Prescription for Murder

This group always come up with the goods in the search for their next Production. ‘Prescription for Murder’ was another triumph for this team of experienced players. Another set designed and built by the artistic Mary Glaze and Bryn Jones gave a comfortable feel in the intimate venue. The set led our eyes to the patio doors up stage centre which brought our attention to a lovely countryside view in the background. All the appropriate props were in place, so we relaxed in our seats and were ready to be entertained.

The cast of seven, four females and three males, were all talented players and their efforts were very well appreciated by the audience. Once or twice in the beginning of the play I felt one or two cast members needed more projection in the delivery of their script, but this was soon corrected and the piece soon gained pace with no prompts throughout the performance.

Dr Richard Forth is a well-known pillar of the community in the village. As well as running a busy surgery, his home telephone never stops ringing and he just seems to get deeper and deeper into a challenging situation which he denies. John Owen excelled as the bustling Dr Richard Forth, dealing with all sorts of problematic circumstances, as well as pacifying his sick wife. A creditable performance from John which added another feather in his cap.      

Rowena Owen gave an excellent portrayal of newly married Doctor’s wife Barbara Forth, who seemed to become more unwell as the play progressed. Nobody seems to be able to find out what is wrong with Barbara, hence she thinks someone is out to kill her. One can always rely on Rowena for a first class performance and this occasion was no exception. Annmarie Jones loves her stagecraft and was perfect in the role of housekeeper, Dorothy Livingstone. Sue Downes and Ian Gardner-Long were well cast as upper crust neighbours Mary and Allan Haigh. It was evident that Allan loved his game of bowls which, to the annoyance of Mary, he kept referring to. His comments brought many giggles from the audience and a little light relief. Full marks to Doug Tidswell who stepped in at the last minute in the role of stranger Eric Dawson, who entered the play trying to cause trouble and claiming to have known Richard’s second fiancé. Completing the cast, Susanne Clayton fully justified her role as Julia Moore, the Doctor’s ex-girlfriend.

An excellent play directed once again by Mary Glaze CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL. Thank you once again Denbigh Phoenix Players for the twist in the tail giving us an evening of sheer delight, and I look forward to your next production.

 

This is the opinion of the Reviewer.  

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