A music workshop will be held at 7.30pm Thursday 9 October 2014 for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas ahead of auditions on 12 October. This is to give everyone a really good idea of the expectations of our production team, director Alex McWilliam, musical director Nick Austin and choreographer David Parsonson ahead of casting.
Auditions for Reading Operatic Society’s production of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas will be held on Sunday 12 October, 1.30pm at our usual rehearsal venue.
Audition specifics are noted further down this page. We’re looking forward to getting a great cast together so if you wish to audition please post your details here on this page. Once received we’ll arrange to get audition material out to you directly.
The show levy will be £70 and non members will be charged a £5 audition fee.
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas will take place at The Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames over the week of 19-25 April 2015.
Rehearsals will be held at St Peter’s Church Hall, Earley, Reading – Mondays and Thursdays at 7:45pm, plus some Sundays as called.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Application form
Vocal Audition Pieces
Miss Mona Strangely – low alto
3. A Lil’ ole Bitty – start to bar 52
18. No Lies (with Jewel) – bars 68 to 96
Bandleader / Narrator – tenor/high baritone or mezzo
1. 20 Fans – start to bar 25
Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd – baritone
19. Good Old Girl – start to bar 63
Melvyn P Thorpe – baritone
8. Texas Has A Whorehouse – bars 21 to 97
Jewel – mezzo
9. 24 Hours of Lovin’ – start to bar 51
18. No Lies (with Mona) – bars 68 to 96
Doatsey Mae – alto
12. Doatsey Mae – start to bar 24
The Governor – tenor/high baritone
16. The Sidestep – start to bar 89
Named WhoresLinda Lou, Ruby Rae, Beatrice, Eloise, Durla, Dawn, Taddy Jo, Ginger and Angel
4. Rules – bars 134 to end (taking Mona’s line in harmony sections)
Audition in groups of three
Chorus
2. 20 Fans reprise – start to bar 20 (lower notes where it splits)
Audition in groups of 6
Libretto auditions
Duologues
Miss Mona (female) and Angel (female) start page 19 “So how much experience…” – Mona
Finish page 20 “I told you everything” – Angel
Senator Wingwoah (male) and Aggie (male) start page 56 “Boys I want to tell you” – Senator
(one actor playing all Aggies for audition) Finish page 57 “Yeehaw” – Aggie
Monologues
Bandleader (male) start page 11 “It was the nicest…” (possibly plus audition song as well)
Finish page 13 “Treat her customers real nice”
Melvin P Thorpe (male) start page 33 “Thank you Texas…”
Finish page 34 “Isn’t this the age of tellin it like it is?”
getreading attended the Thursday night performance of Oliver! and came away impressed with the way we filled the stage and drew a big audience. Read below or visit getreading‘s review by Caroline Cook here.
The Hexagon is a big stage for amateur groups to fill.
Some struggle to project to the upper circle, some lack the atmosphere of a packed audience and some just don’t have enough bodies on stage to make it feel full.
The Reading Operatic Society had none of those problems last night with their thoroughly entertaining version of Oliver!
The cast of 80 made for an impressive sight on stage, with full cast numbers like Consider Yourself and Who Will Buy? feeling vibrant and lively, with tight and well-performed dance sequences from choreographer Sally-Anne Coleman.
Principal performers were sensational with Tristan Berry, who plays Oliver, a real star in the making. Where Is Love? is always a nerve-wracking moment in Oliver! – can the young actor pull it off? – and Berry sailed through, hitting the high notes and giving real emotion in his performance.
He made a wonderful double-act with Ben Lewis, as the Artful Dodger, with Berry’s crisp upper-class vocals in nice contrast to Lewis’s cheeky chappy persona. Two young Reading talents who we will be seeing more from in the future.
The adult principals were equally impressive with Nichola Morrin a stand-out as a passionate and heart-wrenching Nancy. Her performance of As Long As He Needs Me showcased a beautiful singing voice while she cranked up the energy for up-tempo numbers like Oom-Pah-Pah.
