Professional actors sought for The Brunton's pantomime
We are delighted to announce open auditions for our 2025 pantomime The Wizard of Oz, written by Robbie Gordon and Jack Nurse, directed by Bruce Strachan and produced by The Brunton.
Ready to step into the magical world of Oz? We are seeking versatile and dedicated performers who are strong singers and able to quickly learn choreographed dance routines.
Actors must be available from Monday 17 November 2025 to Sunday 28 December 2025.
Please note the production will take place in two East Lothian venues:
Monday 15 – Tuesday 16 December | Dress & Tech rehearsals at Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh
Wednesday 17 December | Beginning of School shows at Loretto
Thursday 18 – Sunday 28 December | Regular shows (Sunday off) at Loretto Theatre
Full schedule available upon request.
How to Apply To apply, please submit a self-tape featuring a reading of your chosen character, from the provided audition monologue list below. Additionally, include a supporting song that reflects your character and showcases your vocal ability. Please ensure the song is no longer than 1 minute.
Applicants are requested to upload their self-tape auditions to YouTube as unlisted videos and submit the corresponding links via email to theatreadmin@eastlothian.gov.uk.
Please include your most current CV and headshots with your submission. Kindly indicate the character(s) for which you wish to be considered, in accordance with the instructions outlined above.
All materials must be received by 11:59pm on Sunday 7 September 2025. Following the submission deadline, all self-tapes will be reviewed by a minimum of two members from the creative team. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by Thursday 11 September 2025.
Recall auditions are scheduled for Friday 19 September, from 2:00pm to 7:00pm at Queen Margaret University. If you are unable to attend on this date, please provide your availability in your initial submission email.
Please note that each recall audition will be allocated a 30 minutes time slot. This will include a live performance of the monologue and a song, plus a short choreography session.
All contract fees comply with the standards set by UK Theatres. Local hire preferred.
Please choose from the audition monologues below.
Audition Material Please note, these pieces have been created specifically for the audition and are note part of the final script.
DOROTHY Audition Monologue
(Confident, cheeky, full of energy) “Oh, hiya! Don’t just stand there starin’ yes, it’s me, Dorothy. I know, you were expecting some sweet little farm girl in a gingham dress, weren’t ya?
Well, newsflash, sunshine, I’ve traded pigtails for power plaits, and I don’t do helpless damsel anymore.
One minute I’m mindin’ me own business in Pansas, next thing you know, whoosh I’m sucked up by a twister and dumped in a place where the houses land on people and the locals break into song for no reason!
Honestly, it’s like Saturday night in Bottom Pans.
And everyone keeps goin’ on about findin’ some wizard bloke who can “fix all my problems.” Ha! Babe, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: if you want somethin’ done, you don’t wait for a man behind a curtain, you grab your sparkly shoes, square your shoulders, and you do it yourself. Sings “I can buy myself flowers….”
So yeah, I’m off to see the wizard… but let’s be honest by the time I’m done, he’ll be askin’ me for advice!” (She gives a cheeky wink and flicks her hair.)
TIN MAN Audition Material
(The Tin Man wipes imaginary tears from his cheeks, voice trembling slightly.)
Go on, get it oot yer system, aye I’m made o’tin. No I don’t use WD-40 as moisturiser. Yes my outfit was a steel… yes I’ve heard them aw! Truth is, I used tae be a joiner in Tranent until a wee mishap wi’ a hedge trimmer turned me fae lad, tae ladle.
People think I’m just metal, cold, shiny, and lifeless. Like the Scottish Parliament… But inside, I feel... oh, how I feel! I cry rivers, in fact so much Musselburgh will need those flood defences after all… if only these silly joints wouldn’t lock up on me. (pauses, voice cracks).
Once, I was whole, once I loved and laughed... and then….clang! I lost my heart. And with it, my tears turned to rust.
Sings ‘Don’t go rustin my heart’
Every time I feel the ache, I’m afraid I’ll freeze, stuck in place forever. But even with no heart, my soul aches for kindness, for love... for the warmth only a heart can give.
