Curtain Up on Murder

Bettine Manktelow has written an interesting thriller based on an Amateur Theatrical Company producing a play, set in the present day, at an old theatre at the end of a pier. This play within a play was produced and directed by the talented and experienced Jon Ellis, who gave the audience a very thought provoking evening. We were riveted by the mysterious deaths of many of the characters as they met their ends in many different ways, not unlike a famous story by Agatha Christie? The lighting and sound played a very important part in creating the correct atmosphere for the piece and Howard Casson and Les Green are to be congratulated on their contribution.

All on stage worked well together and the pace was just right apart from the occasional stumble on some lines. Diction was first class, so important but not always the case, in some productions I have seen.

Carol Buckley as Sylvia gave a very convincing performance. This actor is always at home on stage, whichever role she is playing. I enjoyed Nigel Parsons as Harry. We were treated to various facets of his character as the play progressed.

The near capacity audience was intrigued by the many twists and turns in the plot and the denouement was completely unexpected.          

This play marks the end of The Hall Players current season and it is encouraging to see lots of audience support for Theatre.

Congratulations on continually entertaining your local audience with a wide variety of genres. Long may it continue. Thank you so much for your warm welcome.

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