And Then There Were None, considered Agatha Christie’s most popular novel, was first performed as a play in 1943. In our production, we will stay true to the original in the following ways:
- Setting large manor house on the remote Soldier Island off the coast of Devon, UK
- Timeframe 1940’s
- Language British accent (note: General MacKenzie can lean towards Scottish)
Ten people gather in this isolated location for the weekend — eight guests and two hired staff. Each has received an invitation from a mysterious Mr. Owen. Their deaths follow the nursery rhyme “Ten Little Soldiers.”
This play is a master class by Christie into the minds of people who have done wrong but justify their actions so as to appear innocent. What lies at the heart of each person present? Who drives the killer until … there are none?
Judge Lawrence Wargrave (male presenting; mature)
Highly intelligent and authoritative; known as the “hanging judge;” takes leadership role for the group; later revealed to have orchestrated the deaths; twisted sense of justice makes him a bit mad. Note: will require stage combat. No prior experience required.
Vera Claythorne (female-presenting; 25-35)
Former governess haunted by her past; thinks hired as secretary for Owens; intelligent and resourceful young woman that becomes increasingly more unstable as the story progresses. Note: possible staged intimacy (kiss) with Lombard. Stage combat required. No prior experience necessary.
Philip Lombard (male-presenting; 40-60)
Former soldier with a mysterious background; bold and cunning characteristics help him live longer than others in the house. Note: possible staged intimacy (kiss) with Vera
William Blore (male-presenting; 40-50)
Former police officer with a past; gives an alias when first arrives at the house; claims Owens hired him to uncover the truth
Emily Brent (female-presenting; elderly)
Very judgmental and unyielding with a narrow, strict moral code; religious fanatic; represents the theme of moral righteousness and its consequences
General MacKenzie (male-presenting; elderly)
Retired military; resigned to his fate as he reflects on his past actions; character adds depth to storyline
Thomas and Ethel Rogers (any gender; 30+)
Caretaker and housekeeper/cook of the house; each is haunted by their past; these past actions draw Thomas into the drama being played out; Ethel is more unstable; she is the second “soldier” to die
Anthony Marston (male-presenting; 20-30)
Young, wealthy, and reckless; character embodies the arrogance of youth and the consequences of one’s actions; the first to die
(note: will double as Narracott, boat captain at start of play)
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Note: all roles require a proper or Received English accent. Do your best with this at auditions.