AGATHA CRUSTY AND THE PANTOMIME MURDERS

A thoroughly entertaining evening – the play is full of twists and turns, although the actual reveal always seems to be a bit long-winded, as everyone has a reason for murdering one or more of the victims – but that is in the writing, and one thing I was pleased to see was the pace the cast injected into the play.

The scenery was quite basic which was dictated by the script, but the pirate ship which made a brief appearance was great, and I hope it gets more outings in future productions!  The music was also appropriate.

Costumes suited the characters, and I liked the fact that mostly a change of top was all it took to create a scene change look.

Sound was good – the actors all projected well, and lighting was suitable for each scene, and I liked the flashing lights and sound effects for at the end of scene 2.

Act 1 started well, I felt the whole cast were enthusiastic and there was lots of energy on stage, which lasted through to the end, so well done.

Tammy Bradley (Agatha Crusty), gave us a full on portrayal, which I felt set the way the other actors responded, a great interpretation.

Kieran Pritchard (Alan Wilde) has certainly progressed well, and was both eloquent and strong.

Christopher Fletcher (Nick Angel) carried his slightly diffident but rather dodgy persona throughout, certainly a ladies man!  I perhaps needed a little more angst when he was in handcuffs.

Victoria Goode (Jessica Price), appeared to be almost too good to be true, which she wasn’t – again a bit more adverse reaction at the end would have fleshed the character out a little more.

Donna Fletcher (Tracy Tyler) was very good – quoting her HR diatribes at every possible moment, nicely achieved.

Rose Taplin (Juliet Phillips) created a contrasting person, a little diffident which suited the part.

Bridget Calvert (Gloria Bennett) the erstwhile treasurer, diverting funds from the Society to her own account, was an interesting and complex character.

Leo Morawski (Jack Bradley) had a small part, but made his mark!

Connor Michie (Anton de Valera), in what I understand was his first part ever and therefore with Square Drama, created a very camp and full-on persona, with his quotes from various well-known plays – well done.

Sarah Taylor-Warner (Sue Watson-Moore) added a very lively young person into the mix, with her conviction that she could solve the murders, very well-achieved.  A good contrast to the other characters.

Rhyannan Winter (Emily Lewis) had a small but telling role as the first victim, but still added much to the proceedings.

Thanks to Square Drama for their hospitality, and a very entertaining production.

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