READING AND AUDITION NOTICE FOR FANTASTIC MR. FOX

 

Fantastic Mr. Fox

By Roald Dahl, adapted for the stage by David Wood

DIRECTOR: Mark Crossley

PERFORMANCE DATES: 24 February – 6 March 2027

REHEARSALS WILL COMMENCE EARLY JANUARY 2027.

There will be a reading of the play ahead of the auditions, so that those interested can hear the text come off the page and then make a judgement whether they wish to go forward to the audition. This is a very relaxed evening to get a feel for the play.

READING: Tuesday, 8 September at 7.30 p.m. at the theatre.

AUDITION: Sunday, 13 September at 2.0 p.m. at the theatre

NOTE:  Please keep your eye on our socials prior to the reading and the audition as we have had a major building project in progress across the summer and may have access instructions to share with you.

THE PLAY

David Wood’s stage adaptation of Fantastic Mr. Fox brings Roald Dahl’s much-loved story to life in a fast-paced, witty adventure that has delighted family audiences since its premiere at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, in 2001. At the heart of the tale is the clever and resourceful Mr. Fox, who must outwit the three greedy farmers—Boggis, Bunce and Bean—after they vow to starve him and his family into submission. As the farmers lay siege to the foxes’ home, Mr. Fox devises an ingenious plan that not only saves his own family but also provides a feast for the woodland animals forced underground by the farmers’ relentless pursuit.

Capturing Dahl’s trademark blend of mischief, humour and warmth, David Wood’s adaptation is packed with action, memorable songs and theatrical invention. Celebrating courage, ingenuity and the power of community, it has become a modern family theatre classic, combining comedy, adventure and heart in a joyful production that continues to captivate children and adults alike.

REVIEWS of the adaptation

“It was going to take someone as clever as the cunning fox himself to bring my favourite childhood book to life. And David Wood… didn’t let me down. This is a fantastic show to be enjoyed by kids of all ages.” — Coventry Evening Telegraph

“Another excellent adaptation of Roald Dahl’s children’s classic by David Wood… designed to capture fertile imaginations… no wonder it is a hit.” — The Stage

“A packed audience sat enthralled.” — Heartland Evening News

 

THE CHARACTERS/ENSEMBLE TO BE CAST 

At the heart of this show is the ensemble, so when casting the play, we are looking for a strong group of actors who will work well together and be supportive of each other throughout rehearsals and performances – collaborating, devising and performing. It is very likely that the cast will all be on stage throughout the show, setting up each scene, singing songs, and interacting with the audience. Below is a list of named characters, but everyone who is cast will play a major role in shaping and staging the play.

Badger / Narrator – Sensible, dependable and respected by the other animals, he helps organise the underground community during the farmers’ siege. As Narrator, he guides the audience through the story.

Mr. Fox – A quick-thinking, courageous and mischievous fox whose intelligence and determination enable him to outwit the farmers and protect his family and friends.

Mrs. Fox – Wise, caring and practical, she provides the emotional heart of the family while standing firmly beside Mr Fox through every challenge.

Boggis – A gluttonous chicken farmer whose greed and stubbornness make them one of Mr Fox’s relentless pursuers.

Bunce – A short-tempered duck-and-goose farmer who is suspicious, mean-spirited and eager to capture Mr Fox at any cost.

Bean – The thinnest but most calculating of the three farmers. Luckily, for Mr Fox, they have a great fondness for their own cider which impairs their fox hunting skills.

Rat – A scruffy, self-serving character who guards Bean’s cider cellar and provides a more sinister obstacle for Mr Fox.

Mabel – Farmer Bean’s gossipy housekeeper who has a hatred of all furry creatures and takes great pride in trying to ‘see them off’.

Small Foxes – Curious, energetic and resourceful young foxes who demonstrate bravery and trust in their parents despite the dangers surrounding them.

Alongside these characters, are a host of animals played by the ensemble, including –  Mr. and Mrs. Mole, Mr. and Mrs. Rabbit, Mr. and Mrs. Weasel, Mrs. Badger, Rats etc

Note on singing / music – the songs are in a folk style, so we need confident but not trained voices. The audition will include some basic group singing. Playing an instrument (guitar, banjo, recorder, flute etc) would also be a real asset as we will try to make use of everyone’s unique skills.

AUDITION GUIDELINES

The characters can be played by any gender, and with a significant degree of flexibility in the age of the actor playing the role. The key skill will be embodying the character to make them exciting and accessible for a family audience.

For the audition you will be asked to perform different parts of the text with other auditionees. Text will be provided on the day and you will be given time to read through and prepare. 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.

We look forward to welcoming you to the read-through and auditions.

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. A Loft sign on the gate indicates the direction into the yard. 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 in the corner. The words ‘Stage Door’ are painted on the wall.

 

 

 

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, Mark Crossley markcrossley@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. We no longer have membership subscriptions. It is free to join our company.