Secondary Cause of Death

Peter Gordon’s trilogy of plays, featuring the totally incompetent Inspector Pratt, are guaranteed to keep an audience laughing.  Having previously performed the first of these, the company had chosen this time to perform the second in the series and I was very much looking forward to seeing what was in store.

Water Lane always pays great attention to their scenery and here we find ourselves looking into the library of Bagshot House with wood panelled walls and book lined shelves, all looking very realistic.. Furniture and props in keeping with the period completed this very well dressed set.

Having arrived at the theatre with only minutes to spare, I did not have a chance to peruse my programme before curtain up, so didn’t immediately recognise the actor giving an excellent portrayal of the rather ridiculous Count Puchlik.  It was of course none other than Richard Pink in fine form.  The year is 1939 and as the Count is rather fond of pointing out, storm clouds are gathering over Europe.

Andy Roberts was once again Col. Craddock, a character he plays with utmost conviction. This time the role was combined with that of Cardew Longfellow, a flamboyant actor who bears more than a passing resemblance to the Colonel. There were just a few times when the voice definition between the two characters appeared to overlap slightly. Other than that, two very convincing performances.

A good portrayal of Lady Isadora Pollock by S-J Pyne and Penny Reeves once again excelled as a character actress. This time she was Cynthia Maple, sister of Joan Maple, a character from the first of the three plays and also played by Penny.  At the Colonel’s request Cynthia has arranged a Murder Mystery evening to entertain his guests.  These plans are of course overtaken by events as the story unfolds.  Laura Martin made a convincing Cpt. Woolmer-Cardington, managing to maintain the lisp throughout and Corrina Graham-Hodson was Nurse Ann Parsley, a role which appeared to involve more than just changing the Colonel’s dressing.  Amanda Green made a brief appearance as housekeeper Martha Armstrong and Rachel Leung was Lily Tuthill the cook.

 An absolutely hilarious performance by John Bell, reprising his role as the blustering and rather idiotic Inspector Pratt.  He had the audience in stitches throughout, making the most of every comedic line in the script as his character becomes more and more out of his depth.  

There were some extremely funny moments: the Inspector, out of sight of the audience, walking into a cupboard with the resulting crash, his inability to competently handle a gun and of course the exploding teapot, to mention just a few.  The arm protruding from behind the sofa was a clever twist.

Of course, all is not what it appears to be as the characters gradually reveal their true identities. I wonder how many of the audience worked it all out!

This was a well directed play with the cast being really immersed in their characters. There was some hesitancy at times but this was mostly covered by the cast and I was only aware of the prompt coming in on one occasion.

Sound and lighting were good throughout and costumes had been well sourced.  Scene changes were never prolonged and always accompanied by music of the period, indicating the passing of time.

Thank you Water Lane for inviting me and for a very enjoyable afternoon.

 

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