Synopsis
The Clockmaker’s Daughter is the acclaimed debut musical by composers Michael Webborn and Daniel Finn. Noteworthy for its rich, evocative score and a collection of truly memorable songs, the show has built a devoted worldwide fan base—since its premiere at London’s Landor Theatre in 2015.
In the late 19th century, the town of Spindlewood is home to master clockmaker Abraham Reed, whose work is celebrated far beyond its borders. Devastated by the death of his daughter, Abraham attempts the impossible—recreating her in clockwork. When he brings his creation to life, he realises she is no mere machine. Constance can think, feel, and dream. Fearing discovery, Abraham gives her one rule: she must never leave the house.
But curiosity and longing for the world beyond her walls prove irresistible. Constance escapes into town, where a simple mistake sets off a chain of events that changes Spindlewood forever. With the help of Will, the dressmaker’s son, her remarkable talents inspire wonder—and jealousy. As rumours spread and tensions rise, Constance must choose between obedience and freedom, between the father who made her and the life she longs to live.
When fear turns the town against her, Constance steps forward to face the truth of who—and what—she is.
All stories must end.
Ours returns to the present day, where a statue of a young girl stands motionless in Spindlewood’s town square, quietly holding the memory of what once was.
various worldwide production photos of The Clockmaker’s Daughter
“The intricacy of the breathtaking, magnificent score, married so perfectly with exquisite lyrics and a glorious witty book, has such maturity and assuredness about it.””
Casting
Principals ( $895.00 )
CONSTANCE: A clockwork automaton build by Abraham. Naive to begin with but quick todevelop, eventually becoming intellectually superior. Moral, kind and empathetic. Brave but never brash. Openand honest about everything other than the fact that she is not human. Loving and by far the most humane.
WILL RILEY/STORYTELLER: (Irish - Tenor) As WILL - a dreamer but also a hard worker. He is charming, wry and utterly endearing. Restless: comfortable in his own skin but not his setting. He works for his mother (MA’ RILEY) but their relationship is strained. He longs for more than Spindlewood. As STORYTELLER - An old man, hunched and crooked.
ABRAHAM REED: (Irish or R.P. - High Baritone) The Clockmaker. A tormented genius and master craftsman. ABRAHAM never recovers after the death of his daughter and is haunted by her memory throughout. Often reserved or aloof but only due to the fact that he has lost himself. Private.
AMELIA KELLY(Later AMELIA GLYNN): (Irish - Soprano) As AMELIA - Ethical. Respected. Friendly. Virtuous and level-headed. Amelia is often the voice of reason. She is both confident and courageous despite being a sensitive soul. Betrothed to HENRY. As LADY - Wistful, with a neutral accent. (AGE: 20-25)
MA’ (MARISA) RILEY: (Irish - Mezzo-Soprano) A businesswoman first and foremost. Proud. Bossy. Self-assured and self-centred. Slightly pompous. Prone to putting on airs. Arrogant. Coveting. Clever. She owns and runs THE MODEST MODISTE: Spindlewood’s only dressmaking shop. A force to be reckoned with. Mother to WILL. (AGE: 40’s or 50’s)
MAYOR GLYNN: (R.P. - Baritone) The Mayor of Spindlewood. Forgetful and slightly mad. Kind-hearted. Very fond of his son (Henry) but also fond of most. Boisterous but somewhat simple. Incompetent but utterly loveable. Occasionally profound.
HENRY GLYNN: Honest. Calm. Respectable. Intelligent and benevolent. MAYOR GLYNN’s son. Betrothed to AMELIA.
Featured ( $795.00 )
RHIANNON: MA’RILEY’S personal Aide.
MAB: Mayor Glynn’s personal aide. Neurotic.
LUCILLE: A seamstress at the Modest Modiste. An arriviste.
MOLL/YOUNG GIRL: A seamstress at the Modest Modiste. Sweet and innocent.
CARA: A seamstress at the Modest Modiste. Feminine.
JOHN: A lumberman. Stoic.
MARY: A seamstress at The Modest Modiste. Ditsy.
JANE: A seamstress at The Modest Modiste. Direct.
TED: A farmer. Well-meaning.
JIM: A fisherman. Austere.
SUE: Alto - resident of Spindlewood.
DAVE: A trader. Simple.
SAM: Delivery boy. Hopeful.
MR. REECE/VLLAGER: A proprietor from the city. A partner in Reece & Bailey a famous dressmaking company. Candid.
Ensemble ( $695.00 )
The ensemble will have significant stage time and play the roles of the residents of Spindlewood.
Audition Info
Senior Intensive will run on weekdays from July 27 - August 9, 2026. Callbacks will be held in April, 2026.
Please ensure that you are available for all of the program dates before auditioning.
There will be opportunities for extra rehearsals and coaching over zoom during the month of July, based on availability.
Please submit your audition registration below, with a video audition link included. We would like to see one song, preferably in the style of the show. A song from the show is acceptable. No audition fee is required.
All auditions submissions are DUE APRIL 1ST
You may be asked to come in-person in Kitchener, ON for callbacks on Sunday, April 19th. Casting will be announced by the first week of May.