Lizzie - Time for Murder

Set in an elegant sitting room Victorian period, judging by the costumes, Lord Henry Grange and Lady Grace are anxiously waiting a visit from Sir Percival Lovelace and his sister Victoria Lovelace from Africa. A visitation that leads to blackmail, murder and a scandal to unravel. A wealthy household happily functioning with Mr. Oats the perfect, resolute Butler, Mrs. Doris long time Cook aided by young Housemaid Greta and the Tweeny maid Lizzie her one and only friend.

We discover that there was an earlier murder in the house and that Abigail the maid had a dalliance with Percival became pregnant resulting in Lizzie! Sadly, Abigail is murdered and we now know she was Mrs D’s daughter! The Granges, who are childless, decide to bring up the child together with Mrs Doris but have never told her the truth which she unfortunately overhears. Percival has returned to England to take the girl back to Africa with him, much to the disapproval of Victoria who really detests him and what he stands for. Other misdemeanours are revealed during the act and from the questioning from the audience. So, we have eight suspects all with good reason to have killed Sir Percival – all very convincing too!

A stunning backcloth was sourced and with two rattan chairs, a small circular table between, a wooden coffee table either side and rug set in front, certainly gave the appearance of gracious living. With a stage extension a perfect kitchen was created, with hanging utensils around including a copper mould and large ladles, towards the front a kitchen table and stools and personal props. The lighting sometimes wasn’t as sharp as it might have been particularly on stage right, but the sound effects well timed and sinister music a good choice.

Elderly, using a walking stick, Lord Henry Grange, not always squeaky clean it seems, was well characterised by Bea Dixon using a deep slow tone, supported by Lady Grace elegantly portrayed in black by Lyn Ford. Lewis Ikin impressed with his dedication and loyalty with a sombre look, well spoken and smartly turned out as Mr Oats the Butler. Kindly, Mrs Doris in her cook’s whites whisking her light delights was Jac Young using a country accent. John Search made an excellent opulent appearance as Sir Percival the villain of the piece and died superbly in the middle of the Grange’s living room. Victoria with her ringlets, her little bag and fan, under the thumb of her brother, developing quite hatred was Val Yates. Imogen Vernon Gill played the cheeky young maid Greta. A special mention to Damien Anserhoz who stepped in and learned, with only two weeks’ notice, the part of Lizzie for this performance. Gary Pope was the Director of this intriguing plot together with his assistant Maureen steering the team who were all so convincing. He became the Scotland Yard Inspector and oversaw the questioning very seriously. Deliberation time and to decide who the culprit was and the evidence? Duly discussed, written on the printed paper already on our tables, was collected for checking. Our front-line table of three ladies on ‘Table 3’ got both culprit and evidence correct, much to our surprise!! What a great fun afternoon. Really good work from the whole team.

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