We are looking for four male-identifying child actors (playing age of 11-14 years old) to appear in the New Wolsey Theatre's production of 'Larry,' in March 2027.

The four children will share two roles, creating two teams of young people.

Each child will perform in half the performances, most likely appearing in every other performance.

This is a chance to perform with a professional acting company and work with a professional production team. This is an amazing opportunity, but it is a big commitment! Please make sure you/your young person is available for all the rehearsal and performance dates (listed further below) before auditions, as those cast will need the support of family and friends.

This is a voluntary opportunity, but we will be able to reimburse reasonable travel expenses incurred in connection with the show. These will be payable on presentation of receipts or mileage.

About the show:

Larry – A New Wolsey Theatre and Wiltshire Creative production. A hilarious new play celebrating the life and times of the much-missed comedian Larry Grayson.

Unable to “sing, dance or act”, Larry perfected a unique comic style to become a national treasure. This dynamic drama charts Larry’s showbiz odyssey from humble beginnings, via his years as a trailblazing drag artiste, and into the hearts of millions as host of the BBC’s The Generation Game.

Larry is a tale of subterranean lows and stratospheric highs, reflecting on the beauty of dreams and the power of determination. Behind the glitter lies a rich story of enduring bonds and the painful scars of being gay in a time of criminalisation and stigma. Join the comedy legend as he ‘opens that door’ on the most momentous performance he will ever give.

Please note that in the show, there are references to the following:

  • Sexual innuendo
  • Smoking
  • Mentions of violence
  • Homosexuality
  • Alcohol
  • Some instances of derogatory language

Application and Selection

To apply, please complete the online application form by clicking the button at the top of this page.

Please note that we also require a headshot of the young person to be sent to us at rhall@wolseytheatre.co.uk for your application to be considered complete. This needs to be a portrait-orientation headshot photo.

The auditions will be led by Gareth Machin, Artistic Director of Wiltshire Creative and Director on Larry, and Rebecca Hall New Wolsey Creative Communities Producer.

Together we will play some games and look at a section of a scene. We will then put you into a pair to perform the scene. The audition will last around 1 hour.

What happens after the audition?

• Successful and unsuccessful candidates will be notified by W/C 16th November.
• If unsuccessful, you will receive an email.
• If successful, you will receive a phone call. You will have 48 hours to decide if you would like to accept.
• We sometimes offer reserve places. This is in case successful candidates become unavailable.
• Reserve placements will be notified by phone call.

What happens if my young person gets the part?

  • Once you have accepted, The New Wolsey will contact your young person’s school for permission for absence (this is usually classed as an authorised absence by the school)
  • The New Wolsey will apply for a Child’s Performance Licence from your local council
  • ONLY once we have received permission for absence from your school can we confirm your young person’s casting.
  • Please ensure your young person is available for all rehearsal and performance dates. You can indicate any unavailability on their application form, which will be taken into consideration during the selection process.
  • When your young person’s casting is confirmed, we will contact you with their team allocation, full rehearsal schedules and performance dates. The opportunity for young company members to ‘swap’ or ‘cover’ performances will be limited due to licensing restrictions.
  • They will be required to miss school for dress rehearsals and performances (this will be minimal)
  • You will be expected to make your own travel arrangements to get your young person to and from The New Wolsey Theatre.
  • Please help at home practicing what they need to know for the production, by helping them learn lines and rehearse blocking (the movements they are required to do on stage).
  • The young people will always be supervised by a licenced chaperone while in the building.

If your young person is unwell and unable to perform, please notify us and we will arrange the opposite from the other team to cover for relevant performances.

Rehearsals

All four actors will attend the following rehearsals. Listed are the maximum number of rehearsals you will need to attend. We will notify you of any changes.

Friday 19th February – 5-8pm – Teams 1 & 2
Saturday 20th February – 10-1pm – Teams 1 & 2
Friday 5th March – 5-8pm – Teams 1 & 2
Saturday 6th March – 10-1pm – Teams 1 & 2
Monday 8th March – 5-8pm – Teams 1 & 2

Tech Week & Dress Rehearsals

Tech Week – Tuesday 9th March – 5-9pm – Teams 1 & 2
Dress Rehearsal 1 – Wednesday 10th March – 1-5pm (TBC) – Team TBC

Performance Dates Period (Subject to Change)

Wednesday 10th – Saturday 27th March (including matinee and evening performances).

Your child will be needed 90 mins before the start of the show. If you have any questions or you would like an informal chat about this opportunity, please contact rhall@wolseytheatre.co.uk.