Performances 11-20 December 2025 in the Studio

Directed by Laurie Owen

The Last Noel is a bittersweet Christmas show about three family members, Alice, Mike, and Tess, who are waiting for their last relative to appear, so that they can start Christmas Day. It's a heartwarming show, but it has an edge, and it also has some wonderful songs. If you like the idea of being very present with the audience, doing snappy, funny dialogue as part of a small ensemble, and also getting an opportunity to soak up the spotlight with some somber emotional moments, please come and audition. The running time is just over an hour, with no interval, and it will be performed in the intimate setting of the Lace Market Theatre studio, where the audience will surround the actors, cabaret-style (as they are 'invited' into the living room of the family).

Auditionees will be required to prepare a scene of dialogue, and an extract from one of their characters' songs. More details on the audition process can be found at the end of this notice. The play does not specify the vocal ranges for each character, so we have suggested vocal ranges, but please choose a range that feels comfortable, and which supports your characterisation.

The main audition will take place on Wednesday 10th September, from 7:15pm-9:30pm, and the reserve audition will take place on Friday 12th September, from 7:15pm to 9:30pm. We would like to see everyone on the 10th if possible, but if there are too many people, we may ask some people to come back on the 12th, so please keep both evenings free. If you cannot make the 10th, you may come on the 12th, but please notify us of this in advance.

TIME COMMITTMENT:

Rehearsals will be twice a week at Lace Market Theatre, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, starting from Thursday 18th September. These may increase as we get closer to the performance if I believe it is necessary.

Performances will be:

Thursday 11th December 7:30pm

Friday 12th December 7:30pm

Saturday 13th December 2:30pm and 7:30pm

Sunday 14th December 2:30pm

Thursday 18th December 7:30pm

Friday 19th December 7:30pm

Saturday 20th December 2:30pm and 7:30pm

CASTING:

The characters are members of the same family, but I am not bothered about casting based on race/ethnicity of auditionees. We learn very little about Tess's grandad or her father, and so race/ethnicity is unlikely to conflict with the text, and the original production also did not have three actors of the same race/ethnicity.

Although characters are listed as binary genders, I welcome trans and nonbinary performers to audition, if they are happy playing the role as written. (Fun fact, Chris Bush, the playwright, is a trans woman).

Even if you are not the exact age of the character, as long as you can pass for that age, you are welcome to audition.

THE ROLES:

ALICE (Female, playing age 60s, suggested vocal range: Alto)

Treasurer of the oldest family stories. She brings the mythical, ancient side of Christmas to life, while trying to stop everyone eating all the festive crisps before dinner. Loves her family, and sometimes worries she's a bit old-fashioned. She is Mike's mother, and Tess's grandmother.

MIKE (Male, playing age 40s, suggested vocal range: Baritone)

Mike is the quintessential gay uncle. Witty, verging on catty, he knows how to have a great night out, with a great story to tell afterwards. Opinionated and sarcastic, but a softie at heart. He is Alice's son, and Tess's uncle.

TESS (Female, playing age 19, suggested vocal range: Alto/Mezzo Soprano)

Bright-eyed, slightly hyperactive student, in her second year of uni, still caught between the comfort of childhood, and the freedom of adulthood. Tess loves the old traditions, but gets bored easily, and can't resist shaking things up a bit. She is Alice's granddaughter, and Mike's niece.

WHAT TO PREPARE FOR THE AUDITION:

All auditionees must prepare to read the following extract at the audition.

From p7 "Alice: Today-" to p11 "Mike: Every year!"

Printouts of this text are available behind box office, in the grey filing cabinet. You can also email me (Laurie, the director) for a digital copy if you prefer this. Ideally, you should read the whole play before auditioning, and a copy of the play is also available behind box office, but this must not be taken out of the theatre. The theatre is open to visitors on Friday nights after 7:30pm, and Saturdays after 12:30pm, or, you can email the theatre, and arrange another time that suits you. If you prefer to buy your own copy, these are available on the Nick Hern Books website.

All auditionees must prepare a set extract from one of their character's songs, and if you email me (Laurie, the director) using the LMT contact form, I will send you your lyrics, as well as a recording of your song, with our musical director singing along to the tune, for you to learn from, and a recording which is just the musical accompaniment. I can also send you the sheet music, but we do not require anyone to be able to read sheet music in order to be cast. We only need you to be able to confidently hold a tune, and to perform it in character.

You are not expected to learn either of your audition pieces by heart, unless you know that doing so helps you give your best performance.

Additionally, if you can play an instrument, we would love to incorporate your talent into the show. Please prepare a 30-second extract of a song of your choosing (does not have to be from the play), and bring your instrument to the audition to demonstrate your skill. If you play keys, we will have a keyboard that you can use.

Please email Laurie to get everything you need, and to ask any questions.