The Mystery of EDWIN DROOD

The Mystery Of Edwin Drood, based on the unfinished novel by Charles Dickens was not to be missed! A Music Hall Musical that tests the calibre and stamina of any company with a choice of 7 potential endings cleverly scripted in a chaotic engagement of the audience! Concept was yet again up to the challenge. A new Director Richard Thomas gave us a pre-show cornucopia of entertainment which was outstanding.
The set was imaginative, clever and totally appropriate for this show. Ellie Hoare played Drood and provided a polished performance an apt foil for the beautifully melodramatic Lewis Cook (a striking resemblance to Mr Clive Paget the great classical actor ) who as evil uncle John Jasper was terrific. I don’t think I have ever seen a moustache to GO COMPARE it with! As Nick Cricker the director was effervescent and unlikely romantic ending between Princess Puffer (Helen Rose) and Neville Landless (James Osbourne) did have the audience in stitches. The Murderer on the night I went was Reverend Crisparkle (Keith Ingram), secretly I was hoping it was Helen Landless played and sung superbly by Claire Couldridge, a tour de force of stage presence well played!
Under Dave Thompson the pit was well in control of a taxing score. Our Chairman Mr William Cartwright was played magnificently by Paul Buckle who once again turned in an extremely professional performance; however I must congratulate the entire ensemble for the execution of a truly enjoyable night. Thank you and God Bless Queen Victoria, now off to the races !

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