The Watsons

By Laura Wade
based on the unfinished Jane Austen novel
Directed by Amy Whiterod

Auditions: Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 May 2026
Callbacks: Monday 4 May 2026
Rehearsals: Begin mid-May; Tuesday, Thursday and Sundays with extra rehearsals closer to opening
Performance Dates: Wednesday 29 July - Saturday 8 August 2026
Packout: Sunday 9 August 2026

What happens when the playwright loses the plot? And when characters take charge of their story? What if the girl doesn’t want to fall in love with the rich, arrogant, entitled aristocrat?

The Watsons is an unfinished novel of Jane Austen’s. Laura Wade (“Home, I’m Darling”; television’s “Rivals”) tries to finish the story – but who could guess what Austen wanted to happen?

If you want to be part of telling a most unusual Austen story, please join us for auditions on

Saturday 2nd of May and Sunday 3rd of May, with callbacks the evening of Monday 4th of May.

We are looking for a large ensemble cast, open to all options for casting in terms of gender, ethnicity and ages. Please note some characters noted below have scenes which may include physical intimacy. There will also be dancing, battle scenes, and other physical activity (e.g. crawling or climbing over things), which we can adapt to the actors’ abilities. A willingness to try is key!

Please note, as this is a community theatre production, all roles (cast and crew) are unpaid/voluntary.

Roles

Emma Watson    

(late teens/early 20s) Youngest sister, Emma appears the perfect Austen heroine. She develops a rebellious streak and challenges the playwright. One scene involving physical intimacy. Large role.

Elizabeth Watson    

(20s–30s) Eldest sister, sensible and dutiful. But even she has her limits.

Margaret Watson    

(20s–30s) Middle sister, energetic, husband-obsessed and silly. (May have a scene involving physical intimacy.)

Robert Watson    

(30s-40s) Older brother, a little patronising, generally just curious.

Mrs Robert    

(30s-40s) Robert’s wife Mary, very patronising and superior.

Mr Watson    

(60+) Father of the four Watson siblings, elderly and frail.

Nanny

(40s–60s ) The Watsons’ servant, observant and amiable. (May have a scene involving physical intimacy).

Tom Musgrave    

(20s–40s) A handsome gentleman and doesn’t he just know it.

Mr Howard    

(20s–40s) Local clergyman, kind and thoughtful towards everyone

Charles Howard    

(Teen/20s actor playing 10 years) Mr Howard’s 10-year-old nephew and ward, he is excited, loud and very curious about everything.

Lord Osborne    

(20s–40s) Aristocrat, somewhat awkward and strange. (May have a scene involving physical intimacy.)

Miss Osborne    

(20s–40s) Sister to Lord Osborne, self-possessed and independent.

Lady Osborne    

(50+) Mother of the Osbornes, forthright and usually in charge. (May have a scene involving physical intimacy.)

Bertie

(20s–30s) A dashing young officer who flirts with everyone (one scene involving physical intimacy), non-speaking role.

Laura

(30s–50s) A fictional version of playwright Laura Wade. She is sometimes overwhelmed by the task of writing. Large role.

Ensemble    

(20s–50s) Other smaller/non-speaking roles.

Auditions will be held in small groups at Toi Poneke, 61/69 Abel Smith Street, exploring some of the scenes from the play. Please let us know if you need any assistance or accessibility accommodations.

To book an audition slot please complete the audition form or, if you have questions about the production, please contact auditions@stagecraft.co.nz