Auditions
Murder on the Nile
By Agatha Christie
Directed by Theo Hatzistergos
Season: 10th August - 21st September 2024
Preview night 9th August
Friday and Saturday nights at 7.30pm
Sunday matinée at 4.30pm
Rehearsals: TBA – Usually 2 week nights and 1 weekend rehearsal – subject to cast availability and work patterns - Commencing early June.
Audition Dates:
Thursday 6th June 6:30pm - 9:30pm On Stage, The Genesian Theatre – 420 Kent Street
Saturday 8th June 9:00am – 2:00pm On Stage, The Genesian Theatre – 420 Kent Street
If needed:
Sunday 9th June 3pm – 7pm "MARS" Rehearsal Space, 13 – 21 Cadogan Street, Marrickville.
Other times can be arranged via appointment in need.
Callbacks if required, will be held on Thursday 13th June at “MARS” Rehearsal 13 – 21 Cadogan Street, Marrickville.
Audition Requirements: Actors will be required to read scenes from the script (to be sent in the audition pack upon the scheduling of the audition). Accents (where required) are as per the character list below.
To Book: Book a 15 minute audition time by sending through your CV with a headshot, noting preferred date, additionally noting the preferred role as well as the parts you are seeking to be considered for to: onthenile@genesiantheatre.com.au with the subject "AUDITION"
Note For Actors: Murder on the Nile will be an unpaid production. The Genesian Theatre Company is an amateur group where we pride ourselves on being a community dedicated to the arts and being a grassroots foundation for aspiring actors.
Synopsis: It’s the late 1940s. Kay Ridgeway is cruising on the River Nile on the paddle steamer "The Lotus". Kay has led a charmed life. Blessed with beauty, enormous wealth, and a new husband. As she embarks on a honeymoon voyage down the Nile, fatal circumstances await when the idyllic surroundings are shattered by a shocking and brutal murder. Under scrutiny is a multitude of memorable passengers, all with a reason to kill. The tension and claustrophobia builds, as a shocking and audacious conspiracy is exposed.
Character Descriptions:
All characters have a reason to be the murder victim, as well as a motive to be the murderer. Please note that the ages mentioned are suggested Character Ages and not necessarily the actual age of the actor.
Simon Mostyn (Male) (Age 25-35)
Kay’s new husband; good looking, good tempered with a simple hearty manner, from humble beginnings, determined not to use Kay for her money. Those auditioning for Simon must be confident performers and be comfortable with a lot of dialogue as this is a major role. British accent.
Canon Pennefather (Male) (Age 35+)
An imposing clergyman, a self-described worldly order of the clergy who enjoys the good things in life, Kay’s guardian whom she calls Uncle Ambrose; the sleuth and pivotal detective of the play. The performer must have great stage presence and be comfortable with a lot of dialogue as this is a major role. British accent.
William Smith (Male) (Age 30+)
An irreverent man who has devoted himself to the causes of the “working man” yet with a sparkle in the eye. A bit dirty and careless about his dress. His voice and dry wit contradict his appearance. Large supporting role. British accent.
Dr. Ludwig Bessner (Male) (Age 30+)
Medical doctor with a marked foreign accent from a small country in Europe; hates Kay’s father and blames him for the financial ruin of his country and his family. Large supporting role. German accent however would be open to a Dutch accent.
Steward (Male) (Age 20+)
Steward of the paddle steamer Lotus; sly and humorous character with the opportunity to go beyond what appears on the page. Speaks with a strong accent and requires speaking some Arabic. Supporting role.
McNaught (Male) (Age 20+)
The ship's manager. Minor role. British accent however director would be open to a Scottish accent.
Kay Ridgeway-Mostyn (Female) (Age 18-25)
A charismatic, rich and beautiful young socialite who leave all in her path breathless with admiration or disgust. Major role. British accent
Jacqueline De Severac (Female) (Age 18-25)
Simon's ex-fiancée and Kay’s best friend; raging with jealousy over Simon and Kay’s marriage. Emotional and mercurial, if somewhat fragile. Major role. French accent (NOT ESSENTIAL) however the director is open to British.
Helen Ffoliot-Ffoulkes (Female) (Age 40+)
Unpleasant aging socialite; rude, snobbish and gruff. A believer in the upper and lower classes and that they should never meet. Large supporting role. Upper class. British accent.
Christina Grant (Female) (Age 25+)
Nice, sensible girl with a steady temper. The niece of Helen, grateful for the adventure on her aunt’s dime. Large supporting role. British accent.
Louise (Female) (Age 20+)
Kay’s flirtatious and devious French maid. Supporting role. French accent.
Two Beadsellers (Male or Female) (18 - no limit)
The Bead sellers are in and out throughout the beginning of the play. Minor roles. Mideastern accent.
By Arrangement with ORiGiNTM Theatrical, On Behalf of Samuel French, A Concord Theatricals Company