“The Last Torch” is an exciting new Irish ceoldrama being premiered in Melbourne, Australia October 1st - 4th, 2014 at the Malthouse Theatre, Southbank. It will be part of this year's Melbourne Fringe Festival. Auditions will be held in July. Please email Frances O’Neill to register interest and for further information.

Auditions for the following parts are invited:
(Age ranges are a guide only)

• Briun O’Rourke (Clan Leader): Baritone 30-45 years
• MacSweeny: (Clan Leader) Baritone 30-45 years
• Captain Francisco de Cuellar: (Spanish Captain) Tenor 30-45 years
• Eleanor O’Rourke (wife of O’Rourke, aristocrat): Mezzo Soprano 25-35 years
• Erin O’Rourke (niece of O’Rourke): Soprano 16 – 21 years
• Queen Elizabeth I : Soprano/male counter tenor 30 – 45 years

Witches Chorus/Various Cameos (Parts will be doubled)
(6 men, 6 women)

• Governor Bingham
• Priest
• Bard
• Clans men and woman 
• Spaniard chorus (Men)
• John MacGuinness (Tenor 30 – 45 years)
• Mary MacGuinness (Mezzo 30 – 45 years)
• Page (open)
• Conn O’Rourke (Briun’s Brother Baritone (30 – 45 years)
• Head Witch

Set in Ireland with a touch of fantasy "The Last Torch" is a new exciting musical poised to take the world by storm. It's Les Miserables meets Game of Thrones. This musical is an adventure through time and space connecting the past to the present through music.

"The Last Torch" is set in 16th century Ireland, where survivors of a shipwreck from the Spanish Armada have washed ashore setting the stage for the forces of love, liberty, sovereignty, spirituality and magic to collide. With a mixture of Spanish and Irish music, this musical tells of the last clan leader standing against the English.

Descended from Irish royalty, O'Rourke was a extremely learned and handsome clan leader who made a last ditch attempt to push the English out of Ireland nearing the full conquest by the British crown. Although historical, the musical contains strong mythical and spitirual themes.

In the famous shipwreck of 1588, O'Rourke saved many Spaniards from certain death in direct rebellion of Queen Elizabeth I. One of those Spaniards washed ashore was Captain Francisco de Cuellar, who left a detailed journal of his adventures in Ireland. Based on his account and historical documents, The Last Torch recreates a story that echoes through time.

On many levels the Last Torch is a love story. It tells of the love of the Irish for their culture and land, the love for their children and their love for each other. It is romance and passion on the backdrop of conflict. This story pays homage to the fallen, to the men and women who have fought for their independence against dire odds and have given their lives in the name of freedom.

BUAGH!

Read more blog posts about "The Last Torch"

Watch Fran O'Neill talk about "The Last Torch"