11/05/2024 – Review by Patrick Olliffe
I would like to thank The Shirley Players for inviting me to see their show yesterday evening. As The AmDram Observer is still a young publication, being recognised and welcomed into the community in this manner is greatly appreciated.
About a month ago, I went to London with some friends to see the evening performance of 'MJ The Musical' at the Prince Edward Theatre. Despite braving rain and wind, we were informed upon arrival that the show had been cancelled due to cast illness. Disappointed, we took shelter from the rain at the nearby Theatre Café, where we were subjected to staff singing show tunes at us.
The point I want to make is that the most straightforward statement in the art of performance, 'the show must go on', seems to have been lost by West End productions such as 'MJ The Musical', but not by community theatre such as The Shirley Players, and especially not by 'Prescription for Murder'.
I commend Ben Kavanagh for stepping in at the last moment to play the role of 'Alan Haigh' because the original cast member, Chris Bartlett, was taken ill. We at the AmDram Observer wish Chris a speedy recovery. Anyone who goes on stage to read in for a part in these circumstances should be commended, but Ben's performance was exceptional. Despite only meeting the cast hours before going on stage, he was funny, aware, and reactive to the other characters. The chemistry between Ben and his sparring partner, Jo Ridge as Mary Haigh, was comical and also worked well.
Let's delve deeper into The Shirley Players and 'Prescription for Murder'.
Synopsis
'In the seemingly quiet town of Bere Knighton, there is never a dull moment for Dr Richard Forth. Not only does he have a hectic work schedule and an awkward friendship with his ex-girlfriend, but his wife, Barbara, is constantly ill, and nobody knows what is wrong with her. When Eric Dawson, a stranger, claims to have known Richard's second fiancée - a woman Richard claims does not exist - Barbara's health worsens, and she isn't the only one. With bad luck spreading almost as quickly as bad news, it seems somebody is out to kill Barbara and anyone else who gets in their way.'
As the curtains opened, I noticed the impressive set design. The story takes place entirely in the newlyweds' living room, and the Director, Carla Harvey, did a great job creating an authentic and charming South Devon interior.
My initial thought was the story was set in the 1920s or 1930s, as that's when most murder mysteries occur. However, upon glancing at the bookshelf, spotting a Hillary Mantel, and observing the Dyson in the corner, I realised the assumption was a folly.
The play itself is set in the present day, but it has a patchwork quilt-like feel, with elements from different eras. The dialogue includes both modern and old-fashioned language. There are references to places like Disney World - and local customs, such as calling the GP for someone experiencing a heart attack, creates a clash of eras. It was certainly different yet no less enjoyable.
Credit to Debbie Straw for the photographs
Spoilers alert!
Shanila Taylor portrays Barbara Forth, the new wife of Dr Richard Forth, played by John Maslen. Susan Moore opens the play with her endearing West Country accent as Dorothy Livingstone alongside Shanila. It is no coincidence that these characters open and close the show, as their roles in the story are vital. An interesting dynamic of a murder mystery is not knowing who to root for or believe.
As the plot unfolds, we discover that Barbara is the mastermind behind the events. However, a hero emerges to save the day, and it is not the typical inspector. Instead, a bolshie cleaner (Dorothy) outwits the antagonists and puts an end to their scheme. Watching Shanila transform her performance from bland Barbara to a depraved murderess was fantastic! At the same time, Susan matches the scene's campiness and delivers the final blow, calling the police, with smug satisfaction. A true hero!
Maddie Warren's performance as the fiendish Julia Moore deserves special recognition. Her every line, movement, and expression was dripping with snobbish spite toward the other characters. Maddie commands the stage and steals the show in every scene she appears in. I'd also be doing the review a disservice by not acknowledging how thoroughly unlikeable John Maslen was as Dr Richard Forth. He played the character very well and did a good job drawing suspicion to himself in the more 'scooby doo' moments of the show.
The pace did seem to slam on the breaks whenever there was a need for a scene change, which involved a costume change rather than anything else. A few of us in the audience mistook it for the interval at first. But it didn't in anyway hinder my enjoyment of the performance.
However, during the second act, some audience members were more interested in drawing attention to themselves than enriching the theatre experience for everyone.
Overall, I found the show delightful and had real moments of humour to lift the spirit on a Friday night. I look forward to The Shirley Player's next production in the quaint Shirley Parish Hall.
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If you would be interested in joining The Shirley Players please email - shirleyplayers@outlook.com
I was also there on Friday evening and thought it was a great show. I’ve seen many Shirley Player shows over the years and it’s always a great evening.