We are staging Switzerland, by Joanna Murray-Smith, in April 2025.
Play summary
Casting breakdown
Audition details
Performance details
Rehearsal details
Contract and payment details.
“I like murders. I’ve committed hundreds of them.”
Switzerland is a taut, psychological thriller, re-imagining the final days in the life of Patricia Highsmith, the renowned master crime novelist of The Talented Mr. Ripley, Strangers on a Train and Carol.
Play summary
Patricia Highsmith, queen of the thriller, aging and ailing hides away in her study in the Swiss Alps, surrounded by her books and an arsenal of antique weaponry, finding solace in her seclusion, her cats and her cigarettes.
Sent by her New York publisher, Edward Ridgeway appears in an attempt to persuade Highsmith to write one final instalment of her best-selling series featuring the master manipulator, Tom Ripley.
As day breaks on the snow covered mountains, it becomes clear that the charming young stranger in her home is set on a far more sinister mission.
Casting breakdown
AMERICAN STANDARD ACCENTS REQUIRED.
Role 1: Patricia Highsmith – Female (white), playing age 60 -75
The American author of The Talented Mr. Ripley, Highsmith is a deeply flawed woman, living with terminal lung cancer in seclusion in the Swiss Alps. Clever, sharp and erudite with a masculine energy and the ability to offend absolutely everyone (with relish).
Role 2: Edward Ridgeway – Male, playing age 22-30
A young, ambitious Literary Agent’s assistant, sent to coax Highsmith to write one more Ripley novel. A multi-faceted character. More than meets the eye. Big character arc.
Audition
*Please note we are seeking actors with a Bristol/Bath base because accommodation and travel expenses cannot be covered.
Date and time: Saturday 7th December 10am – 5pm
Venue: The Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul’s Road, Clifton, BS81LP
Performance dates
The Alma Tavern and Theatre, Bristol 8 – 12 April
The Mission Theatre, Bath 15 – 17 April
One more venue TBC (hopefully).
Rehearsal schedule
One day workshops in February and March (to be arranged with the cast), followed by full-time rehearsals between Monday 24 March – Monday 7 April (Monday to Friday, 10am – 5pm).
Contract and payment details
Equity House Agreement. Hourly rate of £12.21 per hour (minimum wage as of April 2025) for hours worked in rehearsal, performance and other related areas.
Please send your CV, Headshot, Showreel or Spotlight to misplacedtheatre@gmail.com, before Monday November 25 at 12 noon.
Successful applicants will be invited to attend the audition on Saturday 7 December 2024.