The Duke of Plaza-Toro:

As the Duke is one of the least likeable of Gilbert’s comic characters the successful applicant will have to have a sparkling, witty personality and be light on his feet to execute some of my favourite dance steps. I’ll be looking for a lot of fun, plus plenty of sympathy, in the portrayal.

Luiz:

There are various ways of portraying this character and it’s essential to get a good match with the Casilda. Ideally Luiz should be young and personable so that the audience feel some rapport with him as he’s lambasted by the Ducal party in his first scene.

Don Alhambra:

Authority, and an ability to command the audience’s attention at all times – that’s all I need in the casting of the Don. A wonderfully droll role - and essential to the success of the opera!

Marco & Giuseppe Palmieri:

The entire female population are lusting after, and fainting at the feet of, these god-like specimens of masculine youth. I’ve very little to add, except to say that Giuseppe needs to have authority and be a bit of a leader while Marco just toys with the ladies incessantly. Fabulous fun roles to play!

Antonio, Francesco, Giorgio, Annibale:

Four personable young Venetian gondoliers. Antonio needs to be able to really sell the first solo number of the show (For the merriest fellows are we) and Annibale, who has no solo singing, needs to handle the dialogue in the first scene of Act 2.

The Duchess of Plaza-Toto:

The Duchess is first and foremost a lady – although a rather domineering one! Probably only Don Alhambra can get the better of her. No broad comedy here please. This is a wonderful stylish role.

Casilda:

There are a variety of approaches to this role and a lot will depend on the casting of Luiz. Casilda is rather weakly drawn in the libretto and we need to give her a strong personality. Ideally I’d like her portrayed as a warm tender young girl who is able to turn on the false airs and graces when the occasion demands.

Gianetta & Tessa:

Must work well with Marco and Giuseppe to form a group of four charming, vivacious, fun-loving, sexy youngsters. Tessa is the more bossy of the two but Gianetta is the one able to turn on the tears in an attempt to charm Don Alhambra. Two terrific roles!

Fiametta, Vittoria, Giulia:

Three Contadine. Preferably pretty with lots of personality, although singing is really the most important consideration here.

Inez:

Luiz’s mother. Although a very short role it’s essential that we get a really strong character here otherwise the end of the opera falls to bits. The successful candidate will need to be able to make good audience contact.

The Duke of Plaza-Toro:

"I am now about to address myself ... It is not enough"

(Small titles and orders)

Luiz:

"Nay, Luiz, respect my principles ... it must be so!"

(0 rapture)

Don Alhambra:

"By the by, can I offer you ... the experiment was tried."

(Dance a cachucha)

Marco:

"Yes, it really is a very pleasant existence ... perfect happiness."

(Rising early in the morning)

Giuseppe:

"Now, my man ... the sort of king I would be."

(When a merry maiden marries)

Antonio, Francesco,

Giorgio, Annibale

:

All candidates speak Annibale's lines:

"Ah, I don't think ... adverse decision"

(Of happiness the very pith)

The Duchess of Plaza‑Toro:

"It is true that at present ... but I did ‑ desperately!"

(With ducal pomp)

Casilda:

"Gentlemen, I am bound to listen ... hopelessly complicated."

(I  am a courtier)

Gianetta:

"Bless my heart, how unfortunate ... for my money!"

(When a merry maiden)

Tessa:

"This is indeed a most delightful surprise ... too much happiness!"

(After sailing to this island)      

Fiametta, Vittoria, Giulia, Inez:

None