COLUMBO PRESCRIPTION: MURDER

I must admit I didn’t have any great expectations for this play, but the reality was totally enthralling.  It was good to speak with the Director, who was full of praise for his assistant who helped immeasurably. 

I was interested to hear his new take on involving the cast in understanding their place within each scene, and this showed through in the character relationships.

Technically I was impressed with the thought that had gone into the use of sliding flats to change the backdrop for the scenes, and well done to the SM and her team for providing a slick transition each time, very well-rehearsed with the minimum of time used, even on first night!  The use of a ceiling with lighting above it also added to the feel of the piece.  I really liked the Entr'acte after the murder, which allowed the introduction of Columbo and the removal of the body in red light, but as part of the plot.

The background music was well-chosen and echoed the era so well, with lighting that was appropriate – the red feature for scene changes was good.  Projection from the cast was exemplary.

Marlon Gill created a super Columbo, with nods to the on-screen character, but adding his own touches, which was so good.  A fascinating character, very well portrayed.

Ben Dards as the scheming doctor, Roy Flemming, was a totally believable persona, but there was always the edge of knowing what he’d done, and his powers of persuasion with his girlfriend. 

Sarah Cunnane as Miss Petrie gave us the epitomy of a loyal secretary, showing some fire beneath her businesslike portrayal.

Emma Russon was charming and eccentric as Claire Flemming, from her attitude you could see why Roy wanted her out of the way, to make way for her replacement, the easily led Susan Hudson, played well by Fiona Smout, you could feel that she was totally under Roy’s direction, fulfilling his need to be in total charge, however some of her natural anger came to the fore latterly.

Nathan Marshall created a good character as Dave Gordon, Roy’s friend, I liked how he was assertive but not too intrusive.  Luke Walsh completed the cast as the Delivery Boy, very good facial expressions, although he only had one line!

I thought the whole experience was interesting and immersive, my thanks to the Director for spending time advising of some of the finer points, and to the cast and crew for giving us an excellent production.

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