The Wolf of Badenoch
The Wolf of Badenoch explores the life and death of Alexander Stewart, a medieval warlord whose fundamental choices affected all of Scotland. Death has come to visit Alexander on the last day of his life and challenges him to a game of chess. But Death has some vital lessons for Alexander about those choices, as his immortal soul hangs in the balance...
Reviews
“My playwright-mentorship program Next Rung Productions was pleased to work with Barry in 2023 as he developed THE WOLF OF BADENOCH. This historical fantasy is rich in theatricality as it explores the ups and many downs of a Scottish warlord's life. Any theatre willing to take on its presentational needs for staging will have a memorable production for their audiences. It's arguably most fascinating in how its main character weaves back and forth between flashbacks and the present to capture both past feelings and present reflections. Don't miss it!”
—Harrison Young
The Characters
Characters: 7 Males, 3 Females, 1 Any Gender. Actors: 3 Male, 1 Female
Alexander Stewart
Description: The "Wolf of Badenoch," third son of King Robert II. He is the emotional heart of the play; the narrative follows his choices and ultimate undoing through the haze of memory.
Note: The actor also doubles as Tourist #5.
Character Age: 40s–60s (must be able to portray the character from his teens to his 60s).
Gender: Male
Casting Requirements: White man, actor age range: 30s to 50s.
The Man in Black
Description: An ageless, eternal figure representing Death. Requires immense gravitas.
Note: The actor also doubles as the Tour Guide.
Character Age: Any Age
Gender: Male
Casting Requirements: Open to any race or ethnic identity.
Malcolm
Description: Alexander’s servant and a surrogate son figure; son of Hendry.
Character Age: 20s
Gender: Male
Casting Requirements: White actor, age range: Teens to 30s.
King Robert II
Description: The King of Scotland and Alexander’s father.
Character Age: 30s–60s
Gender: Male
Casting Requirements: White man, actor age range: 30s to 50s.
Bishop Bur
Description: A provincial Bishop and land rival to Alexander. He serves as an unintentional, if not entirely pious, moral compass.
Character Age: 30s–50s
Gender: Male
Casting Requirements: White man, actor age range: 30s to 50s.
Hendry
Description: An older servant and surrogate father figure to Alexander.
Character Age: 30s–50s (must portray the character from his 30s to his 60s).
Gender: Male
Casting Requirements: White man, actor age range: 30s to 50s.
Euphemia
Description: Alexander’s wife, later estranged.
Note: The actor also doubles as a Tourist.
Character Age: 20s–30s
Gender: Female
Casting Requirements: White woman, actor age range: 20s to 30s.
King Robert III (John)
Description: The eldest son of Robert II and successor to the throne.
Character Age: 50s
Gender: Male
Casting Requirements: White man, actor age range: 40s to 60s.
Earl of Fife (Robbie)
Description: The second oldest son of King Robert II.
Character Age: 50s
Gender: Male
Casting Requirements: White man, actor age range: 40s to 60s.
Doubling breakdown (Male/Female/Either):
Tour Guide/Man in Black (M)
Tourist #1/Hendry/Earl of Fife (E)
Tourist #2/Robert II/Robert III (M)
Tourist #3/Euphemia (F)
Tourist #4/Bishop Bur (M)
Tourist #5/Alexander (M)
Malcolm (E)