AUDITION NOTICE – CRANFORD
Director: Robert Tremayne (Assisted by Vicky Newman)
Auditions: Monday 14th July 2025
Time & Venue: Ditchling Village Hall from 19:30
Performance Dates: 26th–29th November 2025
Rehearsals Begin: Tuesday 2nd September 2025
ABOUT THE PLAY
A warm, witty, and touching adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s beloved novel. Cranford paints a portrait of a quiet Cheshire town ruled by its women. Amidst bonnets, tea, and gentle scandal, they face change with resilience, humour, and heart. Narrated by Gaskell herself, this is a story of friendship, dignity, and unexpected romance.
REHEARSALS
Rehearsals will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Ditchling Village Hall with occasional Sundays added as we approach show week.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN & PLAYING AGES (Playing ages are flexible depending on auditionees)
- Mrs Gaskell (F, 40s–60s): The older version of Mary Smith and the narrator. Warm, wise, and affectionate. Guides the audience through the events of her past with humour and emotion.
- Miss Matilda Jenkyns (Miss Matty) (F, 50s–60s): Gentle, kind, and quietly dignified. Deeply beloved by the town, she is at the heart of Cranford’s community and its emotional story.
- Martha (F, 20s–40s): Miss Matty’s loyal servant. Practical, blunt, and plain-speaking. Provides comic relief and touching loyalty.
- Mary Smith (the younger version of Mrs Gaskell) (F, 20s–30s): Warm, thoughtful, and quietly humorous. A young outsider observing the world of Cranford with affection and keen intelligence.
- Miss Pole (F, 40s–60s): Dramatic, excitable, and loves being the centre of gossip. Often prone to exaggeration, she’s both funny and frustrating.
- Miss Barker (F, 40s–60s): A former milliner. Pompous and socially ambitious, with comic rivalry between her and Miss Pole.
- Mrs Forrester (F, 50s–60s): Sweet, slightly scatterbrained, with a fondness for her dog. Another of Cranford’s lovable eccentrics.
- The Honourable Mrs Jamieson (F, 50s–60s): Proud, snobbish, and obsessed with social status. Looks down on the other women but is secretly lonely.
- Mr Hoggins (M, 40s–60s): Gruff but warm-hearted local doctor. Unconcerned with social pretensions, bringing warmth and humanity to the town.
- Lady Glenmire (F, 40s–50s): Mrs Jamieson’s aristocratic sister-in-law. Surprisingly down-to-earth, shocks the community by falling in love with Mr Hoggins.
- Jem Hearn (M, 20s–40s): Honest, hardworking carpenter. Courting Martha. Their romance adds warmth and hope to the story.
No previous experience necessary, we welcome new faces as well as familiar ones!
TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST PLEASE SEND YOUR EMAIL, ADDRESS &
PHONE NO TO: chair@ditchlingplayers.