her favourite rock under the tree. After she became a washerwoman there was no time for such things. Has a solo song. Any age.

Molly - Molly and Dolly are sisters, twins in fact, although not identical. They agree on almost everything but disagree strongly about spiders and marmite. Any age.

Dolly - Molly and Dolly are sisters, twins in fact, although not identical. They agree on almost everything but disagree strongly about spiders and marmite. Any age.

Dottie - Dottie’s favourite food is mackerel pate. She likes it best on crisp brown toast. She ate it a few times as a child but has never been able to afford it since. Any age.

Lottie - Lottie has a fear of the river where the women do all their washing because she cannot swim. She often has nightmares about falling in and being swept away all tangled up in a set of dirty pyjamas. Her friends assure her repeatedly that they will never let this happen, that they would dive in without hesitation to rescue her. And the pyjamas. Any age.

Ernestine - Ernestine and her sister Clementine travelled from their home in a distant village to seek their fortunes here. Clementine found work in a tea shop where she is given lunch and tips. And Ernestine became a washerwoman at the Laundry of the notorious Mr Balthazar Tight. Any age.

Mr Balthazar Tight - Tight by name and nature. The owner of the laundry and a very mean little man who keeps the washerwomen working from morning till night. Has a solo song and possibly a top hat… Any age.

Perkin - The unfortunate bringer of bad news and Mr Tight’s employee. Perkin also narrates the story and is a pretty good egg. Any age.

Lysander - A goat, once Perkin’s but stolen by the washerwomen. Very few lines but a pivotal solo song. Very physical role. Any age.

Chip - A Woodcutter. Any age

Ash - A Woodcutter. Probably the brains. Any age.

Blaze - A Woodcutter. Any age.

Bast - A Woodcutter. Any age.

Rowan - A Woodcutter. Any age.

Flitch - A Woodcutter. Any age.

Riven - A Woodcutter. Afraid of goats.

Boy and Townspeople - A chorus of general raucousness, can double with the woodcutters. Lots of singing and larking about.