A Fete Worse than Death

This society has proved itself to be capable of staging some good productions.  Their 2017 pantomime was nominated for a NODA award and their excellent production of Diplomatic Relations was only a few marks short of being nominated in the Drama category.  I was therefore very much looking forward to seeing their latest offering.

This play was new to me so a little research was required before going along to see the first night performance.  The society has some excellent performers so I was looking forward to seeing some of them again in this comedy murder mystery. As is usual with NATS spring production the audience was seated at tables with open seating.  The setting for the play is the home produce tent at the Thornton village fete.  The set was well dressed with produce tables covered in gingham tablecloths on either side of the stage and union flag bunting dressing the walls. Beyond the entrance to the tent at the centre back, could be seen a backdrop depicting the village green.

A ‘guess the weight of the cake’ competition for audience members as they entered the hall and flyers on the tables advertising events taking place at the fete were nice touches that encouraged us to enter into the spirit of things.

Actor Ray Martin, famous as TV detective Inspector Ian Brady, has been asked to open the fete and is about to find out that life in the seemingly sleepy village of Thornton is not all it appears to be when rivalry over a marrow and infidelity lead to murder. Steve Dunn gave a good performance as Ray Martin trying unsuccessfully to convince confused Miss Parmentor, an avid fan of his TV character and very well played by Tracey Murray, that he is not a real detective. Nevertheless she is convinced that he is just the person to work out whodunnit.

A good performance, albeit cut short, by Matthew Fyleman as Malcolm, recently voted in as Chair of the Village Fete Committee. He enters lovingly fondling his pride and joy, ‘Molly the Marrow’, much to the annoyance of wife Bunny (well played by Yvonne Hannant) who, being fed up with playing second fiddle to a marrow, is having an affair with Nigel.    

Nigel was well played by Will Murray, resplendent in full Viking costume as one half of the historical re-enactment, the other being his often referred to but never seen friend Dave.

There were good supporting performances from Becky Monk as fete organizer Trish and Andy McMillan as Father Mike, the rather unconventional vicar who holds the cup for the largest marrow and is back to defend his title.

In true murder mystery fashion everyone had their own reasons for wanting Malcolm dead but we were kept on tenterhooks until the very end. 

This was a very enjoyable production, well directed by Jacqueline Pullen. Lighting and sound were good.

Congratulations to all involved and thank you for inviting me.

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