Oscar Wilde – ‘A Woman of No Importance’
directed by Merry Evans
Auditions Monday 3rd September, The Oakwood Centre – 7.30pm
- Production dates 27 November – 1 December 2018
This is one of Wilde’s ‘society’ plays where a woman holds a dark secret from her past which is about to be exposed! As well as the mystery surrounding Mrs Arbuthnot and her son Gerald, there is much wit and entertainment to be found within a range of upper class characters – representing both moral and immoral viewpoints. Much of the interaction takes place at a house party being held by Lady Hunstanton where (very topically for today) a young American girl -who is a breath of fresh air- is being introduced into the English upper class world.
There is a wide range of characters – male and female- and across the ages, with roles of all sizes and a great opportunity, as well as challenge, to try to play in a ‘style’ as well as experience the comic repartee of Wilde.
This will be a costumed piece - outdoor then in the country house after dinner -as house guests, – set in 1890s but could move into Edwardian era. Sets – as lavish as we can manage!
6-7 females -ages are approximate guides only
Hester – 18-20 – American – young heroine / love interest largish role
Mrs Arbuthnot 40-50 – ‘wronged’ woman – mother to Gerald -large role
Mrs Allonby – devious, flirtatious, witty – 35-50ish
Lady Hunstanton -owner of the house 50 + -
Lady Caroline Pontefract–obstinate, possessive owner of hen- pecked 3rd husband – 40 +
Lady Stutfield – houseguest- comic potential -agrees with all- 40 ish?
Alice- maid (SM)
6 men +2- ages are approximate guides only
Gerald Arbuthnot – son to Mrs A about to become Lord I’s secretary, in love with Hester-hero 20+
Lord Illingworth – wit, rake, clever villain - 45 + large role
Lord John Pontefract - -submissive but funny husband-not a very large role but very ‘useful’ 40+
Mr Kelvil- MP and author- seems v serious but offers much of social /political commentary 30-60
Archdeacon Daubeny - cameo comedy role – 50 -70 (?)-sick wife provides comedy lines
Lord Alfred Rufford - comic foil – small role- youngish (20 -30?)
2 butlers – small number of formal lines- could be SM?
Merry Evans
For further information please contact Merry on
merryandgrant@outlook.com