'Rockets and Blue Lights' (18-28 June 2025)

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'Rockets and Blue Lights' connects two eras through the lens of JMW Turner's evocative painting ‘The Slave Ship’.  In 2006, we follow Lou, an actor whose current role forces her to confront the brutal history of slavery and in parallel, we delve into the story of Thomas, a black sailor navigating his newfound freedom in the 19th century.  The play explores the power of storytelling, the ownership of history, and the lasting scars of this dark chapter in history.

To be performed (using the Nick Hern edition of the script) at the Tower Theatre, Stoke Newington.  Evenings at 7.30pm: Wednesday 18 – Saturday 21 June and Tuesday 24 – Saturday 28 June. Matinées at 3pm: Saturdays 21 and 28 June.

There are 24 parts to be played by 11 actors: five female and six male.  There are also ensemble parts to be played by the company.  The characters weave together contemporary and historical narratives, exploring themes of identity, freedom, and artistic representation.  

We’re looking for actors, videographers, choreographers, costume designers and any other black theatre creatives to get involved. 

Auditions for the cast will take place Tuesday 4 February, Thursday 6 February and Friday 7 February from 6pm to 10pm and recalls on Sunday 9 February at 12noon-4pm at the Tower Theatre, Stoke Newington.  

Rehearsals begin in March 2025.  

1. LOU/OLU: Female, black, 20-30s
2. ESSIE/LUCY: Female, black, 30s
3. TREVOR/THOMAS: Male, black, 30-40s
4. REUBEN/CAESAR: Male, black, 30s
5. PEARSON/CLARKE/BENJAMIN: Male, black, 40-80s
6. ROY/J.M.W TURNER/PETER PIPER: Male, white, 40-60s
7. JOHNSON/DECKER/RUSKIN: Male, white, 20-30s
8. DANBY/MARY: Female, white, 40-60s
9. MEG/VONNIE: Female, black, 40-70s
10. BILLIE: Male, black, 15-20s [NB looking to cast a young adult in this part - 20s]
11. JEANIE/JESS: Female, black, 20s