The Witches

Based on the book The Witches by Roald Dahl, adapted by David Wood

Directed by Leah Osburn

Saturday 31 May, 2.30pm - 5.30pm, Sunday 1 June, 11.30am - 4.30pm and Monday 2 June, 7.30 - 9pm

In this faithful adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic story, the Witches are nothing like the ones who wear pointed hats and fly on broomsticks – they look very much like ordinary women, which helps their deception. They have a motto: “One child a week is fifty-two a year. Squish them and squiggle them and make them disappear!” But one boy and his Grandmother have a plan to defeat the Grand High Witch and her followers, who are holding a Conference in an English seaside hotel. During the struggle, Boy gets turned into a mouse.

  • Auditions

    Saturday 31 May, 2.30pm - 5.30pm Sunday 1 June, 11.30am - 4.30pm and Monday 2 June, 7.30 - 9pm

    Each audition will last approx 10 minutes.

    Rehearsals

    Mondays, 7 30pm - 9.30pm

    Thursdays, 7.30pm - 9.30pm

    Sundays, 1pm - 5pm

    Season Dates - August 2025

    Friday 8th August, 7.30pm, Saturday 9th August, 2pm, Sunday 10th August, 2pm

    Friday 15th August, 7.30pm, Saturday 16th August, 2pm, Sunday 17th August, 2pm

    Thursday 21st August, 7.30pm, Friday 22nd August, 7.30pm, Saturday 23rd August, 2pm

  • The Grand High Witch

    • Supreme leader of the witches, driven by a deep hatred of children
    • Female presenting, playing age 30s+
    • Commanding presence, with a terrifying and regal demeaner
    • British accent, with Slavic dialect       

    Boy
    • An orphaned child left in the care of his grandmother, later turned into a mouse
    • Curious and brave, the hero of our story
    • Playing stage age 8 – 12
    • British accent

    Bruno Jenkins
    • Young Child and later mouse
    • Obnoxious, mouthy, a comic role
    • Playing age 8 – 12
    • British accent

    Grandmother
    • A loving grandmother, very knowledgeable on all things witches
    • Female presenting, playing age of 60s+
    • Dialect is either slight Scandinavian or British.

    Lawyer/Hotel Doorman/Head Waiter
    • Multiple comedic roles, multiple accents a bonus
    • Male presenting, playing age 20s+

    Sailor/Doctor/Head chef

    • Multiple comedic roles, multiple accents a bonus
    • Male presenting, playing age late 20s+

    Mr Jenkins
    • Posh and pompous father to Bruno. Think Mr Dursley or similar
    • Male presenting, playing age 35 – 55
    • British accent

    Mrs Jenkins
    • Prissy and doting mother to her perfect little Bruno
    • Female presenting, playing age 30s – 50s
    • British accent

    Mixed Ensemble of all ages required to play a range of roles:
    • Nurse
    • Waiter
    • Waitress
    • Guests
    • Witch One
    • Witch Two
    • Tree house witch
    • Lady-like witch
    • Witches ensemble

    We are seeking performers from a wide range of cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, gender identities and body types to be part of this play. The creative team are open to different interpretations of the character descriptions.

  • • Please prepare one monologue/poem/short story that runs for no more than three minutes.
    • Cold reads may also be provided and performed on the day.
    • Please wear comfortable clothing and enclosed shoes that allow you to move around the room.

Please note, because there will be child actors in this play, all adult cast and crew will need Working With Children Checks.

BOOK AN AUDITION

Complete the form below to book your audition.