The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Kate Danley

FULL LENGTH - murder mystery adaptation
-Nominated for Sixteen Broadway World Regional Awards
-Best of 2022 - Play Off the Page
-Critics' Pick - Star Tribune

This faithful, new adaptation of Agatha Christie's novel THE MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT STYLES introduces audiences to the first mystery of Hercule Poirot.

The year is 1916 and, injured in WWI,...
FULL LENGTH - murder mystery adaptation
-Nominated for Sixteen Broadway World Regional Awards
-Best of 2022 - Play Off the Page
-Critics' Pick - Star Tribune

This faithful, new adaptation of Agatha Christie's novel THE MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT STYLES introduces audiences to the first mystery of Hercule Poirot.

The year is 1916 and, injured in WWI, Hastings finds himself convalescing at the manor of his old friend, John Cavendish. But when John's mother is poisoned in the middle of the night, everyone becomes a suspect. The only person who can solve the crime is none other than the famed Belgium detective, Hercule Poirot.

Agatha Christie's gifts of misdirection are on full display as red herrings, twists, and turns lead the audience on a dizzying journey to find out whodunnit.
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The Mysterious Affair at Styles

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear:
    21 Jan. 2021
    “ A murder mystery that is an utter treat and makes for a thrilling night of theatre! Marvelous! ”

Character Information

  • LIEUTENANT HASTINGS
    20s+,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    A romantic soldier who aspires to be a detective, his leg was wounded in WWI
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • HERCULE POIROT
    40s+,
    Any, Belgium
    ,
    Male, Non-binary
    A funny little man, but wonderfully clever. His neatness is almost incredible. A man of great heart and intelligence.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary
  • DETECTIVE JAMES JAPP
    30s+,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    Working class detective, works for Scotland yard.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • JOHN CAVENDISH
    20s - 30s,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    Practiced for some time as a barrister, but settled down to the more congenial life of a country squire
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • LAWRENCE CAVENDISH
    20s - 40s,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    John's younger brother, a delicate youth. He trained as a doctor but lives at Styles to be a poet. Melancholic. Unusually shy and reserved.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • ALFRED INGLETHORP
    30s - 50s,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    Black beard, gold-rimmed pince-nez, and a curious impassivity of feature. He might look natural on a stage, but out of place in real life. His voice is deep and unctuous. Should appear 20-years younger than actress cast as Mrs. Inglethorp.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • DR. BAUERSTEIN
    30s - 50s,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    A tall bearded man similar in look to Alfred Inglethorp, specialist in poisons
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • MRS. EMILY INGLETHORP
    50s - 70s+,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    Formerly Mrs. Cavendish, John and Lawrence's stepmother. A handsome woman, energetic, autocratic personality. Should look much older than Alfred Inglethorpe. (Can be double cast with Evie Howard)
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s, 60s, 70s+
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • MISS EVIE HOWARD
    40s+,
    Any
    ,
    Female, Non-binary
    Gruff but kind. Alfred Inglethorp's cousin and bears a resemblance. (Can be double cast with Emily Inglethorpe)
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • MARY CAVENDISH
    20s+,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    Wife of John Cavendish. Intelligent. Longing for love.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • CYNTHIA MURDOCH
    20s,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    Works in the Red Cross Hospital. Fresh-looking young creature, full of life and vigor.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • DORCAS
    30s+,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    Loyal parlor maid
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s+
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female

Production History

  • Community Theater
    ,
    Theatre in the Round
    ,
    2022