by Richard Harris.

Auditions: 13th January 2019, 2pm – 6:30pm.

Playing Dates:  31st May, 1st & 2nd June, 4th to 8th June 2019

Director: Tim Wormley-Healing.

Choreography and additional direction: Viv Wormley-Healing.

This warm and very funny play enjoyed a hugely successful West End run and won the Evening Standard Best Comedy Award in 1984. It has been revived many times since then, most recently in 2016 with Amanda Holden in the lead role.
The play is set in a church hall somewhere in North London. Mavis, a professional dancer who didn’t quite make it past the chorus line, is struggling to scratch a living as a dance teacher. Her weekly tap class brings together an unlikely bunch of aspiring tappers who have more enthusiasm than talent.
This play cleverly portrays the world of amateur dance where inevitably people share the highs and lows of their daily lives as they attempt the latest combination of steps, safe in the knowledge that they can try again next week. And the next week. And the week after that. Then the day comes when Mavis breaks the news that they are going to perform at a big charity concert. On a stage. In front of people. This is when the drama and the true colours of some of the characters emerge as with varying degrees of talent and determination, we see how each class member copes with the challenge… as the play moves towards the big day, there is laughter, sadness, poignancy, and revelation as we learn the truth behind some of the characters behaviour.

Casting
The role of Mavis requires someone who is proficient at tap. All other characters will either need some tap experience or be able to demonstrate the ability and willingness to learn.
We intend this production process to be full of fun, enjoyment and laughter, mixed with hard work – all washed down with lots of tea and biscuits! We hope you will feel inspired to audition!

Please can you bring your own tap shoes to the audition, if you have them, or let Viv know in advance if you need to borrow some.

Please note, due to the nature of the production, we will hold all dance auditions first, then dialogue audition will follow as below:

Dance:
2 pm – 2.20 Mavis – introduction to tap piece
2.20 – 3.00 Mavis tap auditions
3.00 – 3.30 all other parts – introduction to tap piece
3.30 – 4.15 all other parts – tap auditions
4.15 – 6.30 Dialogue auditions for all parts.

For more information contact Tim (07760 196375) or Viv (07760 196374)

Characters:
1. Mavis
The teacher, ex-pro dancer, 30 – 50
Considerate, organised and always obviously in charge of the group but with her own frailties and personal issues.
Required: proficient tap-dancer

2. Lynne
Eager to please, never wears make-up, about 20 – 25, a student nurse.

3. Dorothy
Small, anxious, birdlike, between 25 – 45, habit of repeating other people’s last words.

4. Maxine
Confident, attractive business woman, big diamond rings, 30 – 40.

5. Andy (female)
Timid, bullied by her husband but with an underlying strength, 25 – 40

6. Geoffrey
Shy, quiet, honest, a bit bumbling, widower, has a crush on Andy, 30 – 50.
Desirable: able to play the piano

7. Sylvia
Bubbly, flirty, over-ample curves! Chews gum all the time, 25 – 40

8. Rose
Black, larger than life, Trinidadian/Asian, wearing obvious wig, crucifix around her neck and lots of finger rings, 30 – 55.

9. Vera
Neat, proper, snob, but well-meaning, expensive tastes in clothes (but doesn’t quite get it right), immaculate hair & make-up aspiring middle-class, 35 – 55.

10. Mrs. Fraser
The pianist, 50+, coat & hat, reads magazines, intolerant, sarcastic, grumpy, believes she is doing everyone a favour just by being there. Has an underlying sense of loyalty to Mavis.
Desirable: able to play the piano

Ages are playing ages.

Scripts are available to hire from the Box Office.