OPEN auditions are being held for a new production of classic play The School for Scandal.

The production will be staged by Bridport's Encore Theatre Club and all are invited to attend auditions for the play on Monday, June 24 and Wednesday, June 26, at Balaclava House, Bridport, both at 7.30pm.

Dewi Lambert and Emma Batchelor will be directing. Emma said "We are setting this much loved classic in modern day, drawing parallels between the vanity of the upper classes of the 18th Century and the wealthy millennial heirs of today, buoyed on by Instagram culture and the fashionable scene of Chelsea. We’re going to use technology and music to hopefully create a really vibrant piece of theatre. Both Dewi and I have had drama training, so rehearsals will include lots of workshopping and collaboration. We are really excited to do something traditional in a completely new way, and are welcoming new members. The play especially calls for some younger actors, and so if you are 15 or above and would like to take part, we’d love to have you with us."

The production will draw influences from the many successful modern interpretations of classical texts favoured by the nation’s major theatre companies. Dewi got the inspiration to update ‘The School for Scandal’ from seeing clips of the Channel 4’s structured reality programme Made In Chelsea, and was struck by how the gossiping and frivolities of the wealthy cast looked as if they were lifted straight from the pages of a restoration play.

All are invited to come along to the relaxed auditions.

Rehearsals will start properly in September and the performances themselves will be at the beginning of January 2020. If you’d like to find out more, visit Encore’s Facebook page or email them at info@encorebridport.co.uk.