Murder and Matters More Pressing / Written by Amelia Lucie-Smith / Directed by Martin Hunt / Aug 7,8,14,15,21,22
* Aug 20 – Benefit Performance.

*** AUDITIONS ***

The Auditions are on Sunday 19th April at the Grenada Village Community Hall, 4 Mandeville Crescent, Grenada Village, Wellington from 2 to 5pm.

We are auditioning for 4 female and 4 male characters.

During the play, two characters above will be revealed to have separate personas.

Excerpts will be available on the day.

Please let the Secretary at secretary@newplayers.org.nz for more information

2026 production: Our play this year is Murder and Matters More Pressing (3MP) written by one of our members Amelia Lucie-Smith and directed by Martin Hunt.

Production dates Aug 7,8,14,15,21,20,22
*Aug 20 – Benefit Performance.

Rehearsal Times

Sundays (usually 6.30-8.30PM); Tuesdays & Wednesdays (7.30 -9.30PM)*
*Note while we try to keep to these, times & dates may be subject to change depending on individual situations.

The Play Synopsis

Over the course of an evening, two bumbling burglars attempt to steal a priceless painting from Fardelbear Estate. The heist takes a disastrous turn when they accidentally kill the lord of the estate, Howard Fardelbear. Their plans further unravel when the household throws a party in the very room where the burglars have hidden both the painting and the body.

Desperate to cover their tracks, the burglars weave a web of lies to misdirect the partygoers. But their lies work too well, sending the impressionable and self-absorbed guests into a spiral of absurd misunderstandings. Relationships crumble, tempers flare, and chaos reigns. In a final twist, the burglars’ own lies circle back to ensnare them, driving a wedge between the pair and sealing their fates.

Characters

Howard Fardelbear – Overbearing Lord of the estate, posh, gruff, entitled, doesn’t suffer fools

Letitia Fardelbear – Overwhelmed Lady of the estate, posh, puts on airs and graces despite her insecurity

Charlotte Fardelbear – Their haughty niece, posh, entitled, a bit of a freeloader

Prudence Fardelbear – Howard’s puritanical sister, easily shocked

Major Ernest Blunder – Letitia’s brother, posh, blustering

James Barnes – Catty, sarcastic footman

Eunice Gladly – Sunny. optimistic, chatty maid, a bit dithery

Raul Mancini – A flamboyant criminal art dealer with an indeterminant European accent

*During the play, two of the above characters will be revealed to have separate personas.