A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie

directed by Karen Holley

Synopsis

An announcement in the local paper states the time and place of an imminent murder.

When an unknown visitor to Miss Blacklock's Victorian home dies under the prescribed

circumstances, Miss Marple turns up to solve the case.  In a classic Agatha Christie tale of

concealed identities, desperation, mixed motives, and another death, it takes a risky

strategy to uncover the true identity of the murderer.                            

 

Casting and character breakdown

Miss Blacklock – 65 +.

(Letty) An attractive woman who looks after herself. She owns the house the play is set in.  

With the exception of Bunny, all the people in her house are recent arrivals who she has not

seen since they were children. If at all.

Julia Simmons – 25.

Miss Blacklock’s niece (second cousin). Sister to Patrick Simmons. A Pharmacist

 

Dora Bunner (Bunny) – 68.

Miss Blacklock’s lifelong friend. She is a little anxious and can get confused.

Patrick Simmons – 26.

Julia’s brother, ‘nephew’ to Aunt Letty. A student.

Mitzi – 20s.  

Miss Blacklock’s cook. She is from Mid to Eastern European.

Paranoid that everyone is against her – an explosive character.

Miss Marple – Elderly

Bright, inquisitive, kind, brave and loves trouble.

Phillipa Haymes – 25/26.

A Classy woman with a serious mind. She has a young son at school.  

She is a trained horticulturalist. Restoring gardens at Dayas Hall.

Mrs Clara Swettenham – 50s.

A widow, who is a little nosey. She has been living abroad until recently.

Edmund Swettenham – 27.

A serious young man, who wants to be a writer. Son of Clara.

Rudi Scherz – 20s.

A young swiss National (very small role, could double with Mellors).

Inspector Craddock – 50s.

Police inspector Straight forward, clear thinking, a little impatient.

Sergeant Mellors – 20 to 40.

A keen sergeant   (small role)                 

Play reading

Thursday 11 June 7.30pm at The Barn Theatre
Play readings at The Barn are open to everyone – not just those planning to audition.

You’re welcome to read a part or simply come along and listen. These relaxed, social evenings

are a great way to meet members and get a feel for our theatre, with the bar open and a friendly

atmosphere. There’s no obligation to read or audition, and there’s no need to book – just turn up.

Audition

Sunday 28 June 3pm at The Barn Theatre
The Barn has an open audition policy and we always welcome new faces. You don’t need to

be a member to attend a reading or audition. If you can’t make the advertised audition date,

alternative arrangements can often be made. Anyone cast in a production will then be required

to join The Barn as a Full Member.

Production dates

Sunday 6 December to Saturday 13 December

Any questions? karen@holleydesigns.com