A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER: Character Breakdown

The age range listed with each character is the age the character should present on stage, not the age of the actor playing the role. 

*Special note: Though the characters in the piece are cis-gender, non-binary, trans, and gender non-conforming actors are encouraged to audition. 

All characters may participate in or observe moments of casual physical intimacy—such as hand-holding, hugging, placing an arm around another’s shoulder, or dance-related contact including lifts. All physical interaction will be rehearsed with clear communication, and participation in any moment of touch will be based entirely on the informed consent and comfort of the performers involved.

All characters, including the ensemble, could participate in or witness stage violence for the production.

All characters speak with a British dialect.

Montague "Monty" Navarro (male presenting, typically early 30s to mid 40s):
Baritone with clear upper range. Charming, clever, charismatic, vulnerable and endearing. Discovers he is in line to become the Earl of Highhurst, and intends to kill off the family that stands in his way.  Shares staged intimacy with Sibella and Phoebe (including kissing) 

The D'Ysquith Family (male presenting, typically late 30s to mid 50s): Baritone.
*Plays the following range of characters from the same family, ranging from an off-kilter priest to a closeted bee enthusiast to a lowly custodian (each of them intrinsic “English types”):

Asquith D'Ysquith, Jr., a dandy
Lord Adlabert D'Ysquith, Eighth Earl of Highhurst
*Reverend Lord Ezekiel D'Ysquith, a clergyman
*Lord Adlabert D'Ysquith, Sr., an elderly banker
*Henry D'Ysquith, a country squire
*Lady Hyacinth D'Ysquith, a benefactress
*Major Lord Bartholomew D'Ysquith, a bodybuilder
*Lady Salome D'Ysquith Pumphrey, an actress
*Chauncey D'Ysquith, a janitor

Phoebe D'Ysquith (female presenting, typically early 20s to mid 30s): Lyric soprano. Monty’s young poised virtuous cousin (and potential wife). Virtuous, forthright, romantic, comically earnest, with a backbone of steel. She is not your typical ingénue, but she has a youthful innocence behind her sophistication. Shares staged intimacy with Monty (potentially including kissing)

Sibella Hallward (female presenting, typically late 20s to mid 30s): Soprano.
The girl Monty loves. Flirtatious, narcissistic, wilful girl - calculating, and irresistible. A social climber, yes, but also truly loves Monty, and in the end would do anything to protect him. Tremendous wit and high style.  Shares staged intimacy with Monty (potentially including kissing)

Miss Shingle (female presenting, typically mid 40s to mid 60s): Alto or Mezzo Soprano.

Monty's unexpected visitor. A Cockney housekeeper/governess who has served a wealthy, titled family for 30 years. She informs Monty that he is indeed a D’Ysquith. Will also appear in the ensemble numbers.

Ensemble of 6

WOMAN #1 (female presenting): Alto.

Mourner; Tour Guide; Ancestral Portrait; Skater; Bridesmaid; Pub Owner's Wife; Mrs. Pebworth; Phoebe's Maid; 3rd Newsboy; Tailor; Selina Chard (Servant); Flower Girl

WOMAN #2 (female presenting): Soprano.

Mourner; Tourist; Ancestral Portrait; Skater; Bridesmaid; Mrs. Hetherington; 4th Newsboy; Tailor; Lady Eugenia D'Ysquith; Flower Girl

WOMAN #3 (female presenting): Soprano,

Mourner; Sibella's Maid; Tourist; Ancestral Portrait; Miss Evangeline Barley; Bridesmaid; Miss Hayes; Tailor; Hilda (Servant); Flower Girl

MAN #1 (male presenting): Baritone.

Mourner; Tourist; Ancestral Portrait; 2nd Clerk; Skater; Tailor; Groomsman; Tom Copley; Dr. Brownlee; 1st Newsboy; Weight Lifter; 3rd Actor; Ancestral Bust; Walter (Servant); Dr. Pettibone (Medical Examiner); Prison Guard

MAN #2 (male presenting): Baritone.

Mourner; Tourist; Ancestral Portrait; 1st Clerk; Skater; Tailor; Groomsman; Pub Owner; Mr. Cross; 2nd Newsboy; Weight Lifter; 1st Actor; Lord Asquith's Physician; Ancestral Bust; Mr. Waters (Servant); Chief Inspector Pinckney

MAN #3 (male presenting): Tenor.

Mourner; Tourist; Ancestral Portrait; Skater; Tailor; Groomsman; Pub Patron; Henry's Employee; Mr. Goodsall; 2nd Actor; Alfred Gorby (Butler); Lord High Steward (voiceover); Magistrate