Auditions for Noel Coward’s
THE VORTEX
You are invited to audition for Southfields Theatre Group’s groundbreaking production of Noel Coward’s The Vortex.
The auditions will be held on the 28th and 29th of July at 7:30, with callbacks on the 30th, at the Aspire Centre , Merton Road, Southfields, SW18 5JU. The show will be performed at St. Barnabas Church in Southfields on the 19-24 October. We will be begin rehearsal on the 24th of August, also at the Aspire Centre.
The Vortex takes in 1920’s upper class Britain, where luxury reigns, whole separate lives are lived behind closed doors, and heartache prevails. The play also takes place in-between the First and Second World Wars, and so we are taking this opportunity to raise money for a soldier’s charity (TBA), especially because our performance will be shortly before Remembrance Day.
This will be a truly unique production for local community theatre. Directed in a semi-immersive fashion, the audience will be surrounded by the world of the play, and will follow the action as it moves throughout the space.
The production will be ensemble based in both process and product. I am looking for creative people who are willing to take risks and think outside the box. I believe this production will be will be truly stunning.
If you are interested in auditioning please email, dominiquesinagra@gmail.com and let us know which day you’d like to attend. At the auditions please bring a prepared monologue, and wear clothes you can move it, as we might do some group exercises. There will be photocopied scenes for you to work with in groups.
I look forward to meeting you.
Dominique
Dominique Sinagra
Director
THE VORTEX Synopsis
The story follows a talented young composer, Nicky Lancaster. Nicky proposes to his lover Bunty, a journalist, while his mother Florence, an aging socialite, has extramarital affairs with younger men, including Tom, who is also Bunty’s ex-fiancé. Tensions come to a boil as Nicky struggles with his severe cocaine addiction and repressed homosexuality (a theme that was necessarily subtly conveyed, considering contemporary attitudes), as well as the simmering resentment he feels for his vainglorious mother.
THE VORTEX Cast
Please note: All playing ages are as a guide only! Please don’t be put off auditioning if you feel you are too old or young, too fat, too thin etc etc. If you are passionate about this play, we would love to see you.
Leading roles
Florence Lancaster (the role is cast)
Playing age 40’s/50’s
Florence is a glamorous, wealthy, socialite. Terribly vain, superficial, selfish and histrionic, she is desperately trying to cling on to her youth ( in more ways than one!).
She has had many affairs and, when we meet her, she is in the throes of one with Tom Veryan, who is almost the same age as her son, Nicky. She was once very beautiful, and there are still fragments of that beauty left.
Nicky Lancaster
Playing age 20’s
Nicky is Florence’s son. A composer and pianist. Sensitive, confused, emotional
petulant, highly strung, drug addicted, possibly homosexual. Very attached to his neglectful mother. Oedipal overtones. We hope to be able to cast someone who can play the piano.
Helen Saville
Playing age 30’s/40’s
Helen is Florence’s friend. Though possibly a decade younger, she is solid and practical. A voice of reason. Smart, caring, level headed and perceptive.
Pauncefort Quentin
Playing age 50 +
Pawnie is a flamboyant, witty, acid-tongued and camp bachelor
Tom Veryan
Playing age 20’s: Tom is athletic and very good-looking and not much else. Ex-Army officer. He is having an affair with Florence.
Bunty Mainwaring
Playing age 20’s
Bunty is attractive in a 1920’s boyish, down to earth sort of way. Self assured, strong, perceptive.
Supporting roles
Clara Hibbert
Playing age: late 20’s-40
Clara is an affected, melodramatic, soprano. Described as emaciated. However, I think she would be great fun to play!
David Lancaster
Playing age: 50’s/60’s
Florence’s cuckolded husband and Nicky’s father.. Easy-going, resigned and long suffering in the face of his wife’s ‘temperament’.
Bruce Fairlight
Playing age: 40’s/50’s
Bruce is an earnest playwright. His plays are about squalor and poverty and are appreciated by the upper class.
Preston
Playing age: 30’s/ 40’s +
Preston is Florence’s maid, described as having a wonderful poise.
She is a minor speaking role, but, in this production, her role is significantly enhanced as she will escort the audience through the space.
About the director
Now living in Southfields, Dominique Sinagra has extensive theatre experience. She studied with distinction at the National Theatre Institute, Connecticut and won Best Director, Best Actor, and Audience Favorite at a New York City fifteen minute play festival.
Dominique has been director or A.D. for several professional and community plays in the US. While travelling widely in Europe, Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, she has conducted many innovative filmin