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Mary Barton

by author Elizabeth Gaskell (adapted by Rona Munro)

October 22nd - 25th 2008

Directed by Hannah Kidd

CAST LIST

NB As it is a large cast some doubling up is possible. The Characters grouped together can be played by the same actor but this is not compulsory! Some ages can be adapted.

Mary Barton – heroine – mid 20s, responsible - looks after house for her father but also naïve. 

John Barton – Mary’s dad – old and tired but tough. A mill worker. Defence – minor part in courtroom. 

Esther – Mill worker. Mary’s aunt. In the past attractive – runs off with gentleman. Later becomes poor prostitute. Tries to protect Mary from same fate.

Sophy Carson – mill owner’s daughter – rich woman – youngish but this  is not essential. 

Jem Wilson – an unlikely but constant hero – mid to late 20s -- An engineer.

Jack – rich gentleman (small part). 

George Wilson – very frail, starving. Jem’s Dad

Carson – Mill owner – self made -- proud of his empire. 

Harry Carson – mid 30s, rich gentleman – courts Mary with dubious intentions.

Will Wilson – Jem’s cousin, can be bit older – late 20s early 30s. A sailor - gentle, but with presence. 

Jane Wilson – Jem’s  mum – had a very tough life. Grief stricken, starving.

Miss Simmonds – prim and bossy. Actually only just above working class but with airs.

Margaret – friend of Mary, very gentle character. Goes blind during play. Sings, late 20s early 30s.

Helen Carson – rich lady – youngish. 

Job – Margaret’s father. Old, sturdy and wise!

Policeman – minor part 

Young Mary – as a teenager in the past.

Sally – younger worker in dress shop – silly girl! 

Slater/ Defence/ Policeman – minor parts can be played by one person 

Young Tom (ghostly!) and Beggar – both played by young boy