Auditions for Richard II
Auditions for Eastbourne’s Butterfly Creek Theatre Troupe’s Bard in the Yard summer Shakespeare production will be held on 7 November. The play will be a distilled version of Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of King Richard II focusing on the deposition of Richard and his downfall at the hands of the future King Henry IV.
In 2027 the Troupe is celebrating its fortieth anniversary and this is the 31st year that the Troupe have presented Shakespeare. This production will be directed by Elspeth Cotsilinis, who directed this year’s very successful King Lear, and John Marwick, who played Lear and has directed half of the previous Bard in the Yard productions.
Richard II is a wonderfully written play about a remarkable event in English history. It is full of hauntingly beautiful poetry and focuses on character and politics in the King’s journey from divinely anointed king to suffering man at the hands of an astute politician.
The part of Richard is already cast. Auditions are for all the remaining roles as shown below.
To book an audition time send an email to auditions.bctt@gmail.com giving an idea of your experience and any parts for which you would particularly like to audition.
Production dates: 26 February – 6 March
Rehearsals start 17 November with a line-learning break from 18 December to 9 January.
Characters (Some roles may be doubled. Descriptions show whether male or female)
Henry Bolingbroke: Charismatic, politically astute and determined. Initially wronged by Richard, he returns from exile to reclaim his inheritance and gradually wins the support of the people and nobility. Requires an actor with authority, intelligence and a quiet but compelling ambition. (M)
John of Gaunt: An ageing statesman and patriarch. Wise, principled and fiercely patriotic, he becomes the moral conscience of the play, speaking truth to power even at great personal risk. Requires gravitas and strong verse-speaking skills. (M)
Duke of York: Richard’s uncle/aunt torn between loyalty to the crown and loyalty to justice. Honourable, cautious and often conflicted, he/she struggles to navigate a rapidly changing political landscape. (M/F)
Duke of Aumerle: York’s son/daughter and one of Richard’s closest supporters. Loyal, emotional and courageous, he/she remains devoted to the king even as Richard’s fortunes collapse. (M/F)
Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk: Proud, honour-driven and fearless. A nobleman who values reputation above all else and refuses to compromise his sense of honour, even when facing exile. (M)
The Queen: Richard’s devoted queen. Sensitive, intelligent and deeply intuitive, she foresees disaster before others recognise it. A poignant role requiring warmth, emotional depth and dignity. (F)
Earl of Northumberland: A powerful northern noble and skilled political operator. Pragmatic, influential and persuasive, he/she becomes a key architect of Bolingbroke’s rise to power. (M/F)
Bishop of Carlisle: A courageous churchman who remains steadfastly loyal to Richard. Principled and eloquent, he speaks boldly against injustice despite personal danger. (M/F)
Bushy: One of Richard’s close favourites. Loyal to the king and associated with the royal court, he/she attempts to reassure and support those around him as the crisis deepens. (M/F)
Bagot: Another of Richard’s trusted followers. Observant and politically aware, he/she acts as a messenger and court insider during the kingdom’s upheaval. (M/F)
Harry Percy: Young, energetic and eager to prove themself. He/she serves Bolingbroke’s cause with enthusiasm and represents the rising generation of England’s nobility. (M/F)