Damian Sollesse as Fagin was also a gem, faithful to Ron Moody’s film version of the character, while Richard Bott played a frightening Bill Sykes, all gruff voiced and flaring temper.
It would have been nice to dwell on Sykes’ final scenes a bit more, the ending felt a little rushed with missed potential for building greater tension.
The Lionel Bart musical is one of the classics, and one which doesn’t get quite as many outings these days as it used to – perhaps a good thing when we’ve all seen Grease and West Side Story one time too many.
Director Matt Whitelock has also managed to make the musical feel fresh, keeping its setting in Victorian England but adding in huge personalities, touches on humour, and clever set pieces to give it a touch of the modern.
Speaking to getreading before the show Matt hinted at some zombies – something which would surely turn the show into parody? But thanks to clever execution of the scene in the Undertaker’s Shop, with a more Tim Burton feel to things than Night of the Living Dead, Reading Operatic Society managed to pull it off.
Andrew Clarke as Mr Sowerberry was particularly amusing in the scene, appearing like a Jim Carey style caricature with hunched back and elastic limbs.
Reading Operatic Society has some real stars in its cast and it’s nice to see a production which isn’t afraid to challenge convention.
What others are saying
“What a great show, well done to everyone involved, my Mum and I thoroughly enjoyed it. And loved the poodles!”
“Loved the show tonight! Congrats to all involved! What a fantastic cast, orchestra, crew, lightingetc! Well done x”
“Wow, fabulous! Well done all of you. Such talent and energy! Orchestra fantastic too! Best wishes for the rest of the run.”
“Amazing show. Much better than what we expected. Infact at times, it was like watching a 3D movie.”
“They was blooody good!”
“Watched the show tonight with friends, it was amazing! I am in awe of you all!
Can’t wait to watch it again.”
“Well done everyone, fantastic show, loved every minute, all that hard work has definitely paid off.”
“Very well done to Matt Whitelock on directing and Sally-Anne Coleman on choreographing a fantastic production of Oliver! this week at the Hexagon. Excellent performances all round, but of course special congratulations to Richard Marlo Bott as Bill Sykes, Anna Jennings as Mrs Sowberry and Stuart John Brookfield. Very atmospheric lighting and clever use of smoke by Kim Hollamby, with special follow-spotting from Louis Martin and well run backstage by David Parsonson. Oh, and I’m guessing Steven Foster probably helped a bit too!”
“I expected the show to be good, even fantastic but I wasn’t expecting awesome! X”
“Fantastic! I had no idea what to expect. What a brilliant show, and totally professional. Such a talented group of people you all are. Not many shows would have such a large children’s cast, nor the animals! You did, and they were perfect, as were the adults. I can’t wait to see it again tomorrow.”
Reading Operatic Society is delighted to announce that Stacey Stockwell of disability awareness training company Beans Training will be providing a sign language interpreted performance of Oliver! on Friday 26 September 2014.
Stacey was widely praised and acknowledged for the way in which she stood in a spotlight to one side of the Hexagon stage for the Reading Operatic Society performance of Grease in 2013 and interpreted every song and moment of dialogue. No small feat when your back is to the action and your face towards the audience. With proven abilities interpreting bands, solo artists and theatre companies throughout the country Stacey is used to this kind of challenge and we’re delighted she has once again chosen to work with us this year, assisting Reading Operatic Society’s aim of bring musical theatre throughout Berkshire to the widest possible audience.
During the day Stacey is often working her own audience when delivering disability awareness training and audits for companies and their employees. Her work covers a broad spectrum including disability, mental health, dementia, visual and hearing impairment. You can read more and view explanatory videos at www.beanstraining.com
We caught up with Kiara in a recent break between walks. Here she explains what is involved in taking a starring role in Oliver! – Lionel Bart’s famous musical
“Whilst my stage name is Bulls Eye my real name is Kiara and I am six years old and this will be my first time on stage (encouraged by Corinna Bartle who is also in the show). I also live harmoniously with some step-brothers and sisters; two cats, two rabbits and a tortoise!
