Murder By Misadventure

What happens when two writers who have worked together for years start to hate each other? This team of two TV script writers has won many awards and made lots of money. Harry Kent (Stuart Bowman) has wisely saved and invested his income and now lives with his glamorous wife Emma (Jennifer Nichol) in a hi-tech, sun-drenched luxury flat, high above the south coast, where this play is set in the 1990s. Paul Riggs (Laurence Hill) has spent his part of the fortune on drink and women, and he lives in an alcoholic haze in constant dread of the bookies' heavies catching up with him. Harry wants to break the partnership that is Paul's lifeline, but Paul knows a sinister secret from Harry's past. They are therefore locked together in a ‘dance’ from which murder seems the only escape and they have just plotted the perfect crime for their latest TV film. The fourth member of the cast; Inspector Egan (Trevor Bell) arrives mysteriously, late in the first Act, with a dodgy character and a shifty manner, to help explain.... Paul’s disappearance…. !!!!!

Not wanting to be a spoiler, I couldn’t possibly comment further on Edward Taylor’s well written play, save to say that this plot has more ‘twists’ than a famous Chubby Checker song. Taylor had a long and varied career, writing over 2,300 programmes for the BBC for such icons as Morecambe and Wise and The Two Ronnies.

Tynemouth Priory Theatre always design their productions to a high specification and this was no exception. The luxury set and props detail was impeccable. There was no doubting the opulence this couple had invested in. Congratulations for the effect to Tony Hall and Hugh Mackintosh and to Glen Kingston for Stage Management. It was lit beautifully by James Elliott and dressed equally so by Ann Leake, Ali Broughton, Aaron Henzell-Hill and Lyndsey Spark. Costumes by the Team were good and very apt as was the sound by Andy Gilmore.

Stuart and Lawrence played their parts exceptionally well, handling the very wordy script to almost perfection. They were ably supported by Jennifer and Trevor who showed their experience in their characterisations.

Director Hayley Moy is to be congratulated for an extremely good job on what was, undoubtedly, a very difficult play. This is the first time I have seen her work. I trust it will not be the last as we, the audience were treated to drama, comedy, suspense, intrigue, thrills and surprises from beginning to end as was apparent at the reception following the final curtain. Well done !!!.

Thanks to all concerned from me, my companion Pauleen and Regional Councillor Peter for a thoroughly entertaining experience.

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