The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society – Murder Mystery Murder at Checkmate Manor

‘Murder Mystery’ one of the many Farndale Avenue plays was first performed at the Edinburgh Fringe in August 1980. However, this revised version was first produced at the Swan Theatre in Stratford- upon- Avon in March 1988. Therefore, where better to watch the play some 30 years later than a mile up the road at the lovely intimate Bear Pit theatre.

The play is a play within a play plus more.  The set is all important to the plot as it is vital that things go wrong with it but, of course, the timing for these ‘mistakes’ is well rehearsed. For example, the banisters on the stairs falling off and curtains and bell pull coming away. The collapse of a whole flat before the play commenced was well executed (whilst also keeping people safe!). This results in the upside-down fireplace throughout the rest of the play.

Not only did we see ‘problems’ with the set but also there were actors standing in the wrong place, missed cues, costume problems, incorrect props, unset props, a wheelchair with the brake on, sound effects going wrong and lights going on and off at the wrong time!

The play comprised of seven ‘cast’ members, including the prompt (Myfanwy Price-Morgan) and Mrs Castle the cook (Betty Trellis) both who did well. Four of the remaining cast played numerous parts leaving our remaining actor to play the part of Inspector O’Reilly. In addition, we saw back stage members assisting (or were they?) in the play within a play.

Each of the actors playing the parts of the dramatic society members did well. The play flowed well, and it was evident it was well-rehearsed to get it so wrong. So much so it is not easy to mention highlights as there were many.

Rosemary Smith as Mrs Reece was excellent in each of the roles she portrayed. The prim and proper chairman of the society has some wonderful moments such as explaining the problems with the tea urn, the change in a cast member and the showing of holiday photographs taken on the Ise of Man. Later in the play she has the fashion show and the quiz to manage. Trying to work out who might have made the deliberate mistake was difficult to answer!! Her Regine, the French maid, was a delight such as when she tried climbing out of the window as were other parts such as Mr Goodbody the solicitor and Clarissa who met with an early death.

Fiona Robson as Thelma also played each character to the maximum as Daphne Bishop and Rose Bishop. The scene with numerous tennis balls thrown onto stage was well done as was the scene with Inspector O’Reilly. During this the characters have some complicated script to remember as it appears they have got lost and go around and around the same lines, ‘It still hurts’. Well done!

Lisa Maxwell as Felicity Sandford played Pawn the butler and Colonel Kong very well indeed especially when at times both characters needed to be on stage at the same time or within moments of each other. Great use of the telephone which was unconnected and the standard lamp which failed to switch on.

Roger Gowland as Gordon played the Inspector with gusto and great timing. Finding himself not knowing the lines (all part of the script) and not having the right props available such as a book.

Finally, Karen McDonald as Audrey playing three members of the Bishop family as well as Mrs King. Once again, all well played and a strong performance throughout.

The whole cast managed the chair moving scene well, although lengthy it was well choreographed.

Costumes were good and well considered, particularly the ill-fitting trousers and odd socks worn by the Inspector (I assume this was all deliberate anyway!)  

The sound effects were very good such as the chimes on midnight which went on forever. Other effects and lighting were spot on with the mistiming and incorrectness.    

It was good to see a near full house on the night we attended and to hear the positive comments from the audience during the interval and at the end of the performance.

Many congratulations to Graham Robson as director and Baz Stilinski who assisted him for pulling off another successful production for Phoenix Players. The dialogue was well delivered and clear despite the frenetic pace required to bring off a successful performance.  

Thank you for your kind invitation and hospitality. I look forward to your next production – Wyrd Sisters in September.  

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