Age: Mid-20s to 40s: A “lovely and rash romantic.” Sylvia is impulsive, passionate, and clings to romantic
idealism. She’s the one who initiates the comedic uproar by deciding to reveal her affair which
triggers the farcical unraveling of secrets.
Physical / Performance Notes: Should embody flirtatious charm, emotional volatility, and
physical energy. Expect moments of passion/intimacy (kissing or romantic touch) and
heightened comedic reactions or slapstick.

Age: Mid-20s to late 40s: Beau is described as “perhaps the best-looking man in Britain.” He’s charming,
handsome, and somewhat complacent. A man comfortable with the status quo, even when his
romantic life is scandalous. His affair with Sylvia is marked by both desire and hesitation.
Physical / Performance Notes: Should have presence, charm, and ease. Needs comfort with
intimacy (romantic scenes) and comedic timing, especially with farcical elements.

Age: Mid-20s to 40s (she is very pregnant in the play) Beau’s wife. “Eight months pregnant, pragmatic”, grounded, and composed, even in
the face of shocking revelations. Underneath, she has a sharp edge; she’s “a tad spicy.”
Physical / Performance Notes: You will be wearing an insanely pregnant-belly. Needs emotional
range: from shock to self-preservation to possible betrayal or strength. Comedic instincts +
ability to react strongly to chaos. 

Age: Mid-20s to late 40s: Sylvia’s husband. A refined, “distinguished gent with a lover’s spirit.” He may
appear respectable and stable, but underneath, his loyalties and feelings are complicated.
Entangled in the web of affairs and deceptions.
Physical / Performance Notes: Needs a balance of dignity and vulnerability. Believable as a
gentleman, but also capable of comedic panic or confusion. Comfortable with farce pacing and
quick reaction work.

Age: Early 20s to 30s (or thereabouts, though exact age is flexible): She’s described in the script as “an awfully pretty, sometimes wise, nincompoop.”
She’s naïve, sweet, perhaps a bit ditzy, but also occasionally offers piercing insight. She often
reacts to the chaos with bewilderment and innocence, which amplifies the comedy.
Physical / Performance Notes: Needs to deliver endearing innocence, comedic timing, and
willingness to play “ditzy” with heart. Should be comfortable with exaggerated reactions,
physical comedy and the heightened energy of farce. 

Age: 30s to 50s: A darkly comedic twist in the farce. Richard is described as “murderous” but
“gentle,” meaning he occupies the role of destabilizing danger amidst the comedic chaos. His
arrival triggers tension, threat, and unexpected comedy. A perfect blend of menace and
absurdity.
Physical / Performance Notes: Should be able to handle heightened dramatic tension and
farcical comedy. Perhaps a little brooding, but also capable of shambling comedy or
over-the-top melodrama. Must be okay with comedic threat, possibly physical acting (gun or
threat).