Dancing at Lughnasa– by Brian Friel
Production dates: 14 – 17 April 2027
at Hartley Village Hall
Directed by Linda Russell
A workshop on the Irish accent required for most characters will be held at 8pm on Wednesday 24 June 2026. We are not planning on using the harsh Northern Irish accent, as it is felt that a softer accent is better suited to the ‘music’ of the text, with some hard vowels added. As Donegal is in the Republic of Ireland, but borders Northern Ireland, the accent is a hybrid, and much softer than the Ulster accent normally associated with Northern Ireland.
Auditions will be held at 8pm on Monday 6 July 2026
(both in the Sports Bar (upstairs) at The Pavilion, Punch Croft, New Ash Green, DA3 8HS)
If you are interested in auditioning, please contact Linda Russell (07752 457286; lindafrogrussell@yahoo.co.uk). If unable to make the audition but interested in taking a part, please also contact Linda to arrange an alternative date.
Attendance at the workshop is not compulsory, but is recommended.
There will be no playreading, but scripts are available from the Secretary (using the Contact Us page) to read in advance of the auditions.
You do not need to be a member of Hartley Players to audition, but if you are successful, you will need to become a member (£20 p.a.)
Synopsis –
The play is set in a small village in Donegal, Ireland, in the 1930s. Five impoverished, spinster sisters all live in the same house with Michael (the seven-year-old illegitimate son of the youngest sister), who narrates the story as an older man, and their older brother (a missionary priest, who has recently returned from Africa after 25 years, having ‘gone native’. The girls have to come to terms with the totally different man he has become. They love him, but have to accept he has failed as a priest. They are visited on two occasions by Michael’s father.
Note on ages – All ages shown are only guidelines, and can be flexible. Most could probably be up to 10 years older, but Chris needs to be young enough to have a 7-year-old child and the age gap between the youngest and oldest sisters must be credible (no more than 20 years). Playing age, rather than actual age, is the most important factor.
ROLES:
Michael (Age 40-60 )
Large role as the narrator. Also voices the unseen, imagined, 7-year-old Michael.
Kate (Age 45-55)
A schoolteacher. The only wage earner. Bossy. Likes order
Maggie (Age 43-53)
Unemployed. Runs the house. Organised but, deep down, she’s a free spirit. The wildness of her nature breaks out in her wit, her remembrances and, once, in starting a wild dance. Breaks into song occasionally (but not necessarily in tune). She is kind and warm and cares for all the sisters.
Agnes (Age 40-50)
Knits gloves at home to make a pittance towards the family funds. Helps to care for Rose. Helps to run the home, but is not in charge and feels unappreciated.
Rose (Age 40-45)
Described as ‘simple’ by the author, she would probably now be regarded as ‘on the spectrum’. Sweet, immature and gullible, but has a strong code of her own. Her powerful spirit of self-will belies her simple persona. Also knits gloves to help bring in a little money.
Chris (Age 30-40)
Mother of 7-year-old Michael; still dreaming of getting back together with his father, while still hating him for deserting them. Totally under his spell. She would love to escape, but knows she is trapped and wants Michael to be able to get away.
Gerry (Age 35-45)
Father of Michael. Welsh (but the script says he has an English accent). A sweet-talking ‘lady killer’; full of charm and flattery. A Walter Mitty character.
Jack (Age 50-60)
Older brother to the five sisters. Has lived in Africa for many years and has almost lost his Irish accent. He has suffered from malaria and is in bad health. Mostly quiet – a duck out of water. Maybe a bit mad as a result of malaria attacks.
AUDITION PIECES
(please also be ready to read in characters who speak during other characters’ audition pieces)
Michael
Pages 1-2 – Opening speech.
Kate
Page 27 – from “You work hard at your job” to “we can spend the day dancing to Marconi.”
Maggie
Pages 15-16 – from “When I was sixteen” to “whoever they were.”
Agnes
Page 18 – from “Who makes the tea every evening” to “two unpaid servants.”
Rose
Page 46 – from “Lough Anna” to “That’s all any of you are going to hear.”
Chris
Pages 20-24 – from Gerry “How are you Chrissie” to Gerry “Come back, brown cow, come back!”
Gerry
(as above, with Chris)
Jack
Page 30 – from “All the time.” to “What was I telling you?”
Pages 37-38 – from “Well, they begin very formally” to “It’s not Gilbert and Sullivan is it?”
Pages 53-54 – from “Gerry, my friend” to “Doesn’t it suit him?
Hartley Players 