Based on the novel and film by John Ajvide Lindqvist

Adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne

Directed by Matt Turpin

Playing 20 – 28 October 2017

Auditions Sunday 14 May at 3:30 pm

 “I’m not that. I live on blood. But I am not …that …can I come in?”

 THE PLAY

Oskar is a lonely bullied teenage boy living with his mother on a housing estate at the edge of town. Eli, a girl who has just moved in next door. She doesn’t go to school and never leaves the flat by day. Sensing in each other a kindred spirit, the two quickly become devoted friends. What Oskar doesn’t know however, is that Eli has been a teenager for a very long time… As their friendship deepens, a series of sinister killings shock the neighborhood.
Jack Thorne’s adaptation of Let the Right One In is based on the novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist (Låt den rätte komma in, 2004) and the subsequent Swedish-language film version). A 2010 British-American remake of the film entitled ‘Let Me In’ followed, with both films and achieving cult status and equal critical acclaim.

Let the Right One In is a truly rare piece of theatre, an enchanting, brutal vampire myth and a coming-of-age love story.

THE DIRECTOR

This will be my fourth time as a director following on from previous Stables Theatre productions ‘Silly Cow’ (2014) and ‘Sylvia’ (2016), and ‘The Birds’ (2015) for George Lassos the Moon Theatre. Directing ‘Let the Right One In’ promises to be my biggest challenge yet but one that I have been extremely excited about since first putting the idea forward back in 2015. I have a passion for pre/post-apocalyptic and the darker side of theatre and am delighted that the Stables have entrusted me with the stewardship of what I believe to be their first gothic horror vampire love story.

AUDITIONS AND REHEARSALS

The play will be set in a non-specific location in Scandinavia, however I do not require anyone to use an accent at the audition. Any accents will be discussed, coached and introduced during the rehearsal process.

I would like to encourage as many people to audition as possible, including newcomers to the Stables, frequent and less frequent performers alike. When casting, I will be looking to find a group that are dedicated and hard-working that work as part of a team more than necessarily the most experienced of actors. For the younger cast members, I will aim to optimise the summer holidays for possible daytime rehearsals and physical workshops subject to cast availability.

THE CHARACTERS

Unless specified with M or F, I will consider any gender for the roles. Audition pieces in brackets. Further ‘doubling’ for the smaller roles may be an option. Playing ages are a guide only, however I will only be able to consider actors aged 16 or above for any of the named parts.

Eli (F) Can seem somewhat cold and distant, but her relationship with Oskar exposes a warmer side of her personality. I am ideally looking for an actor between the age of 16-18 who is extremely agile and hard working. This is a wonderful part quite unlike any other but requires a strong actor with a dance/gym background due to the physical aspects of the part (Act 2 Sc 3 & Act 1 Sc 6)

Oskar (M 16-18) A lonely, bullied young boy. His troubled home life and struggles with school render him quiet and vulnerable. However, his relationship with Eli draws out a soft, playful, and also resilient aspect of his character. We watch Oscar blossom into who he is capable of being when free from the control of those who torment him (Act 2 Sc 3 & Act 1 Sc 6)

Halmberg (25-45) Police chief investigating the murders which are a little more than he/she ever expected to have to deal with in this sleepy town. (Act 1 Sc 7)

Oskar’s Mum (F 35+) Only has Oskar in her life but struggles look after him or herself and still has anger and resentment towards his father which she struggles to hide. (Act 1 Sc 5 & Act 2 Sc 5)

Hakan (40-50) Appears to be Eli’s guardian or parent but this is not the case. Hakan loves Eli very deeply, and consequently kills people for blood to feed her, so is condemed to a half-life and desolate existence. Physically strong actor (m/f) required. (Pg 28/29 & Act 1 Sc 13)

Avila (30+)  PE teacher. Recognises Oskar’s troubles, but finds it difficult to help him  (Pg 42-43 & 77)

Jonny (M 16-19) School bully, takes pleasure in making Oskar’s life miserable. (Act 1 Sc 8)

Micke (M 16-19) Jonny’s sidekick, sympathises with Oskar but too weak to stand up to Jonny. (Act 1 Sc 8)

Kurt (20+) Shopkeeper, the first to sense Oskars pain and tries to reach out to him three short scenes (Act 1 Sc 3, Act 2 Sc 12)

Oskar’s Dad & Jocke (M 35+) Estranged from Oskar and his mum, finds it difficult to relate to his son. Doubles with Jocke. A passer by who tries to help Eli but gets fatally attacked. Strong physical actor required. (Act 2 Sc 6)

Nils & Stefan (any age) Hospital receptionist doubled with train guard. Two short scenes (Act 2 Sc 1)

Janne & Torkel (M any age) Partner of Oskar’s Dad, one short scene doubled with Torkel who is fatally attacked in one scene. Strong physical actor required. (Act 2 Sc 6)

Jimmy (M 20) Bully. Brother to Jonny. Leads attack on Oskar. (Act 2 Sc 1)

Oskar’s peers/extras: (16-18) A group of 4-5 others who will be in numerous scenes and helping backstage. A small core group who’s actual age can be a little younger than the playing age. Good opportunity for stage experience and teamwork/performance elements!