“I was very excited to accept the role after being auditioned by Director Matt Whitelock and the cast to see if I could take directions and not bite or growl when annoyed. Whilst I may find it a little stressful initially, with all the noises from the band and the strange lighting, I promise not to suffer stage fright but I hope the two poodles who are also appearing will not up stage me with their good looks and grooming. Okay, I know I am not a pretty dog but I do have a lovely personality and will get on well with everyone.
“Am I a show off? Well, what girl doesn’t respond to a little fuss and attention? I am practicing the ‘walk ‘ when I go out for my daily stroll but will probably have to take acting lessons on how to look fearsome (I am relying on Richard Bott who is playing Bill Sykes to show me how to engage with the audience and look menacing. I’m told that Richard will look after me and give me nice carrot sticks if I am a good girl).
“Playing a male role does not concern me – Bulls Eye could be a unisex name, but I am not too happy about being kept backstage in my cage away from the cast just in case they might give me treats. They have to be frightened of me so it might be a little lonely between scenes. I am going to be supplied with a special costume –red and white spotted scarf that the costume lady promises it will fit perfectly – whoopee!
“I know that I have to be careful with my toilet habits and undertake not to have more little accidents as I did when I heard I had got the role (that can be excused as excitement ). As an English Bull Terrier I have always been taught to behave with impeccable good manners.
“I am interested to see that Stacey will be Signing for the Deaf at Friday’s performance but I promise to ignore any signs that might look like ‘come here –good girl.
“Because I am a quick learner, Matt says he expects and hopes I will receive a wonderful round of ‘a paws’ at the end of the show!”
Don’t miss Kiara playing Bulls Eye in Oliver! at the Hexagon, Reading, Berkshire – further details here.
Auditions attracted a very large number of adults and children all vying to be a part of Reading Operatic Society’s production of Oliver! which will run from 24-27 September at The Hexagon theatre, Reading, Berkshire.
Director Matt Whitelock was bowled away by the quality. “Wow! What an incredible set of auditions for Oliver!” he stated. “From over 60 children that auditioned, 30 strong young people have been cast in the younger roles. I personally saw some performing last night in Starmaker’s production of 13 (currently at the Wilde Theatre Bracknell this week) and can say they sure do know how to work the stage.
“It was also great to see so many adults interested in the production as well, Matt continues. “The pre-audition workshops were a fun way to get to know each other and hear about the vision of the show. We have some real talent treading the boards in the principal roles and understudies are primed for the Saturday matinee if they work at their roles too. With a few numbers already blocked and ideas flowing for the show Oliver! promises to be a real great piece of theatre for Reading.”
Adult cast list
Bill Sykes – Richard Bott Fagin – Damian Sollesse Fagin understudy – Jim Tubbs-Galley Nancy – Nicola Morrin Nancy understudy – Ellie Ulrich Mr Bumble – William Branston Mr Bumble understudy – Andy Camichel Widow Corney – Eve MacDonald Widow Corney understudy – Sam Prior Mr Sowerberry – Andrew Clarke Mr Sowerberry understudy – Stuart Brookfield Mrs Sowerberry – Anna Jennings Mrs Sowerberry understudy – Amie Jones Mr Brownlow – Andy Camichel Mr Brownlow understudy – Gareth Watkins Mrs Bedwin – Gloria Griffiths Dr Grimwig – Stuart Neal Strawberry Seller – Sherridan Povey Rose Seller – Charley Woodward Milkmaid – Charis McMaster Knife-grinder – Sam Pemberton Old Sally – Abi Clarke Longsong Seller – Andrew Johnson Oliver’s Mother – Lucy Herd
Ensemble boys
Craig Duffield
Phil Elliott
Eric Povey
Andrew Sears
Ensemble Girls
Sarah Abbott
Sara Beeton
Katie Cox
Gemma Didcock
Jane Hardcastle
Leanne Home
Nicky Jaggar
Claire Johnson
Maria Povey
Julia Sadler
Sophie Taylor
Jolene Walsh
After months of preparation the cast and crew unleashed the full force of The Wedding Singer at The Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames last night.
