Natural Causes

If you are thinking, “could that be death by natural causes?” then you would be right to make that assumption.  However, whilst this black comedy is about death, the method is anything but natural!  

In fact, our main protagonist, the well-heeled and well-educated Walter, is manufacturing the death of his wife Celia by employing the services of a poisoner, Vincent.  The depressed and neglected Celia thinks the intervention of Vincent is about a suicide pact – she and her beloved Walter drifting away from life together – how lovely!  Add to the mix Angie, Walter’s secretary for whom he has more than a moderate affection and we start to see what Walter may be up to.  Further confusion is brought to the play by the arrival of the mild-mannered and helpful Withers – who on earth called the Samaritans to the scene?  But Walter’s plan does not come off, Vincent confuses everyone with his uncertainty about which glass now contains the poison and Celia proves herself to be far less of a shrinking violet than we first think.   Who will come out on top? 

You would expect a black comedy based on such a premise, from the pen of the writer of such hits as ‘Rising Damp’ to have twists, turns, miscommunication and plenty of laughs.  You will see that Natural Causes delivers all this and more.

The play has been very popular since it was written, with numerous professional and amateur settings.  There was an acclaimed television production starring George Cole and Prunella Scales in 1988 and in 2006 we put on our very own version of the play at the Phoenix with Ann Stirrup as Celia and Howard Owen as Walter.  

This new production, 20 years on will be co-directed by Renee Field and Lori Weber.  The cast welcomes newcomer Rhys Cowsill to the role of Walter, and presents Phil Field as Vincent, Jackie Phillips as Angie, Jane Bovell as Celia and welcomes back Jim Newcomb as Withers.  It promises to be an excellent evening of suspense, laughs and unexpected plot turns.  The play runs from 6th to 13th June and tickets are on sale now.