Who Killed Elton Jack

The murder-mystery play opened with an attractive set; the red and white colour scheme was striking and the hall, supposedly linking the other rooms, provided depth to the set - it was also nicely furnished and dressed.

Dominic played Jeremy Jack strongly. His every word could be heard and he came across every inch the upper-class gent in accent and attitude.

‘Butler’ is a role that suits Robert so well. His demeanour is perfect for it and as Hinge he gave a very good performance.

In the role of the anxious, constantly on edge Jane de Lane, Saara was excellent. She frequently checked her spectacles and looked uneasy and she was firmly in character throughout.

Derek was most convincing as the less than mobile business-man and was well cast in the role.

As Glenda Good , Vicki was utterly commanding. Her entrances were grand, as befitted her character, and her voice projection was second to none. The colour of her evening dress was as striking as she was!

The dubious Mystic Madge and her sidekick Beryl, played by Darina Attwood-Cox and Katrina Desborough respectively, added to the interesting group of guests at the gathering and Darina’s voice projection was also very good. The two played off each other nicely and I guess were modelled on the two criminal characters in ‘Bread’?

Representing the law, Rob Johnson (Inspector Wright) and Steve Legget (DI Screw Loose ) made a good duo and acted well. Sometimes their dialogue was difficult to hear and that was partly because of the positioning of the table. A less acute angle, facing more toward the audience would have helped - unfortunately I was seated right at the back of the auditorium. Their portrayal of their characters was good and Steve clearly made the most of his excitement when bringing in the ladies for questioning! The interviews were carried out convincingly and were interesting.

The pace in the first act was rather slow but picked up in the second.

Lighting and sound were good but the stage was empty for some time early on in the first act, the ‘occupying’ music came in late and then continued over the dialogue.

Costumes were good, Robert’s butler’s jacket was a little short. The ladies evening dresses in contrasting colours looked wonderful and suited their stage personalities. Dominic’s suit was amazing!

Well done Olwen – You had a talented cast to work with and I’m sure you enjoyed getting back into the swing of amdram.

Your programme is nicely set out and the back cover art work is especially attractive. I shall very much look forward to seeing ‘Pygmalion’ in July.

Thank you for inviting me to see ‘Who Killed Elton Jack?

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