A REALLY scary 'happening' took place last week at St John's Church Hall, when Riverside Drama Company presented, Dead Guilty, by Richard Harris. 

The curtains opened to a semi-dark stage, set in a living room. A dreadful noise of a car crash! Julia Darrow, dressed in black, seated in a wheelchair, listened to the voice of the coroner, Accidental death caused by heart attack. Voice of coroner, Pat Clarke.

Normal lighting, Julia on the settee, taking to her bereavement councillor, Anne Bennett. Julia was seriously injured in the car crash, but the man driving was not her husband. 

Sylvia Holmes gave an award winning performance as Julia, brilliant from start to finish. One felt her pain as she tried to walk, her screwed up expression when taking her pills, which obviously, were bitter tasting, her nervousness as she talked to Anne.

Anne, sympathetic, but concerned when Julia said she'd heard from the dead man's wife, wanting to meet her. Anne strongly advised against this, especially when Julia confided, to an affair, that had gone on for months. Joanna East, as Anne, gave an excellent performance.

Gary, the odd job man, comes in and starts to clean up. This was a wonderful character, so innocent, simple, good natured, and would do anything for Julia. John Lomas, excelled in his portrayal of Gary. 

Margaret Haddrell (the wife), comes to visit Julia, amazingly, they seem to get on very well. After a pleasant afternoon, Margaret left, with a promise to return. Liz Turner, as, Margaret, gave a superb performance, which got even better, as the play progressed. 

Weird things began to happen, a favourite green vase was found smashed, then mysteriously reappeared, money was stolen, keys went missing. Julia blamed Gary for everything, and sacked him, saying she never wanted to see him again. 

After another operation on her leg, Julia comes home with Margaret. Caring, even irritating, Margaret... She sees a new plant on her windowsill. Someone had been in her house! 

Julia should have been getting better, but, the pain in her leg was getting worse, she was sleeping far too much, and looked awful. But Margaret was there caring for her, sorting her pills etc. and being a nurse, saw that she took them. Julia was becoming very uneasy, even frightened. Margaret was becoming menacing, and threw out her crutches. 

Julia was convinced she knew about the affair. Of course she did, had known about it for ages, but had proof when she'd received the contents of her husband's pockets, especially a key... The one Julia had given him. it was she, not Gary who'd been in the house. 

Margaret, gleefully tells Julia, she's been doctoring her pills... she has less than 20 minutes to live... 

The voice of the coroner, stated, Death by suicide.

This was the first time in the director's chair for Janet Bradbery, it surely must not be the last. A thrilling, chilling play. Bravo Riverside. 

By June Barker