The Merlin has been host to a variety of well received productions over the festival period including film and music event Decasia; Pip Utton’s Hunchback of Notre Dame; Frome College’s The Crucible; Flicks, Kicks and Sticks and Miracle Theatre Company’s adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.

We have been delighted with audiences support and enthusiasm over the last couple of weeks and ended on a fantastic high on Sunday with Miracle’s production of Romeo and Juliet out on ECOS - which was sold out!!

Thanks to all the hard working volunteers and staff who have helped make this a successful Festival and we look forward to next years programme.

The new Youth Groups timetable for September - Decembr 2010 is now available to veiw on the website

In particular please note the new class - Musical Theatre with Tracey Ashford and Roxy Thomas

Please check the website regularly as a cast list will be posted soon

The children's call back auditions are this Friday 2nd July at 4.30pm at the Merlin

The Merlin is pleased to introduce Mark McGann as a new member of the Merlin Theatre Creative Team.

His company Screen Direct will also be an Associate Company and we very much look forward to working with him in the future.
Mark is currently running workshops for people interested in Stage and Screen Acting at the Memorial Theatre in July, August, September and November, visit the Workshops section to find out more information…

This year’s Christmas Show is Peter Pan directed by Claudia Pepler Berry, Choreography by Jill Wigham and Musical Director Jamie Mason.
Designed by Edwina Brigeman.

Auditions will be at the Merlin Theatre Sun 20 June
Children’s 10 am – 12 midday
Adults and Dancers 1 – 4pm
Timings are approximate depending on numbers during the day.

Children’s auditions will be in a relaxed workshop style but participants will be expected to sing, dance and act. No preparation required.
I will be looking for two teams of children to play Wendy, Michael, John, and the Lost Boys (played by male and female).

We will be looking for two sets of Dancers :
Adults: ages age 12 and above, you will need dance experience, especially ballet.
Children: 8 – 12 years old – must have some dance experience. (Again I will be looking for two teams)

Adult Character Parts:
The auditions will be in a workshop style, you will be expected to act, sing and dance. We will be learning small parts of songs from the show. You can download from i tunes or Amazon. Peter Pan The British Muiscal, original cast recording if you would like to familiarise yourself with them.

The website is excellent so have a nosey. http://www.peterpanthemusical.com/

Character Parts:
Peter Pan Preferably male but will consider female. Vocally strong (m – high tenor, F mezzo soprano) Athletic, strong, nimble dancer, stage fighting skills, and flying will be required.
Playing age 12 – 16 (can suit older actor who can play down – dependant on height)
Audition Song: Come Away

Captain Hook Doubles as Mr Darling. Good comedic skills. Vocally ,bass baritone. Stage fighting skills will be required.
Playing age late 40s early 50s.
Audition Song: Rich Damp Cake

Wendy The perfect English rose. Dance and vocal skills required, strong soprano. Flying required.
Playing age 13 – 14 (would suit older actress who can play down)
Audition Song: Peter

Audition Song for remaining characters and chorus: We are the Darlings

John Darling Strong singer. Flying required.
Playing age 12, (would suit older actor who can play down)

Michael Darling Sweet, bubbly boy. Must be able to sing. Flying required.
Playing age 7 – 9

Mrs Darling Graceful, elegant, warm, and motherly. Vocally, soprano.
Playing age late 30s early 40s

Tiger Lily Vocally mezzo soprano , Very good dancer.
Playing age 16 - 19

TinkerBell In love with Peter, jealous and very mischievous. No singing or speaking -Physical theatre and mime, flying required.
Playing age 15 – 18 (can be played by older actress who can play down)

Nana/crocodile Good physicality required.

The Lost Boys:
Tootles The leader in Peter’s absence, rather simple with a good heart.

Nibs Extremely jovial, everything is a laugh and he has a good time.

Slightly Conceited, knows very little but considers himself knowledgeable about most things.

Curly Rather timid but loyal

The Twins Classical twins. Do everything together.

Pirates (can be played by male or female adults)
Smee An oddly genial pirate, slightly cartoonesque. Good comedic skills

Starkey A restoration fop, quite eccentric and not overly masculine. Sometimes a coward, doesn’t like fighting, or getting his hands dirty. Good singer and dancer.

Pirates who can double as Indians if needs be:
Cecco/Indian Chief Manly, vocally rich baritone. Good dancer

Bill Jukes/Running Dog Tough guy, tattooed, Singer, good dancer.

Skylight/Bald Eagle Good singer and dancer

Noodler/Stalking Deer Good singer and dancer

Mullins/Grizzly Bear Good singer and dancer

Singing Bull Good singer and dancer