Having been bedridden for many months, the domineering Edwina Black has just died – and the general feeling appears to be one of relief for her hen-pecked husband Gregory and downtrodden personal companion Elizabeth. The play, set in the year 1895, opens on the eve of Edwina’s funeral. All the preparations are made and everything is going to plan until a police inspector calls at the house to inform Mr Black that the funeral cannot go ahead and will have to be delayed. The doctor, who’s been treating Edwina, is unhappy about Edwina’s sudden and unexpected death, and a post-mortem must be carried out. When the results of the PM reveal that Edwina has died from arsenic poisoning, the three suspects – Gregory, Elizabeth and Ellen the housekeeper – soon start accusing and incriminating each other, leading to claims, counter-claims, revelations and surprises, which show that no-one can be trusted. Inspector Martin has to unravel all the evidence and accusations and piece together the mystery surrounding Edwina’s last days, eventually solving ‘whodunnit’…

The characters (although playing ages are given, there is some flexibility): Ellen, the housekeeper An elderly woman of strong reserve, pride and opinions, she’s a stickler for convention and was absolutely devoted to Edwina. She has a nice line in caustic put-downs. Elizabeth Graham, companion to the late Edwina Black (playing age 30-45) She hated her mistress’s sarcasm and high and might ways. She feels Edwina’s presence still permeates the house and is thwarting her aspirations. Gregory Black, husband (playing age 40-50) Village schoolmaster, dominated and constantly reminded by Edwina that he was living a very nice life on her money. His emotions range from resolute strength when obstacles are put in the way, to sheer anger when his sought-after future is put in jeopardy. Inspector Martin (playing age 40-60) A sort of Victorian Columbo: always ready for a chat with just a couple of things that need clearing up.

Audition pieces can be obtained from:
Kathy Taylor – [email protected] | 07737 709400

For further information please contact:
Maureen Davies – [email protected] 01438 817472.

Having been bedridden for many months, the domineering Edwina Black has just died – and the general feeling appears to be one of relief for her hen-pecked husband Gregory and downtrodden personal companion Elizabeth. The play, set in the year 1895, opens on the eve of Edwina’s funeral. All the preparations are made and everything is going to plan until a police inspector calls at the house to inform Mr Black that the funeral cannot go ahead and will have to be delayed. The doctor, who’s been treating Edwina, is unhappy about Edwina’s sudden and unexpected death, and a post-mortem must be carried out. When the results of the PM reveal that Edwina has died from arsenic poisoning, the three suspects – Gregory, Elizabeth and Ellen the housekeeper – soon start accusing and incriminating each other, leading to claims, counter-claims, revelations and surprises, which show that no-one can be trusted. Inspector Martin has to unravel all the evidence and accusations and piece together the mystery surrounding Edwina’s last days, eventually solving ‘whodunnit’…

The characters (although playing ages are given, there is some flexibility): Ellen, the housekeeper An elderly woman of strong reserve, pride and opinions, she’s a stickler for convention and was absolutely devoted to Edwina. She has a nice line in caustic put-downs. Elizabeth Graham, companion to the late Edwina Black (playing age 30-45) She hated her mistress’s sarcasm and high and might ways. She feels Edwina’s presence still permeates the house and is thwarting her aspirations. Gregory Black, husband (playing age 40-50) Village schoolmaster, dominated and constantly reminded by Edwina that he was living a very nice life on her money. His emotions range from resolute strength when obstacles are put in the way, to sheer anger when his sought-after future is put in jeopardy. Inspector Martin (playing age 40-60) A sort of Victorian Columbo: always ready for a chat with just a couple of things that need clearing up.

Audition pieces can be obtained from:
Kathy Taylor – [email protected] | 07737 709400

For further information please contact:
Maureen Davies – [email protected] 01438 817472.