For example, the musical is quick to point out that Dickens makes much of the introduction of Bazzard, a clerk to Rev. These solutions, particularly the latter, are perhaps not the most Dickensian, but the musical does highlight the most plausible suggestions from literary scholarship. In rehearsals, including the invited dress rehearsal, and on the Thursday night, the most common combination for the lovers was the incestuous one. The audiences in Glasgow thought that Rosa Bud, as the innocent, girlish fiancée of Edwin Drood was the most likely candidate for the murderer and the mysterious opium madam, the Princess Puffer, needed a happy ending. Lovers Princess Puffer and Deputy Saturday Evening Lovers Princess Puffer and Rev Crisparkle Saturday matinee Lovers Helena and Neville Landless Friday The results for the five show run were as follows: Wednesday

Alongside this, we provided audience members with the space to add their own opinions. The researchers provided an exhibition of theories, clues, and potential endings that have intrigued literary scholars to aid the audience with their decision. This is usually a source of comic relief as inappropriate options can be paired, such as the ingénue with the drunken, unwashed stonemason and the Landless twins with one another, much to their disgust. The detective accuses John Jasper who always confesses before Durdles reveals the true murderer.Īfter the murderer’s confession, the audience are asked to ensure a happy ending and to vote by applause for the two characters who are to be lovers. This vote is a secret ballot taken by cast members in the audience. Then the audience is asked to vote on the identity of the murderer from the remaining candidates with the addition of Durdles, the Princess Puffer and John Jasper they are discouraged from voting for the clear villain of the piece, John Jasper, as it seems too obvious for Dickens. This vote is taken by audience applause and is most commonly Bazzard, as the character bemoans his small role throughout the show. The audience is then asked to vote on the identity of the detective Dick Datchery from the following candidates: Rosa Bud, Neville Landless, Helena Landless, Rev. They always answer that Drood is dead to cue a ‘diva rant’ from the actor playing Drood who subsequently is eliminated from the detective vote. The way the audience vote worked in performance was as follows:įirst the cast were asked to vote on whether or not Edwin Drood is alive or dead. We responded by posting this blog post which illustrated how we calculated the possibilities and which ending, based on the figures from the 2012 Broadway revival, was the most likely. In the lead up to the production, our mathematician worked out the total number of possible endings for the show (an enormous 358!) which aided the production’s marketing campaign - many of the comments received on the theatre company’s Facebook page were confused as to how a single production could offer so many alternatives.

Edwin drood broadway 2012