• Runtime: 165 minutes
• Director: Nik Hedges

• Audition

Performances 18-23 May 2026 in the Auditorium

Directed by Nik Hedges

Considered to be among the most celebrated and influential of Jacobean tragedies, The Duchess of Malfi continues to capture the imaginations and hearts of contemporary audiences. What makes it still as poignant as ever is its strong female protagonist and her struggle against the limitations placed on women by a patriarchal society, the challenges of female agency, and the consequences of defying social expectations.

This special adaption for The Lace Market Theatre brings the events forward in time to the industrial revolution, a time of progress and innovation that significantly impacted on female empowerment, sparking the rise of women’s organisations advocating social and political reform. The Duchess, recently widowed, although of high social status, which initially provides her with power and independent wealth, finds herself constrained, especially in regards to remarrying and her personal autonomy. Her brothers use their social standing and influence to manipulate and control those around them, demonstrating the destructive nature of unchecked power. Driven by misogyny, lust and resentment they desire to control her. Yet, despite maintaining her composure, dignity, and demonstrating strength and resilience, she is unable to withstand her brothers’ machinations, guile and brute force. The play, that is over 400 years old, is still as relevant now as it was when first written, making us question the true progress of sexual and social equality, the fight against corruption and the abuse of power.

The play opens in the laundry of an asylum, and it is the inmates with the guidance of the doctor that perform the tragic tale of the young Duchess. It is very much an ensemble piece with plenty for all the actors to do. As you will see from the cast list, there will be some doubling/ tripling up on parts, offering plenty of scope. The ages are a guide only, matching actors within the company is far more important.

Audition pieces can be found at the box office. There are sections for the single player parts and various pieces for the multi-role parts. If in doubt just prepare something from the selection and tell us on the night which parts you are interested in. The pilgrims are a cover all audition piece for those not sure of a role but who definitely want to take part.

Please do not be put off by the Jacobean language, we will work a lot on interpretation and understanding during rehearsal. There is no need to learn pieces, just familiarise yourself well for the audition. They are short pieces as we have a lot of casting to do.

A copy of the adaption is behind the Box Office, please DO NOT take out of the theatre.

I am looking for a cast of 14! All parts are fantastic! Any questions can be forwarded via the website.

This is an auditorium production so rehearsals will be Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and some extra rehearsals on Sundays if and when necessary.

I look forward to seeing you all at the auditions.

Duchess

F, 30-45

Ferdinand

M, 30 - 45

Cardinal

M, 45 +

Bosola

M, 45+

Antonio

M, 30 - 45

Delio

F, 40+

Julia / Mad person 6

F, 30 +

Cariola

F, 35+

Silvio / Pescara / Madman 1 / Helmeted soldier / Executioner 1

M/F, Any age

Castruccio / Madman 2 / Helmeted soldier / Executioner 2

M, Any age

Roderigo / Pilgrim 1 / Madman 3 / Executioner 5?

M/F, Any age

Grisolan / Pilgrim 2 / Madman 4 / Executioner 4

M/F, Any age

Doctor / Old woman / Servant/doctor A4Sc2

F, 50+

Servant / Officer / Madman 5 / Helmeted soldier / Executioner 3

M/F, Any age