A Laughing Matter

A delightful romping comedy that will be a pleasure and a challenge to any actor! Set in 1773, A Laughing Matter is a rich comedy, full of real personalities from the time of Mad King George, revolutions and extravagance . Oliver Goldsmith has written a brilliant new comedy, She Stoops to Conquer, but can't get any theatre to produce the play. His friend, Dr Samuel Johnson introduces him to David Garrick, most famous actor of his time and manager of the Drury Lane Theatre. Garrick, about to retire after thirty years of success leading the Drury Lane Theatre, is offered the choice between Goldsmith's play or another, favoured by his patroness and the government censor. This play is set at a time when theatrical style was starting to emerge from the overblown to the realistic and tells the story of its famous characters in a hilarious, bawdy style that will have audiences cheering in the style of the time (hopefully without the rioting and tossing of vegetables popular with fans of the 18th century). Actors required: 7 men aged 20s to 60s 4 women aged 20s to 50s Most actors will play more than one role Characters The Turks Head club – notable men of the time and well known historical figures Dr. Samuel Johnson Oliver Goldsmith James Boswell Edmund Burke Joshua Reynolds Drury Lane Theatre members David Garrick Mrs Eva Garrick Sam Cautherey Mrs Susannah Cibber Mrs Butler Mrs Lavinia Barry Mr Spranger Barry Mr Charles Macklin Cedric Bounce Mr Richard Cross Master Barry Mr Theophilis O'Ryan Peg Woffington Betty Flint OTHERS Lady Kingston Reverend Richard Cumberland Hannah More Duke Of Kingston Mr Larpent FOR THE AUDITION: Auditions will take place on the afternoon of July 26th in the Bradley Studio at UWA (It's behind the Octagon Theatre - ask for directions if unsure). Sue Lynch, director, will be auditioning. Sue does NOT require any prepared piece, instead she will be selecting sections of the play for people to get familiar with and you will be reading with other actors. Note we are looking for one female with dance skills! Please advise girls if you are able to dance (Classical).