(Softly, almost a whisper) If only I had a heart... maybe, then I wouldn’t have to worry about rusting.
LION Audition Monologue
The Lion fidgets nervously, then grins sheepishly.
ROOOAR!....Whit? Wis that no’ scary? Practised fae Yellowcraig Beach tae North Berwick Harbour. Seagulls didnae flinch. Mortifying.
“Okay, so... I’m the Great and Fearless Lion, right? (snorts) Yeah, sure. More like the Great and Trembling Lion. I mean, who else can be scared of a little mouse and still call themselves ‘king of the beasts? Spoiler alert: me.
(He tries to puff out his chest, but it comes out a little shaky.)
Sings ‘Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar’
I’m not gonna lie, I’m scared of a lot of things. Thunder, dark closets, and don’t even get me started on spiders. Honestly, I sometimes wonder if my courage got lost somewhere between my roar and my tail.
(His voice softens, sincere.) But here’s the funny thing: even though I’m shaking like a leaf, when my friends need me, I find a way to stand tall. I might tremble, I might sweat, but I don’t run. Because bravery isn’t about not being scared. It’s about being scared and doing it anyway.
(He smiles warmly, a little shy.) So maybe I’m not the bravest lion in the jungle... but I’m learning. And that’s gotta count for something, right?
WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST Audition Monologue
(Exaggerated & Twistedly Playful) (The Witch bursts onto the scene with grand, sweeping gestures, her voice loud, sharp, and dripping with delicious wickedness.)
Well, well, well… look who dared to stumble into my domain! Little Miss Perfect, with her shiny shoes and silly little dog. Oh, how charming, but also utterly foolish! You see, this isn’t some playground, dearie. This is my kingdom of darkness, mischief, and magic, where I rule with a cackle and a flick of my wicked wrist!
(She twirls dramatically, casting an imaginary spell.)
Sings ‘I put a spell on you, and now you’re mine!’
Magic isn’t a game for children, it’s a tempest, a roaring storm of power! I could snap my fingers and turn you into a newt… or maybe something even more delightfully disgusting!
But no, where’s the fun in that? I prefer to toy, to tease… to watch you squirm as your hope melts away like sugar in a fire.
(She leans in with a wicked grin, voice dripping with mock sweetness.)
You think you can outsmart me? Ha! I’ve danced with witches darker and deadlier than you could imagine. I’ve been to a WI coffee morning in North Berwick. And my flying monkeys? Oh, they’re hungry for a little chaos. They love a good chase. (She throws her head back, cackling wildly.)
So go ahead, try to steal my ruby slippers… but remember, every step you take, every breath you make, is a step closer to my final sting.
And when the dust settles, I’ll be the one standing, laughing through the smoke and ashes, crowned in wickedness and unstoppable! (She cackles again; eyes gleaming with wicked delight.)
SCARECROW Audition Monologue
(The Scarecrow speaks with a warm, friendly tone, a little awkward but full of heart. He uses the occasional spoonerism)
Well, I might not have a brain like some folks, but I’ve got something just as good, heart. I’m here to help, to be a friend, even if I’m a little... clumsy. (Does something to illustrate this.)
You see, all these bits of straw might make me stumble or tip over at the worst possible moment, but they don’t stop me from thinking things through. Sometimes, the best ideas come from the most unexpected places, IKEA mostly.
I’m loyal to my friends, no matter what. I will always try and help my triends out of fouble. Sorry, friends out of trouble. (He smiles, earnest and hopeful)
When danger comes knocking, I might wobble and fall face on my flat, but I always find a way to stand tall again.
It’s not about having the perfect brain or knowing all the answers, it’s about trying your best, using what you’ve got, staying away from matches and never giving up, even when things get tough.
Sings ‘I’m still standing better than I ever did…’ (He looks determined, voice steady.)
So maybe I’m not the smartest scarecrow out there. But I’ve learned that sometimes, being a little different, a little awkward, and even a little clumsy... that’s the smartest thing of all. Because it’s not brains alone that make you brave…it’s heart.
