BLACK Country actors are being sought for an upcoming production of Brassed Off.

The show will be the first major production to be produced in-house at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre for more than 40 years.

Actors are being invited to attend auditions at Newhampton Arts Centre on Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, for various roles, including:

‘Jim’ – a member of the local Miners Brass Band and in his 40s. Stocky, manual pit worker. The actor playing Jim must be able to handle comedy well as he and Harry both enjoy a close, jokey relationship with one another. Jim plays the Euphonium in the Band. Whilst it’s not essential for the actor to play the instrument, should they be able to (or have a knowledge of handling musical instruments) it could be advantageous.

‘Harry’ – is a member of the local Miners Brass Band and in his 40s. Stocky, manual pit worker. The actor playing Jim must be able to handle comedy well as he and Harry both enjoy a close, jokey relationship with one another. Harry plays the Tuba. Whilst it’s not essential for the actor to play the instrument, should they be able to (or have a knowledge of handling musical instruments) it could be advantageous.

‘Rita’ is Harry’s wife, the more ‘militant’ than friend Vera and in her 40s. She’s an active member in the community’s support for the Miners Union against Pit closures and leads the local ‘Women Against Pit Closures’ picketing group.

‘Vera’ is Jim’s wife, works in the local supermarket and in her 40s. Not as politically active as Rita, and at times feels guilty about this. More interested in shopping at IKEA than taking part in Rita’s picket line.

‘Craig’ and ‘Melody’ (aged seven to nine) are the young children of Andy and Sandra. These are non-speaking roles but essential to the story.

There are also a number of ‘ensemble’ roles for people of mixed aged male and female members, who will play assorted roles such as Miner’s Wives on the picket line, Male Bailiffs and Miners.

The production team said auditionees may be required to attend both audition days and will be required to attend all rehearsals they are called for within the rehearsal period.

While anyone wishing to audition must also be available for all performances of the show, which will take place between Wednesday, August 23, and Saturday, September 2.

To download audition material for any of the parts listed and for information on how to apply, visit grandtheatre.co.uk/casting before Friday, March 17.