Theatre Casting Call for "A Murder is Announced"

Lead. A quiet, older lady who adopts an unassuming and deferential air around those in authority. However, she is not afraid to hang around and gently direct an investigation. A lovable busybody! She is fiercely intelligent, quick-witted, and highly observant. She will not be deterred from the truth, but reveal exactly what she knows in her own time.

Lead. An attractive elegant lady who has looked after herself throughout the years. She makes her opinions known with a quiet, dignified air. She values her position in society and her privacy, so she initially conceals the fact that she is heir to the large fortune of her former employer. She appears to be mystified by the possibility that someone could really want to kill her, but she shows moments of fear for her own safety. However, she is also concealing her own secrets.

Supporting. An attractive young woman, she works in the pharmacy of the local hospital and lives in the house of her aunt, Miss Blacklock, with her ‘brother’ Patrick. They argue like cat and dog in front of others, and constantly try to annoy each other as much as possible. However, they share private moments that go unobserved by others. Julia is somewhat spoiled and puts her own concerns before others.

Supporting. A childhood friend of Miss Blacklock.They went to school together and Bunny now lives in Miss Blacklock’s large house. The years have not been as kind to Bunny, and she is frequently forgetful, dotty, and rather confused. She often says things or makes comments about the past that annoy Miss Blacklock. She is prone to becoming unduly flustered and befuddled, especially when she is gently reprimanded by her friend.

Supporting. Second cousin of Miss Blacklock and ‘brother’ of Julia. They live in their aunt’s house, but argue like cat and dog in front of others. Patrick constantly tries to rile Julia as much as possible, taking on the role of the jokester and annoying big brother. However, they share private moments that go unobserved by others. Patrick is goodlooking, rich, and charming. He is a perpetual, professional student with no further career ambitions.

Supporting. The cook and maid in Miss Blacklock’s house. She comes from mid-Europe, with an appropriate accent (e.g. Hungarian, Romanian etc). She has been displaced from her homeland due to warfare, but the exact fate or whereabouts of her family are uncertain as her story changes each time she tells it. Mitzi is a fiery and explosive character who is prone to comical outbursts. She hates anyone interfering in the kitchen or giving her advice, and plays the victim card regularly.

Supporting. Miss Blacklock’s lodger. She comes across as elegant, classy, and sophisticated. She is a horticulturist and has taken a job restoring the gardens at a local hall. Phillipa has only been in the village for a few months, She has a son and presents herself as a young war widow. However, Miss Blacklock correctly deduces that Phillipa had a baby out of wedlock and is unmarried. Phillipa’s primary concern is for her son’s future.

Supporting. A neighbor of Mrs Blacklock, she lives with her adult son, Edmund. She is sophisticated and elegant, with a haughty air. She comes to Miss Blacklock’s house on the pretense of passing by, but she is clearly being nosy and wants to see if a murder really will take place. She is protective of her son and supports his attempts to become a writer. is deeply concerned when she believes that Edmund has gotten himself in debt and in trouble with the law.

Supporting. Mrs Sweetenham's son. He is a serious young man, who has pretensions of being a writer. However, he comes from a privileged, wealthy background so the drive is not as forceful as it might be for others. He is a burgeoning communist with opinionated and outspoken views. Edmund is frequently embarrassed by his mother and embraces the chance to defy her. He has a growing friendship/potential romance with Phillipa, one of Miss Blacklock’s lodgers.

Supporting. The chief inspector assigned to the muder case of Rudi Scherz. He is dedicated to his job and does not suffer fools gladly. The appearance and subsequent interference of Miss Marple initially irritates him. However, he is clever enough to accept his own limitations and becomes a reluctant partner of the amateur sleuth. Craddock accepts that only Miss Marple - with his assistance - can expose the murderer.

Featured. Swiss waiter who has been working in a hotel in England. However, Miss Blacklock recognizes him from her stay in Switzerland with her late sister. He is a strongly built man with a commanding voice. Rudi bursts into Miss Blacklock’s home with a gun, but it is him who ends up dead.

Featured. The sergeant assigned to the murder case, alongside his superior, Inspector Craddock. He is quiet, professional, and diligent.