Barnaby Thorne
58. Autocratic manager and owner of The Duke's Theatre. Celebrated across London for spectacles, but despised backstage for extortionate contracts, withholding royalties, and stealing credit from his co-writers and creative collaborators.
The leading actor
51. Acclaimed classical tragedian with a booming voice and aristocratic pretensions. Has headlined Thorne's productions for six seasons, though rumours circulate that heavy drinking is corroding his memory.
“I spent my entire off-stage break resting my voice in my dressing room between Act I and Act III. I never stepped out into the hallway until my call for the duel scene. If Barnaby was slain, search among those who had fortunes and reputations to forfeit tonight.”
The leading lady
26. London's most celebrated young dramatic soprano. Thorne discovered her in the East End music halls and bound her to an ironclad, poorly paid five-year contract.
“I was on stage singing my aria or resting alone in the green room between my scenes during the second act. Barnaby was a harsh taskmaster, but he brought me to the West End. I could never dream of raising a hand against him.”
Stage manager and co-writer
54. Tireless veteran technician and melodramatist who co-wrote the scenario for 'The King's Pardon'. Thorne threatened to erase his name from the title page and withhold his royalties, driving him toward financial ruin.
“Opening night is bedlam backstage. During Act II, between cueing scenery drops and adjusting the gas valves, I was moving alone between the prompt corner and the docks. Either of us who wrote that play had a passkey to the mezzanine, but I never went up.”
Resident playwright and co-writer
33. Well-born author disowned by his family for dedicating his life to the theatre. Deeply in debt, his survival depends entirely on maintaining sole authorship and royalties for tonight's premiere.
“I remained in Box C through the whole of Act II, sitting in the shadows to observe how the gallery took the drama. I never went anywhere near Barnaby's office. When the applause came, I was weeping with relief in my chair.”
Case #9 · Medium
The Duke's Theatre, West End, London · October 14, 1889
Opening night of the grand historical drama 'The King's Pardon'. During the dramatic climax of Act II, theatrical impresario Barnaby Thorne is found stabbed to death behind his desk in his private manager's office overlooking the auditorium.