Casting Notice: The Bullbeggar Mummers

We invite local adults to take part in our Open Call this February, for a chance to study acting in Bruton and develop an original performance of a new Mummers play. If you are local, passionate about acting, music, folklore and keen to be part of the revival of an English tradition in Bruton please get in contact. A Mummers play is an ancient English folk play, the origins of which reach to the Middle Ages and are traditionally cast with local adult actors. Stories are influenced by English history and legend, performed at fetes and festivals as well as local pubs and private houses. A Mummers play often uses comic rhyming sketches, involving mask work, outlandish costumes, puppets, a duel, a doctor who saves the injured, magical potions, local folklore and music. The project will be led by Director and teacher Jack Price (currently teaching at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and Royal Central School of Speech and Drama). Written by Guy Ogilvy (Great Wizards of Antiquity - Llewellyn, Alchemist's Kitchen - Wooden Books). Costume design by artist Jackie Brooks (National Theatre, English Touring Theatre, Donmar Warehouse). Casting will be by audition and interview on Wednesday 5 February, 7 – 9 pm in the Implement Shed at Hauser & Wirth Somerset. Applicants should be aged 21+ and live within 30 miles of Bruton. Register via the Eventbrite page above. _ Training and rehearsals will run from February to June 2020. Workshops will be weekly on Wednesday evenings 7 – 9 pm from February 12 to June 17 with a week off for Easter. Workshops will cover modern acting techniques, mask work, puppet work and build to rehearsals of a new script. Cost: £44 per calendar month Feb to June inclusive (Approximately £12 per session). All money raised from fees will cover training, production, writing and design. Hauser & Wirth Somerset will match these fees providing rehearsal space, fund the production, and publicity for the first show. The premiere of work created will be on Sunday 21 June at Hauser & Wirth Somerset alongside a midsummer supper celebration. Further details to follow. _ For further information or questions email production@jackprice.co.uk