ST JOHN'S CHURCH HALL, CANAL STREET, LONG EATON: Riverside Players present Secondary Cause of Death, at 7.30pm, until Nov 29. Tickets £5 (£3.50 concs). Call 0115 8750506. 

RIVERSIDE Drama have frantically sought another venue for their production following the tragic fire at the lovely Duchess Theatre. 

Thankfully they succeeded as this was, yet again, a fine performance from this small, but talented group. 

Secondary Cause of Death is a well-written, amusing play from Peter Gordon. Colonel Craddock having recently inherited Bagshot House, has turned it into a venue for the discerning visitor. By way of entertainment Cynthia Maple is staging a murder mystery evening. 

Meanwhile the inept and rather aptly named Inspector Pratt has arrived bearing unwelcome news for the Colonel. 

He unwittingly uncovers a series of sudden deaths which require all his limited powers of investigation. The plot thickens and the cast make the most of every minute of the ensuing comedic chaos where nobody and nothing is as it seems.

Mention must go to the technical crew for the adjustments made within the confines of a new venue and some excellent sound effects. 

Each and every performer is worthy of merit. Liz O'Hara is "tewwific" as Captain Woolmer-Cardigan. John Lomas makes a welcome return as Count Puchlik. The highly talented Martin Holtom gives another towering performance in the dual role of Craddock and Longfellow. However, he shares the lime-light on this occasion with Pat Tuffin as Inspector Pratt. In a portrayal that put me in mind of the genius of Peter Sellers and Eric Morecombe, Mr Tuffin wrung every last drop of comedy from his constant malapropisms. 

Another success from Riverside! Grab the chance to see it if you can. 

Fiona Watson