A Corpse for Christmas

Bilton Amateur Dramatic Society

A Corpse for Christmas

 

Producer Jordan Lil

The Bilton Theatre

5th December 2024

 

Bilton Amateur Dramatic Society’s production of Angela Lanyon’s A Corpse for Christmas was an absolute delight, combining the humour and drama of a murder mystery with the all-too-familiar chaos of a family Christmas. The show brought laughter and intrigue to the stage, with a script that felt remarkably relatable for anyone who has experienced the ups and downs of festive gatherings.

The set design was a highlight, with the stage cleverly transformed into a living room that struck the right balance between homeliness and practicality. Despite the limited space, the layout never felt crowded, and the attention to detail in the props and furnishings enhanced the authenticity of the setting. The creative use of two doors on opposite sides of the stage added a dynamic element, allowing for seamless entrances and exits that kept the momentum flowing. Even when a slight mishap occurred with the curtain at the start of Act 2, it was handled with professionalism and humour, adding to the charm of the production.

The pacing of the play was excellent, moving swiftly enough to keep the audience engaged but allowing the humour and suspense to land effectively. The cast’s strong projection ensured that every word was audible, even during moments of overlapping dialogue, and their commitment to their characters shone throughout. Each actor maintained distinctive mannerisms and personality traits, bringing depth and believability to their roles.

Ailsa Oliver gave a standout performance as Cilla Winter, embodying the meddlesome, nosy character with ease. Her sharp delivery and comedic timing drew frequent laughs, making Cilla a memorable presence on stage. Mandy Grimston impressed as Sandra Derby, delivering her lines with impeccable articulation and confidence, while Nick Northcott-Orr provided a calming presence as the soft-spoken Phillip Winter. His calm and collected demeanour was the perfect foil to the escalating tensions around him.

Helen Davison’s portrayal of Alison Winter was another highlight. She captured the flustered, overworked hostess with authenticity, eliciting both sympathy and laughter as her character tried to keep the family together. Rachel Lawson’s Naomi Winter perfectly embodied the sulky, disinterested teenager archetype, adding humour and a touch of realism to the family dynamic.

Patrick Wilkinson was captivating as Sam Barnard, effortlessly drawing the audience’s attention whenever he was on stage. His performance brought a lively energy that elevated each scene he was part of. Andrew Blake rounded out the cast with his portrayal of Ian Tobin, delivering a strong and consistent performance that complemented the ensemble beautifully.

The show also succeeded in balancing the humour of a dysfunctional family Christmas with the suspense of the murder mystery, keeping the audience guessing while sharing plenty of laughs. The combination of a strong script, creative staging, and a talented cast made for an evening of theatre that was both engaging and thoroughly enjoyable.

In the end, Bilton Amateur Dramatic Society’s A Corpse for Christmas was a festive treat that demonstrated the group’s dedication and skill. It was a fantastic production that left the audience entertained and eagerly anticipating their next performance.

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