Murder at Cafe Noir

It is rare in the WA Pandemic Theatre Boom that a good show does not get the audiences it deserves, but Life on Hold’s Murder at Cafe Noir was sadly under-attended - a shame, as this is a quality show, that audiences will adore.

Played in the round, and sometimes across your table, in the function room at Melville Bowling Club, the audience become patrons of the infamous Cafe Noir, a night-spot on the island of Mustique, where everyone is a little shady and has something to hide.

We join Detective Richard (Rick) Archer, a Private Detective hired to track down a missing heiress, who becomes embroiled in a multiple murder mystery. Who is the murderer? Is it the mysterious black marketeer, the voodoo priestess, the eccentric French manageress, the flirty femme fatale or the shifty British lawyer? The audience are encouraged to get involved and solve the crime.

This tight little ensemble work well with each other and the audience. A French accented Kate O’Sullivan takes charge as Madam Toureau, moving the action well and setting the style and pace for the show. Brendan Ellis is a nicely dishevelled but clever Rick Archer in an impressive and likeable performance. Great work and solid improvisation from Andre Rodrigues as ‘man of mystery’ Anthony Cairo, Annabelle Eith and little-rich-girl turned lady-of-the night Sheila, Kirstie Francis and Voodoo Vixen Marie La Rue and Jamie Smith as well-spoken, good-looking and shady lawyer Simon Gutterman. The cast is completed with a clever performance by Charlie Young as “everyone else” - characters who look alike and have a tendency to end up dead - a versatile and popular performance.

Apparently the most popular dinner show in the US, Life On Hold’s production includes a light supper, and drinks are available at the bar. This is a show with a great party atmosphere and would make a great night out for a group of friends. The audience involvement is non-threatening and good fun, and friends can compete to see who has the best detective skills.

Great to see a show that is a bit different and keeps the audience on their toes. Grab some friends and make a booking at the Cafe Noir!

Kimberley Shaw