Strictly Murder Review Mark Moraghan Devonshire Park Theatre Eastbourne 10th June 2009

Strictly Murder
Devonshire Park Theatre
Eastbourne

9th-13th June 2009
Performance seen
Wednesday, June 10th

Cast (Appearance Order)

Josef : David Rumelle
Peter Meredith : Nick Barclay
Suzy Hinchcliffe : Katy Funk
Ross : Mark Moraghan
Miriam Miller : Jasmine Darke

This thrilling murder mystery takes place in a rustic cottage in a valley in Provence, France, at the start of the World war II.

Mark Moraghan, former star of The Bill, Heartbeat, Where The Heart is (and many more), is the more well known "headline celebrity" in this intense drama.

But when it comes down to delivery of performance all 5 stars are on an equal footing.

Take Katie Funk, for example. Only last year we had watched her play multiple roles in the stage comedy farce, Affairs In a Tent, in which she was hilarious. But here we are just a few months on and she has switched to what must be an emotionally draining role as Suzy Hinchcliffe. It's a stunning performace as she endeavours to find out why partner Peter Meredith (Nick Barclay) just will not commit to marriage.

Barclay has a massive list of theatre credits, not just in the UK. Whilst he has done the odd comedy his long theatrical career history does seem to sway more towards the more serious dramas and murder mysteries. Even in Panto he seems to be snapped up quickly to play the villain.

But is he the villain in this? Well the only way to find out is to go and see it.

But see it you should as it is one of those mysteries that no matter what theory you have about the actual outcome you will more than likely be wrong. Just 5 actors delivering a story by Brian Clemens that has more twists and turns than Spaghetti Junction!

I feel some on-line reviews of this have given a little too much of the plot away in talking about Moraghan's character Ross. I enjoy plays more when I know nothing about the story so I'll just restrict it to saying he is superbly cast in this play and that his character is central to the plot. And believe me that gives away nothing!

Two final cast members remain to mention - David Rumelle and Jasmine Darke.

David plays Josef - a somewhat strange, tramp-like, sometimes dark yet often comical, character who lives near to Peter and Suzy. Josef doesn't say much - but he doesn't need to - Josef is a character who tells his story in actions rather than words and Rumelle excels playing this character.

As with the character of Ross I won't go into too much detail of Miriam Miller played by Jasmine Darke.

Darke doesn't have to appear on stage until the latter part of the second act and together with her fellow actors she brings the play to a very satisfying,unexpected, conclusion.

The key to the success of this superb Bruce James production is probably the fact that the mystery starts at curtain-up in Act 1 and it has the ability to keep you gripped and guessing to the very end. Many plays have a "flat period" at the beginning where you get to learn the backgrounds of the characters. And that is exactly why this drama works - because you learn about the characters gradually, with surprises always just around the corner.

For Bruce James Strictly Murder is just one of huge number of successful touring shows his company has produced. Comedies, dramas, musicals, murders - they are all on the list. I have decided that we must be fans of the work of this experienced repertory actor as we have seen so many of his productions. It seems if the Bruce James name is in the programme there is an almost certain chance of enjoying the show.

It certainly applies here!

Affairs In A Tent Review, Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne, Wednesday 12th November 2008

Cast

Celia/Sylvie/Irene - Katie Funk

Miles/Lionel/Toby - Damian Williams

.... yes that really is it a cast of 2 !

However a lack of cast numbers doesn't mean lack of entertainment.

Seeing master-of-farce and multiple identity expert Damian Williams in action only a few weeks earlier, in One For The Pot, there was no way we were going to miss this show.

I think many of the audience members must have been back for more of the very funny Mr Williams too as there was a very good attendance for a mid-week performance.

This has similarities to One For The Pot in that multiple characters are played by a single actor.
However, this time, there is a challenger for the title of "king or queen of quick costume change" in the form of Katie Funk.

I don't think there is an outright winner on this occasion as both actors are extremely good at switching from one role to another.

There's little point in spoiling the plot for anybody who hasn't seen this Alan Ayckbourn Comedy however it isn't laughter all the way as there is some sadness as well as happiness in this play - a nice touch by Ayckbourn.

Interesting that there isn't actually a tent in the play. A marquee yes - a tent no. But then again "Affairs in a marquee" doesn't really have the same ring to it so Affairs In A (Big) Tent it is then!
So the actors are excellent but sometimes audience members can be just as funny without realising it.

Like the woman who couldn't figure out that a stooge was underneath a sheet on the floor not the original actress. You'd have thought she's have noticed the stooge was actually about a foot taller and distinctly male-shaped!

Then there's those who really haven't realized that there were just two actors playing multiple parts and wait at the end for a 6 actor/actress bow that never happens.

Harmless things like this make the evening even more entertaining.

You can't say a lot about Affairs In A Tent. It's just a great little farce and on this occasion it was acted superbly by two very nice and funny actors.

Damian Williams is very much a what-you-see-is-what-you-get guy. Off stage he is as funny as he is on.

Joking to the end I asked if he'd mind me taking his picture with Katie to which he replied "Of course not.............. but I don't actually like her!". And off they strolled, down the road, best of friends.

Small cast - big fun!