Dickens of an acting chance

THE Touring Consortium Theatre Company (TCTC) in association with Darlington Civic Theatre is looking to cast A Tale Of Two Cities using performers from the local community for a two-night show in November.

Charles Dickens considered A Tale Of Two Cities to be the best story he had ever written. Interweaving one family’s intensely personal drama with the terror and chaos of the French Revolution, it is an epic story of love, sacrifice and redemption amidst horrific violence and world changing events.

TCTC, who recently brought Of Mice And Men, A View From The Bridge and Brave New World to Darlington Civic Theatre, are now working in partnership with the venue to present an adaptation of the book using a cast of community actors.

Mike Poulton of Fortune’s Fool, Old Vic and Wolf Hall, RSC fame, is creating a script featuring a cast of approximately 30 actors alongside a professional production team led by director Eduard Lewis. The production will be staged in the atmospheric setting of Darlington’s Central Hall, where Dickens read on September 21, 1858 and again in the autumn of 1861.

Auditions for the community cast, open to all aged 16 and over, will take place in Darlington on Sunday, July 17. Anyone interested should email lyndsey.middleton@darlington.gov.uk or call her on 01325-405510. The audition process will take the form of a fun, energetic workshop.

A Tale Of Two Cities is at Central Hall, Dolphin Centre, Saturday, November 19 and Sunday, November 20. Tickets* are £18 for adults, under 16s £10 To book contact the Box Office on 01325-486555 or visit darlingtoncivic.co.uk

*Includes £1 restoration levy

Viv Hardwick