READING AND AUDITION NOTICE FOR SEPTEMBER PRODUCTION BEGINNING BY DAVID ELDRIDGE

 

BEGINNING

by David Eldridge 

DIRECTOR: Viki Betts

PERFORMANCE DATES 24 September – 4 October

Rehearsals: full rehearsals will start in early August.  There may be some earlier rehearsals in July depending on availability across the summer. 

There will be a reading of the play on 6 May so that those interested can hear the text come off the page and then make a judgement about whether they wish to go forward to the audition on 11 May. 

 

 

 

READING: Tuesday, 6 May at 7.30 p.m. at the theatre

AUDITION: Sunday 11 May at 11.0 a.m. at the theatre

THE PLAY

In the early hours of the morning Danny is the last straggler at Laura’s house party. They have perhaps noticed each other through the night but haven’t yet spoken. Now could be the beginning of something. Or will they trip over their own baggage? 

Beginning premiered at the National’s Dorfman Theatre in 2017.

This two hander is a warm and witty exploration in real time at the fragile moments at the start of relationships. Deciding weather to risk your heart and take the leap. After nearly kissing they spend the rest of the play trying to get back to that spark. 

So in a nutshell this play is two people dancing around each other, being awkward, trying to be confident, being flirty (trying!), pulling away and getting close. 

The script is very natural – everything is in real time. From tidying up to cooking fish finger sandwiches. David Eldridge says that this piece requires finding ‘the courage to be in the present tense with an audience for an evening in the theatre without a scene change or a break.’

THE CHARACTERS

LAURA – Late 30’s.  Outwardly successful and confident.  Has ‘been sensible my whole life’.  More assured and forward with Danny.  Deeply lonely and describes her life as ‘a shell of activity’. Looking for someone to share her life with and have the family life

DANNY – Early 40’s  – Clearly fancies Laura but is the nervous one – his baggage is heavy on him.  Divorced, estranged from his young daughter, lives with his mum. His self esteem is low. Although tries to appear confident and strong this conceals a shyness and hurt

AGES ARE GUIDELINES

AUDITION GUIDELINES

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.

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 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, Viki Betts at vikibetts@lofttheatrecompany.com or the Artistic Director, Sue Moore at suemoore@lofttheatrecompany.com