Curtain Up On Murder

The stage of a small theatre set on the pier of a seaside resort gives the setting for this play. The set is quite simple and certainly gives the impression of a rundown building so typical of theatres and halls in which amateur theatre somehow seems to thrive.

The cast are attending a rehearsal for their forthcoming production “Dead on Time” and are informed by the caretaker (Keith Lowe) not to be too late leaving the building as there is a storm brewing and he is leaving by the front door which he will lock and they must leave by the back door. He also states the he will close the trapdoor which is off stage before he goes. A commanding performance for such a small cameo role.

The cast drift in in ones and twos and within five minutes are taking a tea break during which a loud bang is heard off stage and upon checking what has happened it transpires that Sandra (well played by Jools Greenwood) has fallen through the trap door and is dead. Consternation all round as several of the cast argue as to what they should do. Ginny (Joanna Golden) becomes hysterical and keeps up this for the duration of her part, showing a good sense of timing and character acting until her demise.

Moppet (Irene de Tute) who is described as messy and untidy and I would add a somewhat scatter brained thespian for the way she played this OTT part is persuaded to have a drink from the director’s hip flask although she says she does not drink and immediately succumbs to the poison contained therein.

The director, Martin (Steve Waite) is mortified, loudly protesting his innocence, played his part very well showing a good command of the stage. Sylvia (Fi Welburn) who is reputedly having an affair with Alex, the leading man shows many facets of her talent ranging from the loving mistress to an angry woman.

John de Tute as Alex gives a good strong performance wanting to elope with Sylvia, showing no interest in anything else but himself or his long suffering wife Linda (Katy Ryan). She is not a member of the cast but arrived early at the theatre in order to check out her suspicions regarding her husband and she gave us a controlled performance as a distressed lady until she is strangled.

And so to the end of the play which has a wonderful twist in its tail and keeps the audience in suspense till the end.

Once again the St Austin’s Players have given us an excellent performance with no weak links in the cast, and I hope they can repeat their success at the Wakefield Festival.

As is usual Anthony Channer’s lighting as first class and Steve Dixon did a commendable job with the sound as the acoustics in the hall leave something to be desired. Joe Greco should be pleased with his first attempt at directing for the Players as he showed some deft touches.

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