The Murder Room

This play was billed as a fabulous mystery farce and indeed it was. Scene one introduces us to Edgar Hollister (Oliver Pusey), in a noticeable wig and dressed in his dinner jacket. His dialogue was delivered in an exaggerated classy accent and transported the audience into a frame of stylised acting that continued throughout the evening. The opening dialogue, between Edgar and Mavis Templeton Hollister (Honey Hughes) his stage wife was rapid and delivered in an amusing and gifted manner that was completely appropriate to the period and the genre.  The scene did not lend itself to animation on stage but both actors did their utmost to pace the stage and build the tension between each other that led to the climax of Mrs. Hollister shooting her husband.

The plot continues with the introduction of new characters on stage. This is a plot that is riddled with farcicalities but the characters took the audience from farce to “almost” believable fact as they used their skills to play their parts convincingly. This called for sustained acting skills throughout the play as they controlled any urge to take advantage of comedy. The actors knew that this had to be played straight and despite laughter from the audience the actors did not surrender to humour. 

Edgar’s daughter Susan Hollister (Samantha Thibeault) is new to the stage but not new to Alnwick Theatre Club. Well done, Susan. You mastered a lengthy script and I feel sure we will see more of you on stage. Your American stage partner Barry Draper (Matthew Winter) performed an American twang that was subtle but not overpowering, well done to you too.

It is not easy to play a dual character and Oliver Pusey in the role of Constable Abel Howard wore the two hats of constable and Edgar Hollister with ease and I have to say kept this murder mystery alive right to the end. Inspector James Crandell (Matt Bush) surprised us all when it was revealed he was Mavis Templeton Hollister’s “partner in crime” and part of the plot to rid Mavis of her new husband. Again, a convincing performance.

Mrs Lottie Molloy (Catherine Hughes) was well cast into this role. Mrs Molloy’s character was an accomplished performance betraying an inquisitive busy body housekeeper who brought light comedy to the stage with ease and convincing innocence. A very winning act.   

This play required the set to have some moving parts: the window seat and the picture. These were well constructed and worked on cue.  In particular the window seat was used in such a way as to make us believe it led to the cellar.

The sound effects were convincing and well cued. The dropped tea service received a gasp from the audience.  Costumes were appropriate for the ladies and Edgar's smoking jacket was also good.

There were some really memorable moments, including the stuffed 'dead' cat that was very funny.  The final madcap scene with 'Get the gun, get the lights' sequence was timed well with some interesting and humorous tableaux when the lights were switched on. Edgar's eventual murder in the final scene was nicely done, and brought the play to a satisfying end.

Thank you for inviting me to this play. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evenings entertainment. So many words to learn, which were delivered, with sufficient characterisation to bring it to life. Well done to the whole team and a special well done for achieving the milestone of bringing 75 years of entertainment to Alnwick.

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