A La Perchoine auditions

Wednesday 29 January 2020

Guernsey's aspiring actors have a chance to become part of the island's history, as auditions for 'A La Perchoine' approach.

The musical, which tells the story of the children who were evacuated from Guernsey during the Second World War, was written by two local teachers and was first staged back in 1990.

Thirty years on, GADOC, the Guernsey Music Service and Guernsey Youth & Community Theatre are joining together for a revival.

More than 600 school children in the island have already agreed to take part, but auditions are being held this weekend for adults and soloists.

"I was in the production when I was nine-years-old," said Producer and Co-Director, Tim Langlois. "Now I am the same age as my parents were when I was in it and I thought it would be amazing for my kids and other children in the island to experience what was a really memorable show.

"It is so important for the island to never forget what our grandparent and great grandparents went through and how we are who we are today because of what went on through those years. Also, it is amazing to bring all the schools together and the community in what will become part of a new generation's history."

Mr Langlois approached Martin Cordall, who originally wrote the lyrics and composed the music for the show. He agreed to get involved in the production, which will be staged once more at Beau Sejour.

This will be the third time the production has been staged, as it was performed again in 1995.

"For the 1990 and 1995 casts of 'A La Perchoine', for the children it was a hugely significant 'living history' that has stayed with them into adulthood," Mr Cordall added. "We want to give another generation of island children the chance to empathise with their 1940 counterparts."

Auditions are open to anyone who registers via the 'A La Perchoine' website. There are a range of parts available and previous performing experience is not necessary.

The auditions will take place between 10:00 and 16:00 on Saturday and 10:00 and 14:00 on Sunday.

The team is also looking for people to help out with costumes, props, admin and chaperoning. More information is available here.

The show will run from 14 to 16 May.