Murdered to Death

Murdered to Death by Peter Gordon is your classical comedy whodunnit, with all the familiar characters and on-stage mishaps that we love in a laugh-along murder mystery. The Wellworth Players always produce a good standard of work and can be relied upon for a solid performance, so I knew this would be a fun night. Playing three nights, and to a very packed house when I was there, it was lovely to once again enjoy their fish and chip supper between acts and the most delightful cupcakes! 

Directed on this occasion by Paul Silver, the action takes place in a country manor house, where we find Mildred and her niece Dorothy in the drawing room, as they await the imminent arrival of their weekend guests. The set design (by Boggle) was good, with lots of nice touches to give it the period feel and costumes were, as always, suitably authentic and impressive, in particular Elizabeth Hartley-Trumpington’s first dress - wonderful! The set itself was well lit, although for me I felt the piece needed a few highlights here and there (for example a table lamp or two) to help create the mood, particularly as the gun crept menacingly through the door. This I’m sure is limited by the village hall itself, however improved lighting would give a much greater atmosphere to the piece overall. That said, I did notice the lighting outside through the window, depicting day and night - a very nice touch. 

It was reassuring to see many familiar names in the programme, actors I have seen on many occasions now in various roles. Mildred is played by Maggie Redgrave, and although a little unsure in places, she gave a good performance and is unfortunately deceased by the end of Act I. Francesca Mann as Dorothy can always be relied upon for a good solid character and this was no exception. Word perfect throughout and with great comedic facial play when the action is elsewhere, Francesca played an excellent role. 

Bunting, the less than enthusiastic butler ,was given to us by Geoff Durrant. Another secure performance, going from rather bored and unhappy with his lot, to hilarious drunken reveller, which showed Geoff’s ability well and was a delight to watch. A lovely role, executed well. The part of Joan Maple, amateur investigator and the Miss Marple of the piece, was delightfully played by Vi Parkinson. Perfect as this character, Vi looked very comfortable in the role, as she knitted her way through the plot to try and work out who the guilty party was. A super performance Vi. 

Colonel Charles Craddock and his wife Margaret are given to us by Mark Hebert and Karen Bays. I have witnessed these actors on many occasions and I know that they always give a great performance. Karen played Margaret beautifully as aways, with just the right amount of disdain towards her husband - but I was particularly impressed by Mark this time, who gave a fantastically assured and confident performance, beyond what I have seen from him previously, with great diction and superb projection. A fabulous job Mark, well done. 

Chris Thompson, another accomplished performer, played the somewhat tricky role of conman Pierre Marceau. Alongside Julie Law as Elizabeth Hartley-Trumpington, the two of them together were perhaps a little mismatched this time - however both executed their roles well, with convincing and secured performances. The change in accents from both was wonderful. 

Constable Thompkins was well played by Abi Pearson, alongside Neal Dench as the bumbling Inspector Pratt. Abi, as the long-suffering police constable worked beautifully alongside Neal’s comedic antics and wonderful characterisation. His comedy fall, backwards through the dining room door, and Del-boy style lean on the back of the sofa were perfectly executed and both hilarious. 

Another successful production from the talented team at Wellworth Players, I thoroughly enjoyed my evening - thank you. 

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