Acting can be Murder

How clever to find a play with 9F and 5M for the group that is a spoof ‘murder mystery’, a good entertainment.
 Not certain what we were seeing when the lead Dolores admitted that she was a murderer but all revealed by an excellent characterisation and big role to learn from Lesley Dillon as the ‘always understudy’ who murdered the leading lady so that she could have the role (with many consequences), and she held the pivotal spot throughout with her thoughts and imaginings.
 As an amateur group rehearsing for their annual play, this piece offered parts of all ages and types and catered for the differing experience levels which was excellent in offering a chance to this large cast. Beverley (Cheryl Collings) and Georgia (Judy Ellson) gained in the female roles although so well balanced by the lesser role ladies who each had their moment appearing in the spotlight during the plot; whilst amongst the men, Gerry Robbins as Officer Biddle and Neil Ellson as Weaver (butler) were strong characters but could not have managed without the back-up of others vital to the story. Loved the comedy moments in the script and the bizarre results of a body in a chest which was then exchanged and the sub-plot of picture disappearance and exchange, plus the vision of ‘the ghost’ appearing (Lyndsey King as Guinevere), and of course all the histrionics by members of the cast as the action continued under the questioning of police. A cameo from the ‘cast corpse in the play’ from Paul Reynolds who was desperate to have his few seconds on stage and appeared too early and gave a few laughs. This play really was a good choice for the group to show their talents and encourage all ages, obviously the internet search for material will continue!

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