Have ewe got what it takes? YMT seeks a sheep with talent

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford is holding auditions for their next big stage star – with a difference! But talented actors, singers and dancers need not apply unless you have one particular ewe-nique talent ...you’re a sheep!

The theatre is searching for a woolly star for their production of the new musical A Winter’s Tale, which is being staged this Summer by award-winning company Youth Music Theatre UK. Local sheep-owners are being invited to flock to the theatre to put their best sheep in front of a panel of industry judges for a Britain’s Got Talent-style audition, to be led by renowned composer Howard Goodall.

The new musical is based on Shakespeare’s classic tale of jealousy, loss, love and reconciliation, and has been co-written by Goodall, who recently won a Classical BRIT Award for Composer of the Year. Goodall, who also wrote the theme tunes for many popular TV shows including The Vicar of Dibley and Blackadder, said “A Winter’s Tale is my own personal favourite of all my musicals, partly for the beliefs expressed in it and partly for the music. It is an unashamedly emotional story with equally emotional and passionate music.”

Auditionees will be judged by Goodall and other experts on looks, confidence and ability to ‘baa’ in
time to music. “We usually hold auditions to seek out the most talented young performers around the country – but they’re usually people rather than sheep!” commented Youth Music Theatre UK’s Executive Producer Jon Bromwich. “We want to find a sheep with the X Factor – they need to be talented, confident and have that special something”.

The lucky sheep will join a tightly-knit cast of over 35 talented actors and musicians for the run of the new musical in August. “We don’t want to pull the wool over anyone’s eyes, it will be hard work” said Mr Bromwich. “The sheep will be on stage every night and will need to impress a packed audience of discerning Guildford theatregoers. It won’t have any lines to learn, but we’ll expect it to behave itself. We also want a sheep with a bit of glamour – not mutton dressed as lamb”.If you think your sheep could bleat the competition, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to book a place – places are limited, and we expect the theatre to be rammed.

The theatre was unable to confirm if future productions would include Shakespeare’s other classic All’s Wool that Ends Wool. 

Auditions will take place on Wednesday 24 June next to the River Wey, opposite the theatre.  A Winter’s Tale is on at the Yvonne Arnaud from 19th – 22nd August. To book tickets to see the winning sheep in action, call the Box Office on 01483 440000.