Harvey’s Wallbanger

Sion Pantomime Society’s production of ‘Harvey’s Wallbanger’ mixed murder mystery with mayhem, serving up an evening brimming with comedy, and impressive performances. Directed by Marcia Turner, the show kept the audience thoroughly entertained and comfortably full thanks to the ever-popular pie and pea supper.

The action moved through three distinct locations, created by set designers Rob Bennett and Chris Needham. First, the cosy Marshtown bar introduced the club’s eccentric members and seeded tension beneath the surface. Then came a standout comedic moment: a bus stop scene front of curtain, stage left, where the muddled Hilda sat waiting while other characters wandered past, acknowledged her, then answered their phones, leading to hilariously timed misunderstandings. Finally, we landed at Harvey’s house, where the Cocktail Club gathered, a murder occurred, motives fermented, and secrets spilled.

Sound was consistently sharp, with Ian Turner’s design supporting the action beautifully, especially the unique ringtones used in the bus stop scene. Sound effects were prompt, clear, concise.

The club’s chaos, created by Freya Mudsey and played with confidence by Sarah Nutter, was rich, snide, and unapologetically vicious, Freya caused friction with everyone. Her pithy delivery and well-timed sarcasm kept the audience chuckling, and her eventual demise felt fitting, inevitable, even.

James Hargreaves gave a thoughtful performance as Jonathan Mudsey, Freya’s downtrodden husband, whose tired demeanour lifted visibly whenever his true love, Sophie was nearby. His desperation to escape, stuck in a pre-nup and craving a fresh start, drew gentle laughter and sympathy, especially when it became clear he was not too bothered that Freya had been bumped off.

Sophie Mayer, brought to life by Amy Tattersall, was an accountant trying to raise club membership, until Freya shot her down with scorn. Amy’s quick delivery and strong stage presence made her character quietly formidable. Her identification of foxgloves in Harvey’s garden added a sharp observational twist to the plot throwing suspicion her way.

Bev King gave a steady and engaging performance as Bonnie Rathbone, sister to the cocktail club’s late founder. Her scenes were played with a quiet confidence and a dry sense of humour, especially when defending her late brother’s reputation after Freya accused him of stealing a cocktail recipe. Bev’s delivery felt grounded and unfussy, with moments of understated wit that added texture to the club’s dynamic, offering a calm counterpoint to the more flamboyant characters around her.

Marcia Turner’s portrayal of Hilda Makepeace was a comic masterclass. Constantly mixing up her words and suggesting truths, particularly around her late husband Dickie’s mushroom-related demise, Hilda danced the line between loveable confusion and suspicious chaos. Her blood-covered discovery of the body created a visually striking moment, and her timing in the bus stop scene earned well-deserved laughs throughout.

William Tilder, played by Martyn Green, was a local builder pushed to the edge. Freya tried to shut down his business and demanded a free conservatory for her troubles. Green brought a simmering frustration to the role, grounding the action with a steady performance.

Becca Wilkins’ Annie McDonald offered understated strength as the club’s landlord accountant. Accused by Freya of dodging VAT, Annie refused to be rattled, and Becca’s natural delivery kept her scenes calm and believable.

Kevin Moore’s Harvey Fawley-Jones was the charming host with secrets of his own, including a fling with his secretary, which Freya tried to use for blackmail. Kevin played his character with theatrical aplomb, his upper-crust accent and storytelling flair masking sly deflection and well-timed comedy. A strong character actor, Kevin added sophistication and slipperiness in equal measure.

Jan Bamber tied the whole mystery together as Detective Inspector Abbot. Her clear, confident delivery of the final reveal carried the audience smoothly through each suspect. Her brilliantly timed line— “Bill Tilder the builder killed her Hilda”—landed with a laugh, providing a comic crescendo that wrapped the drama with flair.

The evening was hosted by Laura Wilkinson, who helped set a friendly tone from the start. With a well-fed crowd and a cast full of energy, ‘Harvey’s Wallbanger’ was a thoroughly entertaining night, packed with charm, humour and just the right amount of murder. The pie and pea supper was delicious and well received by all. I would like to thank Sion Pantomime Society for inviting me and my plus one to their production and look forward to many more in the future.

 

 

 

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