The Mystery of Edwin Drood

This “Solve It Yourself” Musical is a piece that requires an “all star” cast and Andrew Cockcroft-Penman, Musical Director Shari Ward and Choreographers Jamie Watt, Clay English and Ebony Rose have assembled one of the best.

The title role is a “trouser” part beautifully played by Sally Wood. Her cohorts in this dastardly mystery: Chris Catherwood – John Jasper; Terri Woodfine – Rosa Budd; Andrew Cockcroft-Penman – Chairman and Lee Patterson as Princess Puffer were all individually and collectively evil! The supporting artists (equally unsavoury) added their devious goings on to the Mystery with élan. Hardly offstage from pre-show to curtain call, they all worked hard to cast aspersions and confuse the audience.

One pitfall in an otherwise great production was bad diction. When the lyrics are an essential part of the play (as in Gilbert and Sullivan) one was often left perplexed trying to follow the plot because of poor delivery of the ‘musical patter’.

With a great one-scene set and bright, colourful costumes; the Mystery unfolded with a feeling of showmanship flowing across the footlights.

It was interesting to see the younger members of the ensemble performing like seasoned troopers.

Roger McKenzie

Photo: Steve Woodfine