Auditions - BEN HUR
"The greatest story ever told... in the smallest way possible."
From the creative genius behind the Olivier and Tony Award-winning hit The 39 Steps, Patrick Barlow brings his signature style of compressed, physical comedy to the greatest epic ever told: Ben Hur. Watch in hysterics as a towering team of just four actors attempts to stage General Lew Wallace's massive biblical tale, tackling everything from a spectacular chariot race (with real chariots!) and an authentic sea battle (with real water!) to the backstage drama of the ambitious, yet amateur, theatre company. Expect ingenious quick-changes, slapstick, and a deluge of groan-worthy puns as this brilliant farce delivers non-stop laughs. It’s an unforgettable night of theatre that is "more quick changes and tomfoolery than an entire run of Monty Python." - The Guardian.
Character Breakdown:
Daniel Veil (The Impresario) 30-50s
The Troupe Persona: The self-styled actor, director, writer, producer, and "stuntman" of the Daniel Veil Theatre Collective. He is a "megalomaniac" who believes his theatre can bring about "real social change”.
The Epic Roles: Primarily Judah Ben-Hur. He is a "scenery-chewing ham" with a "heroic stare into the middle distance".
Description: Daniel is a "fruity" performer who strides the stage with intense heroic looks and a "pretentious tone" that makes his dramatic moments—like being arrested—hilariously shambolic.
Crystal Singer (The Leading Lady) 20-40s
The Troupe Persona: A sweet, smart, but "beleaguered" actress who is the object of Daniel's unwanted affections.
The Epic Roles: Mary, Tirzah (sister), Esther (love interest), a "Nearly Nude Nubian," and Mrs. Pilate.
Description: She is remarkably nimble, often walking off-stage in one outfit and instantly returning in another to represent Ben-Hur’s mother or serene Virgin Mary.
Omar Lord (The Smouldering Rival) 20-50s
The Troupe Persona: A "very good-looking local weatherman/game show host type" making his debut. He is often the catalyst for Daniel’s jealousy.
The Epic Roles: Messala (the villain), Jesus Christ, an Archangel, and a Galley Captain.
Description: Omar provides a "pouting" and "manly" Messala. When playing Jesus, he adopts a "bad black wig" and an "annoying forgiving smile”.
Edgar T. Chesterfield (The Shakespearean Veteran) 45-70s
The Troupe Persona: A "classically trained Shakespearean actor past his prime".
The Epic Roles: General Lew Wallace, Quintus Arrius (Roman Admiral), Balthasar, and Pontius Pilate.
Description: He is "gallantly versatile," using "marvellous eye and eyebrow work" to handle the most ridiculous props and characters. He often plays the "older" parts, including Ben-Hur's "falafel-demanding mother.
by Patrick Barlow
Directed by Daniel Cope
Audition date: Saturday 13 June, 1 - 4pm
No. of performances: seven
Performance dates: Monday 25 - Saturday 30 January 2027 June (incl. Sat matinee)
Guide Bridge Theatre auditions are open to all. Whilst you can simply turn up for the auditions it would be helpful if you register that you are planning to audition for a play, and indicate which part(s) you are interested in audition@gbtheatre.co.uk
Please note
All actors offered a part in a GBT production must become an Active Member or Junior Friend (linked to an Active Member or Friend of Guide Bridge Theatre) within 14 days of being cast. For more information see our Membership page.