‘The Lion in Winter’ is probably best known through its 1968 film incarnation. Starring Peter O’Toole and Katherine Hepburn as the protagonists, the film won Oscars both for her and its writer, James Goldman. Ian Nichols is directing the play at the Nomad Theatre this Autumn, performances commencing in the week beginning 9 October.
The Play The play provides a small but rich collection of roles for different age ranges. There will be a short but intense rehearsal period commencing 3 September. Frequently deliberately anachronistic in both its language and customs, this is an exciting twelfth century version of ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf’!
The story is that of Henry II and his estranged Queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine. Released from imprisonment for Christmas, the Queen is permitted to attend Chinon Castle with Henry and their sons, Richard, Geoffrey and John, all of whom are jostling to become successor to the throne. With this remarkable love-hate relationship every tender and tempestuous emotion is used to determine the outcome.
Auditions The ages given in the thumbnail sketches below are historically accurate but are of course, only very approximate indicators when casting. Auditions will be on Sunday 18 June at 7pm and Tuesday 20 June at 8pm, so please ring me to book one on 01483 577730 or 07718 587731. I look forward to hearing from you.
Ian Nichols
CHARACTERS Henry II King of England (and a fair percentage of France) Age: in his fifties and still a powerful man of physical and mental vigour. The flame of passion between he and Eleanor still flickers but he is irascible, stubborn and forceful. He derives pleasure from the mind games.
Eleanor Henry’s Queen, even if imprisoned by him for sixteen years Age; older than Henry but as feisty in argument as ever. Eleanor is a handsome woman of authority and presence - feminine yet able to hold her own in a man’s world.
Richard The eldest surviving son, known as the Lionheart Age; 26 Powerful in frame and nature, graceful and impressive. Mature, at home with power and politics. Formerly a lover of King Philip of France.
Geoffrey The ‘forgotten’ son Age: 25. An attractive man, quick of speech and the best brain in the family. However, he is often overlooked which leads him to be sly and treacherous. Would sell everyone to everybody.
John The ‘runt’ of the litter yet his Father’s favourite. Age; 16 .Described as ‘having pimples and smelling of compost’. He is frequently petulant and willful. The dullest brain of the brothers but potentially the most dangerous.
Alais Princess of France and mistress of Henry Age: 23. Beautiful and in love with Henry. Stranded politically in an English court, she is a powerless pawn. A sweet temperament but out of depth with the machinations around her. King Philip Brother of Alais, formerly a lover of Richard of France Age: 17. Good looking, with an open direct manner. Although his three years as King have taught him much he is inexperienced when manoeuvring with Henry.
In addition to the above I would wish to cast 2 servants, 1 male and 1 female.
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