“Lizzy, Darcy and Jane”

**AUDITIONS** FOR HARBOUR THEATRE’S PRODUCTION OF “LIZZY, DARCY AND JANE” by Joanna Norland Directed by Susan Lynch WILL BE HELD AT THE THEATRE ON Sunday 13th June 2010 @ 10.00am Season Dates September 10th to 25th September 2010 Comedy/ 12 Characters, 5 Men, 7 Women HARBOUR THEATRE is located at Port Cineaste Building, 70 Adelaide St, Fremantle (opp. Woolworths) Does the author direct her characters’ destinies . . . or is it the other way around? When Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, and Lady Catherine take the stage, all bets are off. Uncovering the fiery side of a not-so-gentle Jane Austen, Lizzy, Darcy and Jane explores the interplay between Jane Austen’s life and work, and probes her crackling relationship with the uncompromising heroine of Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet. Heady with her first taste of love, young Jane Austen creates the feisty Elizabeth in an exuberant moment of inspiration. But when her real-life romance sours, Jane sentences her alter ego to marry the odious Mr. Collins, and sentences herself to a suitor no less ill-matched. The fates of the heroine, the novel, and the author are at stake. Elizabeth Bennet must take action. While recent films and television programmes about Jane Austen are structured as naturalistic, biographical narratives, Lizzy, Darcy and Jane creates a world in which historical and fictional characters vie for position on stage, as Jane Austen’s external and inner worlds collide. Lizzy, Darcy and Jane offers a dramatically different take on an author-and heroine we all think we know so well. CHARACTERS: Jane Austen (between the ages of 20 and 26) The authoress before she has published anything. We see her during the time she begins writing Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth (20 and 26 yrs) A spirited woman who Jane will develop into the character of Elizabeth Bennet. Mr Darcy (27 and 34 yrs) A proud and aloof young man. Seriously men, if you don’t know who he is – ask any young lady of your acquaintance! Mr Bingley (25 yrs) A charming young wealthy man. Harris Bigg-Wither (15 and 21 yrs) An earnest and enthusiastic young man, friendly but no match for Mr Darcy. Tom Lefroy (20 yrs) An Irish law student, clever and romantic but shallow. Mrs Austen (40 yrs) Jane’s mother. Conservative and complaining. Madame Lefroy (50 yrs) Tom’s Aunt. Stern and disapproving. Keeps a close eye on her nephew’s behaviour. Mr Collins (25 yrs) The classic fawning clergyman from the novel but with a chance to become a stronger character here. Lady Catherine (50 yrs) Mr Darcy’s aunt. An imperious, demanding and critical woman, fond of correcting the character faults of others. Alethea Bigg-Wither (35 yrs) Harris’s sister, and a friend of Jane’s – keen to matchmaker. Cassandra (28 yrs) Jane’s older and wiser sister. There is a possibility of some actors playing multiple roles depending on how the audition goes. Ages given here are not strict. If you believe you can play these ages I’m happy to see you. FURTHER INFORMATION regarding auditions please contact the director Susan Lynch on suelynch66@hotmail.com or 0431 024 052