Beckley Players Review

 

(As published in the Rye Observer 17/04/03)

 

Last weekend, Beckley Players performed their latest production Murder in Company at the Beckley Village Centre to appreciative audiences. 

The play which revolved around an amateur dramatic societys rehearsals, provided laughter and shock as the caretaker of the church hall was electrocuted and accusations of murder were thrown upon the cast.  It was easy to understand why many of the characters had motives, due to the irritating manner in which Ted Smith had a habit of getting in the way during rehearsals. It was good to see Nigel Pearson take a break from donning dresses in his previous role of Widow Twanky and take to the stage with his usual comic appeal!

In the thrusts of a secret affair, Margaret (Cathy Burke) and Alan (Henry Stuttle) were potential victims of Smith blackmailing them and afraid of their secret being revealed to Margarets director husband Philip (Paul Lewis). 

Phoebe (Louise Mason Apps), the am drams professional actress revealed a desire for revenge on Smith, blaming him for the death of her son. Pat (Alison Tooth) felt uneasy remaining with the society in the light of all the suspicions and Doris had to deal with the question of who had attacked her on her way to rehearsals.  Hester Baverstock, who played Doris, performed sensitively and convincingly and as the youngest member of the cast, shows the potential for some great roles ahead of her.

The murderer was in fact the lonely and drunken Ronnie, played by Martin Burke, who throughout the play seemed the least likely of the company.  The way in which the contrast of Ronnies friendly and comic personality was coupled with his true sadness and anger was a credit to Martins performance and certainly placed a sense of sympathy with his character.

This was an entertaining evening out and certainly Jane Pearson should be congratulated for her debut role in producing.  The costumes and set reflected that of a sixties feel and gave more interest as opposed to an every day look.

On the whole, it was great to see the Players in performance again and I look forward to seeing more plays on the Beckley stage in the future.

 

SJP