There are two opportunities to tread the Talisman boards coming up this autumn, with auditions announced for two very different productions in our 2027 season.
On Saturday 10th October, we’ll be holding auditions for both Peter Whelan’s The Herbal Bed and Mark Carey’s Keeping Our End Up.
The Herbal Bed
Directed by Steve Smith, The Herbal Bed is a beautifully written emotional thriller based on a true story involving William Shakespeare’s eldest daughter, Susanna Hall.
Set in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1613, the play centres on an accusation that Susanna has had an affair with family friend Rafe Smith. Although the allegation is later withdrawn, Susanna takes the matter to court in an attempt to clear her name.
Against a background of religious division and social expectation, the play examines reputation, marriage, truth and the very modern experience of having a private life exposed to intense public scrutiny.
There are eight roles available, ranging from Susanna and her physician husband John Hall to young nobleman Jack Lane, family friend Rafe Smith and members of the Worcester Diocese.
Audition: Saturday 10th October 2026, 10.00am–1.00pm
Director: Steve Smith
Production: Monday 12th–Saturday 17th April 2027
Keeping Our End Up
Also auditioning is Mark Carey’s warm-hearted comedy-drama Keeping Our End Up, directed by Gill Halford.
Set in a tired village sports pavilion, the play follows five women in a struggling bowls team as they deal with rivalry, relationships, fading traditions and the personal difficulties lurking beneath everyday life.
At its heart, this is an ensemble piece about female friendship, resilience and solidarity, combining sharp comedy with moments of real honesty and poignancy.
There are five female-presenting roles, with flexible ages. From the controlling team captain Ronnie to outrageous troublemaker Joan and nervous peacemaker Jan, each character offers plenty for an actor to explore.
Audition: Saturday 10th October 2026, 10.00am
Director: Gill Halford
Production: Monday 17th–Saturday 22nd May 2027
Come and audition
As always, the Talisman operates an open audition policy, and you don’t need to be an existing member to come along and audition.
Whether you fancy immersing yourself in the intrigue of Jacobean Stratford or joining a rather eventful village bowls team, these are two very different productions offering some excellent character roles.
Full audition details, character breakdowns and expressions of interest are available on the Auditions section of the Talisman website.
We look forward to seeing plenty of familiar – and new – faces there!