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*AUDITION NOTICE *The four hapless ladies of the Farndale Drama Guild (and their long-suffering stage manager) are putting on their overly-ambitious murder mystery play that would have Agatha Christie turning in her grave. Set at the remote country house, Checkmate Manor, a dastardly murderer is lurking about, killing people. The dirty rotter is trying to discover the contents of the late Sir Reginald Bishop’s will to have the inheritance altered in their favour. And what better way to ensure they are the sole beneficiary than to bump of all of Bishop’s relatives on the very night they’re all gathered for the reading of the will.
Opening night descends into chaos as scenery falls, costumes get mixed up, and the plot unravels, forcing the cast to improvise wildly.
What the Farndale ladies lack in talent, they certainly make up for with fierce enthusiasm, an unfounded sense of ability and a surprisingly good souffle recipe.
We are seeking 5 actors to bring our play to life!
Character Descriptions:
Mrs. Phoebe Reece: (50 +) The "bossy" leading figure and president of the group who attempts to direct and hold the chaotic production together. Has an underlying rivalry with Thelma which she tries (unsuccessfully) to mask. Must be able to do a French accent.
Plays Clarissa Rook, (Lady Bishop’s sister), Regine (the French maid), Patricia Bishop (Lady Bishop’s niece), Leticia Bishop (her sister), Mr Goodbody (a solicitor)
Thelma: (50+) Mrs. Reece's rival, a dressmaker who is keen to show off her costume skills. Has a simmering dislike for Mrs Reece and is repelled by Gordan’s advances. Ability to do a strong Yorkshire accent.
Plays Daphne Bishop (Lady Bishop’s daughter), Rose Bishop (her spinster Aunt)
Felicity: A younger cast member. Plays two male parts. Not as stilted and awkward as Audrey or Gordon. Uses male voices
Plays Pawn (the butler), Colonel King (Lady Bishop’s brother-in-law)
Audrey: A dithering, clumsy character who struggles with lines and delivery. Ability to do a strong Yorkshire accent.
Plays Lady Doreen Bishop (a widow), Violet Bishop (her spinster aunt), Mrs King (the colonel’s wife), Joan bishop (Lady Bishop’s cousin)
Gordon: Roped in to play the inept inspector at the last minute and is clearly out of his comfort zone. A dry physicality needed and staccato utterances of lines (due to his inability to act)
Plays Inspector O’Reilly
(Note; ages are just a guide. For this play, looking older is preferable. Parts are not suitable for young teenagers)
This is a play-within-a-play.
Characters often ‘break the 4th wall’ and ‘break character’. All characters interact with the audience to some extent. These characters are heavily nuanced – with the need for surreptitious, annoyed glances, double takes, etc. Have fun reading and getting into your character’s head.
Any questions or queries contact our Director Heidi Atkins via email or phone.
027 733 4059
[email protected]
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