A Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen Guild Dramatic Society Murder Mystery

It is always such a pleasure to come and watch a show at Wickham Bishops Drama Group.

For their Spring show they chose one of the ever popular Farndale Avenue plays, this time

‘Murder Mystery’ and we were definitely in for a night of laughter and fun.

Think ‘The Play that goes wrong’ and you know just what the premise of this show is about.

With a cast of 6, five being the only members of the fictitious Farndale Avenue Amateur Dramatic Group plus Gordon who is called on to play the Inspector O’Reilly. The five ladies play a multitude of roles presenting a traditional whodunit where just everything that can go wrong does. Whatever happens, they carry on regardless.

First I must commend the set which as always was super. The stage crew go the extra mile and this is thanks to Charlie Willett, Alan Roast and Ashley Saunders. The set is very important to things going wrong with a flat falling and being put back upside down with fireplace at the top by the crew, banisters on the stairs falling off; curtains and bell pull coming away. A table with a wonky leg with chess pieces constantly falling on the floor. All add to the mayhem.

Actors also add to the laughter by being in the wrong place, missing and forgetting cues, changing costumes, given incorrect props and sounds and lighting going on and off at the wrong time.

We meet prim and proper Mrs Reece the Chairwoman of the society (Leigh Perry) at the beginning of the show. With her ladies at hand in the auditorium we were all given slips and papers and pens for the quiz at the end of act 1. Later in the show she was the sexy French maid Regine who comes to a sticky end being pushed by Pawn the butler out of the window and Lady Bishop’s sister Clarissa Rook. All her roles were executed with energy and vigour and made us laugh out loud during the show.

Robyn Tyler as Felicity (playing Pawn the Butler), Colonel King (Lady B’s brother in law) worked hard all the way through the show, changing costumes constantly and portraying wonderful charm. I just wished that she had projected a little more as sometimes it was really hard to hear what she said. Great use of the telephone which was unconnected and the standard lamp which failed to switch on.

Debbie Irby playing Lady Doreen Bishop a widow, Violet Bishop her spinster aunt, Mrs King the Colonels wife, and Joan Bishop (Lady B’s cousin) was a joy. With fabulous facial expressions and good projection, I loved every one of her characters. I can’t believe just how she remembered who she was playing as the show progressed.

Nicolle Paddon was Lady B’s daughter Daphne and Rose Bishop Lady B’s cousin. Both characters were great. As Daphne I especially loved the dance sequence with the Inspector which they lip-synced sung to and the numerous tennis balls thrown at her which she ably bounced back on her racket whilst speaking her lines. Also loved her in the wheelchair as Rose.

Teresa Paddon again played the numerous roles of Patricia Bishop, Lady B’s niece, Letitia Bishop her sister & Mr Goodbody the solicitor. As Patricia her voice did tend to go very high so I found it hard to understand what was being said but the other roles were perfectly clear and each character was totally thought about.

Last but not least we had Gordon playing the inept police Inspector O Reilly. Nick Hewes was great fun in this role. His attempts at flirtations with Daphne were brilliantly awkward. Again the dance scene between the two of them was well choreographed and very entertaining. Also loved him trying to warm his hands on the fire which was now about 12 foot up from the floor. Nick is always a great choice to have in a show and shows stage presence and confidence in all he achieves.

This was director James Bacon debut as Director and I think he did an excellent job. This is not an easy play to do as although things go wrong it has to be done well to be believed. I do hope he will carry on and I look forward to seeing him do more.

Lighting and sound were obviously wrong and worked well and the costumes and make up were as usual superb. This was a truly fun evening’s entertainment. Just what we all need right now. Congratulations to you all.

Christine Davidson for Victoria Carey

NODA East District 8

 

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