ROLES UP FOR GRABS AS CURTAIN SET TO RISE ON THEATRE COMPANY'S NEW PLAY

A Chester-based theatre company is looking for three actors to join the cast of its latest production, a brand new, original play which puts the off-stage drama surrounding a troupe of actors firmly in the spotlight.

The play, 'Curtains', written for theatre company Against The Grain by two of its co-founders Stuart Evans and Mark Newman, is set to be staged at St Mary's Creative Space in Chester from Monday 1^st July - Friday 5^th July at 7.30pm. The play will be the 10^th production to be staged by the company since its formation 5 years ago.

Having worked in professional and amateur theatre for over 50 years between them, as Actors, Directors and Writers, Stuart and Mark have drawn on their own experiences to write 'Curtains' which tells the story of actors Dominic and Percival who meet an audition. 20 years later, having become close friends, they share a dressing room when appearing in an 'innovative' production of 'Hamlet', swapping anecdotes with older colleagues and complaining about younger ones, but still waiting for their big break. ‘Curtains’ is by turns hilarious and poignant, with characters who are immediate, relatable, funny and genuine.

The writing duo are now looking for 3 actors to complete their cast with auditions set to take place at Chester Little Theatre in Gloucester Street, Newtown on Wednesday 24^th April at 7.30pm. The three roles, all of which are unpaid are: Dominic: male, playing age 20-40 years approx. (main role), Des: male, playing age early 20’s (significant supporting role) and Neil: male, playing age 30-40, (supporting role). Anyone interested in auditioning should contact Mark Newman via email at mark.newman63@sky.com to register their interest.

Speaking about the play Stuart said:

"Although set in a world alien to most people, 'Curtains' is full of characters who have the same friendships, jealousies, insecurities and ambitions as anyone else.”  Mark added “I think we show that, although often people expect the actor’s life to be glamourous, it is actually just as messy and unpredictable as everyone else's.  In that respect, the audience will be able to relate to their concerns and situation, laugh when they are funny and sympathise when they are not.”

Full details of 'Curtains' can be found at: 

www.ticketsource.co.uk/against-the-grain 

...where tickets can be booked online.