Ned Kelly enthusiasts will have the chance to become part of Kelly history with auditions for the Ned Kelly re-enactment at the Beechworth Historic Courthouse taking place this month.

Acting talents will be given the chance to stand in the courthouse where Ned Kelly’s preliminary hearing was held and be part of a newly written script for the Beechworth Ned Kelly Weekend. 

Event organiser Mrs Noelene Allen said this year’s Beechworth Ned Kelly Weekend would feature two re-enactments as part of the weekend’s events. 

She said the re-enactment of the preliminary hearing and trial of Ned Kelly had a dedicated cast of local actors during its long history in the Beechworth Historic Courthouse. 

“An invitation is extended to budding thespians to join this cast of actors and audition for a role in this year’s re-enactment,” she said.

“The re-enactment has an exciting new script and a number of additional roles that will add to the drama and authenticity of the story of Ned Kelly’s last trial. 

“Beechworth Theatre Company star David Runnalls and long time Beechworth actor Ian Sinclair are directing this production and we are looking forward to their input.”

Noted historian Ian Jones adapted the original script by Kevin Passey.

Play readings will be held in the Courthouse with all past cast members and anybody wishing to audition for a part in the re-enactments invited to attend on the following dates: -

10^th & 11^th May

17^th & 18^th May from 7.30 to 9.30pm

Mrs Allen said the Beechworth Historic Courthouse would come to life during the re-enactment when it was held in the very courtroom where it all began back on 5^th August 1880. 

She said North-East Victoria was home to the Kelly family and their links to Australia’s history and heritage were commemorated during Beechworth’s Ned Kelly Weekend.  

“A Commemoration of the Great Fight will be held for the first time in the Police Paddocks at the rear of the Courthouse,” she said.

“People will see a commemorative boxing bout as it happened when Ned Kelly settled his score with ‘Wild’ Wright after he was released from a three year hard labour sentence for receiving a stolen horse that ‘Wild’ Wright had stolen from Mansfield.”

For further information about the auditions please contact David Runnalls on (02) 6028 1132 or for more information on the weekend Noelene Allen on (03) 5728 8066.  

Tickets for the re-enactment and weekend activities are on sale from the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre by calling 1300 366 321 or online from May 22 from www.beechworthonline.com.au.