SLT Audition
Auditions: The Ballad of Maria Marten
By Beth Flintoff
Audition one
Date: 12 Jan 2025
Time: 09:45 - 12:45
Location: SLT - SE27 9NS
Audition two
Date: 13 Jan 2025
Time: 19:15 - 22:00
Location: SLT - SE27 9NS
In a red barn in Suffolk in the summer of 1827, Maria Marten awaits her lover. A year later, hidden in a grain sack under the floor of the barn, Maria's body is found, barely identifiable - and a manhunt begins.
The Red Barn Murder had all the hallmarks of a classic crime drama: a missing body, a country location, a disreputable squire and a village stuck in its age-old traditions. But while sending shockwaves throughout the country, Maria's own story was lost. This play is not a crime drama. It’s a story of strong female friendships, but also exposes the harsh realities of the lives of young working-class women in rural areas, and the limited choices they faced due to their gender, social class and lack of education.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE ROLE OF MARIA OR AS ONE OF HER COMPANY ARE NOW CLOSED as we have more than enough candidates for the five roles. If you apply now, you'll be added to a waiting list for an audition slot in the event of drop-outs.
If you wish to be considered for either Ann or Lady Cooke, or for either of the male roles, please apply by 9 January latest.
Audition pieces will be sent out along with your confirmed audition slot - please apply as soon as possible to give yourself adequate preparation time.
All ages shown are playing ages. If you’re interested in any of the characters marked *, please be aware that if cast, during the rehearsal process you’ll be expected to develop a Suffolk accent for authenticity, so please research this a little before auditioning! There’s a very good YouTube channel (Old Country Magick) to help you with this here.
This is very much an ensemble piece; all but one of the female characters will be on stage for virtually the entire play and there will be some singing and dancing involved to live music.
There will be a separate audition for the role of the singer at 10am Sunday 2 February. If you're applying for this role only, please do so by 19 January and you will be sent music along with your audition confirmation.
Director: Cal Beckett
Performances: 6 - 10 May 2025
First Rehearsal: 9 Feb 2025
Characters:
Maria* F 20s: This is the demanding lead role. Maria is articulate, feisty and passionate. (Experienced actors only please, able to attend 90% of rehearsals)
Maria’s company - all F20s x4: Close, and all fiercely protective of her: Sarah* - Earthy, bawdy, confident - has a number of babies during the play; Lucy* - Quirky, proper and outspoken with a strong sense of right and wrong; Phoebe* and Theresa* - Generous, kind souls who will double up in one short scene as well-to-do ladies
Ann* F 30s: Maria’s beloved stepmother - kind and sweet-natured, she and Maria are close friends
Thomas Corder* M 20s: Maria’s first lover and the older brother of her killer - somewhat cold, awkward (only appears in first half of play)
Lady Cooke F 30s: The lady of the manor who takes an interest Maria’s welfare but ultimately fails her
Peter Mathews - M 20s: Lady Cooke’s warm, open-hearted brother - he and Maria fall completely in love (only appears in first half of play)
Solo singer F: Seeking a folky singing voice. You need to be confident in singing on stage with limited or no musical accompaniment, without a microphone. (An actor cast as one of Maria’s company could also perform this role, but will need to audition separately for it on 2 February)
Please fill in this form to apply for an audition slot.
