Murder In Company

By Phillip King and John Boland

21st – 23rd September 2000, 8pm.

At the Kingsland Hall,

United Reformed Church, East Lane, Wembley.

The Cast

( in order of appearance)

Alan Wilson - Simon Crowley

Margaret Stevens - Deborah Seeley

Ted Smith - David Seeley

Philip Stevens -Robert Spolander

Ronnie Meadows - Lawrence Hutchinson

Phoebe Kershaw - Joan Munday

Patricia Robins - Linda Rawley

Doris Stewart - Johanna Foley

Director - Stuart Everett

The Chameleons are affiliated to NODA (the National Operatic and Dramatic Association) and this is their representatives independent Critique.

SOCIETY: The Chameleons Amateur Dramatic Society

PRODUCTION: Murder In Company

VENUE: Kingsland Hall, Wembley

DATE: 23/9/00

REPORT BY: Vic Golding

As one of the characters said in The Chameleons production of “Murder in Company”, something to the effect of ‘The public like light fare in amateur theatre (e.g. who-dunnits, comedies and farces. Anything heavier, and they stay away in their droves!” How true. Also, these are the types of plays most suitable for amateur production, cast and set-wise. This one was set on the stage of a dreary village hall, bare except for chairs, making David Murphy’s job reasonably easy! Similarly, everyday costumes, plus simple props (Sarah Edwards) and Lighting and Sound (John Jetten).

There was very good direction from Stuart Everett, with clever entrances and exits and realistic ‘quarrel’ scenes to break up the somewhat lengthy duologues. Congratulations on the very good ‘injury’ make-up use on ‘Doris’ by Larry Radnor. Also , the excellent informative programme by Jeremy Spolander, though ‘Characters in order of appearance’ in the Cast List might have been a better idea for us to sort out who was who.

Joan Munday gave her usual reliable performance, this time as Phoebe Kershaw, and was especially moving in recounting the tragic story of her son. Laurence Hutchinson was splendid in the role of Ronnie Meadows, a real ‘tragic clown’ of a character. His rage against women at the end quite stunned the audience after his earlier bumbling false jollity. (But I guessed he was the murderer!)

Johanna Foley came across well as the complex Doris, but should watch a tendency to shout too much.

David Seeley gave an excellent performance as the insolent and sly blackmailing caretaker. As soon as we heard about the faulty boiler, we knew what his end would be!

Deborah Seeley played Margaret Stevens in a subtly understated way, contrasting well with the other ‘Thespians’.

Robert Spolander acted the bad-tempered and sarcastic ‘director’ Philip Stevens, with great panache.

Linda Rawley made a very good showing as the nervy hysterical Pat Robins, and last but not least, Simon Crowley was very believable as the calf-love struck Alan.

Congratulations all round to all concerned in this suspenseful mystery play, and many thanks to your front-of-house staff for their warm and friendly hospitality.