Audition notice!
Murder on the Nile
Written by Agatha Christie
Directed by Emma Love
DIRECTOR’S NOTeS
Murder on the Nile offers a unique opportunity to build a true ensemble piece. Christie’s writing is layered with humour, tension, and humanity, and each character plays an essential role in the puzzle. It is a very character-driven play, the suspense only works if the people feel vivid, truthful, and compelling, which is why I am looking for strong character actors who can bring depth, energy, and individuality to their roles. The glamour of the 1930s setting and exotic location, combined with the claustrophobic intensity of a riverboat journey, creates the perfect stage world for audiences to lose themselves in.
I like to work collaboratively and welcome the ideas and creativity of the team.
DATE & TIME
Saturday, 31 January 2026
From 10:00 am
Recall Date & Time
Sunday, 1 February 2026
From 10:00 am
LOCATION
Dolphin Theatre
Foyer
12 Spring Street
Onehunga
REHEARSALS
Tuesdays & Thursdays
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sundays
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Audition Now!
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Audition Now! 〰️
Roles
All characters have a reason to be the murder victim, as well as a motive to be the murderer. Please note that the ages mentioned are indicative only. If you feel you may be suitable for a role, please do audition.
Kay Mostyn
Female, 20/30s. Newly married and very wealthy. Glamorous, confident, and used to getting her own way. A central role with emotional intensity
Accent: Standard British /RP | Role: Central
Mild intimacy (one kiss)
Simon Mostyn
Male, 20/30s. Kay’s charming new husband. Attractive, boyish, and personable, but not as strong-willed as he first appears.
Accent: Standard British / RP | Role: Central
Mild intimacy (one kiss) / Mild combat
Jacqueline de Severac
Female, 20/30s. Fiery, passionate, and volatile. Deeply in love with Simon and consumed by jealousy. A dramatic, high-energy role.
Accent: Standard British / RP | Role: Central
Mild combat
Canon Ambrose Pennefather
Male, 50-70s. Kay’s uncle, a clergyman with a sharp wit. Outspoken, eccentric, and often humorous, yet with a strong sense of morality. Must have great stage presence as the primary (Poirot-style) detective
Accent: Standard British / RP, older | Role: Central
Christina Grant
Female, 20s. A spirited young woman travelling abroad for the first time. Curious, bright, and eager to experience life.
Accent: Standard British / RP | Role: Large Supporting
William Smith
William Smith – Male, 30s–40s. A blunt, working-class socialist with outspoken views. Honest and direct, with a gruff warmth and comic touches.
Accent: Working-class English – e.g. Northern, Cockney, or Midlands | Role: Large Supporting
Louise Bourget
Female, 20/30s. Kay’s French maid. Attractive, flirtatious, and somewhat resentful of her position. She is key to the unfolding mystery.
Accent: French | Role: Supporting)
Miss Ffoliot-Ffoulkes
Female, 50s–70s. A domineering Englishwoman. Snobbish, opinionated, and prone to speaking her mind, often with unintentional comedy.
Accent: Upper-class British / RP | Role: Supporting
Dr. Ludwig Bessner
Male, 40s–60s. A European doctor with a noticeable accent. Intelligent but insecure, often blustering to assert his authority. Nervous energy balanced with moments of humour.
Accent: German / Central European | Role: Supporting
Steward
Male, 20s–40s. The ship’s attendant. Professional, polite, and efficient, with a friendly manner and moments of dry humour.
Accent: Neutral or lightly Egyptian-inflected | Role: Supporting
Beadseller/McNaught
Male, any age. Lively local trader who opens the play with colour and energy. Plus McNaught and policeman. (Accent: Egyptian-inflected English or neutral; avoid caricature | Role: Small / Cameo)
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.