AUDITION NOTICE

The Pen of my Aunt

by Gordon Daviot

directed by Dave Barnstorm

 AUDITION DATES

Wed 9^th April, 7-9pm & Sat 12^th April, 10am-2pm

 Production Dates - Short Plays 2025 - July 25^th to August 2^nd

SYNOPSIS
This short play revolves around the conflicts and hilarious misunderstandings that arise when a French soldier is found in the woods without papers by a German corporal during the German occupation of France in 1944. Madame, the owner of a country house, plays along and pretends that the young soldier is her nephew, ably abetted by her wilful and not-altogether competent maid, and a clever ruse involving laundry. The corporal is tricked and hoodwinked by Madame, who skilfully plays the part of collaborator, whilst firmly upholding her position in the Resistance. It’s a fantastic little piece written by the little-known but seminal detective writer, Josephine Tey, under a pseudonym.

CAST
Madame, the owner of a country house (50s or above) - authoritative and dry, quick-witted and fierce when pushed, a beacon of the community, strong-willed
Simone, her young servant (early 30s and below) - funny, straight to the point, down-to-earth, intensely likeable
Stranger, a French soldier on the run (35 or younger) - quick and defiant young man, a chancer, likely lad, caught short by a bad turn of events, quick-thinking
Corporal, a German soldier (any age) - the antagonist, short-tempered, stubborn, disagreeable, not too far into caricature but getting there, a good accent (not necessarily German) is a must to distinguish from the French characters who will speak in English accents

MORE INFO
I’m so excited to direct for the first time with NVT. Having been a successful professional director (Olivier-nominated associate director on La Boheme alongside two Royal Opera House productions in the Best New Opera category) and having left the industry due to Covid and personal reasons, I’m thrilled to be back doing what I love the most! If you want to be part of this, please get in touch!

AUDITIONS
Will be held on:
9th April, 7-9pm & 12th April, 10am-12pm

Those who register will be given audition sides to familiarise beforehand, but there is no need to heavily rehearse or memorise.

Please contact me to book an audition slot: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 07500 828 268

Non-members are welcome to audition but must join NVT if cast.