Les Liaisons Dangereuses Auditions

The March 2023 production for the Lindley Players, will be ‘Les Liaisons Dangereuses’ by Christopher Hampton.

About the Play

Set in 1780’s France, the play follows the aristocratic degenerate Le Vicomte de Valmont, and his fellow Machiavellian cynic La Marquise de Merteuil, as they seek pleasure in seducing (and destroying) the nobility of Paris, just for the fun of it. Things, however, do not go as planned …. Or do they?

About the Auditions

Readthrough: Wednesday 23rd November 2022 at 7:30pm 

Auditions: Friday 2nd December 2022 at 7:30pm

Normally, there would be an, in-depth, character list. This production, however, has some very “specific” themes, and actions. It would be more prudent to read the play, and make up your own mind, rather than basing your choices on my selling of the characters. That said, here is a brief list (The ages are playing ages, not performer ages):

Valmont: (m) (Leading role) The seductive, sardonically comedic, yet tragic, anti-hero. 20-40. Has OCEANS of lines. (453 speeches, 17 scenes. This is NOT a small undertaking)

Merteuil: (f) (Supporting role) Manipulative ***** (That’s it … she’s just abominable). 25-45. Has a slightly smaller ocean of lines. (297 speeches, 8 scenes)

Tourvel: (f) (Supporting role) Would be innocent victim of V & M’s machinations, made of morally strong fibre (not that strong, unfortunately). 25-45. (128 speeches, 7 scenes)

Cecile: (f) (Featured Role) Another would be victim, this one wholesome and innocent … for now. 18-21. (67 speeches, 5 scenes. She is only in the first half of the play… Nice work if you can get it.)

Volanges: (f) (Featured role) Strict and, justifiably, worried mother of Cecile. She represents how French aristocracy should behave. 40+.  (53 speeches, 5 scenes)

Danceny: (m) (Featured role) The proper suitor for Cecile, but it REALLY doesn’t work out that way, but trust me he’s cool with it. 20-30. (45 speeches, 5 scenes)

Rosemonde: (f) (Featured role) The aunt of Valmont, who shows a willing blind eye to her nephew’s debauchery. Like Volanges, she is the epitome of upper-class behaviour, but is, definitely, more worldly. 50+. (29 speeches, 5 scenes)

Azolan: (m) (Cameo role) Valmont’s loyal (for a price) manservant. More than willing to bed a country wench, to gain his master information, this man is, probably, gay, but that’s his business, and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t care anyway. Don’t care, Queens be ageless. (29 speeches, 3 scenes)

Emilie: (f) (Cameo role) A courtesan who has a “working relationship” with Valmont. She is just as cynical as Valmont but doesn’t feel the need to act like a horrible s***. 20-30. (20 speeches, 2 scenes)

There are other non-speaking roles in this play, with their own unscripted “bits”. These performances will be in costume and incorporated into scene changes. I will not be auditioning these roles, but I will warmly receive interest in them. As in, please show interest, or I will start begging people.