We're seeking Community Performers in Tameside! To play a part in the headline show at The Den Festival, Stalybridge Civic Hall, May 2025!
We are looking for people
Age 18+
With a connection to Tameside
Who want to perform!
What’s the show?
A play about Tameside, created from stories and people of Tameside.
It is called No Such Thing As Ordinary, and was written in 2021 by Rachel McMurray for the Royal Exchange Theatre, woven from stories from hundreds of local people.
Casting Info:
There are 6 characters in the play, and their age, gender & ethnicity are flexible. This means anyone age 18+ who lives, works, or plays in Tameside can apply! No experience in performance is necessary, but, you will be required to learn lines.
Over the course of rehearsals with professional Director Andy Barry, you’ll become confident performing, bringing a story to life and making a role your own.
We believe storytelling is part of what makes us human, and that all of us have a great performer inside. So we’d love to hear from you!
Applications:
Fill out our short form to register your interest, deadline midday 10th March.
Should we be able to offer you an audition: auditions will take the form of a fun, informal 1.5 hr workshop. You can expect: some games & activities with Director Andy Barry. We will also share a short piece of script ahead of time for you to get familiar with which we’ll explore in an informal way. Auditions will take place the evening of the 17th or 19th of March in Stalybridge (venue TBC).
If you would like to receive the application form in a different format, or would like to talk about this opportunity with a member of the team, please email engage@royalexchange.co.uk
“We’re the kind of place where people’s stories don’t normally get shared because we’re just ‘ordinary folk’ from Tameside, just our ‘little’ borough over there.” No Such Thing As Ordinary
Rehearsal Dates:
At Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester:
- Thurs 27 March 6pm-9pm *
At Stalybridge Civic Hall:
- Thurs 1 May 6pm-9pm
- Sat 3 May 10am-5pm *
- Thurs 8 May 6pm-9pm
- Sat 10 May 10am-6pm *
- Tues 13 May 6pm-9pm
- Weds 14 May 6pm-9pm
- Thurs 15 May 6pm-9pm *
- Fri 16 May 6pm-9pm *
- Sat 17 May (2 performances) *
* you will need to be available for ALL these dates and at least 2 of 4 of the remaining dates
Performers information:
- This is an unpaid opportunity.
- Travel Expenses will be reimbursed.
No Such Thing as Ordinary, further info:
Inspired by interviews carried out with members of the Tameside community, No Such Thing as Ordinary is a snapshot into the stories and lives of people in Tameside.
In a collage of first-hand accounts, we follow 6 characters as they explore their relationship with the borough’s history, community, and their own memories of the place they call home. They ask us to consider if there is such a thing as ordinary?
The show is being revived by the Royal Exchange Theatre, directed by Andy Barry. It will headline The Den Festival at Stalybridge Civic Hall on May 2025.
About Andy Barry
“I believe in storytelling filled with imagination, bold visuals, heart, and emotional truth. My practice centres honest, open and fun spaces where people feel empowered to create excellence together.”
Andy Barry is a theatre director based in Manchester. He is the Associate Director for the Royal Exchange Theatre productions of Caryl Churchill’s two short plays Escaped Alone and What If If Only. Andy also leads the Royal Exchange Elders and is an Associate Director of Goblin. Recent directing credits include: For the Royal Exchange: Acts of Love (2024) Wit & Wisdom (2021), A Funny Thing Happened In Isolation Film (2020), Moments That Changed Our World (2018).
Other directing credits: The Man Who Planted Trees (Hebden Bridge Arts Festival), The Lost Spells (Uk Tour), Nothing (Salford University), A Christmas Carol (Goblin/Royal Navel College).
The Den Festival:
We are bringing our mobile space, The Den, back to Stalybridge Civic Hall in May 2025, and you’re invited! Local people have helped us programme 4 jam-packed weekends with shows, music, dance, art, fun and celebration!
We can’t wait to see you there.
