"A Sensational Century"

Several of our groups are celebrating centenaries these days but it's not often we mark the anniversary of one of their venues. A hundred years ago, William Riley-Smith, who loved his acting, singing, dancing and generally putting on shows had the vision to build a hall in his home town of Tadcaster. Originally to be called Victory Hall, the name was changed during its construction and 100 years later the Riley-Smith Hall continues to host various events in the town. It's the home of Tadcaster Theatre Company and Tadcaster Community Choir and they combined to celebrate the centenary in a rather unusual and thoroughly entertaining way with musical memories interspersed between scenes of a very amusing mystery play.

It was none other than Mr. Riley-Smith himself (played by the play's author, Mark Ellison) who welcomed us and set the scene with a brief history of the hall, before the choir sang one of his songs, something of a hymn to Yorkshire, written many years before Gary Barlow had a similar idea for his "Calendar Girls" musical. Soon it was time for his Amateur Riley-Smith Entertainers (always their full title, never just initials, please) to introduce us to his "Mysterious Murder of the Miserly Marquis at Murkey Moor Manor", a tale of blackmail, intrigue and a garden gnome. This was a hilarious pastiche of many a murder mystery, performed in the style of the "Play that goes wrong" series which has proved successful in London and on tour. I have to confess that I have sometimes found these rather too silly but this was not the case here as the badly-timed entries, the continued ringing of a telephone after it had been answered, prolonged musical inserts which delay the actor's lines etc. were all very amusing. There was no need to resort to complicated slapstick as the writer's wit provided many a laugh, as did the way in which ailments suffered by the play's characters provided opportunities for occasional advertisements for various products from Wrigglesworth Remedies.  After all, they had sponsored the play. The “entertainers” were all in good form, even if some required occasional reminders as to the nature of their character, their regional accent etc. Peter Fletcher, as the Marquis, apparently the victim early on, remained on stage throughout as it turned out he was not murdered after all, and deserves special mention for his stamina. Diane Eyers acted as narrator in the guise of William's Aunt Mary, who in reality had been his partner in the hall-building project but here was also the source of much amusement. Holding it all together was ace detective Sir Wilfred Rawley-Smyth (played by Mark Ellison as his alter ego, William Riley-Smith).

Between scenes in the mystery, the choir (apparently a late replacement for the Wetherby over-80s Ballet Troupe) reminded us of many of the musicals performed in the hall over the years. Back in the day, one of the musical directors had been none other than Noel Gay, best-known for his "Me and my Girl" and no further excuse was needed to include a medley from that show. Although Aunt Mary had occasionally been mis-informed as to the music involved, we heard songs from, "Oklahoma!" and her cheeky play on words involving their respective surnames introduced more music from Rodgers and Hammerstein. A medley from "Guys and Dolls" included the duet "Marry the man today" from Sue Parker and Keeley Mason, whilst the title song from "42nd Street", featured excellent tap dancing by choreographer Angela Edwards and her dancers, surely a great improvement on the absent group from Wetherby. They made a further appearance later with "One" from "A Chorus Line". An excellent medley of what Aunt Mary described as "miserable songs" from the musical of a similar name included a fine performance of "Bring him home" by Andrew Lloyd. Helen Wright led a trio which provided good support and particular praise must go to the percussionist, a pupil deputising for his tutor who was unavailable for the final performance.

The show ended with the full company, including the actors (and audience) joining to "Thank you for the music" but, grateful though we are for all that has been performed in the hall over these 100 years, it's probably to Mr. Riley-Smith (and his aunt) to whom we should also give our thanks. Apparently, at the time, some thought it would have been more sensible to have built a swimming pool. I see there is now such a facility almost next door and so, with two breweries besides, the town seems to provide for all tastes.

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