A is for Arsenic

A is For Arsenic Written by David Pemberton

Who would of thought a tuna Sandwich could cause such a fuss…..

Set in the dimly-lit basement of an adult education centre next to the boiler room, A is for Arsenic combines the thrill of a classic murder mystery with the unique quirks and comedy  of a night school classroom.

The atmosphere is claustrophobic yet thrilling, with the basement’s setting the perfect backdrop for a tale of crime and deception for the want to be crime writers. Hats off to the set builders they have done a great job.

The adult education setting adds a fascinating layer to the narrative. These are not the typical protagonists of a murder mystery; instead, we have a diverse mix of individuals overworked parents, retirees looking to learn new skills, and a few who are there simply to escape their daily lives. Their motivations are far more grounded than you might expect, and their personal stories create a complex backdrop that enhances the central mystery.

What truly stands out in A is for Arsenic is its character-driven narrative. While the murder mystery is compelling in its own right, it is the relationships and dynamics between the students that truly elevate the story. There are moments of humour, tension.

Mandy Grimston plays the flexible Yoga teacher Sally along side Helen Davison as Fay your standard housewife using writing as an escape from the day to day life. Both Mandy and Helen open the show and you really get the sense of where the story is going, huge well done ladies those monologues must have taken some learning.

Brian is played by Flynn Burge and really played his role well. Characterisation was great.

Stan is played by Ray Rumkee with his colourful tank top brings the whole of the group together by “Making the Tea” and taking the homework assignment to another level decided he will show his tutor his serious side and “poison the Tea”.. Ray brought humour to the character and confidence throughout the show.

Trevor the class tutor played by Matthew Broderick was a towering success, Trevor it seems is using the ideas of his class to write his next book, but they rumble him, but Trevor is ten steps ahead that is all I will say. Huge well done to Matthew as there is so many layers to the character and you brought the best out him as well as some serious lunging.

An overall brilliant show and a great pick me up from the snow and bad weather we had at the time, a very talented group and I can’t wait to see more of your productions. I hope you are extremely proud. You deserved the huge round of applause you received.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.