Audition Review
Mrs Lyons -
Why I chose this role?
Mrs Lyons is a character who I feel is extremely complex. Her character is particularly interesting to me in regard to the development of her mental state in the play. Mrs Lyons is an upper-class woman who does have a lot of privilege; however, she is very lonely due to the fact her husband works away, and I think her loneliness is her downfall during this play. I view her as very desperate- she is unable to have her own children and her husband doesn't want to adopt but she longs for a picture-perfect family and this desperation and willingness to achieve this at any price is ultimately what costs her sanity. Mrs Lyons is unlike any character I have ever played- becoming Mrs Lyons would stretch me as an actor in terms of her accent (London) and because she is so different to any other role it would flesh my portfolio out.
What did I do to prepare?
An integral part of Mrs Lyons character is her accent, which is the first thing I began to work on after deciding I'd like to audition for her. I watched a couple of videos (linked) to help me with the diction and pronunciation of words, and different examples of British accents.
(8) Upper-class Accent Examples - YouTube
(8) RP (Received pronunciation) vs POSH ENGLISH The Differences and the HISTORY Explained. - YouTube
(8) British Accent Examples | Pronunciation | Posh Accent - YouTube
Additionally, I made sure I understood the culture of the 1970's, and the difference in upper-class families to lower-class families; this way I'd be able to understand the type of lifestyle Mrs Lyons had, and the lifestyle she'd be oblivious to (which would help me with my Linda audition).
(8) Liverpool in the 1970s and 80s - YouTube
The other vital part of Mrs Lyons is her mental health during the play. As the play progresses her paranoia, anxiety and depression worsen.
The definition of paranoid= unreasonably or obsessively anxious, suspicious, or mistrustful
The definition of depression= it is characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities
The definition of anxiety= Fear characterized by behavioral disturbances
(8) Paranoid Personality Disorder or Paranoia? [Causes, Signs, and Solutions] - YouTube
(8) Paranoid Personality Explained – When EVERYTHING is Suspect - YouTube
(8) What is Anxiety? - YouTube
(8) Clinical depression - major, post-partum, atypical, melancholic, persistent - YouTube
(8) Behavior Changes During Depression - YouTube
I also did some research on infertility and how it feels for women to not be able to have children, since this is the reason Mrs Lyons ended up with one of the twins, and it was also part of the audition material script.
(8) What It's Like To Get Diagnosed With Infertility In Your 20s | Bustle - YouTube
(8) What I Learned From Struggling With Infertility - YouTube
(8) How infertility affects your relationship - YouTube
(8) Infertility when everyone else is pregnant | Kati Morton - YouTube
In terms of line learning, I did this pretty quickly. I had already read the full script, so I was aware of the full context. I printed off the script and made some notes first, to determine what sort of emotions/body language/facial expression I think Mrs Lyons would use during specific lines/words.
Then all I did was reread the scene until I was familiar with it. Once I was comfortable without the script, I audio recorded it to see how long it was, and where I could improve.
Once I'd established this, I began to practise it in the mirror and finalise my movement and facial expressions. I rehearsed this for a few hours each night, and at college I would rehearse it with a scene partner.
How I felt before the audition?
Mrs Lyons was the first character to be auditioned, but I was the last actor, and there were 6 other actors auditioning for this role. The amount of actors going for this role was intimidating, but I feel confident in my ability and performance. Since I'm the last Mrs Lyons I have plenty of time to get a few practises in before its my timeslot, although it also means the bar is set pretty high. I think the stress I'm feeling is due to the fact it's my final show at college so I really want to push myself.
How did the audition go?
I think my audition went really well. I maintained the accent through the whole scene, and didn't slip out of it, which I know is sometimes a struggle when doing show with two completely different accents. I think that I made it look as if I was genuinely talking to Mrs Johnstone, despite the fact it was just me and Kane reading the lines. I wanted to portray Mrs Lyons as vulnerable and desperate, and I think my choices in body language, facial expression and vocal expression did this nicely.
However I do think I could've used some more movement. I think to further demonstrate the desperation I could've added some pacing or just general movement.
Kane and Kelly both said that this was my best audition to date which made me feel really confident in my choices and performance, I think I have improved a lot since my last auditions, and I can only hope that Kelly and Kane can see that too.
Linda -
Why I chose this role?
Linda is a fun, kind and loving character who has a big heart. Linda is a role I was interested in, as I found the development of her relationships with Mickey and Eddie to be gripping. I feel as though Linda had to grow up really fast, and that made her character more defenseless, and the audience would feel sympathetic to her as Linda just wants a normal family life and home, however Mickey's struggle with his depression makes this difficult. I found Linda's story to be an emotional journey, which would push me as an actor as I'd need to understand every intricate detail of what Linda goes through as a young woman, and similar to Mrs Lyons this character involves accent work (Liverpool) which would really challenge me.
What did I do to prepare?
Just like Mrs Lyons, Linda's accent plays a huge part in her character, however Linda's accent is Scouse. Learning the Scouse accent was more of a challenge, as it is completely different to the RP London one. Again, I watched some videos of people with Scouse accents to really understand how they pronounce each word, and the energy of the vocalisation.
(10) School Of British Accents – SCOUSE - YouTube
(10) Learn the LIVERPOOL/ SCOUSE Accent - YouTube
(10) British Accents 2 ~ Liverpool (Scouse) Accent - YouTube
The segment of the play used for the audition was the 'pill scene' where Linda and Mickey argue over him needing his pills, which he is reliant on as this is a major part to Linda's character, I did some research into relationships where a partner is reliant on medication, and being in a relationship with somebody who struggles with depression.
(10) Impact of Depression on Relationships - YouTube
(10) How do antidepressants work? - Neil R. Jeyasingam - YouTube
(10) Emotional Blunting with Antidepressants - YouTube
Dating on Antidepressants| Women's Health (womenshealthmag.com)
What It's Like to Be In Love With Someone Who's Going Through Antidepressant Withdrawal (mic.com)
Antidepressants Affect Feelings of Love for Partner | Live Science
How I felt before the audition?
The same as Mrs Lyons, there was 6 other actors auditioning for Linda. I knew from the beginning that this role would be very competitive, which is really stressful, but it also serves as motivation and determination. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't extremely nervous for this audition. I had a lot of confidence knowing my first audition went well, but with the Scouse accent being territory I'd never crossed before, I was anxious as hell.
How did the audition go?
I am very proud of myself. I think my audition for Linda went really well, and I did the best I can do. Kane and Kelly gave me the option of having Kane stand up with me while I did the scene, which I think boosted my confidence that bit more. Having Kane with me was like I was performing it on a stage rather than an audition, is the best way I can explain it. I think I did the accent as best as I could do, though I know it needs some tweaking I tried my hardest. And the God's must have listened to me because I managed to cry on command, which I've literally never done in college before.
If I were to redo the audition, I think I'd use some more physical choices, such as offering Mickey (Kane) my hand, putting it on his shoulder, stuff like that, to really emphasise the relationship between Linda and Mickey.
Kelly said I was on fire today, so all I can do now is hope.
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