Double Bill

Anybody who was present at this two one act play evening in this bijou, but perfectly formed studio theatre must consider themselves very privileged indeed.    I struggle to think when I have enjoyed an evening so much.    Geoff  Rose-Michael, who both wrote and directed these two thrillers should be snapped up by the BBC if they had better sense.   These works certainly deserve a wider audience.   He had written Pantomime and school nativity scripts, but no serious plays before.   Where and why  have you been hiding your talents Geoff?

The first play "Cold Blooded Killer" featuring husband and wife team Damien and Amy de Roche was a story about Becky, an intruder who was intercepted by Jack, whose home she was supposedly burgling. The plot hinged on her startling resemblance to Jack's wife who had been presumed killed in a shark attack in South Africa, and led to Jack and Becky's joint deception to obtain the sizeable inheritance from his late Mother-in Law's estate (she was killed during the shark attack).    This story had more twists and "dead ends" than Hampton Court Maze and one needed to concentrate;  it was impossible not to - the performances were so riveting.

Having marvelled at Damien's performance as the character "Treat" in "Orphans" barely a month ago, I knew what level to expect from him in this play.   To see Amy match this paragon on stage was another treat - what a team they make!

The second play "Singled Out" was a psychological thriller concerning two single ladies, Jo (Emma Dixon) and Charlotte (Livvy Carr), who were both lured by person unknown to a social singles club.   They were locked in with just chairs and a table, laid upon which was a small box marked "do not open".   A floor length table cloth was a clue as to what would be revealed ......

Jo's piercing scream at seeing a supposed face through the window certainly curdled the blood of the whole audience!    In fact the mentally fragile Jo had lured Charlotte to the room, bent on revenge for Charlotte "stealing" her boyfriend.    The realisation that Jo was the one with bad intent was spine chilling.   

This play was another corker with two superb actresses in Emma and Livvi.   This ageing reviewer is so very reassured to see amateur (theoretically) theatre in such good shape.

Geoff Rose-Michael's next play is "Dying Swan", the programme informs us.   I will be there, join me if you are wise.

The reception that Sue and I received from this highly efficient  and friendly team was very gratifying.

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