Agatha Crusty and the Health Spa Murders

It is always a pleasure to see a 'Cos' play in the intimate Studio of the Carriageworks - although it was the hottest day of the year so far, the choice of play certainly kept the temperature down, set as it was in a Health Spa where 'chilling out' was the order of the day.

This company are more than familiar with the Agatha Crusty (pronounced Crewsty!) murder mystery plays, written by Derek Webb and they certainly made the most of this latest offering.

Set in the surroundings of the Seventh Heaven Health Spa, five employees arrive to spend some rest and relaxation, having won the weekend in a winning sales drive at work in the fashion industry, Some are looking forward to the break while others are not so keen. Gradually, over time, two of the girls and the owner of the Spa are 'bumped off' leaving the intrepid writer, Agatha, who has also come for rest but ends up solving the mystery and 'who-dun-it'.

The Director, Gillian Myers, had a diffcult job, fitting her cast, props and other paraphernalia around such a small set, but she overcame any obstacles to give her cast help and  support where needed - the strong cast, led by Carolyn Craven as the intrepid Authoress, Agatha, guided us through the twist and turns of plotlines excellently. Andy, the owner, (David Rogers) seemed as if he had never got over the loss of his wife, whose idea it was originally for the Spa; a good characterisation here. Popov, the masseur, played exceptionally well by Shayne Hill, gave a convincing performance as a Russian fitness freak - winning over the girls in a most charming way - some real laughs here as he tackled idioms and totally got them wrong! The fitness instructor, Abigal, played in true 'Sloane' style by Louise Bullock, had some lovely business with yoga classes.

The first victim was Geri, (Stacey Thompson) - she had a great laconic approach to the part and some very funny dialogue delivered well. She 'drowned' in the mud bath!  The next victim was Julia, played by Julia Hill, who ended up buried in salt - though chatting with Agatha, we found out she had a wife, Charlotte - so far, I had little idea who the murderer was!  During the interval, we were once again invited to name-guess the perpetrator; my money was on Jocelyn, who seemed so nice and cheerful, she had to be guilty! - Janine Walker gave her usual assured performance here, wih Lydia, as a reluctant fitness person, played subtly by Emma McGrath. Somewhere in all this, Andy is poisoned with good old cyanide - please forgive me for not knowing why!  This left Christina (played very well by Lindsay Leng) as the main suspect.

I always feel sorry for the Detective who arrives at the crime scene, only to make a complete fool of himself and a mess of the investigation. DI Aster, played by Phil Reuben, played this character with great panache - there were plenty of amusing lines, which he played to the full.

Which leaves us with dear Agatha - a crime writer following in the footsteps of Mrs Christie, with shades of Miss Marple and Poirot mixed in. Carolyn Craven gave an outstanding performance as the meddling sleuth, who really only wanted some rest and recuperation at the Seven Heaven Spa (and maybe selling some copies of her latest book) - and finds heself solving the crime!  She had found so many clues which pointed the finger at Christina - played with great style and complete lack of remorse by Lindsay when she was uncovered as the criminal.

This was a lovely, gentle comedy in spite of the multiple murders; the writer kept us all guessing until the end - I did not guess correctly, but then, I never do!

The creative team comprised Leah Hamilton (Assistant Director), Paul Harding as an experienced and trustworthy Stage Manager - excellent cues from Lighting (Tina Nutt), Props, (Elaine Jackson and Mandi Rugg), Prompt (Joanna Bucktrout) and to welcome us all, Brian and Reasha Hollingsworth, Front of House. The play was costumed very well (not credited).

My congratulations for a great evening's entertainment - I have made a note to be very careful if I visit a Health Spa in the future........

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