The Kings Theatre, Southsea, Portsmouth

Celebrating Dickens’ Bicentenary in Portsmouth

Alchemy Theatre’s production in association with the Kings Theatre

 of Charles Dickens’

 ‘BARNABY RUDGE’- A TALE OF THE GORDON RIOTS

Adapted and directed by Eileen Warren Norris

9^th – 11^th August 2012

AUDITIONS

Everyone welcome

A large cast is required for this story of the burning of London in 1780 – at least 23 main parts and 20/30 more (many with small speaking parts), as well as a backstage crew.  We also need some older people! (Sorry! Minimum age 16)

Where:              The Menuhin Room, 3^rd Floor, Central Library, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth

Dates:                Saturday 22^nd October & Saturday 29^th October

Time:                 Both days - Registration from 10.15 am. Allow at least 3 hours. Take part in drama workshops. Hear the story. Please bring a photograph of yourself.  Come comfortably dressed.

(Call back auditions at The Kings Theatre on Sunday, 20^th November, 9 am – 12 noon.  Please keep that date clear)

Rehearsals will be from mid-June 2012.

The production will be performed before the International Conference of the Dickens’ Fellowship hosted by the Birthplace and University Branches

After the riots in many English cities this year, this early book of Dickens’ reveals him as surprisingly up to date! ‘Barnaby Rudge’ tells of people, young and old, caught up in an orgy of vandalism and arson in the City of London in 1780.  A petition to the House of Commons presented by 40,000 people was rejected out of hand.  A mob took over, burning and looting.  Jails were broken open and a quarter of the City was destroyed before the army was called in to deal with the rioters and many were hanged.

This is an entirely new script with many short scenes.  There are opportunities to develop a wonderful gallery of Dickens’ characters, largely unknown to audiences and waiting to be enjoyed.

Some of our actors will be experienced – or aiming to be professional – but these auditions are open to everyone at any level of experience.  Some people will be better at movement or singing.  We need help with publicity and fundraising too.  We aim to build a Company from the Community which extends across Portsmouth and the surrounding areas.  If you would like to be involved and are coming to an audition please let us know.

Enquiries: Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or

Phone: Amy Barlow: 023 92352555
Phone: Eileen Norris 023 92639774