The Headgate Young Company is inviting aspiring actors in Colchester to audition for its upcoming production of Harold Pinter’s dark comedy, The Hothouse. Auditions for the play will be held at the Headgate Theatre on Saturday 23 May from 14:00 to 16:30 and Sunday 24 May 2026 from 10:00 to 12:30.
The production is open to performers aged 16 to 21, including those who will turn 16 by the time the show opens in September. No prior acting experience is required to audition. The process will be workshop-style, meaning there is no need to prepare any material in advance, though the directors encourage those interested to read the play before attending.
The play explores power dynamics within a government-run care setting, focusing on a group of staff members who may prove more dangerous than the patients they manage. Co-directors George Deadman and Maddy Smith, who are former members of the youth company, say they plan to examine the themes of authority through the perspective of young people. While the script is known for its absurdist elements, the directors intend for the performance to be grounded in naturalism.
Rehearsals are set to begin on Sunday 7 June 2026. The cast will meet regularly on Tuesday evenings, as well as on select Sundays, to prepare for the run of performances. The show will take place from Wednesday 2 September to Saturday 5 September 2026, with two performances held on the final day.
The Headgate Theatre is located at 14 Chapel Street North. For more details on the production and how to get involved, visit the official audition announcement.
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