Auditions
Open auditions are held for each High Tor Players production, and new members are always welcome. You do not need to be a member to audition, and you do not need experience. Just bring yourself.
Autumn 2026
August: Osage County
Our autumn 2026 production of August: Osage County by Tracy Letts has now been fully cast. Rehearsals are under way for the run at the Imperial Rooms, Matlock, from 25 to 28 November 2026.
Book your tickets →Spring 2027 · Now casting
Jerusalem: come and read
- When
- Thursday 5 November 2026, 7pm
- Where
- The Farmer's View, Hazel Grove, Hurst Farm, Matlock DE4 3ED
- Performances
- Wednesday 28 April, Saturday 1 May 2027, with a matinee on Saturday
- Bring
- Just yourself. Scripts are provided on the night
A relaxed, friendly reading
This isn't a formal audition. We sit round together, read through parts of the play and chat about it. There's nothing to learn or prepare, and nobody is put on the spot. Newcomers and old hands are equally welcome, and you can come just to listen and find out more.
Getting there
- The Farmer's View is the community hub at the top of Hazel Grove, on the Hurst Farm estate, with parking on site
- Lifts can often be shared. Ask us and we will try to pair you up
- Can't make the date? Get in touch and we'll find another way for you to read
Map of The Farmer's View, Hurst Farm
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The characters
Tap a name to find out more.
Johnny 'Rooster' Byron Male, 40s to 50s. The lead.
A former daredevil stunt rider living in a battered mobile home in the woods outside Flintock. Charismatic, wild, funny and dangerous, a teller of tall tales and a magnet for the town's young people. The council wants him out on St George's Day. A huge, energetic role with a lot of text.
Ginger Male, 20s to 30s.
Johnny's loyal, slightly hopeless friend. An unemployed plasterer who insists he is a DJ. Hangs around Johnny hoping to be included. Lots of comic timing, with real hurt underneath.
The Professor Male, 60s plus.
A gentle, eccentric and slightly lost old academic who wanders through the wood quoting poetry and folklore. Kind, whimsical and a little sad.
Lee Male, late teens to 20s.
One of the young regulars at Johnny's camp. About to leave for Australia the next day. Restless, funny and a bit lost.
Davey Male, late teens to 20s.
Another of the young hangers-on. Works at the abattoir and has never left Wiltshire, and is proud of it. Blunt, deadpan and very funny.
Pea Female, late teens to 20s.
One of the girls who gathers at Johnny's. Sharp-tongued, lively and quick with a put-down.
Tanya Female, late teens to 20s.
Pea's friend, part of the young crowd at the camp. Flirtatious and up for a party.
Wesley Male, 40s to 50s.
Landlord of The Cooper's Arms, dressed as a Morris dancer for the St George's Day fair. Under pressure from the brewery and torn between his old friendship with Johnny and keeping his pub.
Dawn Female, 30s to 40s.
Johnny's ex-partner and the mother of his son Marky. Tough, tired and still fond of him despite everything. One of the play's most honest, moving scenes.
Marky Boy, around 6 to 10.
Johnny's young son, brought to see his dad on the day of the fair. A small but important role.
Phaedra Female, around 15 to 18 (played older).
Flintock's May Queen, who has gone missing. She opens the play singing 'Jerusalem' and has a haunting, fairy-tale presence. A short but memorable role with singing.
Troy Whitworth Male, 30s to 40s.
Phaedra's stepfather. A menacing local hard man who comes looking for her. A small role with a big impact.
Ms Fawcett Female, any age from 30s.
A Kennet and Avon council officer who serves Johnny his eviction notice. Brisk, officious and not amused by his antics.
Mr Parsons Male, any age from 20s.
Ms Fawcett's council colleague, who films the eviction. Nervous and out of his depth.
Playing ages are a guide, not a rule. Please come along whatever your age or experience.
Where it will be played
Imperial Rooms, Imperial Road, Matlock DE4 3NL
Map of Imperial Rooms, Matlock
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Every production needs directors, stage managers, lighting and sound operators, set builders, costume makers, props hunters and front of house volunteers. If you love theatre but prefer to be behind the scenes, we would love to hear from you.