ROLES in ‘PERICLES’ There are lots of roles in ‘Pericles’. The following is a guide to the parts on offer:‐ Section A – Major roles. Actors cast in these will NOT be intended to ‘double up’ Section B – Semi‐major roles. Actors cast in these roles may also be considered for ‘doubling up’ if desired Section C – All other roles. Actors cast in these will probably play multiple roles. These include speaking and non‐speaking roles Section A PERICLES - Prince of Tyre. The actor playing this role needs to be able to attain a range of emotions and be capable of handling both dramatic and comic
scenes. Age: Pericles should look at least late 20s in the first half of the play; but in the second half needs to look and act 14 years older.
GOWER - The chorus. Most of Gower’s role involves prologues in verse speaking directly with the audience. There is some potential for interaction with
other actors. Age: Indeterminate. Note: Although written as a male role, could be considered as female with the right actor
MARINA – Pericles daughter. She only appears in the second half of the play when she experiences adventures with murderers, pirates and the brothel before
being rescued and ultimately re-united with her father. Age: Although 14 will need to be played by an actor who is at least 16. Some challenging emotional
acting required.
SIMONIDES – King of Pentapolis, later father-in-law to Pericles. Age: 40s – 60s. Only in Part One of play.
HELICANUS – Lord of Tyre, faithful to Pericles who acts as governor of Tyre in Pericles’ absence. Age: He is another that needs to age 14 years between the
first and second half of the play but can be played by anyone 30s – 50s.
CLEON – Governor of Tarsus. Befriends Pericles when the latter helps him relieve poverty in Tarsus and later ‘fosters’ the baby Marina. Age: 30s-50s. Ages
14 years between the first and second half of the play.
CERIMON – Lord at Ephesus. Rescues Thaisa and helps her enter a nunnery. Age: 40s upwards, needs to age 14 years between Parts One and Two.
THAISA – Daughter of Simonides, later wife to Pericles. Age: Needs to be fairly young in the first half of the play (18-25) but needs to be aged 14 years for
the second half.
DIONIZA – Wife of Cleon. Jealous of Marina she orders her to be murdered. Age: 20s- 40s. Ages 14 years between first and second half of the play.
Section B LYSIMACHUS - Governor of Mytilene. Major part in Part Two only. Rescues Marina from the brothel. Age: 30s – 50s.
BAWD – ‘Madam’ of the brothel in which Marina inadvertently finds herself. Comic role. In Part two only. Age: 30s upwards.
BOULT – Pimp in brothel. Comic role but with a dark side. Part Two only. Age: 30s upwards.
PANDER – ‘Husband’ of Bawd. Part Two only. Age: 40s upwards.
Section C (speaking roles in BOLD) Males
ACT I
Antiochus (a king)
Thaliard (an assassin)
Escanes (lord)
Lord of Tyre
Lord of Tarsus
ACT II
Fishermen (3) *
Attendants/Sailors (2)
ACT III
Messenger/Sailor
Gentlemen in Ephesus (2)
Philemon (servant)
Lord of Pentapolis
Lord of Pentapolis
Knights (5)
ACT IV
Leonine (an assassin)
Pirates (3)
Gentlemen in Mytilene (2)
ACT V
Lord of Mytilene
First Sailor
Second Sailor
*may consider one fisherman as a female role
Females
ACT I
Antiochus’ Daughter
ACT II
Ladies in Court/Dancers (5)
ACT III
Lychorida (a nurse)
Nurse to Philoten
ACT IV
Philoten (young girl)
Bawds (3)
ACT V
Diana (goddess)
Nuns (4)
ACT II
ACT III
First Servant
Second Servant
ACT IV
Dioniza’s Servant
ACT V
Citizens of Ephesus (many)
Either Males or Females
ACT I
Antiochus’ Servant
Antiochus’ Servant
Citizen of Tarsus
Citizens of Tarsus (8+)
Attendants to Pericles (2)