Something to Hide by Leslie Sands

A very good front cover on the colourful A5 programme for ‘Something to Hide’, depicting the all-important ‘little red car’, well laid out and easily readable, but sadly no NODA logo or information. I was delighted to meet F of H Manager and Director Sylvia Dobell, a stalwart of the group. For the last two months she steered the cast through the twists and turns of this murder mystery – what a guessing game but I did manage to deduce that the first victim was indeed still alive! 

Action took place in September 1962 over the course of several weeks in the living room of author Howard and business woman Karen Holt’s converted toll house. Howard has a pre-arranged tryst with now pregnant mistress Julie Grant, when Karen returns unexpectedly, who accidently runs over Julie!  In panic they decide to dispose of the body. Whilst Howard is trying to cover his tracks, Inspector Davies is probing.  With still more questions and unsuitable answers, he eventually, with the assistance of observant locals, cleverly pushes them both to the edge.  There is another death and does the culprit get their comeuppance? 

It was disappointing for everyone that there were just a handful in the audience to be kept on their toes.  From the rear of the hall every word was quite audible and encouraging to see young people taking control of sound/lighting, designed by Ryan Tate, operated by Dan Rich,  ably assisted by Becky Kearns, with plenty of well cued noises off. 

Who was responsible for the set I know not as there was no acknowledgment, but it was an excellent well finished living room. Good background wall colouring, three good doors, one leading into a hall to the front door.  Furniture was a pure 60’s look  with plenty of attention to detail with numerous props arranged by Diane Brooks – a pukka soda syphon on the drinks tray, ashtray in appropriate place, photographs, vases, paintings on the walls, a wireless etc  - all so well thought through.

Action was natural and fast moving with balanced use of space.  A particularly wordy piece, studied well, with a couple of minor prompts from Jane Morris on the book.  With complex lines at times, our key figures Howard and Karen were played solidly -  with presence,  Stephen Edwards was confidently supported by Helen Griffin, initially in control, gradually crumbling but in the end pulling the trigger on the philandering Howard.  Used, worried mistress, Julie Grant aka Terry was played by Rebecca Tanner. What a lovely character role for Denise Rose as the rather trodden on ‘daily’ Stella, whilst Cris Haniver had a ball becoming Miss Cunningham, the ‘eyes and ears’ stalwart member of various societies of the village, whilst garage proprietor, well kitted in his overalls was characterised by Jim Dobell.  Completing the cast was Geoff Shorman playing a wily pipe puffing Inspector Davies. The costumes throughout were very much in keeping, however, I’m not sure that leggings would have been in vogue then?

A really good effort from all concerned.

 

 

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.