The Hampstead Players 2024 Autumn Production

We’re delighted to announce that our 2024 autumn production will be Anton Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, directed by Sarah Day and assistant directed by Sheena Craig.

Auditions will take place on Sunday 28^th & Tuesday 30^th July at 7.30pm in the church (enter by the door up the steps on the South side, and ring the bell if the door is locked.) All are warmly welcome, from experienced members to new recruits. You don’t need to be a member to audition, but if successful you do need to have joined or renewed before the first rehearsal.

About the play

When an elderly professor and his glamorous younger wife visit the rural estate that supports their urban lifestyle, its residents quickly fall under their spell. Vanya, brother of the professor’s late first wife, and Astrov, the local doctor, vie for Yelena’s affections, whilst bemoaning the ennui of their provincial existence. Meanwhile Sonya, the professor’s daughter by his first wife, pines for Astrov. Matters are brought to a crisis when the professor announces his intention to sell the estate – Vanya and Sonya’s home. 

Roles and approximate playing ages:

Alexander Serebryakov, a retired professor (male, 50s+)

Yelena, his younger wife (female, 20s-40s)

Sonya, his daughter by a former marriage (female, 20s-40s)

Maria, mother of Serebrakov’s first wife (female, 60s+)

Ivan (Vanya) Voynitsky, her son and Sonya’s uncle (male, 40s-50s)

Astrov, a doctor (male, 30s-50s)

Ilya (‘Waffles’) Telegin, an impoverished landowner (any age/gender)

Marina, a nurse (female, 60s+)

A workman/woman (any age/gender)

 

If you are unable to make the audition dates/times listed, or for any other questions, please contact the director Sarah Day at players. The performances will take place on 28^th-30^th November, with a matinee on the 30^th, and rehearsals will generally be on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday evenings. We hope to begin rehearsing in early September.

If you would like to read the audition pieces in advance, they can be found here. Please don't feel you need to learn them/study them in depth, they're just to give you an idea of what we'll be looking at.'