Auditions to be held for play on flute bands

OPEN auditions will be held in Irish Street Community Centre on June 15 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and also at Newbuildings Community Centre on June 16 at the same time, for a new play entitled The Pride by Jonathan Burgess.

The play was commissioned by The Pride of The Orange And Blue Flute Band in Newbuildings and it looks at the community that builds up around flute bands and the band culture.

Although based on research through The Pride Of The Orange And Blue, the play tells a story which will be familiar to all those who have been a band member or from the band community throughout Northern Ireland.

It is set in the character Robbie's house, which all the members of the band treat as an unofficial drop-in centre for all band activities and events, much to the exasperation of his long-suffering wife Amanda and the continual annoyance of his father-in-law, Dessie. The production, both humourous and touching, is seeking to show the positive side to life as a bandsman and the benefit which such organisations bring to their communities.

There are 16 characters, of which six will are professional actors. The remainder of the cast is being sought from the community and the company is looking for men and women in the 20 to 50 age range.

When asked what kind of person the production was looking for, Jonathan Burgess said: "The company is looking for anyone who might be interested in acting, they don't have to be experienced. The audition process is very simple, anyone who comes along just has to read a piece from the script. It's very straightforward. Because the characters make up a family, band and their community, we're looking for all people from all ages."

The production will be rehearsing from June, until it is staged at the end of August. Burgess said: "We are rehearsing over the summer, but because it will be a part-time process over quite a long period, we can accommodate people who are away on holidays or who might be on the march."

The production will be staged at The Waterside Theatre from August 26 to 31, excluding Sunday, August 29. For further information contact Kenny McFarland on 07746571347.

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