AUDITION CALLOUT

The 39 Steps - Adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan

A Drama Mavericks CIC Production directed by Ben Nash

Performance dates:

20th - 22nd April – Get-in / Technical setup

23rd, 24th, 25th April – Performances

30th April, 1st & 2nd May – Performances

Venue: The Puppet Theatre

All cast and creative team members must be available for all tech and performance dates.

Overview

The 39 Steps is a fast-paced, inventive comedy thriller in which four actors play over 130 characters, supported by imaginative staging, physical comedy, and rapid, visible transitions. Accents, ensemble work, and precise comic timing are central to the storytelling.

This production embraces collaboration, playfulness, and theatrical ingenuity.

NOW CASTING

Note: Performers should already be comfortable with multiple accents OR be willing to work closely with the director to learn and refine new accents during rehearsals

Character: RICHARD HANNAY

Accent: British RP (sustained)

Description: The leading man and narrator. Onstage for most of the show. Charismatic, physically capable, and confident storyteller.

Skills: Strong vocal control, stamina, physical comedy.

Character: WOMAN (ANNABELLA / PAMELA / MARGARET)

Accents: British RP, German/Eastern European, Scottish

Description: Three distinct women with rapid shifts in tone, accent, and physicality.

Skills: Clear accent differentiation, strong comic instincts.

Characters: CLOWN #1 & CLOWN #2

Accents: Multiple British regional accents; European accents

Description: Play all remaining characters — villains, policemen, bystanders, and more. Highly physical, inventive roles.

Skills: Vocal versatility, quick changes, ensemble awareness.

Performance Expectations

  • Comfort performing multiple accents or willingness to actively develop them with the director

  • Ability to maintain accents clearly and consistently

  • Openness to heightened, stylised accent work for comedy

  • Strong physical comedy and collaborative mindset

AUDITIONS

Zoom Auditions begin week of 5th January followed by in-person call backs.

Auditions close: 14 Jan 2026

Please submit:

Headshot & resume

List of accents you can perform confidently

Subject: The 39 Steps – Actor Audition – [Your Name]

Send to: info@dramamavericks.co.uk

CALL FOR STAGEHANDS / TRANSITION CREW (2–4 PEOPLE)

We are also seeking 2–4 stagehands to work closely with the cast to create fast, fluid, and visible transitions throughout the show.

Role Includes:

  • Onstage and backstage support

  • Props, set pieces, and costume handoffs

  • Choreographing transitions as part of the storytelling

Ideal For:
Strong sense of timing
Comfort being visible onstage
Interest in physical or devised theatre
Collaborative, creative mindset

Previous experience helpful but not required.

Audition Extracts

  • Selected script extracts will be emailed to auditionees in advance.

  • Auditionees will prepare provided extracts

  • Cold reads and accent work may also be included

  • Extracts will focus on character switching, accents, and comic timing

Please submit:

- Brief statement of interest

- Any relevant experience (if applicable)

Subject: The 39 Steps – Stagehand Application – [Your Name]

Email to:

 dramamavericks@gmail.com