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“The Watsons” by Laura Wade, based on the unfinished Jane Austen novel and directed by Amy Whiterod What happens when the playwright loses the plot? And when the characters take charge of their story? What if the girl doesn’t want to fall in love with the rich, arrogant, entitled aristocrat? What happens then?
The Watsons was an unfinished novel of Jane Austen's. Laura Wade (“Home, I’m Darling”; television’s “Rivals”) picks up the story, makes it a play, and writes herself as a character to try to guide the story - but who could guess what Jane Austen wanted to happen?
A picture-perfect Austen story descends into theatrical chaos as the characters revolt against their playwright and the confines of the genre.
If you want to be part of telling a most unusual Austen story, please join us for auditions on Saturday 2nd of May and Sunday 3rd of May with callbacks the evening of Monday 4th of May.
Rehearsals start mid-May, and the season runs from 29th July - 8th August.
Booking an audition
If you wish to book an audition slot go to https://www.stagecraft.co.nz/auditions and complete the form.
Cast
We are looking for a large ensemble cast, and we will be open to all options for casting in terms of gender, ethnicity and ages for any of the roles. Please note some characters noted below will have some scenes which may include physical intimacy. There will also be some general physical demands for all actors in terms of dancing, battle scenes, and other physical activity (e.g. crawling or climbing over things), which we can adapt to actors’ abilities. A willingness to try things is what we are looking for!
Characters (acting ages)
Emma Watson (late teens - 20s) Youngest of three sisters, Emma begins the story as the picture-perfect Austen heroine, but she develops a rebellious streak and challenges the story her playwright has for her. One scene involving physical intimacy. Larger role.
Elizabeth Watson (20s-30s)
Eldest sister, she is sensible and dutiful. But even she has her limits. (May have scenes involving physical intimacy).
Margaret Watson (20s-30s)
Middle sister, Margaret is energetic, husband-obsessed and very silly. (May have scenes involving physical intimacy).
Robert Watson (30s-40s)
The older brother, a little patronising perhaps, but generally just curious about the world.
Mrs Robert Watson (30s-40s)
Robert’s wife Mary, very patronising and a little superior.
Mr Watson (60s+)
Father of the four Watson siblings, elderly and frail.
Nanny (30s+)
The Watsons’ servant, observant and amiable. (May have scenes involving physical intimacy).
Tom Musgrave (20s-40s)
A handsome gentleman and doesn’t he just know it.
Mr Howard (20s-40s)
Local clergyman, kind and thoughtful towards everyone. (May have scenes involving physical intimacy).
Charles Howard (10 years old - played by older actor)
Mr Howard’s nephew and ward, he is excited about life, loud and very curious about everything.
Lord Osborne (20s-40s)
Local aristocrat living at Osborne Castle, somewhat awkward and strange. (May have scenes involving physical intimacy).
Miss Osborne (20s-40s)
Sister to Lord Osborne, she is self-possessed and independent.
Lady Osborne (50+)
Mother of the Osborne siblings, very forthright and in charge of most situations. (May have scenes involving physical intimacy.)
Laura (30s-50s)
A fictional version of the playwright Laura Wade, who is drawn into the story she is telling. She is mostly sympathetic to her characters, slightly daunted at the task of adapting Jane Austen, and frequently overwhelmed when she is not in control of things. Larger role.
Ensemble (20s - 50s) including guests at the assembly, officers of the militia including Bertie, a dashing young officer who flirts with everyone (one scene involving physical intimacy), several smaller and non-speaking roles.
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Event Venue
Toi Poneke Arts Centre, Wellington, New Zealand
Tickets
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