
This hugely successful 1938 thriller, made into a famous Hollywood film in 1944, is set in the fog-bound London of the 1890s. As the ghostly living room gaslight flickers and the floorboards creak around her, Bella Manningham becomes convinced that she is losing her mind, as her mother did before her. With her husband away on business, she loses all sense of reality. Does the terror exist in her imagination or are dark secrets living in her home? The surprise arrival of a retired detective leads to a shocking discovery that will shake her respectable Victorian marriage to its core.
Characters: 2M 3F
Bella Manningham (playing age 30-40) A major leading role (see description above). Needs to be able to convincingly portray someone on the edge of mental collapse.
Jack Manningham (playing age 40s) Suave, persuasive psychopath. A consummate ‘performer’ he uses a combination of bullying, charm and manipulation to control his wife. Think Rob Titchiner in ‘The Archers’.
Inspector Rough (playing age 60s) Genial, charming, kindly ‘rough diamond’. A retired Police officer who can jump into action and use force when the situation requires it. The lynchpin of the play when he is on stage.
Elizabeth (playing age 50+) The Manningham’s housekeeper. A part which plays better than it reads. She is kind, practical and loyal to her mistress, but also able to play her master at his own game when necessary. A good supporting role for a mature actress.
Nancy (Playing age – around 20) – Spirited, pretty, ambitious housemaid, who uses her sexual allure to get what she wants.
Production dates: 1 - 8 April 2017
You are invited to attend an OPEN AUDITION for the above play on either Sat 7 January 2017 at 2pm or Sun 8 January 2017 at 7.45pm.