A CLASSIC whodunit with an extra twist was fantastically staged by Rubery Drama Group at Beacon Church Centre.
As well as the traditional killing in the plot, once the scene was set in the first act of Murder In Rehearsal, those watching had the chance to turn detective and guess who had died and who was responsible in the interval.
That usually happens on murder mystery evenings but seldom in a stage play.
In even another twist, the Droitwich playwright Angela Lanyon who penned Murder In Rehearsal was in attendance at this performance and picked the winner at the end from the correct answers.
Every member of this seven-strong cast played their part – there was a real ‘pick and mix’ variety of characters with different traits and grievances against each other, laying the foundations for the murder just before the act one curtain.
Diane Trueman was great as no nonsense and fed up prop woman Doreen while Vicky Routh also portrayed the highly emotional Tracey brilliantly.
Ian Kimberley Ryan made the role of jokey and, somewhat promiscuous teacher, Simon, his own and Julie Brotherhood did well as the frustrated and ‘let’s get on with the rehearsal’ Belle.
Wilmot – the director – was a wonderfully pompous and self-righteous character (and like someone everyone knows). David Smith rose to the challenge of getting him across perfectly.
Bob Farrell was your stereotypical mechanic and looked like the role was made for him and Jayne Jones was equally as good as the uppity gossipy estate agent with her pet dog that could do no wrong.
The performance of the evening was by the murderer – which obviously I cannot reveal now as there is still one night to go and tomorrow’s audience will be tasked with deducing who that is.
During the ‘revelation’ scene, you could hear a pin drop and you felt for the killer and their reason for committing the crime – testament to the way their role was played.
The actors were also given the unenviable task of acting as actors in another production – look out for a lovely last line to bring the curtain down too. Well done to Angela Lanyon for writing the script and Rubery Drama Group for bringing it to life….and death.
Murder In Rehearsal runs until tomorrow (Saturday) – it is well worth a watch. So, if you fancy watching a great murder mystery and putting your detective skills to the test, get yourself down to Beacon Church Centre at 7.30pm.
Tickets are £8 (£7 concessions) – available on the door, by emailing: [email protected] or via the Rubery Drama Group Facebook page.
Alternatively, call 0121 453 8733 to reserve tickets.
