All MHDS auditions are open, which means everyone is free to turn up and be considered, irrespective of previous experience.
If you are cast in a production and are not already an MHDS member, you will need to join.
Details of auditions will be posted below as they become available.
Open Auditions for Jerusalem by Jez Butterworth
Dates and times
Auditions for Jerusalem by Jez Butterworth, directed by Neil Lovegrove.
Wednesday 7th January at 7pm, Sunday 18th January at 2.00pm, and Wednesday 28th January at 7pm in the theatre lounge.
Playing dates 14th–18th April 2026
Jerusalem is a raucous, provocative play that tells of a modern, mythic English hero: Johnny “Rooster” Byron. During the course of this play, Johnny tells tales, gets drunk, does drugs, dodges the authorities, and both charms and infuriates all that he meets. The play opens on the morning of the local county fair, and we discover that Johnny Byron is both the most and least popular man in town. The local authorities want to evict him, his son wants to spend the day with him, the town thug wants to teach him a lesson, and his ragtag group of friends want to party with him. Though he may be harried, harassed, bloodied, and bruised, Johnny is not a man to be beaten down. Johnny’s stand against the hypocrisy of modern suburban life is shocking, moving, and a wonder to watch unfold. Though Johnny may be a modern man, he has the spirit of England’s legendary giants of myth. With Jerusalem, playwright Jez Butterworth spins his own darkly comic, modern take on the classic English idyll. (Strong Language.)
Cast list
Johnny ‘Rooster’ Byron – 50/60s
Phaedra – 15(ish) some singing involved
Ms Fawcett – any age
Mr Parsons – any age
Ginger – 30/40s
Professor – 30/60s
Lee – 20/30s
Davey – 20/30s
Pea – 16–25
Tanya – 16–25
Wesley – 40/50s
Dawn – 40/50s
Marky x 2 – Playing age between 8 and 12 ideally. We will need two actors to fulfil this role due to age.
You may borrow a script before the auditions from the theatre office: or to ask more about the play contact the director Neil Lovegrove on 07889 018137 or NLovegrove@outlook.com
These auditions are open to anyone, but if you are offered a part or get involved in a production in any other way, you will be asked to join the Market Harborough Drama Society.
Open Auditions for Breathing Corpses, by Laura Wade
Dates and times
Directed by Paul Barrass with Nicky Mawer
Sunday 1st February 2.30pm in the Lounge
Sunday 15th February 5.30pm in the lounge.
Playing dates 19th-23rd May 2026
Amy has found another body in a hotel bedroom. There’s a funny smell coming from one of Jim’s storage units. And Kate‘s losing it after spending all day with the police. There is no going back after what they’ve seen.
This play is a fascinating observation on fate and its consequences.
The Characters are:
AMY – Early 20’s, a hotel chambermaid
JIM – 40’s, manager of a self-storage facility
ELAINE – 40’s, Jim’s wife
RAY – Late 20’s -early 30’s, an employee at Jim’s self-storage site
KATE – 30’s, Driven, runs her own business
BEN – Younger than Kate, Kate’s live-in boyfriend/toy boy
CHARLIE – 30’s, a charmer, hotel guest
These are all great chunky acting roles and the playing ages are flexible.
For any more information on the characters or the play, contact Paul Barrass on 07973 265931 or paul.barrass@mhds.org.uk To read a script before the auditions, please contact Paul Barrass, or Owen in the Theatre Office.
These auditions are open to anyone but, if you are cast in a role or get involved in a production in any other capacity, you will be asked to become a member of the Market Harborough Drama Society.