AGATHA CHRISTIE’S

A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED

Adapted for the stage by Leslie Darbon

Directed by Steven Scase

steven.scase@maddermarket.org

Performance Dates: Tuesday 10th June – Sunday 15th June

SYNOPSIS:

“A murder is announced and will take place on Friday, Otcober 29th, at Little Paddocks at 6:30pm.  Friends, please accept this, the only intimation”

An announcement in the local paper states the time and place when a murder is to occur in Miss Blacklock’s Victorian house. The victim is not one of the house’s several occupants, but an unexpected and unknown visitor. What follows is a classic Christie puzzle of mixed motives, concealed identities, a second death and a determined inspector grimly following the case’s twists and turns. Fortunately, Miss Marple is on hand to provide the solution – at some risk to herself – in a dramatic final confrontation.

If you would like to book an audition please complete the audition form at the end of this notice and email it to: steven.scase@maddermarket.org

AUDITION DETAILS:

Initial auditions

Saturday 8th March 2025 (10am-4pm)
Sunday 9th March 2025 (10am-4pm)

Call-back auditions

Saturday 15th March 2025 (10am – 1pm)

Initial auditions will consist of a 20-minute, one-on-one reading of the script with the director, and a discussion of the character.  Audition extracts will be sent in advance.  There is no requirement to learn lines, but an understanding of the text would be beneficial.

Call-back auditions will be in one-hour sessions with a small number of other auditionees, in a rehearsal style.

CASTING NOTES:

MISS MARPLE (65+) (53 pages) 

Inquisitive, caring, shrewd and clever. Miss Marple is staying in Chipping Cleghorn with her niece while attending treatment nearby.
Her methodical and patient approach often confounds those around her, as she uses seemingly trivial details to unravel complex crimes. A true amateur detective, Miss Marple relies on intuition and experience, making her one of Agatha Christie’s most beloved characters.

LETITIA BLACKLOCK (50+) (93 pages) 

Known as Letty, she owns Little Paddocks. She is efficient and practical. She manages the personality dynamics in her house with an expert manner.
Initially appearing as a sweet, innocent character, she is revealed to be highly manipulative and calculating. Her cool demeanour and cunning nature help her maintain control over situations and use people to her advantage.

DORA “BUNNY” BUNNER (50+) (54 pages) 

Dora is forgetful, easily confused, flustered and innocent. Dora is Lettie’s school friend and now lives at Little Paddocks as her companion.
A cheerful, somewhat naive woman with a penchant for gossip.

JULIA SIMMONS (25-35) (58 pages) 

She is a strong-willed, determined woman, often seen as cold and distant.
She arrived at Little Paddocks with Patrick and started working at the pharmacy at the local hospital. She has a witty and sharp nature, beautiful, impatient and sometimes jealous of Phillipa.

PATRICK SIMMONS (25-35) (61 pages) 

Charming but somewhat aloof, with a suspiciously calm demeanour.
Letty’s second cousin and came to stay at Little Paddocks around three months ago. Patrick is confident, attractive, and teases many of the other members of the household.

MITZI (ANY AGE) (40 pages) 

Mitzi is from Hungary and works as cook and housekeeper for Little Paddocks. She is unpredictable in her mood and has frequent emotional outbursts. Those living there all know Mitzi tends to fabricate stories and lie.

PHILLIPA HAYMES (25-35) (49 pages) 

Phillipa is a horticulturist and a single mother supporting her son. She is serious, wise beyond her years and has an elegance about her.
She is the quiet, reserved niece of Letitia Blacklock.

MRS. SWETTENHAM (50+) (37 pages) 

Mrs Swettenham attempts at regular neighbourly kindness but is usually nosy and interfering. She is curious about the announcement and fabricates an excuse to visit.

EDMUND SWETTENHAM (25-30) (35 pages) 

Edmund aspires to be a writer. He is introverted, often embarrassed by his mother, and wary of the police.  Portrayed as arrogant and self-centred. His flirtatious behaviour and distant attitude toward his mother and others make him a somewhat unlikable character.

RUDI SCHERZ (20s-30s) (5 pages) 
-to be doubled with SERGEANT MELLORS 

Rudy works at a hotel nearby and is the unfortunate victim of the first crime.

INSPECTOR CRADDOCK (35-50) (45 pages) 

Inspector Craddock is a sharp, methodical detective known for his keen observation and logical approach to solving crimes. He possesses a no-nonsense attitude, a dry wit, and a deep sense of justice. Often working under pressure, Craddock’s perseverance and intellect make him a formidable investigator in any case.

SERGEANT MELLORS (20s-30s) (14 pages) 
-to be doubled with RUDI SCHERZ 

Assisting Inspector Craddock in the case, and only a few years into his career. Mellors is diligent and everything you would expect from a policeman in a quiet village area.

PLEASE NOTE:  all playing ages are suggested, and I am flexible.  If a role sounds interesting to you, please audition for it.  Ultimately casting decisions will be made on the right combination of actors, not their ages.

A note on accents:

 All members of the household and the Swettenham’s require an RP delivery

Mitzi has a Hungarian accent

Rudi Scherz has a Swiss/German accent

Sergeant Mellors has a regional accent (Middlesex)

REHEARSALS:

Read-through on Wednesday 9th April 2025.

Rehearsals will begin on Monday 14th April starting at 3 nights a week, building to 4 and then 5.

HOW TO AUDITION:

Please complete the audition form below, and return steven.scase@maddermarket.org

Please indicate on the form your preferred date and time for an initial audition, and I will do my best to accommodate your requests.

Audition extracts will be sent out in advance of the audition.

AUDITION SUBMISSION FORM