Cats Cradle

The Cat’s Cradle was indeed a veritable intrigue of deceit, lies, mystery and romance in the supposedly happy atmosphere of the local village pub, The Cresswell Arms. The plot was reminiscent of a “New Tricks” story line, dealing with the twelve-year old mystery of a missing child. The original detective appears with new evidence, determined to solve the crime - or does he?

The play takes us through two days of suspense as the investigation proceeds. David Moy (D.I.Frost) portrayed the almost-retired London police officer aiming to clear up the mystery, showing a dry but sharp sense of humour  and providing some quiet comedy and witticism into the play.  He was incisive with his persistent questioning of the other characters, and he almost had us persuaded that his romance with Peggy was about to be rekindled.  Rachel Hardy, as Peggy Fletcher, part owner of the pub, gave a nice portrayal of the apparently weaker party in her marriage, but showed she had not lost her spirit entirely. Chris Young, playing Sam Fletcher, presented himself as the convivial host, but amply demonstrated his nasty side if he suspected any secrets were about to be unearthed.

I was very impressed by Irene Pollington-King (Miss Murton) and Louise Gibson. Irene gave an excellent interpretation of an old lady willing to help in whatever way possible, but “careless with dishes” and displaying all the signs of dementia.  What a pity she didn’t survive!  Louise Gibson seemed perfectly cast as Pamela Fulton, the mother of the bride, clucking happily as the mother hen, and also shone as the mistress of Sir Charles Cresswell.  It was a joy to watch her facial expressions of disgust, intrigue and disapproval.

Victoria Volpe, as Sarah Fulton, Pamela Fulton’s daughter, gave a quiet performance as the potential bride, convincing us she was innocent and had no knowledge of the twelve-year-old mystery.  Bob Marriott gave a good performance as James Hughes, the young cub reporter/editor of the local village newspaper, revealing additional clues to the plot.  David Courtnadge was well cast as the tall, blustering Lord of the Manor Sir Charles Cresswell, throwing his millions around to achieve his aims.

In the end the truth appeared or did it?  I enjoyed the show. It was well directed and lit. Scenery was appropriate, well designed and nicely dressed. Costumes were all appropriate but please remember that the brims of hats should not shade eyes.

On the evening I attended the part of Miss Murton was played by Moira Cunningham

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