Who Killed The Mad Scientist

Who Killed The Mad Scientist?  by Chris Martin is described in the programme as “Doctor Frankenstein meets Sherlock Holmes” and that’s a fair description of this humourous, Gothic tale of Victorian skulduggery. After an initial scene between Dr Felix Oppenheimer (the mad scientist of the title) and Rose Petal, his overworked and undervalued assistant, he is found dead.   Has he taken with him the secret formula to unlocking the ‘Elixir of Life’ or does the murderer have an ulterior motive for obtaining it?  There then followed an evening of hilarity as each of the suspects came under the inquisitive eye of Detective Chief Inspector Fingal as he tried to establish the identity of the dastardly murderer….or, as it transpired, murderers!

The set (the Scientist’s laboratory) was practical and well constructed.   The props were excellent and imaginative use was made of them.  

A great deal of trouble had gone into ensuring each character’s costume was in keeping with the period, with some lovely Victorian gowns, suits, hats and accessories. 

The lighting was effective and well controlled. Great use of light and smoke for the storm and good use of sounds for the thunder!

The essential characterisations of each cast member was well developed and each character maintained their persona throughout. This was done via interviews with the suspects and the local, lady reporter and aspiring playwright, although she was also one of the suspects!  The audience were invited to take part in a quiz –– and this provided many comic moments and added to the enjoyment of the evening.   Thanks to the talented and hard-working team, led by Lesley Nicholls the audience enjoyed an evening of surprises, thunder and fog, mystery regarding a top hat, secret codes and suspense,  a lot of laughs and some great fish and chips.

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