Description:

Written By: Jeffrey Hatcher
Directed By: Megan Dansie

Australian Premiere production of this dramatic, bawdy and moving historical backstage comedy, which was the basis for the 2004 film “Stage Beauty”.

In 1661 the most famous portrayer of female roles on the London stage was a performer named "Kynaston." Like every other player permitted to enact such roles, Kynaston was a man. A celebrity artist shining bright at the crest of the Restoration, Ned or Mr. K, as he's called, is applauded onstage, and off, for his interpretations of Shakespeare's tragic ladies: Ophelia, Cleopatra, especially his Desdemona and his famous "death scene." He's the toast of the town and the very secret "mistress" of the powerful Duke of Buckingham. But when an unknown named Margaret Hughes plays Desdemona one night at an illegal theatre, instead of stopping the show, the ever-game King Charles II changes the law to allow women to act. By the stroke of a pen, Kynaston's world is turned upside-down. He loses his cachet, his livelihood, his lover and his sense of self. And as such women as the king's own courtesan, Nell Gwynn, and Kynaston's former dresser, Maria, become stars, his own light disappear s, until fate and his desire for revenge give him a chance to take the stage again.

Roles Available:
Large varied cast required. Some doubling of parts. Partial nudity possible for some characters, to be negotiated with the director. All cast to be over 18

Characters

Casting is for the breakdowns below + 12 other characters, both male and female, including actors, ruffians, aristocrats and whores.

Rehearsals:
Tuesdays and Thursdays (evenings). Sundays to be advised.

Performances:
16th - 31st March 2012
The Stirling Community Theatre, Avenue Rd, Stirling.

Auditions:
Saturday 27 August from 10am
For appointment times call Megan Dansie 0413800221 (out of business hours)
Enquiries: stirlingplayerssecretary@gmail.com

Audition Venue:
Aldgate Oval Hall, Churinga Road Aldgate. Saturday 27 August from 10am. By Appointment only.

More Information:
Megan Dansie 0413800221 (out of business hours) or via email: aislinn@internode.on.net