Where there's a Way, there's a Way

The audience, as the Tabs were open on arrival were presented with a well built and well-furnished box set depicting the study of the deceased Sir Reginald Stanley. Through the speakers came the sound of heavy rainfall and it didn’t take long to notice the rain running down the Study window, a clever touch which also added atmosphere. As ‘curtain up’ time approached both the butler and maid appeared on stage doing a bit of business and various members of the family wandering on and off collecting themselves drinks from the bar down stage left.

The action takes place in one day with the family and staff gathered to hear the bequests from Sir Reginald’s Will. The action is started by family Lawyer Roger Peacock, we were quickly introduced to members of the Family, to two private detectives and the household staff. Roger Peacock was ably performed by Steve Brooks as he tried to keep a sense of order whilst trying to read the Will, firstly interrupted by the arrival of Caspian Othello Duke and Norman Trumpton played respectively by Dale Hornsby and Sam Lord as the two private detectives. Further interruptions occur with the arrival of Miranda Stanley, ex-wife of Sir Montague played by Jenny Ives, Tricksy Fiddle Sir Reginald’s young girlfriend played by Maddy Bush and the arrival of Faversham the Butler, Kevin Bush, Mrs Bascom the Cook, Nerys Brooks and maid Deidre Tinker, Michelle Jackson. Chaos ensues as a murder and an attempted murder occur and Caspian, with the ‘assistance’ of Trumpton try to apprehend the murderer. There are plenty of suspects including those previously mentioned along with the following family members, Sir Montague - Steve Jackson, Lady Penelope - Laura Clifton-May, Tempest Stanley – Antony Culy, Petunia Stanley – Mary Bush, Robert Stanley – Jim Coote, Purdy Fortescue – Claire-Marie Miles and Simon Fortescue – Andy Prior.

This was a large cast which led to an occasionally over crowded stage which had two large sofas and desk taking up a lot of space. Spacing was helped by cast moving downstage left to the well-stocked bar. The star of the show was undoubtably Dale as Caspian, good clear dialogue, he had some great Shakespearean lines that were well delivered, good timing and great interaction with his fellow cast members. Many of his lines were fed or were responses to Trumpton whose accent at times slowed the flow. The whole cast kept up the flow, dialogue was generally clear although in the opening lines with Steve sat at the desk the sound was a little soft and an elderly audience member sat behind me said ‘I can’t hear’ as he moved downstage the sound was much better. As stated earlier, Steve coped admirably with his role and quite suited his character. Casting was quite appropriate; I have already listed cast and characters and as this was really an ensemble piece, I will not pick out individuals having just mentioned the three principal roles. The timing with the humour was picked up well and gave the audiences many laughs.

I noted that there was no wardrobe coordinator listed in the programme so I presume cast sourced their own costumes, these were appropriate for the characters they were portraying. There was a nicely dressed set, well-built and painted with accessories such as the corner shield, fireplace, portrait and glazed double doors. Props and accessories were well provided for, the lighting and special effects were good, particularly the rain spattered window. The only comment here is that Caspian and Trumpton come in from the storm and not a sign of water on the raincoat. umbrella etc., a few drops of water splashed over them would have made this more authentic, considering Caspian’s line ‘Terribly sorry for being late. The weather outside is awful’ with the sound effect of rain and thunder.

Well done to the whole company both on and off stage. This was an amusing and entertaining play much enjoyed by the audience, several of whom had noticed the clues as to the murderers.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.