Cat O’Casting Call
Cat O’Nine Tales casting call for November show
Edinburgh grass-roots theatre company Cat O’Nine Tales has put out an open casting call for new play, The Ballad of Melvin Byrne, to be staged at the Wee Red Bar in November 2017.
The script is by Calum Ferguson and Lewis Lauder, who previously wrote A Royal Flush which the company staged at the fringe in 2016 and Noose Women, which was staged by Bear Faced Moon during this year’s fringe. The Ballad of Melvin Byrne is unpaid and will run for three nights, Tuesday 28 to Thursday 30 November.
Joe Walsh and Alex Card in A Royal Flush, 2016. Photo Cat O’Nine Tales
Cat O’Nine Tales says that it aims to use humour, irony, exaggeration and ridicule to expose and criticise the absurdity of people: “Our new writing focuses on black comedy and satire, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.”
The company told Æ that the new script is a tragic comedy about a fictional singer, Melvin Byrne, fallen into obscurity when the other half of his pop-duo mysteriously disappeared. He discovers that an upcoming band has released his work of 25 years ago as their own – and is out touring on the success of it.
The company added that it is: “looking for versatile actor/musicians who are interested in dark comedy” to bring this tale of plagiarism and bloody revenge to the stage.
Rehearsals will start this October in Edinburgh and anyone interested in auditioning for any of the roles detailed below should email cferguson94@live.co.uk with a CV.
Character breakdown:
Peter Grubb – Melvin Byrne’s only true fan. A pathetic and tragic character who wants only success for his beloved Melvin. Age 30s/40s but open to different looks.
John Ferne – Melvin Byrne’s former musical partner. A ghostly spectre. Sort of a modern day Jacob Marley. Age of character 20s/30s. Irish accent.
Felix – Lead singer of the Artful Dodgers, an amateur band. Arrogant and overly sure of himself and his talent. Age 18/20s. Singing required.
Robin – Guitarist of the Artful Dodgers. A bit of a cliche of a guitar player, wants to keep everything about the music. Age 18/20s. Guitar/Singing playing required.
Executive/Producer – An experienced music producer looking for the next big thing. Age flexible. Male or female.
Sound engineer/Blogger – A versatile actress/actor who is willing to play several roles in the production. Age flexible. Male or female.
To register interest and for further details email Calum Ferguson on cferguson94@live.co.uk with a CV
Cat O’Nine Tales on Facebook: @CatO9TalesPro
Twitter: @cato9talesPro/
The Ballad of Melvin Byrne
Wee Red Bar, Art College, Lauriston Place, EH3 9DF
Tuesday 28 to Thursday 30 November 2016
Time and booking details tbc.
ENDS
