Based on the story, The Wisdom of Eve, by Mary Orr

Adapted from the screenplay by Joseph L. Mankiewicz

Directed by Olivia Jane Parker

SUMMARY

Set in the 1940’s, during the most vulnerable point in her career, a leading lady of the time, Margo Channing, encounters an aspiring young actress, Eve Harrington, who ingratiates herself into the lives of the most successful theatre practitioners in town – Lloyd Richards, Bill Sampson & Max Fabian. The Broadway star and her circle of friends; best friend Karen Richards & frenemy Addison Dewitt, all quickly descend into acts of sabotage, manipulation and paranoia, whilst Eve calculates her way to the top.

St. Jude’s Players have previously staged All About Eve, in the 1970’s and are keen to do so again. The film is a great resource, however, please note, that we are not looking for any caricatures (No impersonations of Bette Davis, Marilyn Monroe or Tallulah Bankhead).

ROLES AVAILABLE

Female

MARGO CHANNING – Stage age 40+. Based on real-life 1940s star, Elisabeth Bergner.

EVE HARRINGTON – An adult who spins tales like a child. Manipulative. Based on real-life movie fan.

ADDISON DEWITT – Stage age 40+ (no age limit). Failed actress. Successful gossip writer. Maker and breaker of careers.

KAREN RICHARDS – Stage age 40+. Believes the best in people. Makes wrong choice in believing in Eve.

BIRDIE COONAN – Stage 60+. Doesn’t suffer fools. Experienced vaudevillian.

THE GIRL – Stage age 18+. Starry-eyed girl. Infatuated with Eve.

Male

BILL SAMPSON – Stage age of 30+. Revered Director. Great sense of humour, straight shooter. Loves Margo.

LLOYD RICHARDS – Stage age 40+. Successful, driven playwright. Happily married, but with roving eye.

MAX FABIAN – Man playing age 40+. Not American. Risk-taker, living for here and now. Gentle touch with women.

THE AGED ACTOR – Stage age 60+. A board member. Has lived life in theatre.

Understudies: Due to the impacts of Covid, we are looking for actors in some of the smaller roles (ie, the Girl, Miss Caswell, Max Fabian), to undertake two roles, mainstage cast as well as understudy.

Please express which character you would like to audition for. Monologues will be provided upon booking your audition. You are not expected to have the speeches memorised, but you should familiarise yourself with the material beforehand. You can book your audition slot by expressing an interest via email.

AUDITION DATES

Saturday 17th Sept 1pm – 5pm

Possible Call Back Auditions

October 1st 1pm – 5pm (if needed)

The cast will be expected to be familiar with the play (including the Director’s Brief that will be provided after casting is confirmed) and if possible have dialogue well underway by the first rehearsal. There will be initial calls to run through certain scenes or establish certain character dynamics.

The first read-through is set for February 7th, rehearsals will follow accordingly.

REHEARSALS

Tuesday evenings 7pm – 9.30pm, Thursday evenings 7pm – 9.30pm

& Sunday afternoons 1pm onwards.

Please note that there will be no rehearsals over the Easter weekend.

PERFORMANCE SEASON

Previews: 19 – 22nd of April 2023

Performances: 27th – 29th of April 2023

Auditions, rehearsals and performances will be held at St Jude’s Hall, 444 Brighton Road, Brighton.

More Information:

Email Olivia Jane Parker initially, at oliviajaneparker7@gmail.com

Please supply contact phone number in email.