Review: The Murder Room @ Community Centre, Adlington (From Chorley Citizen)

Review: The Murder Room @ Community Centre, Adlington

in Show reviews By Saiqa Chaudhari, Education reporter

A fast-paced farce where timing is the key is certainly not the easiest of productions to stage, and this cast pulled it off admirably.

St Paul’s Players season opening was the mystery farce The Murder Room, which proved hugely enjoyable and raised much needed laughs on rainy cold autumn day.

The play draws on the best traditions of British comedy as it tells the story of a blonde young cheating wife with desire to get her hands on her elderly rich husband’s money – on the day of the marriage.

Excellent performances were given John Sangster who plays the “ageing” husband Edgar Hollister, the distinguished but not so discerning gentleman.

His opening rapport with his new wife Mavis Templeton Hollister, played by Jane Harrison, sets the tone for the rest of the play, laughs, frustration and even incredulous sighs – key ingredients of a successful farce.

Harrison is hugely entertaining as the over the top wannabe femme fatale whose asides engage the audience even more so.

The eccentricity that defines this country is reflected superbly in this play.

Unfortunately to give examples would simply spoil the experience for those wishing to see this play.

An incredible performance was given Suchita Kotecha who plays daughter Susan Hollister.

Her acting was flawless and so believable as the dim but nice young girl whose heart is in the right place.

They were complemented perfectly by the rest of the cast who deliver perfectly timed one liners.

Technical problems did not faze the actors, a testimony to their professionalism.

Directing a play such as this would pose a challenge to the most experienced director and Wendy Salvage has certainly proved herself as one of the finest on the amateur dramatics scene.

* The Murder Room runs until September 10 at Adlington Community Centre. Performances start at 7.30pm. For tickets ring 01204 407784