Dates announced for Reading and Audition of Doctor Faustus
DOCTOR FAUSTUS
by Christopher Marlowe, in a new adaptation by David Fletcher
DIRECTOR: David Fletcher
MOVEMENT DIRECTOR: Dan Walsh
PERFORMANCE DATES 16 – 26 July 2025
Rehearsals: full rehearsals will start in early June, with a few text sessions in April and May.
READING: Tuesday, 4th February at 7.30 p.m.
AUDITION: Sunday, 9th February at 10.30 a.m.
THE PLAY
The Faust legend is a very old one and has been adapted in many forms over the centuries. In the 1590s, Christopher Marlowe wrote his version – The tragical history of the life and death of Doctor Faustus. In the basic plot of this great play, Faustus sells his soul to Lucifer in exchange for 24 years of life during which Mephistopheles will serve him and grant him his every wish. Faustus uses, or perhaps wastes, this opportunity “in pleasure and in dalliance”. He travels around the courts of Europe before returning home at the end of his 24 years and is eventually taken to hell by Lucifer.
THE PRODUCTION
“’Tis magic, magic, that hath ravished me.” The play and its text are full of the imagery of magic and the spiritual world, and this will provide us with the opportunity for a highly theatrical production. The creative team will take the lead and create a world of sound, music, lighting, projections, costumes, scenery and movement that will fill the stage and auditorium. David Fletcher’s adaptation is a shortened version of Marlowe’s play to allow time and space for us to push the boundaries of what we can do in our wonderful theatre.
THE COMPANY
There are two principal roles and almost thirty other characters.
Faustus will be played by a 30+ male actor with the capability to deliver Elizabethan verse with dynamism.
Mephistopheles – this extraordinary role can be played by an actor of any gender or any age.
The Ensemble of at least ten actors of all ages and genders will populate this world through movement, music, and playing all the other roles – including Lucifer, the Pope, the Holy Roman Emperor, Helen of Troy, Good and Bad Angels, and the Seven Deadly Sins!
AUDITION GUIDELINES
For the audition you will be asked to perform different parts of the text with other auditionees. There will also be some movement work. The text of David Fletcher’s new adaptation will be provided on the day, and you will be given time to read through and prepare with other actors. If you wish to familiarise yourself with the play in advance, many libraries hold copies of the play and there are some available free online. There are two extant versions of the play, and our version is closer to the 1604 version. (The 1619 version is much longer and contains a lot of text that we will not be using).
Do try to arrive on time so that you don’t miss lots of useful information about the play and being part of the production. The reading and the audition will be held at the theatre>. Please come to the Stage Door at the rear of the theatre in Spencer’s Yard. There is access through the gate to the left of The Fold on Spencer Street. The Fold is the large white building with pillars. Head in the direction of the red arrow across Spencer’s Yard to the Stage Door.
To register interest, or if you are interested but can’t make the dates… or for any more information, please get in touch with the director, David Fletcher, by email at davidfletcher@lofttheatrecompany.com or the Artistic Director, Sue Moore at suemoore@lofttheatrecompany.com
CASTING POLICY
The Loft’s casting policy is centred on casting the very best actors for each role. Casting will always be open and neutral. Everyone is welcome and warmly encouraged to attend auditions. If specific race/ethnicity or other characteristics are central to the story, we will make this clear in audition notices. There is no pre-casting without the express permission of the Artistic Director.
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