Playing roles in local flop (5)

I believe the answer is:

loser

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'local flop' is the definition.
'loser' can be an answer for 'flop' (thesaurus). I'm unsure of the 'local' bit.

'playing roles' is the wordplay.
'playing' indicates an anagram.
'roles' is an anagram of 'LOSER'.

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for loser that I've seen before include "One not winning" , "Failed competitor" , "Defeated person" , "One vanquished" , "Roles for the defeated" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times and the Irish Times (Crosaire).

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