Red Ladder theatre company and the Leeds Civic Arts Guild are recruiting budding performers to star in their upcoming play ‘Leeds Lads.’ alongside Leeds Rhinos star Jamie Jones-Buchanan.
Coinciding with the centenary anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, Leeds theatre company Red Ladder, Carriageworks Theatre and Leeds Civic Arts Guild, are presenting a new play Leeds Lads, which follows a young woman’s journey into Leeds’ secret past – the production transports audiences from the turmoil and tensions of war, to the richly multi-cultural city we know today.
The play commemorates one hundred years since the Leeds Pals fought at the Battle of the Somme in 1916 and tells the story of a young girl, Tara, whose great grandfather fought in the War.
With music and songs throughout, performed by an incredible company of Leeds performers, the play transports you from the turmoil and tensions of war, to the rich and multi-cultural city we know today.
Speaking about his role in the play Jones-Buchanan said:
"I first became aware of Red Ladder when I saw Playing the Joker, a couple of the years ago. It was a fantastic production that toured Rugby League clubs. I loved the play and the production and I got to know the company and then they asked me to get involved in their new play 'Leeds Lads'.
"I'm a Leeds boy and I'm really excited to get immersed in the history of Leeds and its diversity, it's something quite special. As someone who has grown up in Leeds I know a lot about the place, but not particularly the history.
"I've been on an amazing journey with Leeds Rhinos and met some great people and won some great trophies and think that now it's time to give back. Sometimes that's not always in sport, but can be with businesses and churches, but sometimes other ways like getting involved in things like this."
Leeds Rhinos Foundation, who are long-term supporters of the Leeds based theatre company, have given Jones-Buchanan, who is also a trustee of the charity their best wishes for his new acting role.
Director of Operations, Bob Bowman, said:
"The Leeds Rhinos Foundation are delighted to promote, support and be actively involved in the Red Ladder production of Leeds Lads.
"Our partnership with Red Ladder goes back many years and we were privileged to host their excellent production 'Playing the Joker' at the stadium.
"The Arts is a key principle upon which the Foundation works from along with Education, Health, Sport and Heritage and Red Ladder working with us enhances our Arts offer tremendously.
"This new production will bring to life the impact of the First World War felt so dramatically by our city as the Leeds born Tommys went off to fight for the freedoms we enjoy today."
Playing at The Carriageworks Theatre Millennium Square, Leeds from 17 to 25 June 2016, tickets are now on sale. Visit www.leeds.gov.uk/carriageworks or call Box Office on: 0113 376 0318, to see Jamie in action on a very different stage!
Leeds Lads Audition Information
Leeds Lads auditions will be held at the following times and places:
Saturday 19th March 09:30 – 13:00 Carriageworks Theatre, The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 3AD
Saturday 19th March 13:30 – 17:00 Hunslet Hawks, South Leeds Stadium, Middleton Grove, Leeds LS11 5DJ
Sunday 20th March 09:00 – 12:00 Sunday 20th March 09:00 – 12:00 Try Zone, Headingley Carnegie Stadium, St Michal's Lane, Leeds, LS6 3BR
Everyone is welcome to sign up!
You will not be required to bring an audition piece as the audition will be in a workshop format.
Auditions will run consist of registration followed by a warm up, some ensemble movement and vocal exercises. Smaller groups will be given the opportunity to play any instruments they play, more precise movement and vocal exercises and some short passages to read out.
Please wear casual, loose fitting clothes that you feel comfortable in and bring your own food/water.
It will be fun. It will be instructive. It will be invigorating.
No experience needed but we can only audition over 18’s – sorry!
Rehearsals for Leeds Lads will be Sundays from and including 10 April 2016 from 10am – 5pm for the full cast and then, in addition, Monday and Tuesday evenings for principal characters and band practices.
We will need commitment to the whole rehearsal period and then the technical and dress rehearsal period week beginning 13 June 2016 plus the week of shows including the potential matinee on Wednesday 22 June 2016 and the definite matinee on Saturday 25 June 2016.
If you have any questions, or for more information, please contact Jenny Sullivan by email: jenny@redladder.co.uk