Death By Design

DEATH BY DESIGN by Rob Urbinati is a spoof whodunnit comedy farce and can be described as Agatha Christie meets Noel Coward!   It has all the ingredients you would expect: red herrings, an ingenue, a frivolous bohemian dancer, a politican, a playwright and an actress.     Not to be forgotten are the maid and the chauffeur who know more than they say!     Everyone is a suspect, everyone has a motive and its all light-hearted fun. 

The set was absolutely gorgeous, dressed perfectly for the period in colour and design.   There were doors off to the back and side and French doors to the garden.    The furniture was of the highest quality and reflected the class of the owners.    Props were very goods and included a period telephone, book case with books and Martini glasses.   The period gramaphone deserves a special mention!

Costumes were excellent and in keeping with the period with sophisticated dresses and shoes for the ladies, an overall for the maid, chauffeur’s outfit (complete with hat) and Victoria’s outfit was a triumph as she was overloaded with a headress, beads, shawl, fringed dress with colourful patchwork print as well as bangles and ballet shoes!

The sound was very good with voices projected well and clear.  The lighting was effective and well controlled.

This was a hugely enjoyable production and the performances of those in key roles carried the story well.  The playwright and his wife, played by Alan Birdsworth and Sarah Oliver, return to their country home from London following a disastrous first night.    Their exchanges of snipes and bickering featured heavily throughout the play.     The action flowed and was peppered with humour and intrigue as each person, seemingly, commited the murder.    It was down to Jill Gillett as Bridgit to try and unravel the tangle of lies and red herrings.   Director, Tristan Quittenton, moved the action swiftly along with occasional slips in pace when lines went a little awry – not unusual for a first night.    Another great night out at Silchester to enjoy before the dark nights are upon us. 

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