A storm is coming
(America Ground The Musical)

Following the 2024 sell out run of shows and great reviews at the Hastings Observer Building, “America Ground The Musical” is set to be performed again from the 3rd to the 6th June 2026 at the Stables Theatre in Hastings Old Town.
Now is your chance to get involved!

We are now casting for the latest version of ‘A Storms a Coming’ America Ground the
Musical which we showcased at The Observer Building in 2024 and which we have now
updated.
This will be a fully realised version of the musical with full scenic staging, lighting
and projection.
As well as the main cast we are also looking for ensemble players who will
form the crowds and chorus for many scenes as well as taking small scale acting roles. All
cast members will be expected to sing and be able to hold a tune. We are also looking for
actors who are interested in physical theatre and movement or who can play an instrument.
There will be a professional band on stage throughout and full training will be given on
acting, singing add movement. There will be an extensive rehearsal period but ALL actors
must be available from June 1st to 6th for shows and tech dress rehearsals. .
We are now recasting for the following roles.

CAST LIST
Joe / George: M mid 20’s early 30’s twins, played by the same actor. Must be able to play
Ukulele or guitar and must have a strong singing voice.

Molly: F mid 20’s - 30’s Hard working bar owner and mother of an illegitimate child she is
also in a love triangle between the twin brothers Joe and George. Molly is the heart and soul
of the musical, must be a good singer.

Breed: Male mid forties. A hard nosed business man with little in the way of warmth or care
for those around him.

The Rev: M or F Mid forties+ religious leader of a non conformist church who is both player
and narrator. Possibility to be played blind.

Councillor: Mid 30’s+ Think Derek Hatton Liverpool Council Leader. Mouthy, cock-sure and
focussed on his own success. ALSO plays The Judge

Ruxley: M/F 40’s+ Smugglers and gang leader. Ruthless and cut-throat she/he underplays
her violent background but it's always there.

Joseph Swaine: M mid 20’s to mid 30’s based on a real life fisherman killed by The Watch
Joseph is a small but important role

Ensemble acting roles:
Woman: 1 & 2 talking roles, will also form part of the ensemble chorus
Fisherman: M 2-3 fishermen age not important. Talking roles, will also form part of the
ensemble chorus

Swimmer 1,2,3: F possibly ‘DFLs’ might have to appear in swimming suits and must be up
for dancing, singing and a talking role. Will also form part of the ensemble chorus

Workman 1,2 Talking parts will also form part of the ensemble chorus
Navvy: small talking role, will also form part of the ensemble chorus
The ensemble will also play: Market traders, travelling salespersons, Navvy’s, towns women,
refugees and associated crowds. There is also a requirement for Morris Dancing, but training
will be given.

Auditions will take place on the Saturday 21st 1.30 - 5pm and Sunday 22nd 1.30- 5pm
at The Stables Theatre - Hastings.
Please send: a photo, a brief outline of your experience and any skills you have. Please also
state which roles you are interested in: a main or ensemble acting role or ensemble chorus.
And please state if you are available for both audition dates or if not which one.
( ) Are you available for the full run?
( ) Do you have acting experience?
( ) Do you have singing experience?
( ) Can you dance?
( ) Do you play an instrument? If so, what? _____________________________

Main role? Which one___________________________________________

Ensemble acting role? ______________________________


Ensemble
Saturday 21st March 1.30 - 5pm
Sunday 22nd March 1.30- 5pm

Please send to: fetchtheatre@gmail.com with ‘America Ground casting 2026’ in the
subject line.

The America Ground is the name of the area bordered by Robertson Street, Carlisle Parade, Harold Place and Claremont in Hastings town centre.
Prior to the 1850’s “the ground” was home to itinerant workers and settlers who took advantage of a large area of unclaimedshingle beach to build a small township, with over 200 properties and over 1000 inhabitants.
As the land had no apparent owners, the populace paid no rent or rates and considered themselves independent of the neighbouring town.
At some point in time the area became known as The America Ground referencing the USA which had gained its own independence within living memory.
Eventually the land was cleared and made wholesome by the incoming Mr Robertson and Mr Brisco, the former being an opium dealer and the latter a slave owner.

The idea of creating a musical based on the history of the America Ground came from local musician and publican Bob Tipler who has had a long-term association with the area and music in Hastings. Bob hosts regular live music sessions at his pub The Albion and co-founded the immensely popular Hastings Fat Tuesday Festival.

Bob approached local playwright John Knowles who agreed to write the play with Bob contributing songs and music.
Thanks must be made to Steve Peak for his excellent book on the History of the Hastings America Ground which was an invaluable reference source for the project.

However, the main purpose was to highlight the inequalities of rent and housing provision in Hastings today just as things were 200 years ago.

This is no mere historical time-line piece, but a satirical look at history through the prism of today's realities.

Photo Credit: Peter Mould