Curtain up on Murder

Whitby Amateur Dramatic Society

“Curtain up for Murder” Sunday 20th April, 2025

 

“Curtain up for Murder” is a play about an amateur theatre company rehearsing in a theatre at the end of a pier.  Outside a storm is raging and the doors to the theatre are suspiciously locked.  And so, the scene is set for all the weird and seemingly inexplicable events that unfold.

Whitby Amateur Dramatic Society and the show’s Director, Alison Steele, presented the audience with a very talented cast of actors who were able to deliver the twists and turns, the odd red herring, and the bona fide clues (plus the odd death thrown in for good measure), effectively and with great skill.

The play begins on an empty stage with furniture and props randomly placed.  A single character, ‘Linda’ (Zeta Bade) walks across and exits, seemingly looking for someone.

We next see ‘Sandra’ – who does the ‘props’ - and ‘Ginny’, a potential new member and friend of ‘Sandra’.  ‘Sandra’, played superbly by Ellie Risdon, skilfully displays the character’s keenness and desire to infect all the other company members with her enthusiasm.  Her stage presence and mannerisms are very convincing.

‘Ginny’- played by Tomi Daynes-Hall – cleverly demonstrates the nervous mannerisms of a newbie society member eager to please.  More characters are introduced who swiftly come into their own.  ‘Harry’ the seemingly rustic stand-in Theatre Caretaker, ominously played by Ivan Hall, sets the scene for the unexplained events to come.  His references to ‘the trap door’ and of “tripping over things” was perhaps a prophecy of Sandra’s subsequent’ accident’ (or was it?)

Alex, played by Paul Burnett, captured the essence of the stereotypical, good-looking, leading man, wonderfully showing contempt for his associates. He successfully maintained the macho/hero image throughout.  Excellent performance.

Fiona Price is excellent as ‘Sylvia’, the production’s leading lady, and fulltime Diva.  Her stage presence and body language were controlled and appropriate throughout. It was a very convincing performance.  ‘Sylvia’ is not only the “Director’s” wife, but also, not altogether surprisingly, having an affair with her leading man.  For him it is serious, for her, a mere diversion to relieve the boredom.

John MCormack very convincingly plays the boringly single-minded Director ‘Martin’.  He has no idea of his wife’s dalliance; all his attention is directed towards the play and nothing, not even a death, is going to divert him.

Moppet, seems a bit of an oddball, more pre-occupied with knitting.  Jo Downie captured her charm and eccentricity perfectly.

Added to the mix is ‘Linda’ the partner of Alex, who has been watching unseen in the wings the whole time.  Zeta Bade portrays the character beautifully calmly, as she chooses this particular rehearsal to confront Alex.

Alison Steele expertly directs an extremely talented cast superbly throughout this cleverly constructed script.  This is a play within a play, within a play, within a play, but “spoilers” prevent revealing any further details of this excellent production.

David Masters’ set design was simple yet very effective.  Stage Manager, Mike Locker, handled scene changes seamlessly.

I didn’t hear much at all from the ‘Prompt’ but it will have been a great comfort to the cast to know that “Margaret Urwin” was in their corner!

Penny Cullen and Suzanne Elvidge made sure that costumes and props were appropriate and available at the right time.

I must mention the sound and lighting technician, Dave Masters.  His contribution to the success of the production was superb. Congratulations.

Lastly, I would like to add my personal thanks to Chris Copeland.  Not only has he looked after my wife and I on our visits, but, as the designated contact for The Society, has kept me informed of upcoming events throughout the year.

 

 

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