A for Arsenic

The team at Avenue Theatre Productions delivered a clever and engaging whodunnit with their production of A is for Arsenic. On Friday 1st August, the audience settled in for an evening of mystery and suspense and, despite a smaller crowd, the atmosphere was one of intrigue and anticipation as everyone tried to guess who the culprit might be. 

From the opening scene, the cast drew us in and held our attention throughout. This was a dialogue-heavy play, with almost all the cast on stage for the majority of the performance, yet they handled the challenge admirably. There were only a few minor prompts, but these did nothing to detract from the flow of the story. The unexpected twist at the end was executed brilliantly, leaving the audience pleasantly surprised and thoroughly entertained. Comedic moments were sprinkled throughout, landing well and providing light relief amidst the suspense. The simple yet effective staging gave the audience everything they needed to be immersed in the story, while the decision to perform without microphones did not affect the performance at all. The cast projected their lines clearly, ensuring every word was heard. 

The lighting was used to great effect throughout the show. The clever use of LED lights as phone lights to illuminate the stage, added to the suspense and mystery of key moments, heightening the tension and pulling the audience further into the story. Finally, a special mention to Tom Purves, making his directorial debut. Bringing together a talented cast, maintaining a strong pace, and delivering a polished, engaging performance is no small feat. Tom and the entire company should be proud of this entertaining and well-crafted show. Congratulations to all involved on a highly enjoyable evening of theatre. We look forward to seeing what Avenue Theatre Productions bring to the stage next! 

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