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.