Audition notice!
MISS HOLMES
Written by Christopher M Walsh
Directed by Jacquelyn Harding
16 May 2026
DIRECTOR’S NOTeS
This production explores a simple but compelling question: what if Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson were women?
While the story remains grounded in the world and spirit of the original work, this interpretation invites us to consider how differently these characters might navigate that world — the expectations placed upon them, the spaces they are permitted to occupy, and the ways in which they are seen and heard.
I want this play to be an exploration of life in another time. Each generation lives within the biases and perceived roles placed upon them by society and family, and this story is no different. It asks us to consider how these characters, and indeed how we ourselves, might live if we had been born into the world of the 1880s.
At its heart, this is still the Sherlock Holmes we know and love: a story of intellect, observation, partnership, and mystery. The intention is not to reinvent the narrative, but to reveal new dimensions within it.
Culture is incredibly important to me, both within the story and in the way we build a company. We will work in an environment where each person is valued, and where everyone is expected to treat one another with dignity, understanding, and respect.
As a director, my focus is always on people. I aim to create a collaborative, supportive space where actors feel confident to explore, take risks, and bring their full selves to the work. I am excited to work with a company who are curious, committed, and eager to contribute to a shared creative vision.
DATE & TIME
Saturday, 16 May 2026
10:00am – 4:30pm
Callbacks (if required):
Tuesday 19 May – evening
LOCATION
Dolphin Theatre
Rehearsal Hall
12 Spring Street
Onehunga
REHEARSALS
Tuesdays & Thursdays
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sundays
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
APPLY TO AUDITION HERE!
Audition Now!
〰️
Audition Now! 〰️
Roles
This production includes moments of physical conflict and brief intimacy. All scenes involving intimacy and fight choreography will be supported by professional advisors to ensure a safe and respectful working environment.
Please note that the ages listed for each character are a guide only. Casting decisions will be based on the overall balance of the company and how actors connect within the world of the play.
There are opportunities for actors to be considered for multiple roles. Please indicate on your audition form which characters you wish to be considered for.
Members of the cast may also be required to play additional ensemble roles, including various Londoners throughout the production.
As the play is set in London in the 1880s, a British accent (Received Pronunciation / Standard English) will be used for most roles.
Full script and audition pieces upon application submission
Full script and audition pieces upon application submission
MISS SHERLOCK HOLMES (25–35)
RP / Standard English
Miss Holmes is known for her exceptional logical reasoning, sharp observation, and mastery of deduction. She moves through the world with intelligence, strength, and unwavering determination.
Living within the constraints placed upon women in the 1880s, Holmes remains resolute and unflappable, refusing to be limited by societal expectations.
This role includes several fight sequences, which will be developed with a professional fight choreographer.
DR DOROTHY WATSON (25–35)
RP / Standard English
Ability to speak German is useful
Dr Watson is a skilled doctor and surgeon, known for her intelligence, courage, and strong sense of professionalism. She is patient, modest, and deeply loyal.
Practical and grounded, Watson provides a steady counterbalance to Holmes, while navigating the challenges of working in a system that limits women in medicine.
LIZZIE CHAPMAN (20–35)
Also plays Peggy & Martha
Lizzie: RP / Standard English
Peggy: Cockney
A young wife carrying the weight of serious personal struggles beneath a composed exterior. Lizzie presents an air of nonchalance, but beneath it lies vulnerability, distress, and emotional complexity.
This is a dynamic role requiring a strong emotional range. The actor will also take on additional roles as Peggy (a maid) and Martha (a washerwoman).
EUDORA FEATHERSTONE (45–70)
RP / Standard English
An elderly woman deeply affected by grief following the loss of her daughter under troubling circumstances.
Eudora’s emotional state is fragile and intense, with her grief manifesting in ways that deeply impact her interactions with others.
MRS HUDSON (45–80)
Accent flexible
Sherlock’s landlady, often disapproving and quick to complain, yet ultimately warm-hearted.
She provides moments of humour and grounding within the story, while also showing genuine care, particularly in moments of distress.
MYCROFT HOLMES (30–45)
RP / Standard English
Sherlock’s older sibling and a British government official with an extraordinary capacity for logic and organisation.
Mycroft and Sherlock share a complex relationship, often engaging in intellectual battles of will. Protective in their own way, Mycroft frequently works behind the scenes to manage the consequences of Sherlock’s actions.
This role may also include additional minor characters.
GEOFFREY LESTRADE (30–65)
RP / Standard English
A Scotland Yard detective regarded as competent and capable.
Smart, observant, and methodical, Lestrade works within the system, often intersecting with Sherlock’s more unconventional methods.
THOMAS CHAPMAN (30–60)
RP / Standard English
A highly regarded Scotland Yard detective, though rumours of corruption and brutality follow him.
Respected publicly, but with a darker edge beneath the surface, Thomas is a complex and potentially dangerous figure.
MICHAEL STAMFORD (30–45)
Also plays Reginald
RP / Standard English
German useful for Stamford
Stamford is a doctor with a personal history connected to Watson, still holding onto the possibility of a future with her.
Reginald, by contrast, is devoted to his aunt Eudora, with an overly attentive manner that can feel uncomfortable to others.
ELIZABETH GARRETT ANDERSON (45–60)
RP / Standard English
A real historical figure and pioneering doctor, she was the first woman in England to qualify as a physician.
A strong, intelligent presence, she represents progress and possibility within a restrictive society.
EDWIN GREENER / SUPERINTENDENT
(35–60)
RP / Standard English
Edwin Greener is a former soldier turned petty criminal.
The Superintendent oversees Bethlem Royal Hospital, presenting authority and control, but is open to influence when it suits him.
NOTEs
The Dolphin Theatre is a welcoming and nondiscriminatory organisation. We are seeking an incredibly diverse and inclusive cast. We encourage community members to attend regardless of age, race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and/or experience. If you require accommodations in any way, please let us know and we will do our best to make that happen.
Dolphin theatre is a community theatre and is run entirely by volunteers.
All acting roles are unpaid.