by Nell Leyshon
Play reading: 7.45pm, Tues 13 January 2026
Auditions: 7.45pm, Fri 23 January 2026 or 2pm, Sun 1 February 2026
Production dates: 14 – 23 May 2026
This charming ‘play with songs’, inspired by real life events, contrasts the urban sophistication of Cecil Sharp, the renowned collector of folk songs, with the simple lives of two sisters he meets in Somerset in 1903. The younger sister, illiterate Louie, has something Sharp wants – she has over 300 folk songs in her head learnt from her recently deceased mother. Sharp wants to take these songs and integrate them into his music and indeed publishes them uncredited, but for Louie they are a constantly evolving part of the land that she grew up in and cannot be captured and frozen in time. A wonderful play about the power of music, rural identity and grief.
Folk was first produced as a BBC radio play and then at the Hampstead theatre where it gathered an Olivier award nomination.
Characters
John England – male, 25-35
Lucy White – female, 25-35
Louie Hooper – female 20-30
Cecil Sharp – male, late 50s – early 60s
The play reading evening is a social evening to learn more about the play and to meet the director and other members of the Miller Theatre Company. This is held in the Studio.
Auditions are held on a Friday evening and a Sunday afternoon in the theatre a few weeks later. You only need to attend one of these audition days. The director and members of the production team will be on hand to welcome you and answer any questions you may have.
The Audition Notice contains a synopsis of the play, a description of the characters and relevant dates and contact details. It also contains a list of audition pieces so that any potential cast members can prepare for their audition.
The Studio is located behind the main theatre. Entry to the theatre for the auditions is via the Stage Door at the back of the theatre. Access to the Studio and Stage Door is via the side gate on the right of the theatre (click here for map).