Murdered to Death

I was familiar with the Inspector Pratt mysteries but had not seen the first in the trilogy, so was very much looking forward to this production.  This was also my first visit to the society for some time so even more reason to be pleased to be reviewing their show.

On taking our seats we observed the well designed and constructed set of a panelled drawing room in a country manor house in the1930’s. It was obvious that a lot of time and thought had gone into sourcing the furniture and fittings suitable for such a grand house. A sofa was set nicely at an angle centre stage with armchairs, side tables and lamps. Artwork, the authenticity of which was to come into question, adorned the walls. A chandelier hung above the set and a gramophone with trumpet could be seen at the back of the room. And so the scene was set for mystery, murder and intrigue.

The society had put together a strong cast, every one of whom is to be congratulated on their performance.

S-J Pyne was Mildred, the host at Bagshot Manor and although I found her measured delivery perhaps a little too drawn out at times, I think on the whole she captured the essence of this gentle lady of the house. Unfortunately she was not on stage long enough to develop the character further, but that’s the way of the story. Her niece Dorothy, orphaned we are told, at a young age is in charge of the smooth running of her aunt’s house and was well played by Bluebell Baughan.

Also at the house is Bunting the butler played by Doug Sheppard who was obviously enjoying his role as this rather strange and somewhat irreverent character.

Guests start arriving for the weekend but this being an Agatha Christie type whodunnit, things are not what they appear to be. Andy Roberts was every bit the blustering Col. Charles Craddock, one time lover of Mildred and husband to Margaret who, much to the Colonel’s surprise, has always known his little secret. A good portrayal by Amanda Green of the long suffering wife who seizes the opportunity to play her trump card.

Sally Fenton was certainly convincing as French artist Pierre Marceau, flamboyantly dressed and with a great French accent. Corrina Graham-Hodson was brilliant as Elizabeth Hartley-Trumpington, slipping seamlessly from upper class gal to gangster’s moll. Very well played.

The newly promoted Inspector Pratt is totally incompetent, hopeless at remembering names and adept at tripping over his own feet.  John Bell is probably none of these, but he is a very good actor and from the moment he made his entrance, using the butler’s head as a hat stand, we knew the role was in good hands. As the plot unfolds and our inspector blunders his way through, he is helped at every turn by Constable Thompkins, well played by Greg Hill.

For me it was Penny Reeves as Joan Maple who stole the show. The character is of course based on Agatha Christie’s famous sleuth and the resemblance was uncanny. The mannerisms, the mode of dress, the voice and of course the knitting. In this spoof she was the neighbour who just popped round and ended up staying for dinner, casually observing that she seemed to attract murder wherever she went. She also proved invaluable when it came to solving them.  A brilliant understated performance.

This was a well directed and excellently costumed production. The audience at this matinee performance never stopped laughing.  Proof indeed that this was a show that really lifted the spirits.

Thank you Water Lane for a very enjoyable afternoon and to Director Granville Rush for his hospitality.

 

 

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