Upcoming Events & Opportunities

A chance to get involved!


READ THROUGH/CASTING

28th April, 2022

7:30 pm

A message from the Director Richard Sanderson: The Lady in the Van – February 2022

After a few years away from the directors chair, It is with great pleasure that I will once again be directing this wonderful play, this time for The Garrick, in February 2023. Having last directed The Van for Colne Dramatic society, I can’t wait to get my teeth stuck into this brilliant play and as always, I am looking for a Stella cast! The Lady in the Van tells the (mostly) true story of Alan Bennett’s strained friendship with Miss Mary Shepherd, an eccentric homeless woman whom Bennett befriended in the 1970s before allowing her temporarily to park her Bedford van in the driveway of his Camden home. She stayed there for 15 years. Who am I looking for….?

Miss Mary Shepherd – A ‘genteel vagrent’ and commanding figure, Miss Shepherd was a no nonsense, formidable women and was erratic in her behaviour. Miss Shepherd is the driving force behind this play, therefore experience is essential. Playing age – (60+)

Alan Bennet (x2) – Alan Bennett is played by two actors, Alan Bennett, who takes part in the action, and Alan Bennett 2, who describes and comments on it. To help establish the difference in their roles, I would like Alan Bennett 2 to be older than Alan Bennett 1. Playing ages – Alan Bennett 1 (30 to 40) and Alan Bennett 2 (60 +)

Mam (Alans Mother) – A confused, yet loving lady who simply can not understand why Alan is entertaining this ‘Vagrant’ in his driveway. Only a small part but ideal for a cracking actress. Playing age (50 +)

Rufus & Pauline (Alans Neighbours) – These two are the epitome of middle class (they go to Glyndebourne) but are the loveliest of people, especially Pauline, simply as she has more sympathy for Alan and his situation. Playing age (40 +)

Social worker – This part is ideal for someone who wants to ‘have a go’ at being in a play. She is written to be Scottish, however that is not essential. This part would need to be played by a female, simply as Miss Shepherd wouldn’t have entertained a man.Playing age (18+)

Underwood – The arm of the law (he was a former policeman) Underwood is chasing Miss Shepherd, some would say bribing her, as she desperately try’s to escape her past. He isn’t the nicest of chaps and rather menacing, therefore I am looking for an actor who can command the stage. Playing age (40+)

Other parts include Mam’s doctor, doubling up as Leo Fairchild (Miss Shepherds Brother), Miss Shepherds doctor, Interviewer.

The above are all small parts and again, ideal for performers who have never been in a play before. Casting/Read-through – The first read through/casting will be on Thursday 28th April, at Haggate, Burnley at 7.30pm. The second will be on Thursday 12th May, 7.30 pm at Haggate.

Play Dates Show week is 15th – 18th February, 2023. Actors MUST be available from the 12th for technical and dress rehearsals. All actors need to be available for two evening rehearsals per week, starting in November 2022, with Sunday afternoons starting from January.The play will be performed at Burnley Youth Theatre.

If you would like any further information or have any questions, please pop me a message: richard.sandersonrs1@outlook.com

READ THROUGH/CASTING

12th May, 2022

7:30 pm

Our Day Out by Willy Russell, Directed by Kevin Kay

Thursday 14th April at 7.30pm at the Haggate Rehearsal Rooms.

Parts are available for both male and female actors and ages range from 16 to 60! Play dates: Wednesday 31st August to Saturday 3rd September 2022

This is a very funny play involving music and singing, as well as acting – and the cast are even responsible for set changes. It is an ensemble piece so each cast member will be required for most rehearsals. It is sure to be a challenge – as well as a lot of fun! Anyone interested should pop along on the 14th. If you are interested but cannot attend on the night – or if you simply want more information – you can contact the director, Kevin Kay on 07775334622 or by email at kevindkay@sky.com.

We look forward to a great turnout! AND OF COURSE – IF YOU WANT TO GET INVOLVED IN THE BACKSTAGE OR FRONT OF HOUSE ASPECTS OF THIS OR ANY OTHER PRODUCTION, PLEASE CONTACT OUR HARD WORKING CHAIRMAN, MARTIN CHADWICK via email at cmall01@aol.com, or telephone (text) 07788 554939 / answering phone service 01282 439997

COFFEE MORNING

7th May, 2022

If, like us, you enjoy a gentle social get together, we can confirm that we are having another of our popular Coffee Mornings at our lovely Youth Theatre venue on Saturday 7th May from 10am to 12pm. Entrance is only £2 and includes a hot cuppa and biscuits, but there are plenty of other attractions to keep you busy including home made cakes, book stall, raffle… And of course, great company. We look forward to welcoming you back to meet some old friends – and make a few new ones.