AUDITION PACK
About the Auditions There will be a pre-audition workshop on Sunday 5th December from 2- 5pm where anyone wishing to audition will be given the chance to practice their songs with the Musical Director, ask questions and learn more about the show. A short movement routine will also be taught to everyone on this day which will be performed in groups on audition day. Anyone wishing to audition for Sally, Bill or a dancer will also have to learn a short dance routine that will again be performed on the audition day. Auditions will be held on Tuesday 14th December 2021 from 7.30pm. Ensemble will be auditioned in small groups but please be prepared to sing a few lines on your own if needed. All other parts will have solo auditions and a movement audition (in small groups) Any dialogue will be sent out once an audition time has been booked. Ages 16+
Synopsis Act I In the 1930s, the Harefords, a family of haughty aristocrats, are seeking the legitimate heir to the title of Earl of Hareford. Bill Snibson, a Cockney from Lambeth is found and named as the long-lost "Earl of Hareford". It seems that the 13th Earl had secretly and briefly wed a girl from a bad neighbourhood. However, Bill's rough Cockney ways do not satisfy the Will of the last Earl: in order to gain his inheritance of the title and estate, Bill must satisfy the very proper executors (Maria, Duchess of Dene, and Sir John Tremayne) by learning gentlemanly manners. The Duchess thinks that she can make Bill "fit and proper", but not his Cockney girlfriend, Sally Smith. The Duchess plans a party in Bill's honour, but Sally is not to be invited. Sir John tells Sally that she and Bill ought to return to Lambeth, but he is moved by Sally's heartfelt declaration of love for Bill ("Once You Lose Your Heart"). At the party, Bill puts on airs and tries to please his new-found upper-class lawyers, family and servants, but his everyman roots quickly begin to show. Sally shows up in inappropriate garb, with her Lambeth friends, saying that she is going back to where she belongs. Bill seconds this at first, but then teaches the nobility "The Lambeth Walk". Act II Bill must make a speech in the House of Lords in coronet and "vermin"trimmed peer's robes. Sally leaves, telling him to marry someone with good blood, and, in a scene inspired by Gilbert and Sullivan's Ruddigore, the portraits of Bill's ancestors awaken to remind him of his noblesse oblige.[14] Bill and Sally have gained an ally in Sir John, who offers to help them by engaging a speech professor (implied to be Henry Higgins from Pygmalion) to help Sally impress the Duchess. Bill constantly bemoans his separation from Sally. Preparing another party for Bill, the Duchess realises how much Sally means to him. This puts her in a romantic mood, and she accepts an offer of marriage from Sir John. Bill, dressed in his old outrageous Cockney clothes, declares that he's going home and goes upstairs to pack. Just then, Sally astonishes everyone by arriving in an elegant gown and tiara and speaking with a perfect upper-crust accent. When Bill returns downstairs, Sally conceals her identity; when she reveals it, Bill is relieved and the couple gain the acceptance of the family.
Musical Numbers Act 1 • A Weekend at Hareford – Ensemble • Thinking of No-One But Me – Lady Jaqueline Carstone and The Hon. Gerald Bolingbroke • The Family Solicitor – Herbert Parchester and The Family • Me and My Girl – Bill Snibson and Sally Smith • An English Gentleman – Charles Hethersett and Staff • You Would If You Could – Lady Jaqueline and Bill • Hold My Hand – Bill, Sally and Dancers • Once You Lose Your Heart – Sally • Preparation Fugue – The Company • The Lambeth Walk – Bill, Sally and The Company Act 2 • The Sun Has Got His Hat On – The Hon. Gerald Bolingbroke, Lady Jaqueline and Ensemble • Take It on the Chin – Sally • Once You Lose Your Heart (Reprise) – Sally • Song of Hareford - Duchess Maria, Bill and Ensemble • Love Makes the World Go Round – Bill and Sir John Tremayne • Leaning on a Lamp-post – Bill and Ensemble • If Only You Had Cared for Me – Sir John and Duchess Maria • Finale – The Company
Character Breakdowns & Audition Information Male Character Bill Snibson Lead Baritone
Description A quick-witted Cockney from Lambeth. Playful, charming and warm. Has no concept of social boundaries.
Playing age: 30’s
Audition pieces Dialogue: Pg 21-23 Pg 41-44 Singing: Me & My Girl (beg - bar 57) Lambeth Walk (beg -bar 48) Dancing: The Sun has got his hat on routine
Sir John Tremayne Lead Baritone
Co-executor of the Hareford clan's will. Gentlemanly and a father figure.
Playing age: 50-60’s
The Hon Gerald Bolingbroke Supporting Tenor Playing age: 30 - 40’s
Dialogue: Pg 93-95 Singing: Love makes The World Go Round (bars 96-115) Dancing: Lambeth Walk
Pompous but likeable. Engaged to Lady Jaqueline.
Dialogue: Pg 6-7 Singing: The Sun Has Got It’s Hat On (bars 47-102) Dancing: Lambeth Walk
Herbert Parchester Supporting
The Family Solicitor. Spritely with good comedy.
