The Mystery of Edwin Drood

This musical is based on Charles Dickens’ unfinished final work but this is certainly a musical with a difference. Audience participation began before the opening with the cast on stage and in the auditorium and then the invitation to join in with music hall songs to set the scene of the ‘Music Hall Royale’. The ‘play within a play’ meant that the cast had to play themselves as part of the Music Hall Troupe as well as their stage characters for the company’s production of ‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood’. This was all done superbly.

Singing of both principals and chorus were competently supported by an excellent band, which was placed at the back of the stage.  The set was minimal but largely effective. Costumes good and in period for the Music Hall era.

When, as the chorus were in full flow, the song abruptly ended, we were told this was when Charles Dickens died having failed to finish his book. This is where the audience take over to decide the outcome – who is the murderer of Edwin Drood?; who is the detective and who are the lovers?. I’m sure the cast were well prepared for all possibilities.

Directed and choreographed with spirit, this was an interesting attempt at a challenging show but it just goes to show that Petts Wood Operatic Society are quite capable of tackling anything.

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