Grantham Dramatic Society holding auditions for production of West End show ‘Bleak Expectations’, inspired by Charles Dickens

Auditions will soon begin for a town dramatic society's take on a West End show.

Grantham Dramatic Society’s next production will be ‘Bleak Expectations’, a show currently running in the West End.

Auditions are about to begin and are open to anyone, with offstage roles also available.

Last November the GDS ran a production of ‘The Good Life’ last November and ‘Clue’ in June.

If you are interested in getting involved with the group you are invited to attend to read the play, take part in informal and friendly auditions, and to find out about helping with offstage roles, such as set building, marketing, costumes and technical.

‘Bleak Expectations’ is still running in London’s Criterion Theatre, and takes a sideways look at Dickens’ world, with references to novels such as Bleak House, Great Expectations and Oliver Twist.

The story follows ‘half-orphan’ Pip Bin as he ricochets across Dickensian England, attempting to evade his evil nemesis Mr Gently Benevolent.

Can Pip, his sisters Pippa and Poppy, and best friend Harry Biscuit overcome hardship and misfortune to secure their own happy endings?

Director, Rosemary Gibson, said: “This show is a delight, it’s light-hearted and a bit silly, and has been described as having the feel of Monty Python or Blackadder.

“Based on a BBC Radio 4 comedy series, it lovingly parodies Charles Dickens, complete with extravagant names, quintessentially British reactions to disaster and heart-fluttering romance.

“We encourage people to come to at least two casting sessions so we can get a good idea of which role they’d be best suited to.

“The first two sessions on Tuesday July 18 and Thursday July 20 will be round-table read throughs, while the second two sessions on Tuesday July 25 and Thursday July 27 will be more active with people being asked to read different scenes in small groups. All sessions start at 7.30pm.

“We always welcome new members to the group, and the start of a new production is the perfect time, both for people who want to act and those who’d like to be part of the show backstage.

“Putting on a play is a huge team effort, and everyone who wants to get stuck in is a valuable part of that team.”

Auditions will take place at Grantham Dramatic Society’s rehearsal venue at the rear of 85 Westgate.

There is an entrance on Westgate to the right of Petticoat’s Tea Room, or parking is available at the rear, accessed from Greyfriars.

GDS encourages people of all backgrounds who are interested in theatre and making new friends to get in touch via www.granthamdramaticsociety.co.uk or info@granthamdramaticsociety.co.uk, or via the group’s Facebook page at @GDS.Amdram.

‘Bleak Expectations’ will run at the Guildhall Arts Centre from November 15 to 18.