The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society: Murder Mystery

I was delighted to be dragged out of “retirement” to cover this show for my successor Gordon, who was on holiday. It has always been a delight to attend the Ury Players’ plays in Stonehaven Town Hall and this trip was no exception. This comedy has probably the longest title in theatre but on this occasion the smallest cast playing numerous characters. How the members of Ury Players even remembered who they were at any time during the show beats me but remember they did and the collapsing set, falling pictures and confused props brought back many memories of on-stage disasters over the years. The murder mystery is set in the drawing room of Checkmate Manor where the family are gathering for the reading of Sir Reginald Bishop’s will. In total control at all times was Lynn Zaccarini as the club chairperson Mrs Reece. As director of the play she oversees everything as well as playing the parts of Clarissa Rook, Regine the French Maid, Patricia Bishop, Letitia Bishop and Mr Goodbody the  Solicitor. Freda Adams as club member Thelma played the various roles of Daphne Bishop and Rose Bishop while Liz Forrest as Audrey, held the parts of Lady Doreen Bishop, Mrs King, Violet Bishop and Joan Bishop. (Are you still following all this???) Heather Stewart as Felicity, handled the roles of Pawn, the Butler and Colonel Bishop with aplomb while the final character in the piece was the only male in the cast, Tim Roberts as Gordon, playing the rather confused at times Inspector O’Reilly. Add to all the murders and mystery the addition of a hilarious song and dance number, a “fashion show” and audience quiz and you had the totally confusing, but superbly entertaining evening of dramatic farce at its best expertly produced and directed by Fiona Westland. Thank you Ury Players – once again!

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