Auditions Spring 2023
Synopsis: An unhappy game of romantic follow-the-leader explodes into murder one weekend at The Hollow, home of Sir Henry and Lucy Angkatell. Dr. Cristow, the Harley Street lothario, is at the center of the trouble when, assembled in one place, we find his dull but devoted wife, Gerda, his mistress and prominent sculptor, Henrietta and his former lover and Hollywood film star, Veronica. Also visiting are Edward and Midge, whose romantic assertions are likewise thrown into the mix. As the list of romantic associations grows so does the list of potential suspects when someone is shot dead. Nearly everyone has a motive, but only one of them did the deed.
Characters (and approximate, but not necessarily limited to, playing ages)
- Henrietta Angkatell: Female, 30-35 years (238 lines)
A handsome young woman of about thirty-three, dressed in good country tweeds and over them a painter’s overall. Henrietta is intelligent, aristocratic and artistic.
- Sir Henry Angkatell: Male, 60+ years (97 lines)
A distinguished-looking, elderly man. He is an English aristocrat who lives a comfortable life, despite the eccentricities of his wife.
- Lady Angkatell: Female, 60+ years (148 lines)
A very charming and aristocratic looking woman aged about sixty, completely vague but with a lot of personality.
- Midge Harvey: Female, 25-30 years (224 lines)
Small, neatly dressed but obviously badly off. She is a warm-hearted, practical and very nice young woman, a little younger than Henrietta.
- Gudgeon: Male, Open age (67 lines)
In all respects the perfect butler. Age is open, although Gudgeon is meant to be stable and highly respected; the indication is that he is an older man.
- Edward Angkatell: Male, 35-45 years (154 lines)
A tall, slightly stooping man, between thirty-five and forty-five, with a pleasant smile and a diffident manner. He is a bookish man and wears well-cut but rather shabby tweeds. Edward is well off, and largely oblivious.
- Doris: Female, Open age (21 lines)
The maid. She looks slightly half-witted and is terrified of Gudgeon.
- Gerda Cristow: Female, 35-45 years (102 lines)
She is timid, insecure and overshadowed by her husband who seems to be ‘out of her league’.
- John Cristow: Male, 35-45 years (121 lines)
John is a good-looking man of thirty-eight with a dynamic personality, but is somewhat brusque in manner. He has a certain charm, but could be considered arrogant.
- Veronica Craye: Female, 30-45 years (74 lines)
She is a very beautiful woman and knows it. She is meant to be a prominent actress and people comment about her striking appearance.
- Inspector Colquhoun: Male, 35-60 years (207 lines)
A thoughtful, quiet, intense man with charm and a sense of humour. His personality is sympathetic. He must not be played as a comedy part.
- Detective Sergeant Penny: Male, 35-60 years (57 lines)
The police foil for the inspector. The Detective Sergeant is a thorough, if not especially gifted, policeman.