THE MOONSTONE

by Wilkie Collins, adapted for the stage by John Colmans

Audition information

READING

Sunday 31 August 2025; 19:30 at Free Church Hall, Northway, NW11 6PB .

Audition DATE

Sunday 07 September 2025; 19:00 at Free Church Hall, Northway, NW11 6PB .

Director

John Colmans and Mary Groom

The Play

On her eighteenth birthday Rachel Verinder inherits, from her late uncle, a beautiful diamond called the Moonstone which the uncle has obtained in India in very dubious circumstances. Rachel wears the diamond at her eighteenth birthday party but, during the night, the diamond disappears. Has it been lost or has it been stolen and, if so, who is the thief? Celebrated detective Sergeant Cuff thinks he has all the answers but does he? First published in 1868, Wilkie Collins’s novel is considered to be the first proper detective story in the English language.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals will be held on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning on Sunday 28 September 2025. Sunday rehearsals will start at 5pm, rehearsals on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm. Unless stated otherwise, all rehearsals will be held at the Free Church Hall (same venue as the audition).

We expect cast members to be available for all rehearsals (including technical and dress rehearsals) from 23 November onwards.

Performances

There will be four performances, which will take place from 27-30 November 2025 at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, Highgate, N6 4BD.

Register

To express an interest in the audition and to let us know you are coming along (and which roles you are interested in), please fill out this form

CHARACTERS

Rachel Verinder                          

Lady Verinder                      -            her mother

Franklin Blake                      -            Rachel’s cousin

Godfrey Ablewhite             -            also Rachel’s cousin

Sergeant Cuff                       -            a detective

Gabriel Betteredge            -             Lady Verinder’s steward

Penelope Betteredge        -             Betteredge’s daughter and Rachel’s maid

Rosanna Spearman           -             a servant

Dr Candy                             -             a doctor

Mr Bruff                              -             the Verinder family solicitor

Ezra Jennings                     -            Dr Candy’s assistant

Octavius                             -              Mr Bruff’s eyes and ears

There are one or two smaller roles which will be played by members of the company as appropriate. 

the Small Print

You do not have to be a member to audition, but if you get a part you will need to join in order to perform. Further information about membership can be found here

Before auditioning, please ensure you are available for the show dates and every evening of the production week leading up to the first performance as you will be needed for tech and dress rehearsals in the venue.

QUESTIONS/SCRIPT

If you have any questions about this production or you would like to request a copy of the script, please email us