Audition - The Lion in Winter by James Goldman
Directed by Ella Turk-Thompson
Audition Date: Sunday 12th October 2025, 6.30pm
Production Dates: 27th - 31st January 2026 at 7.30pm, 31st January 2026 at 2:30pm
Rehearsals: 16 November – 5th December in the bar on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. 21st December onwards on stage with additional Wednesday rehearsals. Fewer Rehearsals over the Christmas period!
If you are unable to make the audition date and for more information and audition pieces, please contact Ella on
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Comedic in tone, dramatic in action, The Lion In Winter tells the heightened, witty and bristling story of the Plantagenet family, who are locked in a free-for-all of competing ambitions to inherit a kingdom. The Queen – and wealthiest woman in the world – Eleanor of Aquitaine has been granted temporary release from imprisonment to join her family for a Christmas holiday. They are a scheming, adulterous and potentially murderous bunch who are fighting over crowns, provinces and paramours. But, as Eleanor says, ‘Every family has its ups and downs’…
Whilst there are no ‘sex scenes’ as such, the play is pretty steamy in places and we hope to have the assistance of an intimacy co-ordinator when shaping these scenes. The characters particularly involved in such moments are Henry, Eleanor, Richard, Philip and Alais.
The playing ages are a VERY rough guide. I am perfectly happy to cast older/younger as long as everyone looks the right sort of age relative to everyone else. If you would like to audition for a role but feel you may be too young/old please don’t let that stop you!
BLT actively encourages auditionees from ethnic minority communities and any of the below parts could be played by any race.
You do not have to be a member of the company to audition, but if you are cast you must join.
Characters
Henry II - In his time, men his age were either old or dead. Not Henry. He is still physically vigorous, handsome, mentally sharp and very nearly all he ever was – minor arthritis excepted. He is arrogant but not vain, sexy, clever, a great fighter and tactician, and addicted to the adrenalin kick he gets from sparring, particularly with his wife. Playing age 50s
Eleanor of Aquitaine - A force of nature, Eleanor is usually imprisoned in a castle in England, but has been let out for Christmas to join her family at Henry’s castle in Chinon, France. She is beautiful, dangerous, equally in love with and enraged by her husband and at constant war with him. Her relationship with her sons is complex, particularly with Richard who is her undisguised favourite. Playing age 60s
Richard Lionheart - The oldest living son. Not happy unless he is fighting a war. A famous soldier, he is handsome and impressive. He is also navigating some mummy issues and a sporadic but ongoing sexual relationship with Philip of France. Playing age 20s
Geoffrey - Count of Brittany, a man of energy and verve. Often called a ‘machine’ by the family, he is the brainiest of the brood but suffers from all things associated with being the middle child. Would never go down without a fight. Playing age 20s
John - By turns whiny, despicable, charming and cowardly, John is the youngest and favourite of his father. Seemingly not much gifted with either brains or brawn and inclined to teenage tantrums, John has some of the funniest lines in a very witty script. Playing age Late teens
Alais Capet - Henry’s ward and also his lover. Also Richard’s (or John’s depending on who you speak to) fiancée. Sister of Philip of France. Definitely the most honest and integral character, she is treated as a pawn although Henry’s affection/desire for her is genuine. Alais is trapped in a terrible situation but is by no means a doormat. Playing age 20s
Philip Capet - Has been King of France for only three years but has learned an awful lot in that time. He is charismatic, gorgeous and charming and although not as liable to throw his weight around as Henry, should not be underestimated by anyone. Calculating and relatively calm. Until he isn’t. Playing age 20s
Staff/Courtiers - These roles are integral but have no written lines and could double as stage crew. They will be required to perform as impeccable aids to the royal family, potentially dealing with props, scenery and badly behaved characters, being part of both the aesthetic and the castle muscle. Playing age Any
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