Tuesday 23rd to Saturday 27th February 2027 SHERINGHAM LITTLE THEATRE
Agatha Christie, who remains the bestselling author of all time, wrote this story in the 1920s and adapted it into a play in 1953. Set in the chambers of leading QC Sir Wilfred Robarts and the Old Bailey, this drama follows the trial of Leonard Vole, accused of murdering an elderly lady to inherit her fortune. With Christie’s trademark twists and turns, this play provides excellent opportunities for actors to take on leading roles plus a variety of smaller and cameo parts. This play is currently running to great critical acclaim in County Hall, London.
Notes about casting
As well as the brilliant leading roles, there are quite a few smaller but vitally important characters in this play. It might be possible to double with another part or take a non-speaking role in court, providing that it doesn’t confuse the audience or make a nonsense of the plot. If you would like to be part of the production and happy to have only a small amount to learn, that will be very welcome. I will endeavour to be very respectful of people’s time, so attendance at every rehearsal for those with limited roles will not be necessary in the early stages. Ages are given as an indication and are flexible, but, where the character is defined by their profession, they must appear to be of working age. It is also possible for a backstage crew member to audition for a smaller role.
Key Dates and membership of CSODS
Read through Wednesday 8 July 2026 7.30pm Cromer Junior School
Auditions Wednesday 15 July 2026 from 7.30pm Cromer Junior School
Rehearsals to start at the end of October 2026
Show week 21 – 28 February 2027
You don’t have to be a member of CSODS to participate in the read through, but membership is required to audition. If you are not currently a Member then you will need to pay your subscription before you audition but this will be carried over into next year until October 2027. Membership is £30 or £15 for those unemployed or in full-time education. All cast members will also pay a show participation fee of £25 which includes the script.
Leading roles
Sir Wilfred Robarts QC – defence barrister – playing age 45 – 60 – accent RP – confident, experienced barrister, determined to best his professional rival, Myers - male
Leonard Vole – the accused – playing age 25 – 35 – accent Cockney – cheeky, likable, charming - male
Mr Myers QC – for the prosecution – playing age 40 – 60 - accent RP - polished barrister, determined to triumph over Robarts - male
Other roles
Mr Justice Wainwright – Judge – playing age 55 – 70 – accent RP – typical judge - male
Mr Mayhew – solicitor – playing age 40 – 60 – accent RP – typical middle-aged solicitor - male
Carter – Clerk to Robarts – playing age 40 – 60 – accent lower middle class – efficient clerk - male
Inspector Hearne – detective – playing age 50 – 60 – accent neutral - typical senior policeman - male
Policeman – playing age 20 – 50 – cockney – earnest Bobby- male
Greta – office girl – playing age 18 – 30 – accent cockney – cheeky, unpolished - female
Romaine – Vole’s wife– playing age 35 – 50 (older than Vole) – accent Eastern European – confident, mysterious, blunt - female
Janet Mackenzie – friend of the deceased- playing age 60 – 80 - a dour Scotswoman- female
Dr Wyatt – medical evidence – playing age 45- 60 – accent RP - typical senior doctor – male or female
The Other Woman – playing age matched with Vole – accent cockney/neutral – vivacious - female
Clegg - forensic evidence – playing age 30 – 60 – accent neutral – typical scientist – male or female
Clerk to the court - playing age 30 – 60 – accent neutral - male or female