A PALM reader's astonishing prediction leads Lord Arthur Savile down a rocky road to murder, but finding a victim and carrying out the deed is not so easy, as Riverside Drama Company's latest production clearly showed. 

Oscar Wilde's short story Lord Arthur Savile's Crime, adapted for the stage by Constance Cox, provided Riverside's accomplished cast, which included the excellent Paul Norris as Arthur, with an opportunity to impress Long Eaton audiences. 

Set in the affluent surroundings of Lord Arthur's stately home in the 1890s, the play had its moments with comedy and drama served up in large measure and Norris setting the standards in his demanding role. 

The action of the play centred first around Mr Podger, a palmist, played with conviction by Rob Osmond, carries out a reading and confirms that Arthur is indeed a man of integrity and good standing. 

In a turn of events, however, Mr Podger, after further examination of Arthur's palm reveals to him that at some point in his life he is going to commit a murder. 

Arthur takes it all in his stride and decides that with his marriage imminent, that it would be best to get the dirty deed done "sooner, rather than later", and at this point sets about choosing a victim. 

Helping his cause is his faithful butler Baines and German anarchist Winkelkopf, roles played to perfection by Martin Holtom and Brian Hooker, who lead Arthur from one bungled "murder" to another, with poisoned chocolates, an exploding umbrella and a bomb, threatening first one and then another victim. 

In a twist in the tale, Podger's attempts to blackmail Arthur fail before being exposed as a charlatan. 

While the course of true love has certainly not gone according to plan for the noble Lord Arthur, he is a relieved man and not even a breach of the peace charge can ruffle his feathers and with the besotted Sybil standing by her man all's well that ends well. 

Adding more spice to a romantic finale are the smitten Baines and Nellie the maid who announce that they too are going to be married. 

There were some fine individual performances in Lord Arthur Savile's Crime, none better than that of Emjay Sadler as Lady Julia Merton, a daunting figure who gives Arthur short shrift and doesn't suffer fools gladly. 

Donna Chinn as her daughter Sybil was well cast as the prospective bride, Bob Baron looked the part in the role of the Dean of Paddington, while Maggie Millington and Pat Clarke contrasted splendidly as the matter-of-fact Lady Windermere and the gentle Clementina, Arthur's aunts. 

Completing the line-up of players was Joanna East who was convincing as the mischievous maid. 

Directed by Pat Tuffin, who was assisted by Liz O'Hara, Lord Arthur Savile's Crime was well interpreted by Riverside's team which always gives full value. 

The play's three performances, staged at The Duchess Theatre, were well received by audiences who couldn't help but be impressed by the efforts made by Riverside to faithfully reflect the period intended. 

Costumes, stage settings and props, in keeping with the late 19th Century, added to the enjoyment of Wilde's cleverly-crafted story which owed much also to Paul Norris' splendid portrayal of Lord Arthur Savile which confirmed his emergence as a leading player on the amateur stage.