AUDITION INFORMATION

12-15 people needed

We will happily cast females as lawyers

Depending on the number of people we have, we may do some role doubling, and/or add non-speaking roles as needed, such as Security Guards in the court and assistants to the prosecutors

So if you have always wanted to do an onstage role, this is a great opportunity for new people to apply and experience participating in a stage production and take a smaller role.

THE SUSPECT
Leonard Vole. Major role. Early 30s or thereabouts.

Young, naive and likable, Leonard finds himself wrapped up in the murder of an elderly woman whom he has befriended. He is befuddled as his world falls apart when his wife sabotages him in court. Hugely likeable young man. Needs to convincingly portray ‘the innocent’ – the one to whom things happen. Friendly and engaging. Genuinely perplexed by the situation he finds himself in.

Lower class English accent.

THE DEFENSE SOLICITOR
John Mayhew - onstage age 50+ - large role

Representing Leonard, Mayhew comes across as shrewd and serious.Described as shrewd and rather dry and precise in manner. Well respected in legal circles for his diligence and commitment to his clients. Personable and efficient. As someone who works strictly by the book, he is forced to deal with one surprise after another. As the case takes on a life of its own, Mayhew forges ahead in his targeted defense of Leonard.

Formal English accent.

THE DEFENSE BARRISTER
Sir Wilfred Robarts - onstage age 55+ Major role.

Respected senior barrister and main defence attorney. Convinced by Mayhew to take on Leonard’s case, Robarts becomes embroiled in an unexpected twist. When he meets Leonard’s wife, Romaine, the case blows up, and Robarts is forced to navigate the ups and down of the evidence until an explosive finale.

Well regarded for sound judgement and reasoning. To-the-point without being rude or impolite. Genuinely interested in the foibles of person-kind. Auditionees should not feel bound by the characterisation in the film.

Formal English accent.

THE WIFE
Romaine - Onstage age 30s. Major role.

Romaine is Leonard’s devoted wife. An underlying cunning must be hidden behind an outer vulnerability. The audience should not know whether to trust her or not. Speaks with some sort of eastern European accent. A foreigner, she paints the picture of a devious past and turns Leonard’s life upside down. She is mysterious and manipulative while she spews her own version of what happened on the night of the murder.

THE ASSISTANTS
Greta - 20s or early 30s. - Supporting role.

Robarts’ typist is lightheaded but confident. She is so obliviously self-assured, in fact, that she can’t seem to find anything wrong with someone who is being accused of murder.

Secretary/typist for Sir Wilfred. Brash and confident – sure of herself. Represents ‘the next generation’. Many of her lines represent the ‘common sense’ or common public view. Cockney accent.

Carter -30s. Supporting role.

Junior solicitor/clerk in Sir Wilfred’s chambers. Likeable, diligent sort of chap. An up-and-coming law clerk, eager to please.

Generic English accent.

THE PROSECUTOR
Mr. Myers QC Onstage age 55+ -Supporting role.

Straitlaced and on top of the facts, the prosecutor in the case against Leonard tries desperately to prove his guilt. QC for the prosecution. Starchy, self confident and self important. Doesn’t seek to be likeable, so isn’t. No fun at parties. Only appears in the court scenes.

Formal English accent.

THE JUDGE
Mr. Justice Wainwright - onstage age 60 + - Minor but important role.

Even-tempered and professional, Justice Wainwright rules the courtroom with authority and confidence.Honoured and respected judge. Runs a tight ship in his court, and has no time for nonsense or games. Only appears in the court scenes.

Formal English accent.

THE EXAMINERS
Dr. Wyatt & Mr Clegg - Any age but 30+.

Both roles give evidence for the prosecution in the court scenes. Depending on casting, the testimonies may be combined with Inspector Hearn’s to make 2 decent sized roles instead of 3 smaller ones.

Inspector Hearn - 50+. English or regional UK accent.

Police inspector who will end up providing a lot of the prosecution evidence in Act 2. Rather humourless and officious. Carries himself like a long term member of the force. Supporting role.

THE VICTIM
Emily French Only spoken of

It is the murder of Emily – who is extremely wealthy, lives with her housekeeper and eight cats, and enjoys the company of younger men – that blows up the life of her dear friend Leonard

.

THE HOUSEKEEPER
Janet MacKenzie - 40+.Smallish role – only appearance is as a witness

Spinsterly attendee to the murder victim. Gruff but caring. Makes no secret of who she likes/trusts and who she doesn’t. Not big on tact or nuance .The suspicious and vengeful housekeeper with a sour personality expected to be the beneficiary of Emily’s will before Leonard came into the picture. How can Leonard take what is rightfully hers? Janet is determined to see him punished and put in jail.

Prefer Scottish accent.

THE SUSPICIOUS WOMAN

30s - small but vital role

The Woman drops in and out of the story with a demeanor that is both elusive and mysterious. She remains anonymous until the very end as she ultimately changes the course of Leonard’s future.

https://stageagent.com/shows/play/32417/witness-for-the-prosecution/characters