Talk-up & workshop: Sunday 3 Nov.
Auditions & physical workshop: Sun 10 Nov.
Performance: 21 February – 1 March.
Directed by Jonathon Plunkett and supported by Vicky Harrocks as Movement co-ordinator, this play is written to be performed by a cast of 10 (5m, 5f) with four central characters and six actors multi-rolling everything from police officers to passers-by.
Set in Swindon and London, the story focusses on 15-year-old Christopher John Francis Boone, a mathematical genius with an autism spectrum disorder, although his condition is never specified in the play. The titular curious incident is the mystery surrounding the death of Wellington, his neighbour Mrs. Shears’ poodle, after Christopher finds the dog speared with a garden fork.
The production will feature choral physical theatre movement and the play’s written dialogue with the story growing organically out of Christpher’s mind with all the sudden changes in focus you would expect from that.
Characters
The character list below outlines how the parts are divided among the ten performers as well as making suggestions about playing ages. Christopher is 15 but could be played by a younger or older actor who can play 15: the other parts fit around this.
Christopher John Francis Boone. Fifteen years old. A mathematical prodigy who attends a special school for children with autism, although this facet of Christopher’s character is never mentioned in the text. Must be able to play 15…and put together a train set on stage.
Siobhan. Aged 27 but could be younger or older. Christopher’s teacher. She reads from Christopher’s book, and this creates the story when combined with Christoher’s comments. She largely observes and comments upon the action.
Ed. Aged late 30s/50s.Christopher’s father. A caring man who finds being a single father difficult at times: not that Christopher makes it easy for him. As the play develops it becomes clear that Ed has lied about Christopher’s mother’s ‘death’.
Judy. Aged late 30s/40s. Christopher’s mother who, it is believed, is dead at the start of the play. It is later revealed that she has moved to London with her boyfriend and has written weekly to Christopher, but Ed has hidden the letters away. The second half of the play is when she comes to prominence.
Performer 5. Would suit a more mature actress. Mrs Alexander/Posh Woman/Voice 6. Mrs Alexander becomes Christopher’s confidante and provider of Battenburg. Other parts pop up throughout the play.
Performer 6. Playing age late 30s-50s.Mrs Shears/Mrs Gascoigne/Voice 1/Woman on Train/Shopkeeper.
Mrs Shears is the owner of Wellington, the dog of the title. She has been in an affair with Ed.
Performer 7. Playing age mid-late 40s.Shears (Roger)/Duty Sergeant/Voice 2/Mr Wise/Man Behind Counter/Drunk 1. Mr Shears has moved to London with Judy. He is aggressive.
Performer 8. Playing age 18 -80. Policeman 1/Mr Thompson/Voice 3/Drunk 2/Man With Socks/London Policeman.
Performer 9. Playing age 18-80. No.40/Voice 5/Lady In Street/Information/Punk Girl..
Performer 10. Playing age 18-80. Reverend Peters/Uncle Terry/Voice 4/Station Policeman/Station Guard.
All actors remain on stage all through.
The auditions will take place over two sessions, one a choral and physical theatre workshop and a separate “traditional” character audition. It is important that anyone auditioning for the show understands and is happy with the collaborative nature of the piece, the rehearsals, and the performance.
PLEASE DRESS COMFORTABLY for the auditions in clothes that you feel comfortable moving in.
Talk-up/workshop date: Sunday November 3rd 14.00 – 16.00 Foyer (please note this is different to previously advertised)
Audition/physical workshop date: Sunday November 10th 10.00-13.00 Foyer.
We will probably rehearse on Monday and Thursday evenings (19.00-22.00 or 21.30) and Sunday late afternoon (16.30-19.00)
Please don’t hesitate to contact Jonathon on 07771 793889 or email plunkufa@hotmail.com if you have any queries.
