Audition Notice: The Welkin
We are delighted to share audition details for our October show, The Welkin, by Lucy Kirkwoord.
The Story
Rural Suffolk, 1759. Sally Poppy has been sentenced to hang for a brutal murder, but at the eleventh hour, she claims to be pregnant. The court is forced to pause her execution and summon a jury of 12 local, ordinary women to decide her fate.
With a restless crowd gathering outside, the matrons must navigate conflicting testimonies, personal prejudices, and the weight of a system that was never designed for them to question.
As tensions rise, alliances shift and suspicions grow… because the greatest danger may not lie with the accused, but within the room itself.
The Characters
| The Accused: Sally Poppy, early 20s | The murderer, spends most of the play in handcuffs. Crude and defiant. A lead role |
| The Jury of Matrons | |
| Elizabeth Luke, mid 30s | A midwife, passionately advocates for Sally. Lead role |
| Judith Brewer, 40s-60s | In menopause, superstitious |
| Charlotte Cary, 50s+ | Fore-matron of the jury, richer and slightly more refined than the other women |
| Kitty Givens, 20s-30s | Scottish, often opinionated and irreverent |
| Helen Ludlow, 30s-50s | Has had twelve miscarriages and one stillbirth, sensitive to the mother/child relationship |
| Sarah Hollis, 30s-50s | Mute for most of the play, has one long monologue – very superstitious |
| Emma Jenkins, 30s-50s | Wife of a shopkeeper, pious |
| Ann Lavender, 20s-30s | Mother of four daughters, has a practical streak |
| Mary Middleton, 20s-30s | Pregnant, a confident acapella singer |
| Hannah Rusted, 20s – 30s | A quiet member of the group, slightly off-kilter with a good sense of humour |
| Sarah Smith, 80s | Has had twenty-one children, often acts as the voice of reason |
| Peg Carter, 20s-30s | Pregnant, a little meek, her husband works for the Wax family |
| Plus | |
| Mr Coombes, 30s-50s | A figure of authority in the legal system, and Elizabeth’s lover. Largest male role, onstage but silent for the majority of the play |
| Frederich Poppy, 20s | Sally’s husband, in one scene (could be multi-roled with Mr Willis) |
| Mr Willis, any age | Doctor assigned to examine Sally, in one scene |
| Katy Luke, 18 | Elizabeth’s daughter, in one scene. An adult actor who can pass as a teenager |
| Lady Wax, 30s-50s | Non-speaking but powerful role, in one scene |
As most of the action takes place in a locked Jury room, the majority of characters are on stage for the majority of the play. Working class Suffolk accents required, except where indicated otherwise. The ages listed are guidelines only, and can be flexible.
Any questions, feel free to get in touch with Director Margery or Assistant Director Jen.
Auditions will include a mixture of solo speeches and group scenes. No preparation required, audition pieces here for reference can be found here.
Readthrough: Tuesday 19 May: 7.45pm, WT foyer
Auditions: Tue 26 and Weds 27 May: 7.45pm, WT foyer
Rehearsals: Tuesdays and Thursdays until August, then Mondays & Thursdays. Some Sunday afternoon rehearsals. First rehearsal expected Tuesday 16 June.
Performances: 14-24 October 2026
Dress Rehearsals: 12 & 13 October
Director: Margery Jackson (margeryjackson99@gmail.com)
Asst Director: Jen Ruta (née Harper) (jen.ruta@outlook.com)
Please note, any non-members wishing to audition will need to become a member if they are cast, before they are able to take part in the show. You can find out more about membership here.