The Game’s Afoot

A mystery comedy by Ken Ludwig

Directed by Nicola Payton

Presented at the Pumphouse Theatre
January 29 to February 13, 2027

It is December 1936, and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his leading role in the play Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. It is then up to Gillette himself, as he assumes the persona of his beloved Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears. The danger and hilarity are non-stop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

Most characters will need to participate in physical comedy, stage combat and/or stage intimacy

William Gillette / Sherlock (Male presenting. Must be able to play late 30s – 50s): A dynamic and charming stage actor (based on a real person). Has made a fortune from his stage adaptation of Sherlock Holmes. Recently shot in the arm in a bizarre incident, Gillette is determined to bring his Sherlockian skills to bear on solving the case.

Felix Geisel / Moriarty (Male presenting. Must be able to play 30s-45): The company’s character actor, Felix is histrionic (overly dramatic), a true theatrical who has given his life to the stage. Felix is Gillette’s best friend and occasional sidekick. Married to Madge. A devoted character actor who relishes his craft but is not immune to the occasional bout of jealousy.

Simon Bright / Zerlinksy (Male presenting. 20s-30s): An enthusiastic young man, eager to please and find success. Simon can occasionally be overly sensitive. Recently married to Aggie, they make a charming and wonderful couple. Ability to play an instrument is a plus as ukulele is noted in script, but NOT required. A witty jokester who finds humour in nearly everything.

Inspector Harriet Goring (Female presenting. 40+): English and eccentric, completely one of a kind. A police inspector who once dreamed of being an actress, and who is still an avid theatre fan. One minute, she seems wry and clever; the next minute she’s off into a world of her own. She gets things wrong without even knowing it. English accent & stage combat required.

Martha Gillette (Female presenting. 60+ years old): A once actress, Martha is a bit dotty and confused at times but this shouldn’t fool you; she is smart and very aware of what moves the people around her and isn’t afraid to be blunt about it; she is way past that; she is William’s mother and lives with him in his mansion; she loves William more than anything, and would kill for him to protect him if need be.

Madge Geisel / Marian (Female presenting. 30s-40s): Wry and outspoken, Madge, like her husband Felix, is a lifelong theatrical. She is game for anything, but back her into a corner and she will come out swinging. A witty and energetic character.

Aggie Wheeler / Alice (Female presenting. 20s-30s): Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, Aggie is the ingénue of the company. Good-natured and kind. Recently married to Simon, they make a charming and wonderful couple. A genuine and sensitive young actress who is often swept away by the goings on around her.

Daria Chase (Female presenting. 30s-50s): Glamorous & gorgeous, Daria is the theatre critic we all love to hate. Biting, bitchy, and utterly charming, you can’t help but like Daria, despite the terrible things she says and writes. Very self-confident and aware of her own power and charm.(Daria must scream several times.)

Actors of all ethnicities, gender, identity, and ability are encouraged to audition.
Age ranges are recommendations, and in some cases, are flexible to interpretation.

Audition Requirements:

• Auditions for The Game’s Afoot will take place In-person in ten minute time-slots.
• Please prepare a monologue (approximately 2 minutes long) that shows your abilities and range.
• A cold read may be required.
• If you are unable to prepare a monologue in time for the auditions, please book a time and request a cold read.
• If you will be away or unavailable during auditions, you may submit a video audition piece, that must arrive by October 17th.
• Auditioners are asked to complete an online audition form, with an acting resume and headshot.
• Selected auditioners will be requested to attend an in-person callback to read with other performers.

Morpheus Theatre encourages individuals of all genders, ethnicities, and abilities to audition. Not a traditional actor?  That is okay, get in touch with us and we will find a way for you to showcase what you have to offer.