Marriage is Murder

Serial Productions present Marriage is Murder at Old Mill Theatre. This intense but very funny two hander tells of divorced writers Paul and Polly who reunite to continue their series of ‘Miss Charlie Murder Mysteries’ - rehearsing murders to ensure their practicality and realism.

The action takes place over a few days in Paul’s New York apartment, realistically designed by George Boyd. Lighting is designed by Bailey Fellowes and the production features jaunty and very clever music between the scenes.

This production was reviewed on Serial’s seasonal charity night for the Heart and Lung Transplant Foundation - where an evening’s takings are donated to this worthy cause.

Kylie Isaia is a delightful Polly Butler, clever with loads of personality and lovely energy. Her relationship with ex-husband Paul is convincing and Richard Hadler infuses his role with wry warmth and excellent timing. Inexplicably, despite the Butlers’ United States residency, both appear to be British expats - something that appears to be unique to this incarnation.

A show that is very challenging for its actors, both verbally with its quick-fire dialogue and physically with its complex highly physical “murder attempts”, both performers fulfil the demands with ease.

A fun little show that will appeal to lovers of comedies, those who love to read murder mysteries and those looking for something a little offbeat.

Kimberley Shaw