Witness for the Prosecution was written for the stage by Agatha Christie and is not an adaptation. Known as the Queen of Crime, Christie is the world’s best-selling fiction author – of all time.
About the Play
It’s 1953, and Leonard Vole stands accused of murdering a wealthy widow. As the courtroom becomes a battleground, Sir Wilfred must navigate through shifting loyalties and explosive revelations while he fights for Leonard’s life. Witness for the Prosecution is a gripping courtroom thriller with plenty of psychological tension and Christie’s trademark twists that will keep audiences guessing until the final moment.
Audition Details
- Auditioners are asked to book their audition ahead of time by using the link in this notice.
- No preparation is required; auditioners will be provided with sides for a cold-read style audition and will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Open to all experience levels – whether you’re stepping onto the stage for the first time, or the fiftieth!
- Sunday, August 16, from 7pm – 9:30pm
- Monday, August 17, from 7pm – 9:30pm
- Bedford Players Theatre – 1408 Bedford Hwy (Upper parking lot, All Saints Anglican Church)
SIGN UP FOR YOUR AUDITION HERE: https://form.jotform.com/261995613939070
Character Breakdown – 15 Roles Available (non-union, volunteer)
- Greta – (female, 20s) Sir Wilfred’s typist; misplaced-confidence, sweet but flippant, has her head in the clouds.
- Romaine Heilger – (female, late 30s-40s) Leonard Vole’s Wife; highly intelligent, emotionally disciplined, confident and very self-aware – she is unsettlingly calm.
- Janet MacKenzie – (female, 50s+) The Victim’s Long-Time Housekeeper; blunt, colloquial and a hard worker.
- The Other Woman – (female, 20s) an attractive young woman, flirtatious and unserious.
- Carter – (male or female, 40+) Sir Wilfred’s chief law clerk; stoic, methodical, carries themselves with quiet authority, highly competent.
- Inspector Hearne – (male, 40s-60s) Police Inspector responsible for the murder investigation; formal and professional, deals in facts, has been doing this a long time.
- Leonard Vole – (male, 30s) The Accused; extremely charming, personable, engaging, naïve and a bit trusting.
- Sir Wilfred Robarts – (male, 50+) Leonard Vole’s defense barrister; highly accomplished lawyer with a history of winning cases, he has spent a lifetime reading people and mastering the art of persuasion and has a sharp intellect with a dry wit.
- John Mayhew – (male, 40+) Leonard Vole’s solicitor; observant, steady under pressure, earnest with a quiet confidence.
- Justice Wainwright – (male, 60s-80s) Presiding Judge; a seasoned veteran of the law, he is always the authority in his courtroom.
- Mr. Myers QC – (male, 40s+) Lead Prosecutor representing The Crown; assertive, no-nonsense, slightly intimidating and formidable lawyer with a need to control the narrative.
- Usher/Court Clerk (combined into one character – male or female, 30s+) – Justice Wainwright’s right hand; takes court proceedings and procedures very seriously, no patience for frivolity.
- Warder/Policeman (combined into one character – male, 20s+) Police officer and present for courtroom security; Serious, dedicated.
- Dr. Wyatt – (male, late 30s+) Expert Medical Witness; measured, neutral, analytical.
- Mr. Clegg – (male, 30s+) Expert Forensic Witness; a bit awkward, spends more time in the lab than with people.
Note from the director: Character age limit is flexible when you see “+”. Actors will need to convincingly play a character’s age, while not necessarily being that age. Some characters do have fewer lines than others, but many are needed on stage for the duration of the courtroom scenes – every role is vital to telling this story as this play is a true ensemble piece.
Rehearsals
Will begin with a read-through on AUGUST 20 th , then will typically be held from 7pm-10pm Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays. (rehearsals will be broken down for scene work, so not every character will be called for each rehearsal). Rehearsals will be held at 1408 Bedford Hwy.
Performances
There will be one preview night performance on Tuesday, November 2 nd at 7:30pm and then the show will run for 11 performances total from November 5 th – 21 st , Thursday-Saturday at 7:30pm, and two Sunday matinees at 2pm, (Saturday, November 21 closing performance is a 2pm matinee) and. (actors must commit to being available for each performance, including the November 2 preview night)
PRE-BOOK YOUR AUDITION SPOT HERE: https://form.jotform.com/261995613939070
Unable to make either audition date? Have questions for the director? Concerns about rehearsal scheduling conflicts? Email Kelly Morrison at director1@bedfordplayers.ca
Bedford Players Community Theatre is a not-for-profit community organization that operates on a volunteer basis. All participants are volunteers, and their time, skills, and efforts are offered with no compensation. We appreciate all our volunteers and could do nothing without them!
