Murder in Company

KADS' Murder in Company was a step back in time for this reviewer. My first experiences of community theatre took place during the 1970s with actors dressed similarly to those in Murder in Company, doing plays similar to the play within a play, that this company are presenting. Well done to the creative team and cast for recreating this world so precisely.

A lovely ensemble feel emanated from this group, with some notable performances.

Paul Williams was convincing as an unlikeable amateur theatre producer, working nicely against Jay Shaw as his (perhaps understandably), straying wife.

Ian Fraser played the villainous and smarmy caretaker, Ted Smith, with suitable sliminess.

Other members of the company include the stage manager Ronnie, played by Gino Cataldo in an admirable performance, 'Juvenile' players Alan and Pat (relative newcomers Callon Leam and Sarah Langridge doing well), and the feisty Doris, nicely played by Dee Rowlands.

I particularly enjoyed the performance of former professional actress Julie Holmshaw as former professional actress Phoebe.

Director Christine Ellis' set design was well constructed, with a notable interval transformation, and hair, makeup and costumes (Gail Michalzik and others) were very much of the era.

There are some issues with this play in terms of dated attitudes towards women (and smoking) and it was a good decision to play this in the era in which it was written. There are also some difficulties in believing a case of mistaken identity, given the physicality of the actors involved — but as most of the audience didn't seem to notice, perhaps it is only we amateur sleuths who care.

Opening night, the pace felt a little unsteady, but no doubt this will be rectified during the run.

A very watchable show with plenty of appeal for fans of the backstage genre and of whodunits.

Kimberley Shaw