Welcome To Our Village, Please Invade Carefully

By Eddie Robson

Directed by Jason Compton

"Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully" is a delightful stage comedy that ingeniously combines elements of science fiction and the idyllic charm of rural British life. Adapted from the original radio comedy by the accomplished Eddie Robson for BBC Radio 4, this play unfolds in the unassuming, somewhat dull, English village of Cresdon Green. The unique twist is that Cresdon Green has been quietly invaded and encapsulated by an indestructible forcefield by an alien race known as the Geonin, led by the logically impassive Uljabaan.

The theatrical adaptation centers around two key characters: Katrina Lyons, a regular woman turned resistance leader, and Uljabaan, the Geonin's somewhat inept field commander. Katrina, who had been discontented with her previous life, embraces the alien invasion as an opportunity for exciting and meaningful action, leading the charge against the alien usurpers. On the other hand, Uljabaan attempts to maintain a façade of peace while he puzzles over the unfamiliar customs and idiosyncrasies of human existence.

"Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully" is a witty stage play that serves as a playful commentary on British village life, human nature, and the often absurd complexity of bureaucratic processes, even in an extraterrestrial context. Robson's engaging narrative has been translated into a visually stunning and humorously absurd theatrical piece that pushes the boundaries of the classic 'alien invasion' narrative. Each scene is packed with dry humor, relatable characters, and enough suspense to keep audiences hooked. With its transformation from a radio show to a stage play, it becomes a lighthearted exploration of the collision between the extraordinary and the ordinary, challenging and entertaining audiences in equal measure.

Produced by Madison Theatre Guild at Bartell Theatre's Evjue Stage, 113 E. Mifflin St., Madison

Performances: May 10-25, 2024

Performance Times:
Fri, May 10th '24 - 7:30pm
Sat, May 11th '24 - 7:30pm
Thu, May 16th '24 - 7:30pm
Fri, May 17th '24 - 7:30pm
Sat, May 18th '24 - 7:30pm
Sun, May 19th '24 - 2:00pm
Thu, May 23rd '24 - 7:30pm
Fri, May 24th '24 - 7:30pm
Sat, May 25th '24 - 2:00pm

Ticket Prices: $25

Call 608-661-9696 for reservations or more information.

Auditions

Auditions will be held on the following days:

2/18/2024
2/19/2024
2/20/2024

Audition Signup: www.madisontheatreguild.org/welcome-to-our-village

Candidates must be at least 18 years old as of March 27, 2024.

Auditions are at the Bartell Theatre's Drury Stage, 113 E. Mifflin St. in Madison, with the generous cooperation of StageQ's presentation of Torch Song.

The production takes place in the (fictional) Village of Cresdon Green, located in southeast England's (real) Buckinghamshire county. The village has been invaded by the (fictional) Geonin alien menace, which turn out to be rather English in their ways. All participants are expected to audition, rehearse, and perform with suitable dialect.

Candidates may be asked to perform one or more monologues from the packet available at this link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/clyugp8pfobj24nz352n2/Sides.pdf?rlkey=cmtvcafknz0f7kjx1zh3322yt&dl=0
Monologues do not need to be memorized.

Candidates may also be asked to perform from one or more selections from the script, which will be provided at a later date to registered candidates as well as on-site.

Four 30-minute episodes of Welcome To Our Village will be cast and performed. Rehearsals begin March 27, 2024. The rehearsal process will have weekly off-book dates as each episode is blocked.

Available roles include (* indicates appearances in all four episodes):

Katrina* (F, early 30s): Grew up in Cresdon Green but has since moved to London to work for an educational charity helping disadvantaged children. Loves being seen doing the right thing, including organizing a Resistance against alien invasions. Hates not being taken seriously.

Uljabaan* (M, appears 40ish): Alien ruler of the village of Cresdon Green. A Geonin warlord in impeccable human disguise as "Lord Ullswater." Secretly a low acheiver of poor standing in the Geonin military, but projects an air of aristocratic charm, thinly veiling his smug complacency. Pronounced roughly "OOHL-yuh-bahn."

Margaret* (F, 60s): Katrina's mother, lifelong resident of Cresdon Green and effectively runs the place. Flattered that Cresdon Green is the centre of such momentous events (alien invasion).

Richard* (M, 60s): Katrina's father and Margaret's husband. Professional accountant nearing retirement. Aspiring novelist. Loves cricket. Hates conflict, but usually not enough to make a fuss about it.

Lucy* (F, late teens): Stoner and layabout who joins Katrina's resistance movement for lack of anything else to do.

Computer* (N/A): A Geonin artificial intelligence responsible for most of the Actual Work associated with keeping the cloaking force field around Cresdon Green operational, and also for providing Uljabaan with information about human behaviour and customs. Is occasionally correct.

Minions* (???): Uljabaan's Geonin underlings who scuttle about in their natural alien form and speak the peculiar language of the Geonin. Do work. Occasionally do it well.

Ensemble characters of various demographics who appear in one or more episodes include Ron the pub landlord with questionable opinions, a Printer of strange and unpredictable intelligence, Chris the shopkeeper, Gryvook the Geonin overlord, Mrs. Leeson the charity shop volunteer, and Weird Patrick. Ensemble members may be cast in more than one such role.

Performances May 10-25 on the Bartell Theatre's Evjue stage.

Casting decisions will be made as soon as possible. All candidates will be contacted with a decision. Finalized cast list will also be posted on the Madison Theatre Guild website shortly after full acceptance. All participants will be asked to provide emergency contact information, and required to review and sign MTG’s anti-harassment policy.