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WHO is Mavis's mysterious
lover? What lies behind the wine rack? Who poisoned the cat?
Where is Edgar Hollister? What is the secret of the window seat?
These questions and many more
were answered by Beeston's Riverside Drama Company with its latest
production entitled The Murder Room, which both delighted and
mystified audiences at the Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton during its
three-performance run.
A cast of just six performers,
under the direction of Martin Holtom, did full justice to Jack Sharkey's
tongue -in-cheek comedy thriller.
The witty dialogue, cleverly
crafted scenes and splendid acting once again showed the merits of
Riverside's accomplished team.
This worthy follow-up to
Riverside's much lauded production of the sex comedy Noises Off,
centres around Mavis Templeton-Hollister.
She is a scheming newly-wed who
is out to get her hands on her husband's fortune - even if it means
killing him, his scatty daughter and anyone else who stands in her way.
Donna Chinn shines as Mavis who bumps off her
real-life husband Rob Osmond - he plays Edgar in the opening scene -
only for him to reappear later (the bullets were blank) in his original
persona and as a police constable investigating the 'murder'.
Hot on the trail too is Inspector James Crandall,
a Columbo-type character played by Brian Hooker who finds Mavis (his
lover) more than a match as she weaves her web of lies and deception.
The presence of the "larger than life"
housekeeper Lottie Molloy, a cheeky portrayal by Moya Magee, and
effervescent sweethearts Susan Hollister and Barry Draper (Liz O'Hara
and John Lomas) adds spice to the proceedings.
Liz, a teacher at Bramcote C of E Primary School,
was the "class act" in the sparkling production and her lovely
facial expressions, comic timing and zest were a joy to watch.
Lomas, too, with his convincing American accent,
quirky mannerisms and flair for comedy was the perfect foil for the
talents of his co-star.
Rob Osmond, deadpan and droll in his dual roles of
Edgar Hollister and PC Abel Howard, is to be commended, first for
keeping his impressive barnet and moustache in place during the
knockabout goings on, and for remembering which character he was
actually playing.
There was never a dull moment in The Murder
Room which, with its intrigue, suspicion, lashings of comedy,
suggestion of murder and madcap goings on, kept audiences entertained.
Secret drawers, hidden stairways, a cleverly
constructed popping up window seat operated from a coathook on the wall,
and appropriate sound effects and dramatic music were all key
ingredients.
The comic game of cat and mouse was resolved in a
frenetic finale in which Mavis realises that it's Edgar that she
really loves - or does she?
As the curtain closes, the two are seen sharing a
nightcap and, with a mischievous grin at the audience, Mavis urges Edgar
to "drink your cocoa, dear" ... potassium cyanide anyone?
With director Martin Holtom bringing out the best
from his performers and a production team made up of Janet Bradbery
(stage manager), Paul Norris (sound) and Liz Turner (lighting) lending
their expertise, The Murder Room was another winner from the
Riverside stable.
Formed in 1992, the company is based in Beeston
and meets for rehearsals every Tuesday from 7.30pm onwards at the John
Clifford School in Nether Street.
The group is planning two further productions
which will be staged at Long Eaton's Duchess Theatre in July and
November.
Riverside would be pleased to welcome newcomers
interested in treading the boards or those with useful skills which
could be put to use backstage.
For further information, consult the company's
website at www.riversidedrama.com
or telephone John Lomas on 0115 9170327
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