Tenor Playing age: 35+
Charles Supporting
Dialogue: Pg 39-41 Singing: The family Solicitor (beg - bar 52) Dancing:
A trustworthy manservant with a dry wit.
Playing age: 30+
Dialogue: Pg 29-30 Pg 95-96 Singing: Lambeth Walk (bars 113-144) Dancing: Lambeth Walk
Dancer
Other featured characters and Ensemble
Dancers will be part of the ensemble/featured characters but will also perform the dance breaks. Tap is a bonus but not essential. Need to be able to move well and have good energy.
Dialogue: n/a
Everyone wishing to be in the show will need to audition. If you would like to be considered for a featured speaking role then please let us know on your audition form.
Dialogue:n/a (you may be asked to read a short section of dialogue at some point should you wish to go for a small character part too)
Singing: The Lambeth Walk (bars 113-144) Dancing: The sun has got his hat on routine
Singing: The Lambeth Walk (bars 113-144)
Dancing:Lambeth Walk
Female Character Sally Smith Lead
Description Bill's charming and proud girlfriend from Lambeth. Very devoted to Bill.
Mezzo-Soprano
Audition pieces Dialogue: Pg 21-23 Pg 46 - 47 Singing: Once You lose Your Heart (bar 34 - end) Lambeth walk (bars 49-80)
Playing age: 30’s
Dancing:The Sun has got his hat on routine Maria, Duchess Of Dene The proud and domineering family Lead matriarch. Co-executor of the Hareford clan's will. Soprano (Top G)
Dialogue: Pg 41-43
Playing age: 60+
Dancing: Lambeth Walk
Lady Jacqueline Carstone Supporting Soprano Playing age 30-40’s
A sexy and determined gold-digger currently engaged to Gerald Bolingbroke.
Singing: Song Of Hareford (beg-bar 34)
Dialogue: Pg 6-7 Pg 32-33 Singing: Thinking Of No-One But Me (bars 18-74) Dancing: Lambeth Walk
Mrs Brown Supporting (Dialogue only role)
Friend of Sally’s. Dialogue only role that features near the end of the show but will also be part of the ensemble.
Playing age: 40+ Dancer
Other featured characters and Ensemble
Dialogue: Pg 88 - pg 90 Singing: Lambeth Walk (bars 113-144) Dancing: Lambeth Walk
Dancers will be part of the ensemble/featured characters but will also perform the dance breaks. Tap is a bonus but not essential. Need to be able to move well and have good energy.
Dialogue: n/a
Everyone wishing to be in the show will need to audition. If you would like to be considered for a featured speaking role then please let us know on your audition form.
Dialogue: Dialogue:n/a (you may be asked to read a short section of dialogue at some point should you wish to go for a small character part too)
Singing: Lambeth Walk (bars 113-144) Dancing: The sun has got his hat on routine
Singing: Lambeth Walk (bars 113-144) Dancing: Lambeth Walk
List of featured speaking roles - Please write on your audition form if you would like to be considered for any of these roles. Sir Jasper Tring, Chef, Footman, Barmen, Lord Battersby, Lady Battersby, Maids, Lady Brighton, Lord Damming, Lord French, Mrs Worthington-Worthington, Sophia, Thomas, Boy, Bob Barking, Constable, Please note playing ages are in no way actual ages. They merely stand for the look/ age of the person on stage.
Notes on Auditions: EVERYONE will be required to audition to take part in the show whether as a principal, dancer or as part of the ensemble. Due to theatrical rules we can only cast a certain amount people in the show. AUDITION PROCESS Everyone will perform a routine in small groups (no more than 6) at a given audition time. Ensemble will then be required to sing in these groups (please be prepared to sing a couple of lines join your own as well) if you wish to audition for a role then you will be asked to perform the set dialogue and songs for this role/s. These auditions will be performed on your own. Please make sure you BOOK AN AUDITION TIME. If you would like anymore information or to book an audition please email director@basop.org.uk Booking an audition: To book an audition please contact Vikki Purton on director@basop.org.uk stating which role/s you wish to audition for. You will then be given an audition time for Tuesday 14th December. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your audition time. Dialogue pieces will be sent out after a time has been given. Please try where possible to learn songs by heart. This helps with character building and will give everyone a much better chance of showcasing yourself to the best of your abilities. Dialogue pieces can be brought in to the audition room. Audition guidelines: 1. Make sure you understand the rehearsal schedule before auditioning. 2. Ask questions before the audition day so that you know everything that you need to know. Don’t be afraid to ask, it demonstrates a desire to do well. 3. Read the audition pieces and study the part. 4. Understand the plot. 5. Understand the character’s role in the production. 6. Identify any physical characteristics that the character has and portray them. 7. Although it is not a necessity to learn the audition pieces off by heart it is always highly recommended as it gives you a freedom during the audition and will always give the impression that you have a desire to play the part and are prepared. 8. Always act with confidence. It does not matter if you make mistakes. 9. SONG – Learn the audition song in the key it is written. Be well rehearsed before the audition and perform in character.