The Kenton might be Britain’s fourth oldest working theatre but there’s nothing old-fashioned about this performance, with more than 200 costumes, loads of 1980s-style props, a complex digital sound system and an enhanced lighting rig. The cast have been doing full runs of the show for nearly a month now and the result was a brilliantly well received first night performance, which reflected well on all the efforts.
Tickets are still available for some performances – visit our Wedding Singer page for more information.
Are you aged from eight upwards and would like to perform at Berkshire’s number one touring venue, The Hexagon?
Reading Operatic Society is looking for talented boys, girls, students and adults (singers, dancers and actors) who would like to take part in its next production – Oliver! on 24-27 September 2014.
Adult auditions
The adult process will commence with a workshop on Thursday 24 April and Monday 28 April at St Peter’s Church Hall, Earley, Reading.
The adult auditions will be held on Thursday 1 May from 19.30pm-22.30 at the same venue. Songs, music and libretto pages will be available prior to auditions.
Rehearsals for successful adults will be on Monday and Thursday evenings 7.30pm-10.30pm as called, plus some Sundays.
You will need to read and complete an adult audition form which can be downloaded by clicking here. There will be a £5 audition fee payable at the start of the audition. Please complete the form and send it to secretary@readingops.co.uk
Stop press – audition material is now available. If you have already submitted your audition form please contact secretary@readingops.co.uk for download access details.
Youth auditions
The youth audition for those aged 8-18 will be held at St Peter’s Church Hall, Earley, Reading on Sunday 27 April from 1.30pm-5.30pm. It will be workshop based and you will spend time dancing, singing and acting.
Rehearsals for successful children will be Sunday afternoons 2pm-5pm through May, June, July and September with some Monday and Thursday evenings during those months at times to be confirmed.
You will need to read and complete a youth audition form – download the audition form here. There will be a £5 audition fee payable at the start of the audition. Please complete the form and send it to secretary@readingops.co.uk
Stop press – audition material is now available. If you have already submitted your audition form please contact secretary@readingops.co.uk for download access details.
Reading Operatic Society is pleased to announce that it will be performing Oliver!, Lionel Bart’s highly popular musical, at The Hexagon Theatre, Reading, Berkshire on 24-27 September 2014.
This musical adaption of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist has been filling theatres since it was first performed in 1960 with the most recent London revival lasting three years until 2011.
The Reading Operatic Society production will be directed by Matt Whitelock, a professional actor and acting coach who is also principal of Berzerk Productions in Reading. Casting will be held later in the year; further details will be published on this website and our Facebook page.
Reading Operatic Society is pleased to announce the cast of The Wedding Singer after a very high quality audition.
The principal roles are Robbie James Gwynne Sammy Sam Pemberton George Ollie Kyte Glen Craig Duffield Julie Sally Rowlandson Holly Caroline Webb Linda Angharad Jones Rosie Sam Prior Angie Abi Clarke.
The ensemble will feature Stuart Broomfield, Katie Cox, Emily Evans, Jerome Ifill, Nicky Jaggar, Andrew Johnson, Claire Johnson, Stuart Neal, Sheridan Povey, Abby Sarfas, Ellie Ulrich and Josie White.
Rehearsals are now underway and The Wedding Singer will be performed at The Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames. Further details here.
A music workshop will be held at 7.30pm Thursday 9 October 2014 for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas ahead of auditions on 12 October. This is to give everyone a really good idea of the expectations of our production team, director Alex McWilliam, musical director Nick Austin and choreographer David Parsonson ahead of casting.
The run up to 
After months of preparation the cast and crew unleashed the full force of The Wedding Singer at The Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames last night.
