Shipwrecks! Spirits! Enchanted islands! Shakespeare’s magical masterpiece and farewell to the stage The Tempest is coming to Shinfield Players Theatre.
This was one of the shows that was cancelled due to the pandemic, and they’re delighted to finally be bringing it to audiences. Auditions will take place on Tuesday 25th July and Thursday 27th July, both at 7:30pm in the theatre foyer.
Some of the original cast will be taking the roles they’d successfully auditioned for, but they have some incredible roles for talented performers of any age or gender.
Boatswain – A gem of a part, responsible for getting the play started on the right rollicking note. A booming, irreverent buccaneer, shouting over the storm and damning their passengers.
Ferdinand – The child of the king, stranded alone on the island where they fall in love with Miranda and are coerced into hard labour by Prospero until proven worthy.
Gonzalo – A loyal friend to Prospero, and one of the only ‘good’ people in the play. Has a tendency to go on a bit…
Sebastian – The scheming younger sibling of the King of Naples. Under the influence of Antonio, they plot to murder the King, but all does not go according to plan.
Caliban – One of the truly iconic Shakespeare characters. Child of the island’s former ruler, a half-human creature first reared by Prospero, then forced into servitude. This role will take a lot of physical and character work.
Stephano – The comedic heart of the play with their counterpart, Trinculo. A drunken Butler who, finding themselves on the island, is convinced by Caliban to launch an attack on Prospero and make themselves king.
– Prospero’s daughter. Too young to have more than the faintest memories of life outside of the island, her determination and love for Ferdinand have great influence over her father.
Sheffield Players is based at Whitley Wood Lane, Shinfield, Reading, RG2 9DF. For more information, visit www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk. If you have any questions about auditions or the production, contact Adam Wells (director) at ad_wells@live.co.uk
