The Grange Players
Presents:
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Something's Afoot
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Book, Music & Lyrics by James McDonald, David Vos & Robert Gerlach
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September 16th - 26th 2015
Something's Afoot is a lively murder mystery musical set in 1935 that touches on the novel by Agatha Christie 'And Then There Were None'.
It is set in the Lake Estate which is owned by Lord Dudley Rancour. He has invited a selection of people over indicating that he needs to speak to them individually.
The guests are Hope Langdon (Phebe Jackson), Doctor Greyburn (Dexter Whitehead), Dudley's Nephew Nigel Rancour (Tomas Frater), Lady Manley-Prowe (Suzy Donnely), Colonel Gillweather (Andy Jones) and artist Miss Tweed (Jenny Gough). There to welcome them is Clive the butler (Ray Laurence), Lettie the new maid (Elena Serafinas) and Flint the caretaker (Gary Pritchard).
Once the guests have all arrived, the weather takes a turn and they all become stranded. The lighting effects throughout the production are extremely well designed and operated and really help to create the mood of the piece.
Lord Dudley Rancour is found dead bringing unease and disruption to the group. Miss Tweed, played by Jenny Gough takes it upon herself to become detective and systematically accuses everyone at some point.
Throughout the production guests and staff are one by one 'popped off' in elaborate, theatrical ways and taken to the library in readiness for the police to arrive - the library soon becomes a very busy place with electrocutions, poison, stabbing, and even a clunk on the head with a bust!!
As well as the guests we have Geoffrey (Robbie Newton), a college student arrive at the Estate. He had been rowing when the weather changed and he managed to swim to the estate for shelter.
As the evening continues things start to unravel and it becomes clear that the guests lives are all interwoven with each other and that Dudley Rancour had a very clear motive for asking everyone to attend at the same time.
The musical numbers are fun and lively and well presented by Musical Director Tom Brookes. Some of my favourites have to be 'the butler didn't do it' and 'you fell out of the sky' which was wonderfully portrayed by Phebe Jackson.
Eleva Serafinas portrayal of Lettie the Maid was hilarious and she shone like a star throughout with her little one liners and knowing looks. Her musical number with Gary Pritchart (Flint the Caretaker) 'problematical solution' (the dinghy song) was a joy and really had the audience uplifted.
I wont ruin the ending as you will need to go and watch for yourselves but it is a great night out if you like a good old murder mystery with a touch of silliness.
Dexter Whitehead has created a lovely piece of theatre that will have you jumping, laughing, feeling tense and leaving with a smile on your face.
The production runs until the 26th September 2015
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