SLT Audition
Auditions: The Flint Street Nativity
By Tim Firth
Audition one
Date: 6 Sep 2026
Time: 10:00 - 12:30
Location: SLT Fire Station SE27 9NS
Audition two
Date: 7 Sep 2026
Time: 20:00 - 22:00
Location: SLT Fire Station SE27 9NS
The Flint Street Nativity is a warm, witty and joyful festive comedy packed with twisted Christmas carols, in which adults brilliantly recreate the triumphs, tantrums and tiny dramas of a group of seven-year-olds preparing their school nativity.
Casting and setting
All roles are dual, with each performer playing first (and most importantly) a 7-8 year old child and in the final act, a parent. We are therefore looking for the ability to create distinct characters and an observance of the way children of that age group conduct themselves.
Although the play text indicates that it could have its references updated and indeed be adapted to the area in which it is to be performed, so much of the character and charm of the writing of the piece comes from both a northern geography and an early 2000s setting, that the intention is to be as true to the original as possible, first staged in LIVERPOOL in 2006. For all roles except potentially Frankincense, we will therefore be seeking an appropriate regional accent. (But accent coaching can be provided!)
Whilst being set and staged at Christmas, including music (carols essentially) and a great deal of humour, the play is not a pantomime and we are not seeking exaggerated or caricature performances. The writer states, "Never has the word 'deadpan' been more apposite than when describing the comedy of children. They are never aware of their humour in this play. The less funny they find it, the funnier it will be."
We are not looking for musical performers, but it is useful if most of the cast can carry a tune as they deliver important nuance and exposition via the contorted words to all the well-known Christmas carols.
THIS PLAY IS FUN!
Director: Guy Jones & Jason Salmon
Performances: 9 - 19 Dec 2026
First Rehearsal: 27 Sep 2026
Characters:
Innkeeper - The Mischief-Maker: MALE - Boldly confident, imaginative and socially dominant - The one that 'dares ya!' Doubles as Innkeeper's Dad, the local Mayor. (An avuncular pub landlord) Playing age: 20s-50
Mary - The Girly Swot: FEMALE - A slave to every letter of the teacher's instructions, which can make her bossy, but she's well-intentioned and sweet. Doubles as Mary's Mum (An older version full of regretted compliance) Playing age: c.40
Wise Gold - The Bluffer: FEMALE - Outwardly confident and comically certain; inwardly vulnerable, loyal and more compassionate than she initially appears. Doubles as Wise Gold's Mum (A self-absorbed, bingo-obsessed woman) Playing age: 20s-50
Shepherd - The Truth-Teller: FEMALE - Grounded, observant and bluntly practical. She questions claims, spots inconsistencies and punctures pretension. Doubles as Shepherd's Mum (An older version keen to keep her husband grounded) Playing age: 20s-50
Gabriel - The Princess: FEMALE - Socially powerful, watchful and ruthlessly controlling - the self-appointed enforcer of who is, and isn’t, speaking to whom. Doubles as Gabriel's Mum (An older version - bit of an insecure bitch) Playing age: 20s-30s
Star of Bethlehem - The Boffin: MALE - Intensely knowledgeable, literal and gloriously single-minded - he is the expert who will correct everyone, whether they asked or not. Doubles as Star's "Dad" (A fiercely enthusiastic wannabe parent) Playing age: 20s-30s
Angel - The Follower: FEMALE, SOUTH ASIAN - She takes her cues from stronger personalities, fears exclusion and prioritises belonging - even when resentment and hurt occasionally break through. Doubles as Angel's Mum (A more confident and together version, caught in an intense rivalry with an unseen Mrs Vorbani) Playing age: 20s-50
Narrator - The Perfectionist: MALE - Earnest, conscientious and quietly anxious - desperate to get every word right and make a distant father proud. Doubles as Narrator's Dad (Proud, but at a distance due to family tension) Playing age: 20s-50
Herod/Joseph - The Fantasist: MALE - A sports-obsessed dreamer, heroically confident inside his private games but liable to crumble when faced with a real audience. Doubles as Herod's Dad (A somewhat detached workaholic) Playing age: 20s-50
Wise Frankincense - The Outsider: MALE - A self-conscious newcomer, painfully aware of his speech impediment and determined to preserve his dignity while trying to find his place in the group. Playing age: 20s-50
Ass - The Innocent: MALE - An uninhibited, socially unfiltered misfit who tries hard to join in, says whatever enters his head and remains remarkably cheerful despite being overlooked by the others. Playing age: 20s-50s
Audition process
Auditions will be a fun and inclusive group exercise, with physical and vocal warm-ups and a singing element through which you will be guided. Please ensure you have at least familiarised yourself with the audition pieces available below for the role(s) in which you're interested. There is no requirement for any other preparation however - no lines need be learnt off book (unless you really want to impress!)
Please note the LIVERPOOL regional accent and singing ideals stated above. Coaching will be available on the accents and a musical director has been appointed, but if accents and singing aren't your thing at all, please only consider Wise Frankincense. (Who will still have to sing)
Successful auditionees may be invited to a callback session on 13 September, 10:00 - 12:00.
Availability
Please check your availability carefully before applying. All performers must be available for all scheduled rehearsals and performances, including rehearsals taking place within the "work Christmas do period."
In particular, successful performers will need to be available:
Up to and including 20 December (For the get-out)
From 27 September onwards
Rehearsals will be:
Table-read Date TBC
Sun 27 Sep - 10:00 - 12:30
Mon 28 Sep - 20:00 - 22:00
Sun 4 October - 16:45 - 20:15
THEREAFTER:
Wednesdays - 20:00 - 22:00
Fridays - 20:00 - 22:00
Sundays - 16:45 - 20:15
Please only apply if you can commit to the full rehearsal and performance schedule with the most limited of exceptions. We will ask you to confirm your availability as part of the audition registration process.
For more information and to register for a place at audition,
GO TO THE REGISTRATION PAGE HERE (opens in a new window).
Please only email the director if the information you seek is not contained in the above.
