Last Tango in Broadclyst by David Tristram and Murder in the Library by Janet Smith

Last Tango in Broadclyst by David Tristram and Murder in the Library by Janet Smith

Performed by Broadclyst Theatre Group

At Victory Hall, Broadclyst, Exeter on 5th September 2025

Directed by Briony Vallis and Katie Jones

 

This was one of the best evenings of entertainment I have experienced this year and I will explain by commenting on each production separately.

Last Tango in Broadclyst is a one act play and was directed by Briony Vallis. A farce, wonderfully acted by four talented and experienced actors. The stage was simply decorated with blacks covering cyclorama and flats. A table centre stage with the four characters all meeting at the AGM for their local theatre group who are in dire straits, financially and have only four members.

Margaret, played by Katie s perfect as the pushy member with good ideas. Andrea as Joyce who just wants them to stage a musical as ‘she can sing’. David as the grumpiest of stage manager’s, Bernard, who is dragged into acting kicking and screaming and when grilled by Margaret had great one-liners such as “what is this? Yes Minister?” Finally, Jonathan, as the dominant and imperious committee member, Gordon, who wants to control the meeting and everyone else.

This was a joyous play within a play. Each character as they rehearsed their parts within Gordon’s saucy play, was brought to life by incredible comic timing by each cast member. Wonderful touches such as Bernard reading his lines as slow as a sloth. Joyce in a bath tub prop with polystyrene bubbles attached to her top and bathing cap, as she sings her musical was hysterically funny. Margaret as Mrs Stodgeworthy, with a thick devon accent, as they are all directed by a Gordon with natural pomposity. It was just like watching a real amateur dramatic company rehearsal but much funnier. Not a line was missed and it flowed brilliantly even when they had to pause to allow the audience to calm down from laughing so much.  Props were moved by the actor’s and the script was fast paced so well done indeed. This was incredibly well directed by Briony Vallis and I could not stop laughing.

We were then treated to a meal which was enjoyed by many in the audience whilst the stage was set for a Murder in the Library, a murder mystery for the audience to solve.

Murder in the Library had a simple but cleverly designed set with a central desk for the librarians and a bookshelf and chairs stage left and right. A projected back drop of numerous shelves of books gave the set depth. An intriguing mystery play ensues with eight various characters. Rowena played by Ivy-Elizabeth, a renowned poet who has come to give a talk on her own poetry was nicely egoistic and haughty and gave a strong performance. Sandra, an amateur poet, who hates Rowena and is having an affair with Robert, the married librarian, loves murderous tales, was expertly acted by Jane. Jane, performed by Miranda was deliciously angry with her unfaithful husband, unpleasant and accusing throughout and constantly annoyed with her boss Esme.  A very believable performance. Robert, played by Martin was the quiet unassuming librarian and they do say the quiet ones you have to watch, was also enticingly naughty.  Esme, the stressed manager of the library was portrayed by a confident actor, Gentian with the perfect air of authority.  The play was narrated by Andy who was both Sean, the kleptomaniac security guard of the library and Chief Inspector Cod with a deliberate dodgy French accent, reminiscent of Inspector Clouseau.  A very watchable actor.

There were numerous pieces of art in the auditorium which related to Bronovesky Timber Yard in the village of Suka and a clever touch giving subtle clues to the audience. Lana Bronovesky, played by Jan is the sister of the brothers Bronoveskly, accused of murdering the original owner of the timber yard, the Stravinsky family. Vladimir Stravinsky, played by Graham with a lovely Russian accent, was gently persuasive and beautifully acted. Lana, again with a Russian lilt was so watchable and convincing. 

The lighting by Wayne Phillips was perfect throughout.  The script was intriguing and had numerous red herrings cleverly directed by Katie Jones, leading most of the audience in the completely wrong direction as to whodunnit!

As I previously stated, I was delighted to have experienced these two productions from both talented casts and members of Broadclyst Theatre Group created to raise funds and provide the community with a wonderful night of fun and mystery.  A huge thank you to the front of house team who are always so welcoming and the culinary team who produced very tasty food throughout the evening.

My congratulations to the whole company who were involved in the creation of Last Tango in Broadclyst and Murder in the Library.

Lyn Burgoyne  -  Noda Representative South West District 5 ( Mid and East Devon )

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