Each 'character' is played by an 'actor' at the Theatre Royal music hall (meaning that
each actor in the show plays two parts – the actor playing the actor, and that actor
playing a role). This show requires the cast (including chorus) to improvise, and
have a great deal of contact with the audience.
Edwin Drood / Alice Nutting (Legit Mezzo B3-E5) Female 20-35, Drood is an
orphan. When he comes of age, he plans to marry Rosa Bud. The character of Drood
is chipper and loyal to 'his' loved ones – as Alice Nutting she is the biggest diva
you've ever met.
Rosa Bud / Peregrine (Legit Soprano A3-B5), Female 20-35, Rosa is an orphan and
betrothed to Edwin Drood, the only man who isn’t in love with her. Their betrothal
was arranged by their fathers. The character of Rosa is sweet, virtuous, innocent and
romantic, young, beautiful and apparently fragile. As Peregine she is saucy and has
'been around the block a bit'.
John Jasper / Paget, (Baritenor A2- A4), Male 30-45, The choirmaster of
Cloisterham Cathedral, Edwin Drood's uncle and guardian, and Rosa Bud's music
master. He secretly loves Rosa. The character of Jasper is brooding, jealous, and
obsessed with Rosa. Madness lurks beneath a smooth exterior. As Paget, he's a
rather big diva totally in love with his own beautiful voice. The Royale's male lead, a
devilishly attractive cad, and knows it. Some dance experience a plus. Major role.
Big dramatic music, plus a patter duet.
Neville Landless / Victor Grinstead, (Baritenor C3-G4), Male 20-35, Twin
orphan brother of Helena. They are from Ceylon, but it is not clear to what extent
they are Ceylonese. In their childhood they were mistreated and deprived.
Neville is immediately smitten by Rosa Bud. He is more proud than is
good for him, and his integrity prevents him from making an insincere
apology to Drood. As Victor, he is enjoying his first night with the Royale. Strong
ensemble singer, will need to switch between his British accent and a
“geographically untraceable” approximation of an East Asian accent.
Helena Landless / Janet Conover, (Mezzo/Belter G3-E5), Female 20-35, Twin
orphan sister of Neville. They are from Ceylon, but it is not clear to what extent they
are Ceylonese. In their childhood they were mistreated and deprived. Helena and
Rosa become dear friends. As Janet, she is long-standing trooper of the Royale - lots
of scope for this character. Strong ensemble singer, will need to switch between her
British accent and a “geographically untraceable” approximation of an East Asian
accent.
Rev. Septimus Crisparkle / Cedric Moncrieffe, (Tenor C3-G4) Male 40-70, A
minor canon of Cloisterham Cathedral and Neville Landless's mentor. Was in
love with Rosa Bud's mother years ago and is equally enchanted by
Rosa. As Cedric, he is an open book - scope for development (could be like the
character he plays, or completely different). Strong ensemble singer.
Durdles / Nick Cricker, (Character Baritenor B2-F4), Male 30s-60s, A stonemason,
old servant, sexton and drunkard. He knows more than anyone else about the
Cloisterham Cathedral cemetery. Gets to announce the murderer. As Cricker, he is
the "Clown Prince of the Royale" who makes the most of every line. Ensemble
singer.
Mr. Bazzard / Phillip Bax, (Character Baritenor A2-Eb4 – opt. G4 or Bb4)), Male
30-50, Another old retainer, but a classier one than Durdles. As Bax, he always
wants the lead, but always gets stuck in chorus parts. Dreams about someday
getting his 'big break'. The everlasting understudy who finally gets his moment. In
fact may have quite a major part if (as is quite likely) the evening turns out that way.
Some dance experience a plus.
Deputy / Young Nick (or Nicole) – (Any voice range), Male or Female, any age
younger than Cricker Sr. Deputy is not his name but rather a handle he uses for
anonymity. Comic role. If Young Nick/Nicole catches Durdles out after 10 pm, he
throws rocks at him until he goes home. Durdles pays him a halfpenny for doing so.
Some dance, gymnastic or stage combat experience a plus. Ensemble singer
Princess Puffer / Angela Prysock, (Character Alto F3-D5), Female 30s – 50s, A
haggard woman who runs the London opium den frequented by Jasper. Madam,
opium dealer and general purveyor of vice of all kinds. Glamorous in her ruin.
Bawdy and smart. As Angela, she has been a favourite of London audiences forever,
a staple of the stage. Big chest voice and lots of rapport with the audience.
Chairman / Mr. (Thomas) Sapsea (Patter voice high Baritone, D#3 to F#4) Male
35-65– a comical narrator of the show. Dance experience a plus. A long and difficult
role, keeps the whole thing together. Constant interplay with the audience and the
other characters - ability to ad lib a real advantage. Small part as Mayor Sapsea.
Miss Isobel Yearsley & Miss Florence Gill (Mezzo/Soprano C4-D5))
Enthusiastic if not always well-directed members of the company. Play Alice and
Beatrice, contemporaries of Rosa Bud. Sing a fabulous quartet with Rosa and
Helena in Act 1. Ensemble singers.
Stage Manager – James (or Joyce) Throttle– non-singing role, keeps the Chairman
on track throughout the play.
Mr. Brian Pankhurst/Horace/Citizen of Cloisterham
Miss Gwyndolyn Prynn/ Citizen of Cloisterham
Mr. Alan Eliot/ Citizen of Cloisterham
The other players of the Music Hall Royale. Play all types of roles in the 'show'. Must
be very comfortable with improv and have good comedic skills. Spend lots of time
interacting with the audience.
Ladies & Gentlemen of the Ensemble: Townspeople, opium den customers,
dancers, servants, police, street vendors, mob, etc.
*All ensemble members require a great deal of improvisation as they are
responsible for joking with the crowd to warm them up and for tallying the hand
votes for their designated section of the audience. The chorus in this show is
extremely active and will be called upon to play many characters!