Curtain Up on Murder

Andy Jury is to be congratulated on his direction of this intriguing play that had a real twist at the end! A play within a play within a play within a play!! It kept you wondering who the murderer was, was it her was it him, and had you guessing all the way through.

The play written by Bettine Manktelow was a good choice to put on at the Blackmore with its atmospheric stage and a strong cast. All helped by the choice of menacing music between acts.
Andy Jury as Alex did well, it’s not always easy to direct and act, so very well done. Tony Christopher (Harry, the caretaker) was very convincing as the strange and somewhat sinister replacement for a sick colleague. Annette Driver 'Sylvia the Diva' who was having an illicit affair and gave the impression she could eat men for breakfast! A strong performance. Pauline Jury 'Sandra' gave a wonderful performance in her varied role and convinced (rather too well) as the ghost! Scary!!! Wendy Bishop 'Ginny' was brilliant as the very shy and dotty character that many in the audience (judging by overhearing’s in the interval) thought was the murderer, until she was murdered herself! Wendy excels in eccentric characters and is always a treat to see on stage.
Mark Blaber as Martin gave a good solid performance, had some great lines and delivered them well. Annabel Bunyard played Linda and gave a splendid performance as the woman scorned.
Jenny Bowden as Moppet gave a wonderful interpretation of character especially as a Devonian within the play within the play, it was almost a show stopper, it was so good!
Congratulations to all concerned, a truly wonderful evening of good entertainment keeping the audience guessing and interested right up to the last line. And, what a twist, that nobody was murdered after all. This most prolific of companies should be congratulated yet again for the variety and entertainment value of its several productions; and all its members(not just the acting ones) must be congratulated on keeping this small theatre alive and thriving.

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