Feted by Elisabeth Doust and N.J.Warburton's Easy Stages

The hall was set in table form with a roped off central isle. A comprehensive A5 programme with comical motifs on the front cover was collated by Malcolm Atfield and sponsored by good advertising.

‘Feted’ - a spoof detective mystery, was conceived whilst Elisabeth was on holiday in a village near Chester, where an annual fete was to take place involving the laying of Rush Ceremony. The story revolves around the Vicar, his wife, his parishioners, intrigue, affairs of the heart, four murders, a poisoning pot of preserve, namely Rhubarb and Ginger, and a couple of lady sleuths, using the theme music of ‘An English Country Garden’. Set design/construction team were Malcolm Atfield, Steven Chapman, Maureen Payne and Margaret Smart. A simple empty stage using a fold up table and chairs for the meeting was most acceptable, with a very light and airy village green fete, bunting, country backdrop and three stalls nicely decorated and laden with various goods for sale. Hall used to advantage,  processing down the central aisle and onto the stage for the parade of  Rushes.

It’s May in Chumley-in-the-Marsh and onto Fairley Village Hall.  A fair-sized cast with some lovely characters formed. I particularly enjoyed Rona Morton as the ‘quick’ replacement Bandmaster Bernie conducting an unseen band so convincingly in her red tunic.  Lyn Ford playing Miss Parsley and Jac Young, Miss Sage with her note pad, were a great detective double act, supported by Lewis Ikin ‘evening all’ PC Mint and news team Shirley Markham and Margaret Osgood. A typical committee meeting with the  three stall holders. Miriam with cards played by Beatrice Dixon subsequently discovered dead in the garden. The book stall was run by Amelia performed by comedy lover Jenny Taylor whilst Margaret Punter as Pamela on the ‘Preserves’ was actually our ‘they deserved what they got’ murderer, showing no remorse! Malcolm Atfield played a most convincing Vicar Jeremy the first victim - for playing away! Bob Stewart was a dab hand at the BBQ. Margaret Smart was Faith the Vicar’s wife – she was done in too, and unseen Gilbert was dead in the shed. Lines were delivered well with only minor prompts from Maureen Payne on the book. What ‘goings on’ in Chumley-in-the-Marsh and Fairley - were they competing with Midsomer Murders?

‘Easy Stages’. A skilfully painted castle wall with suit of armour and on downstage flats, attached light holders one side, the other to be fitted during the performance.  A table was set with props, there is a small bed and various items that require to be moved including a rug, by the stage crew during a blackout. A very fast-moving comedy set in a small theatre where Director Gerry is trying to ‘chart’ instructions and to rehearse procedure that required concentration and co-ordination, none of which the stage crew appeared to have.  Results are hilarious and all the while handyman Sid is trying to complete the set.   Gary Pope’s debut as Director -  he found both challenging and rewarding.  Without doubt a success for him and his players. Ken Duce was a star with the tape measure and drill and he managed the step ladder with great agility. Brian Drayson as Gerry characterised a wonderfully frustrated Director and the counting down of instructions in unison timed to perfection.  Busy action was devised for stage crew played by Richard Baszezak, Courtney Markham, Imogen Beale and Fleur Sayers worked together with great humour.  Interruptions came beautifully from Louise Haslett as Kate checking up on the proceedings and bringing in more props to be set!

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