The Silencing of Sheila Shepherd

I certainly understood the format of such an entertainment and the instructions were explained well by Margaret Smart, usually MD.  She warned us that both visual and verbal clues were to be observed.  The action was in a staffroom of a small village school called ‘Paradise’ and it was the day prior to a new term – to be exact the 2nd of September present day.

We are confronted by the newly appointed  Head – a Sheila Shepherd, quite ferocious who appears to be fixed in her ways, strict in manner and not quite what the school was used to it seems. Seriously played by Jenny Taylor  All bar one of the teachers have been in situ some time. Deputy Head Doug was played by Richard Baszczak, plus silver wig – could you believe a stamp collector and a luxury holiday lover! I actually thought he was the culprit even though he told us there was not a great increase in pay to be had as Head. John Search maintained his ‘boyo’ accent as Welshman Evan – described himself as beyond retirement age, looked after year 5 and seemed harmless enough and didn’t like the staffroom coffee. Tipsy Clare Clarke kept up her tipple induced confidence and loosened her tongue – the culprit? No I didn’t think so, perhaps a bit too obvious.  Now, Joy Johnson from Norwich was a possibility – this woman had hounded Joy’s daughter, under a different name, that of Sylvia Symington and it was she who had bullied her, resulting in her suicide. Lyn Ford kept her cool throughout but was determined to make Sheila Shepherd’s life a misery. Lastly, there was Maureen Mason who looked after the reception class. She had a secret – in a previous life she embezzled monies and was afraid of exposure thus losing her job with a falsified CV. After the police investigation we went into question time – good audience participation was guided by DI Pat Perks handling the mic – well done to Malcolm Atfield for keeping that going and your input on publicity.  Maggie Osgood was the notetaker PC Lacey. Arranged in a chaired line the actors kept completely in character and made it difficult to decide. So, we deliberated and had an interval. Then we had to make a stab – and got it wrong, wrong, wrong! Beatrice Dixon as a creditable Maureen Mason was duly arrested, handcuffed and taken away.

The set was nicely painted and dressed as a three windowed school staff room complete with new badge. There was a coffee table set up with timetables behind. Another table that held ledgers etc. and chairs were set around the stage area. Good props were provided including mugs, a coffee maker, and lunch box with a sandwich. Incidental music was an added attraction.

A great alliterative quiz was devised, with Margaret in charge and that we mastered and thoroughly enjoyed.

Gary Pope ably directed the piece – worked the sound and lighting too. Maureen Payne was prompt – not that I heard her - and was also on the set team together with Margaret Smart and Lewis Ikin. Margaret Punter was in charge of  ‘present day’ wardrobe.

A raffle was held and a full last night audience really enjoyed a good evening’s entertainment – again one we’d all been looking forward to for a long time.

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