Lady Windermere's Fan

 AUDITION
March, 2010
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Oscar Wilde

Jeff Watkins

Lady Windermere's Fan by Oscar Wilde

UPDATED TO NOTICE 03/01/2010

will be the June production, directed by Jeff Watkins (The Admirable Crighton)

Production dates: June 18 -July 3 2010

A period piece. Oscar Wilde's first play written in 1892. Obsessions with with other people's business and dramas is very much alive and well to the present day! Who is the 'other woman' in Lord Windermere's life and why has she such a hold over him? All is not as it seems!

Actors must either have English accents , or sound as if they have! For information regarding the Diretor's s requirements etc, please contact:

Jeff Watkins: labrug@hotmail,com

 

Lady Windermere's Fan - Character Descriptions

Lord Windermere – (20-30s but could be older) A decent man concerned about position in society as well as for his family. Deeply in love with his wife, he does also cling equally to his perceived responsibilities as master of the house to the extent it might cost him the feeling of his marriage if not the marriage itself.

Lord Darlington – (20-30s but could be older) A passionate man who does not concern himself so much with the demands of society at the expense of his desire. Society should come naturally to him but it is also something he is wary of. Lady Windemere’s heart might be a game to him or sincere.

Lord Augustus Lorton – (mature actor) Somewhat stuffy and staid in his appearance but oddly fragile as well. Need to have a real sense of joy with this actor as his character travels. Casting will depend on casting of Lady Windemere.

Mr. Dumby - (any age) The hen-pecked husband with the desire for something else but a feather to the wind of women.

Mr. Cecil Graham - (any age) Should be smug, self-centered and self-serving but so charming people hate to enjoy him as much as they do. And they do enjoy him.

Mr. Hopper – (any age) Crass. Nouveau. He is what everyone wants but can’t abide themselves for wanting. Should have an air of money but also not be so strident as the British are.

Parker, Butler – (any age) Must be able to portray dry British sense of self yet also convey thoughts and opinion to the audience about what is happening.

 

Lady Windermere – (Late teens to 20s) A young woman sheltered to the point she is out of touch with her own feelings to the point she possibly is unaware they exist. She clings fiercely to family and station as that’s all she’s been taught about life. She might be naïve. She is fragile and innocent but there is a drive to her as well.

The Duchess of Berwick – Berwick (30s and above) Quick wit. Sense of style and yet oddly unself-aware. She is society. Must carry that on her as veterans wear badges. Deep voice and carriage. She can be impatient, is rarely incorrect and even more rarely right.

Lady Agatha Carlisle – (any age but casting will depend on the Duchess of Berwick) Should understand how to tell Agatha’s story through silence which is her cross, refuge and weapon when dealing with and around her mother.

Lady Stutfield – (any age)  One of the society ladies who enjoy the social season.

Lady Jedburgh – (any age) Easily impressed and quick changes in emotion. She needs a terrific or odd strong laugh.

Mrs. Cowper-Cowper – (any age) A very cautious woman.

Mrs. Erlynne – (At least mid 30s) A wise woman. She has been scarred but has transformed scandal into virtue. She is the most aware of the gifts and burdens of society. Must be good with language. It’s a highly emotional part that must be played very simply with strong emotion and simple truth.

Rosalie, Maid – (any age) Must be able to portray dry British sense of self yet also convey thoughts and opinion to the audience about what is happening.

 

Technical help also required -

 . Sound & lighting people and stage crew

.


oldmilltheatre@iinet.net.au

Norma Davis

9367.8719

Old Mill Theatre, Mends Street, South Perth

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Well known by whom?? The
Author: jeffhansen
Date: 19/12/2009 - 08:29
jeffhansen's picture

Well known by whom??

The title is familiar, as is the playwright, but other than that, I know nothing about it. Sounds like a period costume drama.

www.meltheco.org.au


Dear oh dear
Author: Labrug
Date: 19/12/2009 - 10:41
Labrug's picture

You can't be serious Jeff! It's Oscar Cannon!!! I even had someone recently comment "What? Again?" recently...

Absit invidia (and DFT No no no)

Jeff Watkins
SN Profile
Photographer


Well-known Wildes
Author: Paul Treasure
Date: 19/12/2009 - 16:12

"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars"

One of Wilde's most famous quotes is from Windermere.

Easily Oscar's best known comedy AFTER Earnest

Admittedly hasn't been done that often recently
I did it, when? 2000? at Darlington and I don't think anyone else has touched it since?


Dear Oh Dear
Author: Norma
Date: 19/12/2009 - 11:16

Dear Jeff H (and W)

I have now re-written the notice, in English this time and in the hard light of day rather than  trying to be intelligent late at night.

hope the amended notice answers your queries Jeff H.


You can read all about it
Author: Yasmine Walker (not verified)
Date: 19/12/2009 - 11:52

You can read all about it at Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Windermere%27s_Fan


I'll put my hand up for
Author: jeffhansen
Date: 19/12/2009 - 16:45
jeffhansen's picture

I'll put my hand up for never having seen Earnest either.

www.meltheco.org.au


 19/12/2009 - 19:05 Algernon (not verified) As long you don't put your
Now there is an idea for an
Author: JoeMc
Date: 20/12/2009 - 08:52

Now there is an idea Algernon! How about an 'Oileo Act' at the intermission Laburg!

