Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society Murder Mystery “Murder at Checkmate Manor”

This play, (one in a series of ten by David McGilivray & Walter Zerlin Jr in which the Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society attempt to put on a play with disastrous but hilarious results. This play blatantly mocks the am-dram world and makes no apologies. Think of the worst thing that can happen on show-night then you are coming close to understanding the concept of this play. Missed ques, falling scenery, forgotten costumes changes, sound effects at the incorrect time, drama queens an unseasoned actor come stage manager, all contribute to the most fantastic farcical action to hit a stage.

The members of F.A.H.E.T.G.D.S, direct and perform this piece, leading to them playing 16 roles between four players, the unassuming stage manager, Gordon, finds the role of Inspector O’Reilly trust upon him. They also host a fashion show, which also goes wrong and a quiz.

Director Howard Ball and team delivered a well-paced piece. Excellent characterisations throughout which resulted in a great standard of performance. The farcical element was certainly glorified and utilised for every laugh imaginable, each having perfect timing, what a difficult task that must have been throughout the rehearsal period. A job very well executed.

Cherryl Topham as Mrs. Reece, also playing five roles in the murder mystery, displayed great ability, playing a diverse group of characters. Each one having suitable stance and physicality in their delivery. The timing was spot-on, this showed a well-seasoned actress in her element. Giving great comedic moments throughout the evening.

Karen Wood as Felicity also playing two roles within the murder mystery, is a most experienced actress and dealt with her characters very well indeed. Her performance was very confident and extremely funny due to her impeccable comic timing.

Sheila Halam as Audrey who played four roles within the murder mystery, gave a fine performance throughout the evening. The audience particularly enjoyed her portrayal of one of the spinster aunts, comic genius, this was a highlight of the evening.

Jennie Brassington as Thelma also playing two roles within the murder mystery. Wonderfully controlled performance,very vibrant as Daphne, the daughter of Mrs. Bishop. Coupling up with Rory James Mason, the dance piece was hilarious and so well executed. Her addition as the second spinster aunt was a hoot.

Rory James Mason as Gordon, the stage manager who also playing the role of Inspector O’Reilly. An excellent performance by this young man processing talents beyond his years. Very skilled in the art of stage he gave us a great interpretation of the role, stepping out of character perfectly to portray a complete novice to the am-dram scene, (in both acting and his stage management skills). Fantastically funny.

Staging for this play is exasperating for any director as it is a piece of extreme pace, all inter-linked, everything must fall into place at the correct time. In this production, the props team and stage crew must be congratulated. An excellent set containing all the required elements to ensure we saw falling sets, ripping curtains, wonky tables and so on. The crew are really an iatrical part of this production and deserve as much praise for their part as the players on stage. It was certainly a triumph which ensured that this play was a success.

Lighting and sound were both of a good standard, they added to this farce and were well-timed. It brings me nicely to the team effort element of this piece, everyone and everything must work seamlessly together. It is paramount to have a great cast for this piece, it is commendable that each person worked extremely hard to create colorful characters all so different and offering much to the final product. It was a great pleasure to sit and watch such a well -oiled machine at work

Congleton Players must be congratulated on this production, it being their 290th production. Taking on such a difficult piece and delivering a very high standard to their audience. A great evening and I am looking forward to my next visit to this group.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.