After Edward – Audition

After Edward by Tom Stuart

Directed by Simon Tavener

Performances

Monday 31 October to Saturday 5 November

Old Fire Station Theatre, George Street, Oxford



Welcome to After Edward

I think it’s queer.

And it’s about to get queerer…’

Edward II wanders on to the empty stage, bloodied and confused. He has no idea where he is, or how he got here, but he does have an ominous feeling that something is wrong. As that feeling grows, so too does the threat on the other side of the auditorium doors.

Locked inside the theatre with some rather anarchic fellow inmates – Gertrude Stein, Harvey Milk and Quentin Crisp – Edward can’t escape what seems to be coming for him…

After Edward welcomes us into a chaotic world of pride and shame; a place where Queer politics collide with imagined and personal experience.

The play was commissioned by The Globe Theatre and performed in the Sam Wanamaker Theatre in 2019. This will be the first production since the premiere. It is a dazzling script with great characters. We will be looking for a cast of 11/12 and other than the role of Edward, the casting will be gender blind.

Audition Process

There will be 2 first round audition sessions and then recalls by invitation only.

Auditions will be pre-booked on Eventbrite in groups of up to 6.  Each slot will last 30 minutes. You need to book your slot by following the appropriate link - see below

You will also need to complete an Audition Form -  see link below.

In the first round, we will be working from texts other than the script. They will be similar in tone and/or content. At recalls, we will be looking at excerpts from the script.

You do not need to learn anything! We will make the material for the auditions available at least 24 hours before your audition. If you struggle with reading you will still be able to participate fully, just let us know in advance.

The aim of the first round auditions is to identify potential and to explore some of the themes of the play. It will be a relaxed atmosphere geared to giving you the opportunity to show a range of skills. There will be a short singing section – but please do not fret if you are not a trained singer!

You will also need to complete an Audition Form.

Important Dates

First Round Auditions

Sunday 19 June - 2.30pm to 4.30pm

The Old Schoolhouse, Hertford Street, Oxford, OX4 3AJ

Monday 20 June - 8pm to 10pm

Summertown URC Main Hall, Banbury Road, OX2 7ED

Recall Audition (by invitation only)

Monday 27 June - 8pm to 10pm

Summertown URC Main Hall, Banbury Road, OX2 7ED

Readthrough

August - time to be arranged with the cast

Rehearsals from 6 September:

Tuesdays - 7.30pm to 9.30pm

Thursdays 7.30pm to 9.30pm

Sundays 2.30pm to 4.30pm

Performances

Monday 31 October to Saturday 5 November

Old Fire Station Theatre, George Street, Oxford

Please note that the cast will need to be available all day on Monday 31 October for the get in and dress rehearsals.



Roles Available

Other than the role of Edward, the casting will be gender blind. All roles are open to actors of any racial heritage, we are aiming to have a cast that reflects the diverse communities of Oxford.

Gertrude Stein – Playing age – 40s to 60s

The famous American poet who lived much of her life in Paris creating a salon frequented by many literary stars of the mid 20th century. Unapologetic and strong willed, she is a veritable force of nature.

Errol – Playing age – mid teens (we are only looking for actors over the age of 16 for the role)

A teenage school boy from the 1980s who displays some of the hate filled attitudes prevalent at the time.

Archbishop of Canterbury (also doubling Leatherman) – Playing age – 40s to 70s

A traditional Elizabethan cleric with a quick mind and sharp tongue. He later transforms into a member of the Village People.

Quentin Crisp – Playing age 50s to 70s

The Englishman in New York – a true eccentric with his exaggerated voice, flamboyant hair and idiosyncratic dress sense. He likes to think himself above the fray but can’t help but get involved. Witty and perceptive.

Harvey Milk – Playing age 30s to 40s

The pioneering gay politician from San Francisco, he is very determined to fight for what he knows to be right. Has huge warmth, wit and heart.

Edward Alleyn – Playing age 40s

The famous Elizabethan actor – a dominant stage presence as befits the man who created a number of the leading roles still famous today. Must convey that confidence and personality with ease.

Margaret Thatcher – Playing age 50s

Everyone has strong opinions about this particular person and we see her at the height of her power as she was introducing what was to become Section 28. She starts off very certain of herself but this rapidly changes as the action progress. Some singing required.

Cowboy – Playing age – 20s to 50s

Styled as a member of the Village People, he makes a number of key contributions as both commenter and participant. Strong singer preferred.

Edward – Playing age – 30s

The central character on the play – on stage throughout – at the start he is very uncertain as to who he is and how he finds himself in the theatre. As the play develops he comes to understand the role he is playing – that of Edward II, King of England, and more about himself as a gay man who grew up in the shadow of Section 28. A complex character but a fascinating opportunity to explore issues of identity, pride and shame.

Gaveston – Playing age – 20s to 30s

Edward’s lover – an impetuous young man who has a certain amount of swagger and attitude. But also displays a real tenderness and genuine emotion.

Judy Garland (also doubling Julie Andrews) – Playing age – 20s to 30s

Arriving on stage as two of their most iconic roles (Dorothy Gale and Maria Von Trapp), they make quite an impact in a short space of time with their strong reactions to Edward. Strong singer preferred


With the real characters, we are not looking for impersonations, we are aiming for capturing their essence. There are many examples on YouTube to give you an idea of how they looked, sounded and acted to give you a clearer insight should one be needed. We will not be expected fully rounded interpretations during the audition process but you may be asked to try a few elements.

The play does tackle some sensitive issues and some difficult topics. It will be a safe space for an open and frank examination of these matters. It is important that everyone involved is comfortable at all times and we will work to ensure that everyone feels supported through the entire process.

If you have any questions about the characters or the process, please contact the director at simon.tavener@oxfordtheatreguild.com.

Rehearsals

There will be an initial read through scheduled during August with rehearsals starting from Sunday 6 September. Rehearsals will be Sunday afternoons and then Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The schedule will be drawn up in full once the availability of the cast has been ascertained.

Please note that the tech, dress rehearsal and opening performance will take place on Monday 31 October - precise timings to be confirmed but we ask that all cast be available for the full day.

Accessibility concerns

If you have any specific needs with regards to access or any other issues, please do contact us at simon.tavener@oxfordtheatreguild.com and we will help if we can.

What if I can’t make those dates and times?

If you are interested in auditioning, but are unable to come to any of the given dates, please contact the director at simon.tavener@oxfordtheatreguild.com we will try to see you at another time, if possible.

All OTG auditions are run in accordance with our policies:

Audition Policy

Harassment Policy & Procedures

Safeguarding Policy

Covid

We are still learning to live with the virus and so all OTG activities – including the auditions and rehearsals – will take place in line with our Covid Policy. Full details can be seen here – OTG Covid Policy.