BP News

Audition Notice – “Les Liaisons Dangereuses”

A Play by Christopher Hampton
Directed by Rosemary Bianchi

A smouldering tale of passion, treachery and intrigue set in France in 1782. The predatory Marquise de Merteuil challenges the notorious Valmont to a game of seduction, setting a young girl fresh out of a convent as bait. But the results are unexpected when the forbidden word ‘love’ upsets her sadistic conspiracy. Christopher Hampton’s masterly adaptation of Choderos de Laclos’s novel created a sensation in the West End with Alan Rickman as the elegant seducer. Rapier sharp wit and devastating drama combine to make a brilliant play. It has been described as ‘Dynasty in powdered wigs!’

Reading copies will be available in the next few days at the theatre. Auditions are on January 25th, and in the week following, so watch the website and notice board for details.

The characters are as follows:

Women

La Marquise de Merteuil - A wealthy widow and socialite.

Powerful, sadistic, intelligent, manipulative. Playing age 30-40

Madame de Volanges - Her cousin.

Fussy, gossipy, very wealthy. Playing age 30-40

Cecile de Volanges - Her daughter.

A young woman just out of a convent and eager to discover the world. A mixture of innocence and sexuality. Playing age : teenager

Madame de Rosemonde - Valmont’s aunt.

Wealthy, lively but arthritic. More honourable than her nephew. Playing age 60-70 (Not 84 as it mentions in the script)

Madame de Tourvel - Described as ‘handsome’.

Happily married, faithful, despite Valmont’s efforts. Playing age mid 20s

Emilie - A courtesan.

Provocative, common, but well kept. Playing age 20-30

Men

Le Viscomte de Valmont

Elegant, intelligent, amoral, mesmerising. A master of seduction. Playing age 30-40

Le Chevalier Danceny

Charming, intellectual, chivalrous, eager. Playing age early to mid 20s

Azolan - Valmont’s valet.

Very smart and precise. Playing age 20-40

There are also male and female servants of the various households.