Seriously Ballroom

This murder mystery take on TV’s “Strictly Come Dancing” takes place in the studio of the show “Seriously Ballroom” on a glittering art-deco style set with the judges on the stage behind a desk with the sparkly ball winner’s trophy prominently displayed in front of them. The audience were seated at tables around the dance floor on which the action takes place. One of the professional dancers has been found murdered in her dressing room as the show is about to go on air. The four judges, four celebrity dancers, remaining three professionals and the stage manager are in turn asked questions from the audience and from their answers and reactions the audience are asked to decide who they think is the murderer with them being eliminated one by one by the Police Detective (when he finally arrives) until the real murder is exposed! The show is split into 4 scenes. In three of these the shows hosts – blonde Jess Monthly (Carla Barber) and a perma-tanned Claude Traitorman (Graeme Mackay) – circulated the questions to be put to the 12 suspects and in the last scene the audience delivered their verdict on who they thought guilty with much hilarity and indignation from the suspects. As the judges Richard Stables (Greg Rebel Hardwood), Ashley Milne (Gotsee Mahairdo), Hillary Esson (head judge Pearly Ballet) and Colin Jones (Leon Doobee-Doo) had the accents and mannerisms of the original show’s judges to a tee. As the celebrities Nina McKay (Foxy Fresh, the partner of the murder victim), Zoe Meldrum (American country singer Candice Jackson), Audrey Reid (doric spikin’ daytime talk show host) and Grahame Whyte (fading comedian Mike Holder whose terrible jokes had the audience groaning) were excellent holding their character and accents no matter what - even when heckled by the audience! As too were the three professionals Erk Esson (handsome Mikita Cossack), Stephanie Wild (towering Angel de Flores) and Aneeka Anderson (cool headed Icy Pavlova). Sara Stewart as the show’s stage manager Ciara O’Riley (who had discovered the body) too gave a very strong performance as she attempted to keep control of the situation and the rest of the characters. Andrew Brebner as Inspector Trotfox made the most of his cameo appearance in the denouement scene. Barney and Saliza, local professional dance teachers, at the beginning of each section performed exhibition dances - including an elegant waltz, energetic jive and a sensual tango - all of which were much appreciated by the audience. The costuming was excellent being colourful and appropriate to each character. Thank you to Culter Theatre Club for bringing a touch of glamour and much laughter to a dreich Aberdeen. And remember “Keep on Dancing!”.

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