READING/AUDITION DATES IN DECEMBER FOR MAY 2025 PRODUCTION ‘THINGS I KNOW TO BE TRUE’ BY ANDREW BOVELL

 

THINGS I KNOW TO BE TRUE
By Andrew Bovell

Director: Lynda Lewis

PERFORMANCE DATES: 7 – 17 MAY 2025
REHEARSALS WILL COMMENCE Mid March 2025

READING: TUESDAY, 3 DECEMBER AT 7.30 P.M.
AUDITION: SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER AT 2.30 P.M.

 

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. Head in the direction of the red arrow across Spencer’s Yard to the Stage Door.

 

THE REVIEWS

“Genuinely haunting and fervently recommended”
Paul Taylor, The Independent

“Sucks you into the world of an extraordinary, yet so normal family. The rapid-fire dialogue, beautifully crafted movement and levity keeps the pace carrying on, until the final moments when we are knocked sideways”
Louise Lewis, British Theatre Guide

THE PLAY

Director’s Notes
A family at a crossroads.  Bob and Fran, have offered their four children, Pip, Mark, Ben and Rosie opportunities they never had, yet now they are adults they are choosing their own paths, to the bewilderment of their parents and each other.  Fran has ruled the family with a rod of iron, seeing, hearing and speculating about every aspect of their lives, so how can the children grow into themselves?  Is it possible to love too much or in the wrong way? Is love supportive, protective and warm or is it suffocating, possessive and hostile, or all these and more?

Through the changing of the seasons we see an ordinary family trying to make sense of what is happening to their tight knit unit.  It’s funny, sad and powerful with great opportunities for actors not only to create a collaborative ensemble, but also to deliver intense monologues.  This show is based on the Frantic Assembly approach, but actors absolutely do not need to be trained in movement or dance – just be ready to enjoy yourself!

THE CHARACTERS

NOTE: The ages are a guide only. The casting needs to reflect a family that look right in age together.

The Price family:

BOB – father/husband – 50-65 Took early retirement after working in a car factory for 30 years.  Tends to the garden, especially his roses and nurtures his wife and family.  Kind and gentle, but frustrated with his life and the choices his children make.

FRAN – matriarch/wife – 50 – 65  Senior nurse working night shifts.  Heavily involved in all aspects of her children’s lives – whether they want her to be or not.  Appears to be very caring but has a temper.

PIP – elder daughter – 30-40  Successful executive in the Department of Education.  An opportunity to work abroad leaving her family behind further damages her fraught relationship with Fran.

MARK/MIA – elder son – 28-38 IT specialist.  Has suddenly split from long-term girlfriend without explanation.  Mark tells Fran, Bob and Rosie that he is transitioning from Mark to Mia and moving away from home to start a new life.  Close to Rosie.

BEN – younger son – age 25-35  Works in financial services.  Treated as the baby of the family by Fran.  Flashy, ambitious, desperate to keep up with well-off friends which leads to his downfall.

ROSIE – younger daughter – 19-25  Just returned from an unfulfilling overseas trip.  Unexpected late child of the family.  Trying to work out who she is and how to stop the family changing.  Leaves home for a creative writing course in another part of the country – which is not a “proper” career

AUDITION GUIDELINES

At the audition you will be required to read short sections of the script. You will be given time to look over this text with other actors on the day. There is no other preparation required for the audition, but it can be helpful to you – and is certainly helpful to the director – if you are familiar with the play. If you can’t come to the reading, then look at reviews or other information online in advance of the audition to give you a feel for what it is about.

NEXT STEPS

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, Lynda Lewis at lyndalewis@lofttheatrecompany.com or for more general questions, 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.

We no longer have membership subscriptions. It is free to join our company.