AUDITION NOTICE for 26th November 2007



Wayne Tunks- “Sydney’s most prolific dramatist” (The Daily Telegraph) debuts a stunning new drama during Sydney’s Mardi Gras season at the Riverside Theatres from February 14 to 23rd 2008. Tunks will join Morgan David Jones (The History Boys) on stage for his 21st play to be directed by Felicity Burke (Nasty Little Secrets, Trade, Black Comedy).



Silvertop Ash is a tree that grows in the Southern Highlands of NSW where Hamish Garner lives. It comes to symbolize his feelings of not belonging and his growing isolation as he struggles with feelings about family, sexuality and friendships. We learn Hamish’s story through the eyes of those around him. These relationships cause a chain of reactions which build to a desperate climax.



Tunks’ work has included three sell-out seasons of “The Subtle Art of Flirting”, which will travel internationally in 2008. Other huge successes at Newtown include two seasons of “We’ll Always Have Wagga”, “The Bridesmaid must die!” and this year’s big hit “Unrequited”. Other plays have included “Birthdays, Christmas & other family disasters” at the Riverside and “Go West” at the Stables. His ‘opus’ with 16 fabulous actresses “Hell Hath No Fury’ opens November 23rd, 2007.



Auditions are being held on the afternoon and evening of MONDAY 26th NOVEMBER. Please note this is the only day auditions will be held. Auditions will be held at the Newtown Theatre but you must contact for a time. To get an audition please send your CV and small head shot to burkef@netbay.com.au as soon as possible.



Rehearsals will be held in the city, week nights from Jan 7th until the performances commence. If you are not available for this period you should not audition.



Please specify which role you wish to audition for, and note that you must be over 18 years of age to be part of this production. A script for the appropriate character will be sent to you to learn for the audition. Audition spots are limited, so please send your request promptly.



This is a strong ensemble piece requiring experienced actors in all roles. You must be 18 years of age or older to be in this production. Please note: There are some scenes which include violence and sexuality issues.



Two ensemble members have already been cast. Please note you can not audition for those roles already cast; the character descriptions are provided for background.



This is a co-operative production. This means if a profit is made you will receive a share. The roles are as follows:




Cast wanted: 3M, 1F



Penny Garner: Wife of Bill, mother of four children; Hamish is her youngest and her unspoken favourite. She is loving, encouraging and struggling with guilt and sorrow. Average build.

Character Age: 45-50



Bill Garner: Husband of Penny, father of Hamish; a dairy farmer from Mittagong who looks it. A plain speaking taciturn man unused to showing emotion. He finds it hard to understand his youngest son which makes him angry, confused and guilty.

Character Age: 45- 55



Aaron Trenton: Best friend of Hamish. Very good looking, must pass for 17 year old school boy. Goes to the same school as Hamish, and has fallen in love with him. Aaron has inner strength, confidence and integrity, but ultimately fails Hamish.

Character Age: 17 years



Josh Spillane: Goes to the same school as Hamish. Must pass for 17 year old school boy. Bullies Hamish and ridicules his activities, his friendship with Aaron and his ‘type’. Uses physical violence to deal with his own underlying problems. Preference for a ‘bigger’ build, rough physicality.

Character Age: 17 years



Hamish Garner- Morgan David Jones: This role is already cast Son of Penny and Bill. Attractive, talented, clever and conflicted. His feelings of being ‘misplaced’ and isolated in his family and community are exacerbated by fears about his sexuality and the issues of growing up.

Character Age: 17 years



Detective Jack Keogh: Wayne Tunks. This role is already cast: An enigmatic character who leads the questioning of family and friends to gradually reveal the story.

Character Age: Late 20s up