William Gillette / Sherlock (Male 30s – 50s): A dynamic and charming stage actor (based on a real person). Has made a fortune from his stage adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, whom he also plays. This theatrical, Sherlock Holmes, mystery enthusiast was recently shot in the arm in a bizarre incident that leads Gillette to bring his Sherlockian skills to life and solve the case. A sort of modern-day Ulysses.” Transatlantic accent preferred. Stage combat will be performed.

Inspector Harriet Goring (Female 40+): English and eccentric, completely one of a kind. By turns, witty and incisive, suddenly lost and dim, she is disarming in her inability to be defined. Always off the mark, and yet never far from the truth, somehow, she always gets her man. A police inspector who once dreamed of being an actress, and who is still an avid theatre fan. Stage combat will be performed.

Martha Gillette (Female 60+): Gillette’s dotty mother, elegant though a bit foggy, Martha never shies away from a fight. Always willing to throw criticism when necessary, all the same, Martha is loyal to Gillette and his gang of theatrical misfits. She lives a lavish and glamorous lifestyle; but lacks the class normally associated therewith.

Felix Geisel / Moriarty (Male 30s-45): Felix is a histrionic (overly dramatic), true theatrical who has given his life to the stage. Felix is Gillette’s younger 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. Must be be physically strong – literally must be able to move a “dead” woman by himself. Stage combat will be performed.

Madge Geisel / Marian (Female 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 actress. She has an edge to her, and a sharp tongue, but her affection is genuine. Stage combat will be performed.

Simon Bright/Zerlinksy (Male 20s-30s): The “mangenue” of the company. Simon is 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 humor in nearly everything. Stage combat will be be performed.

Aggie Wheeler / Alice (Female 20s-30s): Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, Aggie is the ingénue of the company. Good-natured and kind, Aggie has had tragedy in her past, though she seems to have dealt with it well, and even moved on. Recently married to Simon. A genuine and sensitive young actress who is often swept away by the goings on around her. This character has a dark side. Stage combat will be performed – she is “choked” by a male.

Daria Chase (Female 30s-50s): Glamorous & gorgeous, Daria is the theatre critic we all love to hate. Bitchy yet 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. She has a sense of humor and has invented herself from the ground up. With a quirky side, she believes in the afterlife as she performs a séance in the show.