Maybe Na could help out with the Puppets/muppets?


Hernest
Author: John Grim
Date: 20/12/2009 - 09:19

Dare I say I you haven't missed much....

PS: That statement may very well have me burnt at the stake... ah well ,there are worse ways to go...ha!


I agree Jonny!I have often
Author: JoeMc
Date: 20/12/2009 - 09:31

I agree Jonny!

I have often wondered if the show would not be better if Darlington & Jedburgh spoke with Tyneside accents?


Blasphemy Sir!
Author: MusicalMum
Date: 01/01/2010 - 17:36

Saw Ruth Cracknell as the formidable Lady Bracknell (Cracknell as Bracknell for crying out loud! Eye-wink ) & Geoffrey Rush as John Worthing, live in Sydney many moons ago. Let me tell you, that was something to behold!


 28/01/2010 - 23:17 Oscar Plinge (not verified) Or put hand up Oscar
That is if you are into
Author: Robert J Whyte
Date: 29/01/2010 - 08:10
Robert J Whyte's picture

That is if you are into grave robbing and necrophilia Mr Oscar Plinge, the guy's been dead for 110 years.


What the buttler saw?
Author: JoeMc
Date: 29/01/2010 - 10:52

Eons ago but I can't remember if it was 'TIOBE' or the 'old chooks fan'?

The butler would 'break [the set plane] legs' & appear on the set at the oddest & most inapropiate times through out the play. To do a bit of dusting & butlering about!

The crew were hard pressed to keep him from doing his thing, that it became some what of a contest that even bets were taken on  - where he would pop up next?

It ended up he won out because no one tried to stop him & like marleys ghost he just carried on manifesting.

Actually I think it lent it's self to the production, so maybe no one seen 'what the buttler saw'?

So resurecting the ghost of OW during the show might be an asset?

With the added lines, after the OW's ghost is asked

A: "what are doing here?"

OW : "Darling I never miss an opening!"


 31/01/2010 - 23:04 Oscar Plinge (not verified) Yes, but Jeff Hansen
Ah but Jefff H is obviously
Author: JoeMc
Date: 01/02/2010 - 08:23

Ah but Jefff H is obviously more honest & cooth enough to admit it?

Than thee unvarified OP!


I'll put my hand up for
Author: Norma
Date: 19/12/2009 - 16:54

Jeff H - Your education has been sadly neglected!! Come and audition and see what you have been missing all these years.


The Butler 'Parker' is the best!
Author: JoeMc
Date: 20/12/2009 - 08:15

The Butler "Parker' is the best part to play!

The best set of 'Earnest' I have seen, was the one where Gordon Chatter played the Buttler 'Parker'.

Forget about the other warm props 'n luvvies! The set was great & worked well! It was a 'pop out' story book, with the scene changes done by the Butler, by flipping the book flats & popping out the set props. Which extended his role from just a couple of lines & he [Gordon' got the most applause.


Back to Lady Windemere
Author: jessmess
Date: 03/01/2010 - 09:12

Is 'Earnest' the only Oscar ever written? I'd like to point out that Lady Windemere is my favourite and if it wasn't for the fact that I am actually going into labour during the production season I would have scaled moderately large, lava encrusted mountains to audition, even to play a pot plant. A hugely pregnant potplant.


No Earnest is not the only
Author: Robert J Whyte
Date: 03/01/2010 - 09:29
Robert J Whyte's picture

No Earnest is not the only Wilde

The full list of all the complete texts in English is as follows.

* Vera; or, The Nihilists (1880)
* The Duchess of Padua (1883)
* Lady Windermere's Fan (1892)
* A Woman of No Importance (1893)
* Salomé: A Tragedy in One Act: Translated from the French of Oscar Wilde by Lord Alfred Douglas, illustrated by Aubrey Beardsley (1894)
* An Ideal Husband (1895) (text)
* The Importance of Being Earnest (1895) (text)

This does not include the French version of Salome, or the incompleted La Sainte Courtisane and A Florentine Tragedy published in 1908 as part of Methuen's Collected Works.

FYI

Cheers

Robert


I also like 'An Ideal Husband.'
Author: jessmess
Date: 03/01/2010 - 10:13

Not a huge fan of the Earnest.


I LOVE Oscar Wilde! This
Author: Lindsay (not verified)
Date: 21/01/2010 - 15:11

I LOVE Oscar Wilde! This play is wonderful I would love to audition!


Funny Funny Man
Author: breevree
Date: 28/01/2010 - 14:12
breevree's picture

Love Oscar Wilde. Some of his one liners are absolute gems. I have the collected works - and his short stories are just as good as the plays - The Picture of Dorian Gray, Lord Arthur Saville's Crime, The Canterville Ghost, and his childrens stories, which include the famous Selfish Giant (I have a six year old, and so am well familiar with children's stories.....)
I would love to audition...the timing is a little off so I'll have to see whether it can be squeezed in....


