Anybody for Murder ?

Brian Clemens and Dennis Spooner’s 1990 comedy thriller is a complex ever changing plot with the feel of Shirley Valentine meets Agatha Christie in its isolated Greek setting, and a group of suspects who all have murder on their minds. Yet it’s written to draw out the laughs from the situation as characters plot and scheme to outwit each other and no one is quite sure who to trust or believe. It provides an interesting entertaining evening with some good twists and surprises. 

It is a very good vehicle for Amateur societies with its single setting , cast of six, three female and three male characters and five scenes over two acts. Interestingly the programme explains the set up that Max is planning to murder his wife Janet so he can enjoy life with Suzy, so we start understanding what we are about to see although those plans do evolve quite quickly.

CAST’s production does an excellent job with a good-looking set that evokes a Greek white and blue Villa and a strong cast who deliver their lines with great clarity and good  timing and only an occasional prompt! The first time Directors did an excellent job making the most of situation with some clever additions and updates and using the set well.This was an enjoyable production with just enough pace to not allow us to ponder too long on the ludicrous plot and quick enough reactions to point the jokes without being hammy. A very good return to drama as opposed to musicals, revues and pantomime!

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