CHARACTERS
[Descriptions courtesy of Theater Tallahassee, with some slight modifications]
Cast of 6 men and 6 women, joined by one Foley artist (creating live sound effects) and one live
musician. All dialects and accents will be taught for the show; prior experience with these
dialects and accents is not required. Actors who naturally speak English with an accent or
dialect not listed below are also encouraged to audition. Ages listed are suggested age ranges
for the characters; younger actors will be considered for all roles, regardless of character age.
AGATHA CHRISTIE
Female presenting, late 30s to early 50s, British (elevated standard) dialect, European white
World-famous British mystery writer. Agatha will host the radio show and read the stage directions,
creating the mood and visual intensity of the play.
The actors playing the following roles in our production will create both their 1930s radio actor
personae, as well as their character in Agatha Christie’s gripping tale:
HERCULE POIROT
Male presenting, 40-65, Belgian accent, any race/ethnicity
Iconic character. Agatha Christie’s most famous detective. Poirot is fastidious, thorough, a touch
ridiculous, and incredibly observant and intelligent. He is both arrogant and humble to fault. He is an
observer of people, astute at analyzing why people behave as they do, and firmly believes that most
crimes can be solved primarily by observation, psychology, and thinking them through. He values
intelligence and the rule of law above all else.
MONSIEUR BOUC
Male presenting, 40-65, Belgian accent, any race/ethnicity
The owner of Wagon Lit, Orient Express. Bouc is a middle-aged man with a youthful vigor and attitude.
Gregarious, honest and forthright, he puts his friends and customers above profit, although he is
concerned about his company's image. Although an old friend of Poirot, he is not a match for Poirot in
intelligence.
MARY DEBENHAM
Female presenting, mid 20s-30s, British (elevated standard) dialect, any race/ethnicity
A governess. Anxious, but also cool and determined, Mary has a certain sadness about her, as well as
many secrets. She is carrying on a secret affair with Colonel Arburthnot. Must be comfortable kissing on
stage.
COLONEL ARBUTHNOT
Male presenting, 30s, Scottish dialect, any race/ethnicity
A military man of the old fashioned type, possibly old-money, and used to being obeyed without
question. He is strong, charismatic, but also problematic in some of his personal views. Has a temper.
Must be comfortable kissing on stage.
HECTOR MCQUEEN
Male presenting, 23-35, American dialect (any), any race/ethnicity
Personal assistant and secretary to Samuel Ratchett, McQueen is a nervous character with a stutter that
appears when he is especially anxious. Seems rather new to his profession. Talks a bit too much.
MICHEL
Male presenting, 40s, French accent, any race/ethnicity
Competent and organized, Michel is the conductor for the first class carriages of the Orient Express.
Handles himself well in a crisis, and is very good at his job.
NOTE: This actor will double as the Head Waiter of the Tokatilian Hotel, and will also need to be able to
do a Turkish accent.
PRINCESS DRAGOMIROFF
Female presenting, 60s-70s, Russian accent, any race/ethnicity
Displaced Russian nobility. The Princess is a battleship: determined, arrogant, and accustomed to getting
her way. She travels a great deal, and holds very decided opinions.
GRETA OHLSSON
Female presenting, 30s, Swedish* accent, any race/ethnicity
A Catholic missionary and baby nurse, currently serving as a companion to Princess Dragomiroff. She
would like to help small children in Africa. Deeply devout. This character may be funny, but should not
be played as a caricature for laughs.
*Note: As written, the character is Swedish with somewhat broken English, but we will also consider
actresses who naturally speak English with accents other than Swedish (Norwegian, Spanish, Afrikaner,
Italian, etc.).
COUNTESS ANDRENYI
Female presenting, 25-35, Hungarian accent, any race/ethnicity
In addition to being married to a count (and thus, nobility), she also is a doctor. Beautiful, educated,
charming, and intelligent enough to match wits with Poirot. Must also be able to do an American accent.
HELEN HUBBARD
Female presenting, 45-60, American accent (any, possibly Minnesota or Wisconsin?),
any race/ethnicity
Not exactly what she seems, Hubbard comes across as a gregarious, loud, obnoxious American busybody
who has been married multiple times. Must be able to sing and do a little dancing. Should also be able to
pull off a cooler, more calculated version of this character with a very standard or even cultured American
accent.
SAMUEL RATCHETT
Male presenting, 35-50, American accent (mobster - possibly Brooklyn or Chicago style), any
race/ethnicity
A dangerous and unlikable man, full of entitlement, with a hair trigger temper. Must have a forceful
personality, and come across as someone not to be trusted or crossed.
NOTE: This actor may also play some additional brief character voices in the play.