Another Oscar
Author: stinger
Date: 29/01/2010 - 13:31
stinger's picture

I played Mason the Butler in a production of 'An Ideal Husband' for HATS in Melbourne in 2004. I seem to recall that Lord and Lady Windermere (sp?) were among the guests I announced in for the party scene, though they were otherwise uninvolved in the play.

I doubled as stage crew as well. We actually won an award at the Victorian equivalent of the Finleys for the speed and efficiency of our set changes - gaafa would have loved us!

AIH is typical Wilde - Some brilliant and timeless quips and retorts, as well as the pricking of pomposity and thumbing nose at the establishment of the day.

Look forward to seeing your LWF at OMT, labrug.

Ssstinger>>>


Updated
Author: Labrug
Date: 10/02/2010 - 12:05
Labrug's picture

The listing has been updated to include a full character list for the Auditions.

Absit invidia (and DFT No no no)

Jeff Watkins
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Can I ask the rehearsal
Author: ClaraLoveny
Date: 03/03/2010 - 16:28

Can I ask the rehearsal dates for the show?


Depends
Author: Labrug
Date: 03/03/2010 - 16:41
Labrug's picture

That will very much depend on the Cast I pick and their availability.

Absit invidia (and DFT No no no)

Jeff Watkins
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Can I ask the Rehearsal
Author: Norma
Date: 03/03/2010 - 16:43

From about a week afyer the casting is completed until Production date which is June 18th

Probable rehearsal days Mondays/Wednesdays/Sundays- but subject to casts availability, days could be altered.


Update
Author: Labrug
Date: 03/03/2010 - 16:43
Labrug's picture

I have had a HUGE response to this and am now having to revise the Audition Schedule for a second time. Plenty of women auditioning (particularly in the younger age bracket) but a little slim on the men.

Absit invidia (and DFT No no no)

Jeff Watkins
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Community Spirit


Gee. That's
Author: jeffhansen
Date: 03/03/2010 - 17:24
jeffhansen's picture

Gee. That's unusual.

www.meltheco.org.au


Cheek!
Author: Labrug
Date: 03/03/2010 - 18:24
Labrug's picture

Actually, in some ways it is. I have never been SO SWAMPED before and while men are thin, they are not completely absent. My usual experience is half as many girls than required (not over DOUBLE) and one bloke, not just over half required.

Very unusual Jeff.

 

 

Cheeky sod. Sticking out tongue

Absit invidia (and DFT No no no)

Jeff Watkins
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Community Spirit


Well Jeff, I'm a man who
Author: Tim Prosser
Date: 03/03/2010 - 20:32
Tim Prosser's picture

Well Jeff, I'm a man who also happens to be rather slim. Any use to you?

I haven't made any definite decisions about where I'll go after Female Transport, so it can't hurt to audition for this.

 

Per Ardua Ad Astra


Indeed...
Author: Labrug
Date: 03/03/2010 - 23:11
Labrug's picture

I'll just add you to my list...

Absit invidia (and DFT No no no)

Jeff Watkins
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Update
Author: Labrug
Date: 15/03/2010 - 23:37
Labrug's picture

I have filled one day of auditions already. Saturday is completely booked out. There are still a few places left on Sunday. Currently, and as is par for the course, I am over loaded with women of all ages. Men are (nothing new) sadly lacking.

Auditions are next weekend across Sat and Sun. Last chance.

Absit invidia (and DFT No no no)

Jeff Watkins
SN Profile
Photographer
Community Spirit


AUDITONS CLOSING
Author: Labrug
Date: 26/03/2010 - 16:25
Labrug's picture

After tonight I will not be taking any more audition applications. To those that have managed to arrange a booking, good luck and I look forward to meeting you over the weekend.

Absit invidia (and DFT No no no)

Jeff Watkins
SN Profile
Photographer
Community Spirit


Cast?
Author: W.P. (not verified)
Date: 01/04/2010 - 12:36

Who are the lucky ones who have made the cast?


Not yet
Author: Labrug
Date: 01/04/2010 - 13:47
Labrug's picture

With over 25 odd applicants (not icluding the four guys) I have not yet finalised the cast list. It is not an easy task...

Absit invidia (and DFT No no no)

Jeff Watkins
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Community Spirit


I'm Sure
Author: W.P. (not verified)
Date: 01/04/2010 - 15:26

I'm sure with the two words: Oscar Wilde, all the talented actresses come out. So I'm not surprised!

And to do all of this, and have a production up and running. Props to you Jeff - they are all heavy tasks! Good Luck! And let us know when you have a cast!


Thanks WP
Author: Labrug
Date: 01/04/2010 - 15:51
Labrug's picture

Once I know, then so will you Eye-wink

Pity Oscar Wilde doesn't invoke that same enthusiasm in men, but I have another blog about all of that Naughty

Absit invidia (and DFT No no no)

Jeff Watkins
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Community Spirit


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