AUDITION NOTICE: A Murder is Announced - Toowoomba Repertory Theatre Society

Title: A Murder is Announced

Presented By: Toowoomba Repertory Theatre Society

Genre: Murder Mystery / Crime Thriller / Drama

Synopsis: Based on Agatha Christie's classic novel and adapted for the stage by Leslie Darbon, A Murder is Announced is a suspenseful whodunnit filled with secrets, deception and unexpected twists.

An unusual announcement appears in the local newspaper of the quiet English village of Chipping Cleghorn: A murder is announced and will take place on Friday, October 13th, at Little Paddocks at 6:30pm. Intrigued by the mysterious invitation, the neighbours gather at Little Paddocks expecting an elaborate parlour game. However, when the clock strikes 6:30, the lights go out, gunshots ring through the house, and a body is discovered on the floor. As hidden identities, suspicious motives and dangerous secrets emerge, Inspector Dermot Craddock and the sharp-witted Miss Jane Marple must unravel the mystery before the murderer strikes again.

Audition Date: Saturday 24 October 2026

Audition Time: 2:00pm

Audition Location and Address: Toowoomba Repertory Theatre, 94 Margaret Street, East Toowoomba

Parking is available behind the theatre, accessible via Austral Lane.

Audition Requirements:

• Read and prepare the supplied script excerpts relevant to the characters you wish to audition for.

• Audition excerpts do not need to be memorised.

• Applicants may bring an additional audition piece if desired.

• Performers should demonstrate clear diction, strong vocal projection, characterisation and the ability to work collaboratively.

• Previous acting experience is beneficial but not essential.

• New members of Toowoomba Repertory Theatre should complete the personal information and acting experience form included in the audition notice and bring it to the audition.

Audition Registration: Email production@toowoombarep.com.au to confirm your intention to audition.

Include your interest in a particular character or backstage position, along with a brief outline of any relevant theatre experience.

Contact:

• Director: Mike Taylor

• Phone: 0422 514 183

• Email: production@toowoombarep.com.au

Applicants who cannot attend on 24 October should contact Mike to discuss their availability.

Audition Pack: Download Audition Information (PDF)

Performance Dates: 23 February – 6 March 2027

Performance Location: Toowoomba Repertory Theatre, 94 Margaret Street, East Toowoomba QLD

Rehearsal Dates: Commencing the first week of December 2026, with a break over Christmas and New Year.

Rehearsal Times:

• Two weekday evenings per week, approximately 7:00pm–9:00pm.

• One half-day weekend rehearsal per week.

• The rehearsal schedule will be developed around cast and crew availability wherever possible. Performers should disclose any known scheduling conflicts when registering.

Performer Age: Adult performers.

Creative Team:

• Director – Mike Taylor

• Playwright – Agatha Christie

• Stage Adaptation – Leslie Darbon

Production Website: https://www.toowoombarep.com.au/audition

Other information:

• Miss Jane Marple has already been cast and is not available for audition.

• Backstage opportunities are available for stage management, stage crew, rehearsal prompting, lighting and sound operation.

• No previous theatre experience is necessary for backstage positions, as training will be provided.

• Applicants who are not cast may be considered for backstage roles or future productions.

• The company encourages anyone interested in becoming involved with Toowoomba Repertory Theatre to attend, regardless of their experience or suitability for this particular production.

Available Roles/Character Breakdown

• Inspector Dermot Craddock

  • Gender: Male

  • A steady, methodical police inspector tasked with investigating the mysterious murder at Little Paddocks. Craddock approaches the case with careful observation, logical reasoning and a dry sense of humour. As the investigation becomes increasingly complicated, he must navigate contradictory accounts, suspicious behaviour and concealed identities.

  • Performance Requirements: Strong diction, natural authority, understated comedic timing and the ability to portray an intelligent, methodical investigator.

• Letitia "Letty" Blacklock

  • Gender: Female

  • The owner of Little Paddocks, where the mysterious murder announcement draws the villagers together. Composed, guarded and outwardly respectable, Letitia possesses hidden depths that become increasingly significant as the investigation unfolds.

  • Performance Requirements: Subtle emotional range, controlled characterisation and the ability to suggest secrets beneath a calm exterior.

• Dora "Bunny" Bunner

  • Gender: Female

  • Letitia's former childhood companion, who now lives with her at Little Paddocks. Scatterbrained, befuddled and excitable, Bunny is an endearing but sometimes exasperating presence. Her unpredictable behaviour and tendency to become flustered contribute to both the humour and tension of the story.

  • Performance Requirements: Strong character acting, comedic timing and the ability to balance eccentricity with emotional sincerity.

• Mitzi

  • Gender: Female

  • The eccentric foreign maid and cook employed at Little Paddocks. Highly dramatic, paranoid and hot-tempered, Mitzi is prone to emotional outbursts and exaggerated reactions. Her unpredictable personality makes her a memorable presence among the household's inhabitants.

  • Performance Requirements: Energetic characterisation, strong comedic instincts and the ability to portray heightened emotions.

• Julia Simmons

  • Gender: Female

  • An intelligent, poised young woman with a cool, modern confidence. Julia is composed and self-assured, with an observant nature and an ability to maintain control in uncomfortable situations.

  • Performance Requirements: Naturalistic acting, confident stage presence and the ability to suggest complexity beneath a composed exterior.

• Patrick Simmons

  • Gender: Male

  • A charming, witty young man with a mischievous streak. Patrick brings humour and a playful energy to the household, although his charm and unpredictable behaviour can complicate the investigation.

  • Performance Requirements: Strong comedic timing, charisma and the ability to convey a mischievous personality.

• Phillipa Haymes

  • Gender: Female

  • A quiet, elegant woman who carries considerable emotional weight. Phillipa's reserved manner conceals a deeper emotional life, requiring an understated and sensitive performance.

  • Performance Requirements: Emotional subtlety, restraint and the ability to communicate complex feelings through naturalistic acting.

• Mrs Clara Swettenham

  • Gender: Female

  • A pushy, gossipy and easily flustered village resident. Mrs Swettenham is an outspoken member of the local community whose curiosity and tendency to involve herself in other people's affairs add humour and complication to the unfolding mystery.

  • Performance Requirements: Strong comedic timing, expressive characterisation and confident delivery.

• Edmund Swettenham

  • Gender: Male

  • Mrs Swettenham's young, intellectual son and an aspiring writer. Sardonic, observant and quick-witted, Edmund approaches the world with a sharp intelligence and a tendency towards dry humour.

  • Performance Requirements: Clear diction, understated comedy and the ability to portray an intelligent, observant character.

• Miss Jane Marple – PRECAST

  • Gender: Female

  • An elderly spinster with exceptional powers of observation, a sharp intellect and an inquisitive nature. Miss Marple's understanding of human behaviour makes her invaluable in solving the mystery alongside Inspector Craddock.

  • This role has already been cast and is not available for audition.

Backstage and Technical Opportunities

Toowoomba Repertory Theatre is also seeking volunteers for the following positions:

• Stage Manager: Coordinating backstage activity and assisting with the smooth running of performances.

• Stage Crew / Stagehands: Assisting with scene changes, props and backstage operations.

• Rehearsal Prompter: Following the script and assisting performers with forgotten lines during rehearsals.

• Lighting Operators: Operating lighting cues during performances.

• Sound Operators: Operating sound effects and audio cues.

Previous experience is not required, and training will be provided.

Interested volunteers should email production@toowoombarep.com.au to express their interest.