Careless Murder

Many thanks to the Hall Players for inviting me to see Friday 26th April 2024’s performance of the freshly inked comedy whodunnit ‘Careless Murder.’ This expertly written play by local play write, Andy Bennison, tells a witty tale of varying characters in a care home. As the plot unravels, we begin to learn of sudden deaths within the care home. Upon further deliberation and witty antics, we find the manager stabbed in the heart in his office. One of the staff members, and a new resident of the care home, decide to press the lockdown button and tackle the case themselves. 

Directed by Steve Dobson, this narrative was very well constructed in space, using a lovely contrast of physical humour, caricature, exaggerated physical humour, remarkable story telling and integration of visual and sound effects to animate it. Added to the this, the piece was delivered at a fast pace, with differing acting techniques integrated, which allowed for all moments of comedy interject, which left the audience in rapturous laughter.  

The set, as usual for a Halls Player’s production, received its own applause upon curtain up.  Upon opening, the full stage was boxed in, very much resembling a very well decorated, business-driven care home setting. What was particularly impressive was construction of the set enabled revolting hidden flats, which enabled dramatic scene changes with finesse and style. With having such a construction of slick grandeur, I felt that the scene changes could have been as slick as the function. There were a few crew members short of what would have aided the momentum during scene change, and did wonder if the cast could have assisted, or the scene changes be undertaken more stylised to help reduce the negative space. The inter-scene music was a nice touch and were well thought through to ensure they were poignant to the narrative. 

Overall, the cast were well drilled, well versed, and looked at ease upon the stage. There were some strong performances within the cast, and the comradery between all members was second to none. Whatmore, to see the audience, almost packed to the brim, with the cast at all moments, laughing and commenting how good the product is is a testament to all involved. 

Duncan, the Retirement Home Manager, was played by James Clow. This character had 2 sides played within the role, firstly a quite softly spoken, caring chap who was kind and doting on the resident's needs. The other side showed this as a visage, through having a wild raunchy scene and being quite flippant with business driven when not amongst guests. 

Maisie, the conscientious care worker was played by Bridget Sanderson who provided a great detailed characterisation which inspiring use of physicality and eye gestures to comedically, but without insult, suggest a neurodivergence to the part. This was polished with impeccable focus and comedic timing adding rhythm to the dialogue to heighten the portrayal. 

Jenny, the jobsworth activity coach who is eager to climb the ladder was played by Abbie Cleg who provided an impressive performance. Similarly to Duncan, binary dimensions to the character were portrayed. When around guests and staff, she nicely added an idiosyncratic vocal inflection after most phrases, which was coupled with almost choreographed physicality and gestures to portray her professionalism and ambition within such. When out of this part, the urgency was lifted, and a darker more abrupt nature was displayed, adding to the suspicion of this character as the culprit. 

Dr Blunt, who had a charm with the ladies within residence, was played charismatically by James Miley. Again, the almost uncomfortable flirtatious nature of the Dr made this character high up in the list of suspects. 

Barbara and Beryl, a double act of cleaners within the care home, were played by Angela Ross and Jill Thompson. These were both played as salt of the earth, which thick accents, exaggerated characterisations with over acted reactions, which added an element of pantomime/ slapstick humour to the piece. 

Henry, the excentric retire actor and new resident at the home, was played by John Ellis. John played this part fabulously, often breaking the fourth wall whilst acting as the actor playing the actor. He used great storytelling and added nice subtext to the dialogue, which drew out additional styles of humour and wit. 

Rosemary, Pauline, and Evelyn, 3 lady residents at the home, were played by Maureen Nickson, Gill Kerry, and Carol Buckley. This triple act rounded the piece having fabulous synchronisation. At times they slowed the pace of the piece down, which was refreshing and enabled moments of calm within the chaos. There was some nice deep thematic messaging brought out through these characters towards the end, which their personable performances were well matched to highlighting these points without them being force fed. 

Thanks again for a wonderful evening of entertainment & I wish the Hall Players all the absolute best successes for the future. 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.