AUDITION NOTICE: Midnight Murder at Hamlington Hall - Ipswich Little Theatre

Title: Midnight Murder at Hamlington Hall

Presented By: Ipswich Little Theatre Society (ILT)

Genre: Farce / Murder Mystery Comedy / Comedy

Synopsis: Written by Mark Kilmurray and Jamie Oxenbould, Midnight Murder at Hamlington Hall is a chaotic theatrical farce in which everything that can go wrong inevitably does. It's opening night for director and playwright Shane Tweed's brand-new murder mystery, Midnight Murder at Hamlington Hall. Unfortunately, seven members of the amateur theatre company's cast have fallen ill with the dreaded lurgy, leaving the production in complete disarray. Determined to uphold the theatrical tradition that "the show must go on", Shane and two remaining actors attempt to perform the entire production themselves. With frantic costume changes, misplaced props, absurd miscasting, multiple characters and increasingly disastrous theatrical mishaps, the performers struggle to keep their murder mystery from descending into complete chaos. Can they somehow pull off the performance, or will everything go horribly, terribly and awfully wrong?

Audition Date: Monday 9 November 2026

Audition Time: 7:30pm

Audition Location and Address: Jean Pratt Building, Ipswich Little Theatre Complex, Ipswich QLD

Audition Requirements: Ipswich Little Theatre is seeking actors with previous experience or an intuitive understanding of comic timing who can confidently portray multiple characters with differing accents and personalities. Applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the supplied audition scenes before attending. Knowledge of these excerpts will assist performers during the audition.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Strong comedic timing and an understanding of farcical performance.

• Flexibility in portraying multiple characters.

• The ability to switch between different accents and characterisations.

• Confident script interpretation and collaborative performance skills.

• Strong stage presence, adaptability and an ability to respond to fast-paced theatrical situations.

Audition Registration: Register for Auditions

The registration form requests:

• Personal and contact information.

• Current Ipswich Little Theatre membership status.

• Previous acting experience.

• Roles of interest.

• Rehearsal availability.

• Known scheduling conflicts.

• Willingness to assist backstage or with front of house if not cast.

Audition Pack:

• Side 1 – Shane and Pip

• Side 2 – Full Cast, Act 1

• Side 3 – Full Cast, Act 2

Additional copies of the script or audition scenes may be requested directly from the director.

Director Contact: jorobbins001@gmail.com

Performance Dates: 24 February – 13 March 2027

Performance Location: Ipswich Little Theatre, Ipswich QLD

Rehearsal Times: Rehearsals are generally held on weekday evenings, with occasional weekend rehearsals depending on cast and crew availability. Applicants must indicate their availability and any known conflicts when registering.

Performer Age: Adult performers. Character playing ages range from approximately 25–60+.

Creative Team:

• Playwrights: Mark Kilmurray and Jamie Oxenbould

• Director: Jo Robbins

• Assistant Director: Leanne Bamford

• Assistant Director: Shane Mallory

Production Website: https://www.ilt.org.au/getinvolved/auditions/

Available Roles/Character Breakdown

KAREN

• Playing Age: 30s–40s

• Pragmatic and a little dry. Karen brings a practical, grounded personality to the chaos of the production. Her understated approach provides a contrast to the more enthusiastic and theatrical personalities around her.

• Performance Requirements: Strong comic timing, dry humour and the ability to maintain a straight-faced performance amid increasingly absurd situations.

PHILLIPA (PIP)

• Playing Age: 30s–50s

• Very keen and enthusiastic. Phillipa approaches the theatrical production with eagerness and commitment, even as circumstances become increasingly ridiculous.

• Performance Requirements: Energetic characterisation, expressive comedy and the flexibility to portray multiple characters.

SHANE

• Playing Age: 30s–50s

• Very enthusiastic and a born optimist. Shane is determined to keep the production moving forward despite the extraordinary challenges threatening to derail opening night. His relentless optimism and enthusiasm contribute to the escalating theatrical chaos.

• Performance Requirements: Strong comic timing, confident stage presence, high energy and the ability to portray enthusiasm under pressure.

BARNEY

• Playing Age: 40–60

• A member of the old guard who is extremely theatrical and lives for the theatre. Barney is deeply devoted to performing and embraces the dramatic traditions of amateur theatre with considerable enthusiasm.

• Performance Requirements: Larger-than-life characterisation, theatrical flair, strong comic instincts and the ability to portray exaggerated personalities.

RICHARD

• Playing Age: 25+

• The straight man of the group, who finds himself completely out of his depth. Richard attempts to navigate the increasingly ridiculous circumstances surrounding the production, often serving as a grounded contrast to the more eccentric personalities.

• Performance Requirements: Excellent reactive comedy, understated characterisation and the ability to communicate confusion, frustration and discomfort.