Curtain up on Murder

This comedy, murder mystery was written by Bettine Manktelow in 1997. An amateur theatre company is rehearsing  after dark, as a storm rages overheard at the end of the pier. The cast find they have been locked in, there is no escape and then a mysterious ghostly figure walks across the back of the stage. Is the theatre haunted? When the ASM falls to certain death through a trap door, they all start to wonder if they are  doomed. As with all good murder mysteries there is always a good twist in the tale, and this is no exception.

Deben Players started rehearsing this in 2020, and in hindsight, this small cast play was an ideal choice, as they could continue rehearsing via zoom and then socially distanced rehearsals. All credit to them, not a easy  task and they pulled it off during very difficult circumstances. Through Richard Daly’s perseverance all the original cast stuck with it and managed a very creditable performance in view of all the difficulties and they should all be congratulated for their efforts, intriguingly, using the entire auditorium as part of the acting space, a nice touch. It was encouraging to see a mixed age cast onstage and they all did well in their respective roles.  The unfortunately small audience was very appreciative, and let’s hope they will all be back in larger numbers once we all get used to getting out again following this uncertain year. 

The simple set created just the right  feel for an untidy rehearsal room, and the costumes, lighting and sound effects all worked well to compliment the production.

Lastly I should thank you for your kind hospitality. It was lovely to finally get out and see you all again after such a long period, and I wish you well for all your future plans with the Panto at the end of the year and next year’s productions.  

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