"Alibi" Murder Mystery Play Casting Actors

Accent: Belgian/French. Poirot is a famous, recently retired Belgian detective (he is insistent that he is not French). Known for his meticulous nature, sharp mind, and theatrical mannerisms, he speaks with a distinctive French-Belgian accent. He often uses phrases like “I observe, I deduce,” and carries a sense of unshakable confidence. Poirot is both charming and eccentric, relying on his “little grey cells” to solve even the most complex mysteries.

Accent: Upper Class British. Roger Ackroyd is the wealthy widower whose murder is the central mystery of the play. He is well-respected in the village, but beneath his polished exterior lies a man burdened by secrets and financial troubles. Sir Roger’s death sets the stage for the investigation led by Hercule Poirot. Spoiler: The discovery of his involvement in blackmail, as well as his connections to other characters, is key to solving the mystery.

Accent: Upper Class British. Dr. Sheppard is the story’s narrator and a well-spoken country doctor. He has an authoritative yet calm presence, exuding an air of trustworthiness. His accent should be refined but not overly aristocratic, in line with a professional, upper-middle-class Englishman. Spoiler: Dr. Sheppard is revealed to be the murderer, having killed Sir Roger Ackroyd to cover up his involvement in blackmail and the death of Mrs. Ferrars.

Accent: British. Flora is Sir Roger’s niece, refined and elegant with a strong emotional core. Her accent is proper, but she should be capable of portraying vulnerability and anxiety as the investigation unfolds. There is a softness to her speech, though her nervousness about Ralph’s involvement in the murder may make her speak faster and more urgently as the story progresses. Spoiler: Flora lies about having seen Sir Roger alive, which misleads Poirot and the audience.

Accent: British. Ralph is the charming yet troubled stepson of Sir Roger. His accent could be from London or a nearby working-class area. His speech should be confident, with moments of agitation, particularly when he’s being wrongly accused. Ralph’s accent should reflect his youthful energy but also his nervousness as he tries to distance himself from suspicion. Spoiler: Ralph is innocent of the murder but is hiding a secret marriage to Ursula Bourne, which complicates his situation.

Accent: British Cockney. Ursula is a quiet and reserved character. She speaks with a soft, proper accent that reflects her modest upbringing, yet there’s a certain inner strength in her voice. As a maid, she must also exhibit signs of subservience, though her quiet dignity should come through. Spoiler: Ursula is secretly married to Ralph Paton, and although her marriage would have been disapproved of by Sir Roger, she is not involved in the murder.

Accent: Upper Class British. Mrs. Vera Ackroyd is Sir Roger’s upper-class sister-in-law, married to Roger’s brother Cecil. She speaks with an aristocratic British accent and is fixated on social status and inheritance. Her voice is haughty and cold, often dismissing anything that doesn’t align with her interests. Spoiler: While Mrs. Ackroyd is not directly involved in the murder, she is a source of distraction and suspicion due to her greedy nature and obsession with wealth.

Accent: British. Caryl is Dr. Sheppard’s sister, energetic, & sharp-witted. She is depicted as a classic and comical small-town busybody, always listening for clues, speculating on other people’s business. Her gossiping is portrayed as both comical and surprisingly insightful. Agatha Christie later based her detective Miss Marple on her. Spoiler: Caryl is not directly involved in the crime, but her astuteness and interactions with Dr. Sheppard lead to important discoveries about the case.

Accent: Upper Class British. Major Blunt is a retired military man with a no-nonsense, authoritative air. His speech is formal, measured, & direct, with a touch of sternness. The accent is clean but without the affected mannerisms of the upper class. There’s a certain gruffness to his tone, yet underneath it lies compassion and honor. Spoiler: Major Blunt is revealed to be in love with Flora Ackroyd, which adds a deeper emotional layer to his character. He is, however, innocent of the murder.

Accent: Upper Class British. Geoffrey is Sir Roger’s secretary, efficient and composed. He speaks in a calm, matter-of-fact tone. His accent should be refined but not overly showy. He is practical, often keeping a distance from the emotional drama around him, but his clarity in explaining things helps Poirot along the way. Spoiler: Geoffrey is innocent of the crime, but his role in providing critical details to the investigation is essential.

Accent: Upper Class British. Butler. He is polite, formal, and somewhat cold in his speech, maintaining a proper distance from the family and guests. His accent is clipped and proper, reflecting his role in the household as a servant. However, his occasional suspicious actions make him seem a little more cunning than a typical butler. Spoiler: Parker is not involved in the murder but remains a figure of suspicion due to his secretive nature and the cryptic way he behaves around Poirot.

Accent: British Cockney. Inspector Davies is straightforward, no-nonsense, and works within the bounds of traditional police procedures. His accent is either a neutral British accent or possibly a working-class Cockney accent, adding to his grounded and practical character. He’s methodical but lacks Poirot’s flair for unconventional deductions. Spoiler: Inspector Davies doesn’t solve the crime and is ultimately overshadowed by Poirot’s superior skills.

Accent: British. He is a minor character who is involved after Roger Ackroyd’s murder, particularly in matters concerning Ackroyd’s will and financial affairs. Mr. Hammond provides information about the will and confirms certain details for Hercule Poirot during the investigation. Important for revealing background information about the victim and potential motives. Spoiler: Mr. Hammond remains a trustworthy character throughout. He is not involved in the murder or any deception.

Accent: French. Margot is the maid in Sir Roger Ackroyd’s household. She plays a quiet, observant role in the unfolding investigation and provides crucial information, though her involvement in the crime itself is minimal. Her relationship with other characters, particularly Ralph Paton, creates tension in the household and makes her a key witness. Spoiler: Margot has no hidden motives, no secret connections, and is not a suspect.