10. MOST IMPORTANTLY – Enjoy your audition! It is 10 minutes for you to show the panel what you can do! Everyone on the panel wants you to be successful! 11. Audition Results: Always remember to accept rejection gracefully. Remember the audition panel wants you to be successful and it is often a hard decision that has to be made. There are many reasons that you may have not been successful on this occasion. If you have real concerns then please ask. 12. Call back auditions: In some cases a call back audition may be required. If this is the case these people will be advised of a date and time and what they will be required to do. 13. Audition & show fee: Everyone wishing to audition MUST pay a non-refundable £10 fee either at the pre-audition workshop or before their audition. This is then taken off the show fee of £75 (£65 to pay). 14. Scripts: A vocal score will be provided to those that need one.These must be returned at the end of the show. Principal and featured roles will be required to buy a copy of the script for £9.99. These scripts will be yours to keep at the end of the production.
PRODUCTION TEAM Contact info: Director – Vikki Purton
Director@basop.org.uk
MD – Clare Penfold
Clarepenfold@aol.com
Producer – Louise Christian
lou7978@aol.com
Producer – Fay Evans
fay.knight@sky.com
07775738088
Ass Producer - Gemma Lovett
Rehearsal Schedule Please note: This is just a rough schedule below and a detailed rehearsal schedule will be given as soon as the production has been cast and pre-booked absence has been recorded. The rehearsal schedule below is subject to change before and during the rehearsal period. All cast will always be notified of any changes giving as much notice as possible. If for any reason you are not able to attend a rehearsal please let the Director know ASAP.
ME AND MY GIRL DRAFT REHEARSAL SCHEDULE Date
Time
Scen e
Characters
Sunday 5th Dec
2-5pm
Workshop
All
Tuesday 14th Dec
7.30-10pm
AudiAons
All
Tuesday 4th Jan
7.45-10pm
Intro + Singing
All
Tuesday 11th Jan
7.45-10pm
Singing
All
Sunday 16th Jan
2-6pm
Singing & set Lambeth Walk
All
Tuesday 18th Jan
7.45-10pm
Set opening number
All
Sunday 23rd Jan
2-6pm
Singing & SeKng An English Gentleman (review Lambeth & others)
All
Tuesday 25th jan
7.45-10pm
The Sun has got his hat on
All
Sunday 30th Jan
2-6pm
Sun has got his hat on & other dance breaks
Dancers
Tuesday 1st Feb
7.45-10pm
Sunday 6th Feb
2-6pm
Singing & seKng
Principal numbers tbc
Tuesday 8th Feb
7.45-10pm
SeKng
Principal numbers tbc
Thursday 10th Feb
7.45-10pm
Dialogue
Act 1 - All with dialogue
Tuesday 15th Feb
7.45-10pm
Singing + seKng numbers
Principals
Thursday 17th Feb
7.45-10pm
Dialogue
Act 2 - All with dialogue
Tuesday 22nd Feb
7.45-10pm
Thursday 24th Feb
7.45-10pm
Tuesday 1st March
7.45-10pm
Thursday 3rd March
7.45-10pm
Dialogue
Act 1 & 2
Sunday 6th March
2-6pm
Review everything so far
All
Tuesday 8th March
7.45-10pm
All
Sunday 13th March
2-6pm
Dancers
Tuesday 15th March
7.45-10pm
All
Tuesday 22nd March 7.45-10pm
All
Sunday 27th March
All
2-6pm
All
All Dialogue
Act 1 & 2 - all with dialogue All
Tuesday 29th March
7.45-10pm
All
Sunday 3rd April
2-6pm
All
Tuesday 5th April
7.45-10pm
All
Sunday 10th April
2-6pm
Tuesday 12th April
7.45-10pm
Sunday 17th April
2-6pm
Tuesday 19th April
7.45-10pm
Sunday 24th April
2-6pm
Tuesday 26th April
7.45-10pm
Sunday 8th May
1-6pm
Tuesday 10th May
7.45-10pm
Sunday 15th May
1-6pm
Easter Sunday
No Rehearsals All
Run Act 1
All All
Run Act 2
All All
Run show
All All
Run show x2
All
Costume collecAon
All
Band Call + dress run
All
Tuesday 17th May Thursday 19th May Sunday 22nd May
10-6pm
BasOp
Basildon Operatic Society
Audition Form Personal Details – Please complete and bring with you to your audition Name: Address: Postcode:
Telephone Number:
Date of Birth:
Email Address:
Character Auditions Please provide the following information: I wish to Audition for the following roles: 1. (If you would like to be considered for a cameo role please let us know in this 2. box) 3. I would accept a different role if offered?
Yes / No
I would like to be in the ensemble if not successful in the above:
Yes / No
I consider myself to be…
Dancer / Mover / Neither
What is your vocal range (If known)
Soprano / Alto / Tenor / Baritone / Bass
I feel I am strongest at:
Acting / Singing / dancing / All equal
I have tap danced before:
Yes/No If yes to what level?
Are there any dates on the rehearsal schedule that you cannot make? (Please note that this is very important as changes can then be made to the schedule accordingly)