Our Country’s Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker
Timberlake Wertenbaker’s
OUR COUNTRY’S GOOD
21 – 23 November 2024
DIRECTOR Chrissie Garrett
Production Manager Jane Shanahan
Tickets are on sale now from
The Mill Arts Centre Box Office
This is a powerful multi-layered play about the novel The Playmaker – the story of those who performed the play The Recruiting Officer. It focusses on rehearsal of the play among convicts and officers in a Botany Bay penal colony in the 1780s. It is sad, tender and painful. But, it is a story of hope and redemption demonstrating people can change. Barriers and stereotypes can fall away, once people get to know each other. Chrissie’s passion for the particular historic period and knowledge of the actual settlement will make for an absorbing creative experience.
CAST
As this play has been rescheduled, it has become necessary to have new auditions for several cast members. Others remain from our auditions in November 2023.
Arthur Philip – Andy Parsons
Ralph Clark – Richard Morris
John Wisehammer – Philip Fine
Robbie Ross – Bruce Walton
Ketch – TBC
David Collins – Jem Turner
Sideway – Ian Nutt
Tench – Stephen Rouse
Caesar – Suchit Kulkaini
Harry Brewer – Phil Wintle
Arscott – TBC
Rev Johnson – Andrew Whiffin
William Faddy – TBC
Liz Morden – Hilary Beaton
Mary Brenham – TBC
Duckling – Hannah Ramsden
Dabby – Helen Williams
Meg Long – Janice Lake
Director: Chrissie Garrett
Production Manager: Jane Shanahan
Stage Manager: Amy Crook
ASM: TBC
Props: Terry Andrews
Lighting: Clare Lester + Mill
Prompt: Maria Holman
Band: Jim Plester, Dave Lovick
Ian Gow, John Wright
AUDITIONS
AUDITIONS will take place on 17th and 18th July at The Mill Arts Centre, 7.30pm, for three roles now available. Auditions will consist of reading extracts from the play. No preparation/learning of the script is required but it will be an ‘on your feet’ reading.
ROLES AVAILABLE
John Arscott – any age
A carpenter, transported for burglary in 1788. Strong silent type who does not engage in banter or conversations and has few
relationships. Brutal, and can be unpleasant when crossed.
A small role but has the rousing closing speech which must be delivered at volume and with energy.
Audition Pieces – Act 2 Scene 7 and final speech Act 2 Scene 11
Second Lieutenant William Faddy – any age
An astronomer, keen on the stars and the universe. Well-read and intelligent. Obeys orders easily and often without
question. Regularly the one to arrange convict punishment.
Limited dialogue but on stage in all scenes with the officers
Audition Piece – Act 1 Scene 6
James “Ketch” Freeman – any age, Irish or Welsh accent
One of the group that stole from the colony’s food supply. Avoided the death penalty by accepting a job as
hangman. Hated and abused by all the convicts. Establishes relationships with other convicts through the play rehearsals,
especially Liz, who he tries to spare from hanging.
One of the most powerful parts in the play.
Audition Pieces – Act 1 Scene 9 – monologue and dialogue with Ralph
Rehearsals will start with a workshop on Sunday 15th Sept 2pm-5pm. Regular rehearsals follow on Monday and Wednesday evenings, 7.30pm-9.30pm, and one Sunday afternoon per month at Banbury United Football Club.
Performances are 21-23 November 2024 (7.30pm) and 23 November 2024 (2.30pm) at The Mill Arts Centre. You will need to be available for Technical and Dress rehearsals from Monday 18th November.
You do not need to be a member to audition but will be required to join BCP if cast. Details available on the BCP website.
If you have any questions or would like to audition but cannot make either date, please contact Director, Chrissie Garrett via chrissiegarrett@btinternet.com