Rule of Thumb

A triple bill of one act murder mysteries combined as “Rule of Thumb”. Three for the price of one. 

Caerwys Repertory Theatre is a new company to NODA providing high quality performances. This first visit certainly showed their ability to deserve their accolades.

We were greeted into a pleasant Town Hall to see a lovely open set. I wondered how they were going to stage three different performances. They certainly were very clever. Richard Thornton both designed and constructed the sets.

“The Patient” consisted of a small nurses station – a wall covered by venetian blinds, hospital screens hiding a bed, table and chair plus chairs as a waiting room. Simple but suited the story set in the 1930s and all props were used.

The Patient (Michael Berry with a ladies wig, a bandaged head and a high voice) had seemingly fallen from a balcony and the family were being questioned by Inspector Cary (Ian Gardner-Long). Of course they gave their accounts of what had happened. During their accounts, of course, many secrets were shared, especially by William Ross (Ian Davies- Abbott) very chatty throughout. Diction and volume by everyone was good, especially Doctor Ginsberg ( Lizzy Balmain). She was obviously in charge of proceedings. This especially showed during the medical equipment episode which enabled the patient to eventually identify the assailant. This was done using a system of lights which denoted yes or no to the questions. The patient had obviously survived the fall and saw who did it.

And there the mystery must remain

During the interval we could watch the scene change by Richard. Very effective it was as it evolved into “The Rats”. A flat of the 1950s. The blinds were opened on to a painted Greek style scene, a living room with a balcony and appropriate furniture. 

The lovers were lured into meeting in the flat and were confused by how this was happening. They showed their agitation by lots of walking around the flat. David (Derek Pilson) was very quietly spoken. Alec (Ian Davies-Abbott) , a little camp, but determined to set them up for a murder when he visited the flat. He had a knife which he tricked the lovers into handling. Fingerprints became evidence against them. He craftily locked them alone in the flat to be found by the law. Strong confident performances.

We were treated then to another scene change for “The Wasp’s Nest” set in the 1920’s. Lots of climbing flowers and many plants, a patio type table and chairs around which much of the action took place. Plants used to hide behind, window blinds closed and bed sheets from the first play used.

Hercule Poirot (Ben Wheelhouse) attempts to prevent a murder which hasn’t happened yet. Ben was excellent, kept his French accent and Poirot characterisation throughout.

Three plays not only involved changing scenery but for several of the cast meant changing character – always challenging. I will compliment them for doing so very well. The company showed team spirit, some of them new to the stage I was told but not aware otherwise. I am sure this must have encouraged all those involved, lighting, scenery, performing, directing, to continue.

I do indeed look forward to your next production.

Well done everyone.

The views in this this report are solely of the author.

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