Upcoming Auditions

PRESENT LAUGHTER - Audition Notice

by Noël Coward

Directed by Shelagh Carlini

Production Dates: November 17–21, 2026

Performance Venue: Markham FLATO TheatreRehearsal Venue: Markham Little Theatre Backstage Rehearsal Space

Please Note: This is a volunteer, non-paying community theatre production.

Synopsis

London, 1942. At the centre of his own universe sits celebrated matinee idol Garry Essendine—charming, witty, successful, and increasingly alarmed by the prospect of growing older.

As Garry prepares to leave on a theatre tour of Africa, his elegant London flat becomes a revolving door of admirers, playwrights, friends, lovers, and would-be lovers. With his long-suffering secretary, estranged wife, and loyal manager struggling to keep the peace, Garry finds himself at the heart of a whirlwind of misunderstandings, misplaced affections, and comic chaos.

One of Noël Coward's most beloved comedies, Present Laughter is a sparkling farce about celebrity, vanity, friendship, and the absurd complications of human relationships.

Auditions

Friday, June 26, 2026 – 6:00 PM–9:00 PM

Sunday, June 28, 2026 – 12:00 PM–4:00 PM

Potential Callbacks: Monday, June 29, 2026 – 7:00 PM–9:00 PM

Auditions will be booked in 15-minute individual time slots and will consist of readings from the script and a brief interview with the director.

To book an audition appointment, please fill out the Google Form provided.

Audition Form

Rehearsals

Beginning September 2026

Tuesdays & Thursdays: 7:00 PM–10:00 PMSundays: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM

Not all cast members will be called to every rehearsal.

Actors must be available November 15–21, 2026 for technical rehearsals and performances.

Please note: This production is set in London, England, and most roles require British accents. Prior experience with dialect work is welcome but not required. Dialect resources and support will be provided throughout the rehearsal process.

Casting

Unless specifically noted, all roles are open to performers of any race or ethnicity.

Garry Essendine (M,40–55)

A celebrated London actor and matinee idol. Charming, witty, self-absorbed, and terrified of losing his appeal. Beneath the confidence lies a man who fears loneliness more than aging. RP British accent.

Liz Essendine (F, 35–50)

Garry's estranged wife and trusted confidante. Intelligent, stylish, pragmatic, and one of the few people capable of keeping Garry grounded. RP British accent.

Morris Dixon (M, 35–55+)

Garry's manager and longtime friend. Smart, dependable, and often tasked with cleaning up Garry's messes. RP British accent.

Henry Lyppiatt (M, 35–55)

A successful producer and businessman. Proud, respectable, and occasionally oblivious to the chaos around him. RP British accent.

Joanna Lyppiatt (F, 30–50)

Henry's glamorous wife. Sophisticated, witty, confident, and dangerously flirtatious. RP British accent.

Monica Reed (F, 40+)

Garry's secretary. Organized, patient, sharp-tongued when necessary, and the true engine keeping Garry's life functioning. RP British accent.

Daphne Stillington (F, 20–30)

A young admirer of Garry. Charming, perceptive, ambitious, and more intelligent than people initially assume. RP British accent.

Roland Maule (M, 20–35)

An aspiring playwright and devoted Garry enthusiast. Earnest, awkward, intense, and socially unpredictable. RP British accent.

Fred (M, 25–45)

Garry's valet. Easygoing, practical, and unfazed by the household's constant chaos. Cockney accent.

Miss Erikson (F, 45–65)

Garry's eccentric Swedish housekeeper. Slow-moving, chain-smoking, mysterious, and fond of séances. Swedish accent. May be doubled with Lady Saltburn.

Lady Saltburn (F, 55–75)

A wealthy aristocrat and patron of the arts. Daphne's aunt. Dignified, generous, and occasionally dramatic. RP British accent. May be doubled with Miss Erikson.

Markham Little Theatre is All Volunteer

All members of Markham Little Theatre are volunteers. MLT is a non-profit community theatre group, and does not pay its actors or crew.You must be a member of MLT to take part in a production. Membership fees, which cover an entire season (September - May) cost $25.