Archives - Audition: Jerusalem

by Jez Butterworth

Directed by Rosemary Bianchi

Monday 30th January 2012 at 8pm in the Studio

Playing dates: 11th - 19th May 2012

Hot on the heels of successful West End and Broadway seasons, this multi-award-winning play has been described as one of the most important pieces of writing of recent years and a turning-point in British theatre.

Set in present-day rural Wiltshire, its dark, often ribald humour chronicles the state of the nation and the conflict between individuality and political correctness, giving actors an opportunity to explore a rich variety of larger-than-life characters. There are 9 male and 4 female speaking parts, with a couple of crowd also needed.

Characters

• Johnny ‘Rooster’ Byron – Charismatic, physical, the driving force of the play. Bold, sometimes tender, merciless, defiant. The Times described him as “King Arthur reincarnated as a troll!” Playing: age 40s.
• Ginger – Rooster’s strongest supporter and oldest follower. Mocked by the younger members, pathetically trying to remain cool. An aspiring DJ and lost soul. Playing age: late 20s-30s.
• The Professor – A sprightly, though vague, academic whose mind is preoccupied with a vision of ancient England and a missing dog/wife. Playing age: 60s+.
• Davey – A young abattoir worker who is deeply content living in rural Wiltshire. Mischievous, confident, a key member of the gang. Playing age: 18-20s.
• Troy Whitworth – Local thug and Phaedra’s stepfather. A nasty character who is Rooster’s arch enemy. Thinks with his fist. Playing age: 30s-40.
• Lee – A good lad, friend of Davey, eternal innocent who is on the brink of emigrating to Australia. Playing age 18-20s.
• Wesley – Local pub landlord whose loyalties are divided between Rooster and the local community. A key figure in the St George’s Day celebrations, he is a reluctant Morris Dancer. Playing age: 40s.
• Luke Parsons – Council official, subordinate to Linda Fawcett, inexperienced, dithery. Playing age: 20s-40s.
• Phaedra – Troy’s stepdaughter, a teenager whom Rooster protects. Queen of the May. Playing age: 15.
• Pea – Local girl, party-loving, reckless and rebellious. One of the gang that hangs about Rooster’s caravan. Playing age: teenage to 20s.
• Tanya – Pea’s friend and similar in characteristics. Enjoys a good time. Playing age: teenage to 20s.
• Dawn – Rooster’s ex and mother of his son. Has settled down to suburban respectability but is still lured by Rooster’s charms. Playing age: 30s-40.
• Linda Fawcett – Council official, business-like, exasperated, cunning. Playing age: 30-50.
• Marky – Rooster and Dawn’s 6-year-old son.

This production also needs a Stage Manager and ASM, and a Wardrobe Co-ordinator.

Auditions for all productions