HEADGATE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS

Headgate Theatre Productions (HTP) was established to ensure that the theatre programme included a wide range of drama to complement the plays produced by our hirers. It is also a means of generating revenue to help run the building.

HTP is rightly proud of its growing reputation which is reflected in positive audience feedback and extensive nominations and awards, as seen at the recent North Essex Theatre Guild Awards.

We aim to attract a diverse and talented range of directors and as a minimum the annual programme will always include a ‘classic’ , a contemporary play, a comedy, and a pantomime.

HTP cast from open auditions, and more details can be found on the specific audition notice for each production. All productions are licensed for amateur performance.

HTP welcome expressions of interest from those who might want to take on backstage, costume or technical roles, act as rehearsal prompts or be involved in prop making/scenic painting.

UPCOMING AUDITIONS

HTP Auditions: The Chalk Garden

An opportunity to help rediscover one of the most popular plays and playwrights of the 1950s, in a take that…

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OUR FORTHCOMING HTP PROGRAMME

Snow White – the panto – by Sarah Young

Wed 11th to Sat 14th December 2024

Directed by Sarah Young

Cast
Dolly Donut – David King
Donny Donut – Jamie Glasse
Snow White – Jess Ashley
Prince Rupert – Dominic Emm
Queenie – Ruby-Rose Rider
Mystic Merv (Mirror) – Michael Cutmore
Mole – Kevin Inskip
Wart – Alfie Hester
Lord Chamberlain – Daniel Serheunik

The D Team
OTT – Finn Kingston
Sarcy – Jess Hoskyn
Grouchy – Lana Cutmore
Lazy – Klaudia Callegari
Ditsy – Amelia Gosling
Bossy – Jamie Heselgrave
Sniffly – Orla Pearcey-McDaid
Dave (part of D Team) – Jonathan Tann

Ensemble – Amy Cutmore, Matilda Davis, Jess Firth, Lily Jones, Lily Martin, Olivia Playle, Alivia Stringer & Jasmine Wilson

The Killing of Sister George by Frank Marcus

Wed 26th February – Sat 1st March 2025

Directed by Paul T Davies

Cast
June Buckridge – Sasha Halls
Alice – Heidi Musset
Mrs Mercy Croft – Gina Macmillan
Madame Xenia – Sarah Ellen Young

Sister George is a fictional character in a popular radio serial about a supposedly typical slice of English village life. In order to boost the popularity of the series this particular character is to be killed off – ‘not because she was hated but because she was loved.’ This play concerns the effect of this decision on the actress, June Buckridge who has played the part for some 2,000 performances, the problems she faces in relinquishing her artificial character and recovering her own and the differences it makes to her home life.

Click here for more information and to book tickets

Tartuffe by Moliere. Adapted by Roger McGough

Wed 2nd – Sat 5th April 2025

Directed by Heather Davis

A tale of hypocrisy, intrigue, love and betrayal. A classic play, full of humour and wit. Fast paced and full of physical comedy and dealing with all too familiar issues.

Cast
Madame Pernelle – Helen Kitson
Orgon – Dr Paul T Davies
Elmire – Lucia Fox
Damis – Cameron Jones
Marianne – Annabel Caldwell
Valere – Jamie Glass
Cleante – Paul Reed
Tartuffe – John Roberts
Dorine – Leanne Howard
Loyal – Stuart Williams
Flipote – Lorena Saiano
King’s officer – Chris Austin
Laurent – Kevin Inskip
Maids/servants/ensemble: Christine Smith, Holly Hipwell, Chris Austin, Jamie Glass, Stuart Williams

Click here for more information and to book tickets

The Chalk Garden by Enid Bagnold

Wed 18th – Sat 21st June 2025

Directed by Elly Kent Johnson

Audition workshops: 2nd and 5th February 2025

Read through and HTP social: Sunday 29th December at 6pm

First performed in 1955, The Chalk Garden by Enid Bagnold, tells the story of the imperious Mrs St Maugham and her granddaughter Laurel, a disturbed child under the care of Miss Madrigal, a governess. Miss Madrigal’s secretive past life is a mystery that is solved during the action of the play. The story also explores the impact of Miss Madrigal on a dysfunctional household, including the put-upon manservant, Maitland, and the unseen but malignant ex-butler living upstairs.

Click here for more information

One Man Two Guvnors by Richard Bean

Wed 8th – Sat 11th October 2025

Directed by Sally Broatch

Audition workshops: 1st and 2nd June 2025

Read through and HTP social: Sunday 4th May 2025

Our Walk Through The World by Ross Howard

Wed 5th – Sat 8th November 2025

Directed by Forest Morgan

Audition workshops: 23rd and 24th June 2025

Check our social media and the News pages on the website for information about auditions coming up for all productions yet to cast.

We welcome interest from performers, directors and those who might help with technical support (lighting, sound, stage management).

PERFORMING

We run open auditions for most Headgate Theatre Productions and tend to audition around 6-9 months in advance of a planned production. All auditions are advertised on our Facebook page, and in our What’s On monthly newsletter, with detailed information – character requirements/rehearsal plan etc. made available on this website.

We endeavour to make the auditions as non-threatening as possible. In certain circumstances we reserve the right to limit the numbers auditioning.

DIRECTING

We welcome expressions of interest from new and experienced directors. Our programme of plays is usually developed from May – October of each year.

Following consideration of proposals by a small sub-committee, directors are allocated a “champion” to ensure that there is good communication, a budget is developed (over which the director exercises significant control) a rehearsal programme is agreed, and technical support is identified.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

The technical support for Headgate Theatre Productions is drawn from our team of volunteers.

We always welcome new people with an interest or skills in lighting, sound, scenic design/painting, costume making or stage management (including making or sourcing props). Preparation for our annual pantomime requires lots of input and usually starts in the late summer. We are open to discussion with students (16+) who need to produce props or items as part of their studies.

To express an interest or find out more about directing or providing technical support for Headgate Theatre Productions, please contact Dawn King dawn@headgatetheatre.co.uk