Nov. 19-28. 2026

The Engine Room, View St, Bendigo

SYNOPSIS.‍ ‍

Witness for the Prosecution is a gripping courtroom drama and twisty murder mystery, about Leonard Vole, who is accused of murdering a wealthy widow. While Vole's brilliant defense attorney fights to prove his innocence, the case ultimately unravels into a series of shocking betrayals and twists.

The Accusation

Leonard Vole is a charming, struggling young man who befriends a lonely, wealthy older woman named Emily French. When Ms. French is brutally murdered, Vole is arrested because he was named the principal beneficiary of her vast fortune. With his life on the line, Vole turns to Sir Wilfrid Robarts, a highly respected and ailing British barrister, to defend him.

No more spoilers but we can tell you that in typical Christie fashion, there are more twists than a bag of licorice!

2 ACTS - Set between a lawyer’s off ice and the Court Room

More information including Lines and Scenes load will be published closer to auditions

Character list.

THE SUSPECT
Leonard Vole

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.

THE DEFENSE SOLICITOR
John Mayhew

Representing Leonard, Mayhew comes across as shrewd and serious. 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.

THE DEFENSE BARRISTER
Sir Wilfred Robarts

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.

THE ASSISTANT
Greta

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.

THE PROSECUTOR
Mr. Myers

Straitlaced and on top of the facts, the prosecutor in the case against Leonard tries desperately to prove his guilt.

THE JUDGE
Mr. Justice Wainwright

Even-tempered and professional, Justice Wainwright rules the courtroom with authority and confidence.

THE EXAMINER
Dr. Wyatt

Unflappable and determined, the “police surgeon” reports unemotionally on the physical details of the murder.

THE VICTIM
Emily French

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 WIFE
Romaine

Romaine is Leonard’s devoted wife. 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 HOUSEKEEPER
Janet MacKenzie

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.

THE SUSPICIOUS WOMAN

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

PRODUCTION TIMELINE

JUNE

  • Expressions of interest open for Production Crew - including Director, Assistant Director

  • Interviews held Sat 20th June by invitattion

  • Announcement of Production Team

JULY

  • Social Night - Fundraiser . More Info on CONNECTION page

  • Expressions of interest open for Cast - July 1st

  • Information Night Thursday 9th July - The Engine Room

    AUDITIONS JULY 11th & 12th - Venue TBC

  • Announcement of casting

  • Production planning meetings

August, September, October

  • Rehearsals as per schedule to be delivered at Casting Announcement. Attendance is expected only on scheduled times

  • Rehearsal times are on Thursday evenings from 6:45pm and Sundays from 12:30pm

  • Schedule will include a full weekend rehearsal and photo day end of August and a mid-way social event.

NOVEMBER

  • DRESS REHEARSALS AND BUMP-IN - all days SAT 14th & SUN 15th, the MON 16th & TUES 17th from 6:30pm

  • PERFORMANCES 19th- 21st - Exact times to be confirmed after casting

  • PERFORMANCES 26th- 28th - Exact times to be confirmed after casting

  • BUMP OUT - SUN 29th

Production Team Roles

  • Exact role descriptions and applications on the CONNECTIONS page under Teams.

Onstage Roles

  • EOI - OPEN JULY 1ST

  • Audition Dates - SATURDAY JULY 11th