Death by Fatal Murder

Since the establishment of a full time, professional and centrally organised police service back in 1829, many men and (later on) women have chosen to dedicate themselves to a career involving the prevention and detection of crime. One such fictional character, Inspector Pratt, is featured in this comedy murder mystery performed by Heckington Players and what a “hoot” it turned out to be, for although he had the best of intentions he was severely hampered by faulty logic and a lack of common sense. In his attempts to sound knowledgeable Pratt frequently mispronounced words and resorted to malapropisms. Julian Warrick’s performance as the bumbling Inspector Pratt was of the highest order. Callum Thomas, alias Constable Thomkins, worked hard to provide support for his senior officer but most of his efforts were in vain since Pratt failed to recognise help when it was proffered!

Jo Warrick, alias Miss Maple, was this production’s version of the spinster detective, Miss Marple, who featured in many of the stories by Agatha Christie and who quietly observed the most minor of  details which helped bring about the offender’s downfall. Mel Priestley, alias Nancy Allwright, was the supposedly respectable lady of the manor who displayed some veiled hints that she might not be quite as respectable as one first assumed. Colette Buchanan-Gray, alias the psychic Blodwyn Morgan, used her voice to produce an impressive lilting Welsh accent and during a séance managed a seamless switch to a Scottish one. Kelly Anderson, alias Ginny Farquhar, deserved the recognition afforded by the audience for perfecting a most realistic horse laugh which she seemed able to frequently repeat without losing her voice. Kei Bailey, alias Squadron Leader Allwright, conducted himself with military correctness. David O’Brien, alias Enzo Garibaldi,did well to mimic the speech and temperament of an Italian but despite his efforts, Pratt mistakenly thought his name was Garry Baldy!

The well designed and constructed set replicated a room in a country house and there were fine performances from all members of the appropriately costumed cast in their performance of this wonderfully funny play that generated mirth throughout, right to the surprising end. No wonder the enthusiastic and appreciative audience left laughing!    

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