A Fete Worse Than Death

The 74th annual Thornton Village Fete is in preparation for a packed programme of entertainment according to newly elected Fete Committee Chair Malcolm Turner. Not a particularly well-liked character who has lovingly nurtured a named marrow and has been thrown when he sees the gigantic marrow entered by the Rev Jess – a rival!

We entered the hall which resembled a tea tent marquee – on the three sides of the stage were hung marquee sections with a back exit and the entire hall was draped with colourful bunting. Two trestle tables were set with tablecloths, one to display the prize-winning marrows the other for Bunny Turner and Miss Violet Parmenter plus the famous pickles but not the last year’s mistake of very pongy pickled eggs thank goodness!! Fold up chairs were used with other various good props and a very nice basket displayed colourful veg.  As usual Trevor and his team did a grand job. The hall itself was laid out with trestle tables for a delicate afternoon tea with fine teacups and three-tiered cake stands ladened with delicious delicacies and pots of tea being constantly replenished. I had the company of Ita who performed the star struck Mary Plunkett in last year’s  ‘Bunch of Amateurs’ and a group of ladies supporting their friend Sarah Bragoli playing Rev Jess, a bit of a cheat massaging her marrow with a stimulant!  Also making time to bake  many scones and cakes for the occasion!

Unfortunately, we missed most of the exciting Arena events but we did hear the crowd noises gently throughout which was most effective. However, it was in the tea tent that the intriguing murder mystery was yet to unfold. Tom Miller arrived as the celebrity guest the actor Ray Martin who loved himself, dressed in star style black and dark shades. He was spotted by devotee as Insp Brady, a programme she avidly watched, knowing every episode totally convinced he really was a detective and she certainly a Miss Marple. A wonderful character played so convincingly in her cardy and grey curls by Libby Annetts with a wonderful use of ‘dear’ throughout. Trish Burton was played efficiently by Clare Kennison-Cook complete with high visibility jacket, clip board and walky-talky trying to get everyone in the right place at the right time and becoming quite frustrated. Malcom Turner, Chair of the proceedings – loved the bow tie, was played by Richard Baszczak a fiercely competitive man – in no doubt he will be the winner but who became the victim. He perished dramatically and was removed unceremoniously, dragged by his feet offstage. What a sport and he didn’t lose his hair – loved his curtain call in the same vein. His poor wife has had enough and here we have the love triangle developing with Viking reenactment fanatic Nigel - great costume played by Peter Spencer with his long blond plaits and helmet – horns which had a mind of their own wants dear Bunny, very nicely played by Kerry Gentleman to run away with him. Question -  nobody really likes Malcolm but who would murder him – stab him in the back with a cake slice? Sleuthing commences  even though Ray or Roy as the very laid-back Rev Jess persists in calling him and Miss P is determined that Ray can solve the crime with her assistance  Evidence is put forward and Ray concludes this is a ‘group’ murder. I did not guess. Very funny indeed with good action throughout. Some minor prompting from on the ball Charlotte Eastes kept up the flow. Certainly, an audience pleaser - this was a thoroughly enjoyable comedy play directed once again by Keith Miller.

 

 

 

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