Deadly Nightcap

A sleepy English village, a comfortable house with a servant and a swimming pool, a celebrity TV chef, a doctor, a lawyer and a shady, big-time estate agent – this play has the perfect ingredients for a classic murder mystery.  SNADS’ entertaining and ambitious production of Deadly Nightcap’s complicated and convoluted plot had the audience hanging on to every word, never quite knowing what would happen next, and despite some occasional glitches, which only added to the fun, it was clear that the company had aimed high.

Framed in a set which was thoughtfully planned and which made the most of this broad stage, the time and place were clearly established from the outset.  There was plenty of visual interest to occupy the eyes during the more wordy passages, and there were timely changes of flowers and props to indicate the passing of time.  Even with the slamming of a door, there was not a quiver of the structure – well done, stage crew.  Lighting added to the atmosphere and changed with the seasons, ensuring that the conservatory extension was not isolated from the action.  Characters were well-dressed and there was a cohesion to the appearance of the show.  Experiment with action early on in the rehearsal process, as this can aid word-retention in performance.

With good performances from the cast overall, Lucy the grumpy housekeeper and Edward the unsuspecting brother stand out.  The sound and solidly-played Detective Inspector Cliff Jordan (was he really so innocent?) was kept busy with two murders (or were there three?) to investigate, despite his blossoming romantic attachment to the lady of the house, the masterfully-created Sarah Radford, whose excellent performance was apparently effortless.  Young protégé of the family firm, Geoffrey Curtis was an intriguing character, and he, with Sarah, helped to maintain the pace of the action in a wordy and complex plot.  Conspirator Anna Truman changed sides admirably and convincingly, once she saw through the smooth and shady Jack Radford’s plot, and celebrity chef Kate Warren herself became yet another red herring.  With Dr Maureen Young and lawyer Gloria Boston unwittingly setting further fishy trails, our detective instincts were well and truly exercised in the course of the play.  But there remain questions unanswered:  in whose favour was Sarah planning to alter her will, and was befriending the detective all part of the scheme? 

Well done, SNADS, for aiming high, and congratulations on presenting an entertaining and attractive production.

With all good wishes,

Sylvia

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