AUDITION NOTICE: The Unfortunates - Staged Theatre

Title: The Unfortunates

Presented By: Staged Theatre

Genre: Drama / Historical Ghost Story

Synopsis: Set in Victorian London during the time of the Whitechapel murders, The Unfortunates follows Mary Jane Kelly as she struggles to survive poverty, exploitation, and danger in 1888 London. As Jack the Ripper stalks the streets, Mary faces impossible choices involving betrayal, survival, and the harsh realities faced by women of the era. The play is a dark, intimate ghost story exploring systemic oppression, friendship, grief, and survival.

Audition Date: Wednesday 27 May - Thursday 28 May 2026

Audition Time:7:30pm both evenings

Audition Location and Address: St. Mark’s Church Hall, Buderim

Audition Requirements: Open auditions. Scripts will be provided on the day.

Audition Pack: https://www.stagedtheatre.com/shows-events

Performance Dates: Friday 28 August 2026 – Saturday 5 September 2026

Performance Times: Friday performances: 7:30pm, Saturday matinees: 2:00pm, Saturday evening performances: 7:30pm

Rehearsal Times: Wednesday and Thursday nights

Rehearsal Location: St. Mark’s Church Hall, Buderim

Warnings: Coarse language, references to sex work, murder, violence, adult themes, alcoholism, themes of systemic exploitation and misogyny.

Performer Age: 18+

Creative Team:

• Directors: Peta Beattie & Lauren Willett

• Playwright: Aoise Stratford

Other information:

• Amateur production presented by arrangement with ORiGiNTM Theatrical on behalf of Theatrical Rights Worldwide

• Seeking 6–10 actors to play solo and multiple roles

• Set in Whitechapel, London, 1888

Available Roles/Character Breakdown:

• Mary Jane Kelly - Prostitute, 20s–40s. Complex lead role. Charismatic, vulnerable, defiant, emotionally demanding with strong stamina required.

• Landlord - Whitechapel slum landlord. Pragmatic and opportunistic. Represents systemic exploitation.

• Policeman - East End policeman. Grounded and practical.

• Lucy - Prostitute, 20s–40s. Sharp-tongued and street-smart.

• Cath Eddowes - Prostitute and alcoholic, 40s–50s. Spirited despite hardship.

• Liz Stride - Swedish prostitute and alcoholic, 30s–50s. Tough and guarded.

• Joe - Fishporter and Mary’s former lover, 20s–40s. Sincere and emotionally conflicted.

• Charlie - Policeman and friend to Mary. Friendly and conflicted.

• Mr March - Upper-class brothel client. Polished and entitled.

• Proprietress - Madam of a West End brothel. Controlled and businesslike.

• Cousin - Welsh prostitute. Contrasts Mary’s character.

• Constable Hutt - Senior Irish policeman and desk clerk. Experienced and procedural.

• Constable Watkins - Rookie beat policeman. Alert but inexperienced.

• Inquisitor - Leads the Whitechapel murder inquest. Formal and authoritative.

• Doctor Brown - Autopsy doctor. Clinical and composed.

• Witnesses:

  • Gossip – intrusive and energetic

  • Vigilante – aggressive and reactive

  • Gentleman – composed and potentially unreliable