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About the Show
Tom Jones is a retelling of classic literature's comic novel, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding. The tale of 18th century virtue and villainy has an expressive and romantic musical setting by Edward German. This production transports our roguish hero and diverse spectrum of characters to 1960s London, when an explosion of youth culture disrupted the traditional British class divide. The result is a fast-moving musical farce, full of colour and energy. The production will be accompanied by a small instrumental ensemble.
Devised and directed by: Alison Hodge & Michael Vinten
Characters
Ensemble/Chorus (SATB): An active and eccentric group of supporting characters
Tom Jones (Tenor/High Baritone): An orphan and our hero. Kind, naïve and generous, and destined for a string of adventures.
Sophia Western (Soprano): Grows up next door to Tom, she falls in love with him, but runs away from home to avoid marrying her parent’s choice of husband.
Honour (Mezzo): Sophia’s loyal and outspoken maid, a staunch ally of the young lovers.
Squire/Mrs Western (Bass Baritone/Mezzo): Sophia’s parent and wealthy land owner. Initially impressed by Tom but not at all keen for Sophia to marry him. (Gender open)
Benjamin Partridge (Tenor/Baritone): Banished as the suspected father of Tom, he later runs into Tom and becomes his loyal servant.
Mrs Fitzpatrick (Soprano): Sophia Western's charming, selfish cousin, on the run from her husband
Captain Fitzpatrick (Tenor): The husband of the above, pursuing his errant wife.
Lady Bellaston (Soprano): An independent woman in charge of her own fortune.
Performance Dates & Locations
Dress Rehearsal – Thursday 22 April 2027, Evening
Whirinaki Whare Taonga (Upper Hutt)
Saturday 24 April 2027, Evening
Whirinaki Whare Taonga (Upper Hutt)
Sunday 25 April 2027, Matinee
Whirinaki Whare Taonga (Upper Hutt)
Friday 30 April 2027, Evening
Samuel Marsden Collegiate Auditorium (Karori)
Saturday 1 May 2027, Matinee
Samuel Marsden Collegiate Auditorium (Karori)
Sunday 2 May 2027, Matinee
Lower Hutt Little Theatre
Friday 7 May 2027, Evening
Te Raukura ki Kāpiti (Raumati Beach, Kāpiti Coast)
Saturday 8 May 2027, Matinee
Te Raukura ki Kāpiti (Raumati Beach, Kāpiti Coast)
Sunday 9 May 2027, Matinee
Ōtaki Civic Theatre
Performers are responsible for making their own travel arrangements for performances, but some carpooling will be organised.
Rehearsals Begin Sunday 28 February 2027
Performers are expected to attend all rehearsals as required, unless agreed prior or due to illness.
Wednesday: 7.30 - 9.30pm
Thursday: 7.30 - 9.30pm
Sunday: 2.00 - 5.00pm
Venue: Te Whaea, National Dance & Drama Centre, Newtown
Audition Information
Dates: Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, between 10am and 4pm
Venue: Te Whaea, National Dance & Drama Centre, Newtown
Book an audition: Fill in the audition sign-up form
More information: Email auditions@wellingtoncomicopera.nz
Can’t make the audition date? Get in touch anyway and we’ll see what we can do.
What to Expect at the Audition
We’re looking for confident singers with strong acting skills. This is an open call: we welcome people of all genders, ages (18+), and physical abilities.
Please prepare a song of choice. The panel may also ask you to sing some simple exercises to demonstrate your vocal range. If you’re auditioning for a lead role, you will be asked to read from the script.
Preparation
Prepare a short song in English that shows your voice off at its best. Gilbert & Sullivan, music theatre, or English art-song would all be good choices.
Remember to bring a copy of the music for the pianist, with any cuts clearly marked.
Note, if you wish to sing from a backing track, please bring your own speaker. No playback equipment will be provided.
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