Review by David Wicks
THE FARNDALE AVENUE HOUSING ESTATE TOWNSWOMEN'S GUILD DRAMATIC SOCIETY
MURDER MYSTERY
If you've never encountered the activities of the Farndale Townswomen's Guild
in any of the half dozen or so plays that were written by David McGillivray and
Walter Zerlin Junior, you've missed a treat.
The Murder Mystery is probably the best, first performed at the 1980
Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and then revised, tightened up and represented in
1988.
'Gone' were one of the characters and some confusing business with suitcases;
'in' was a more elaborate routine involving chairs in the second act.
Wyong Drama Group seems intent on serving up farce after farce (the only recent
diversion from this theatrical menu of late has been the wonderful Life Goes
On) and, if the audience is enjoying them, why not?
There's plenty for the audience to enjoy in this Farndale comedy, reflecting
the horrors of what can go wrong on the night for a slightly inept gathering of
ladies trying to get a show up and running for their community.
Technically, a Farndale farce is very challenging.
Scenery collapses, tables break, the phone rings when the lamp is supposed to
come on, and sound effects take on a life of their own.
The actors also have to miss cues, forget their lines, and not be thrown by
the unexpected.
There're plenty of unexpected incidents in this show as the Farndale ladies
present their ambitious evening's entertainment, the cunning whodunit, Murder
at Checkmate Manor. And, just in case the audience should get bored,
there's a Slide and Fashion Show and a Murder Mystery Quiz!
Millie Sampson has wanted to direct one of the Farndale comedies for years
and is finally given the opportunity.
She keeps her cast moving at a breakneck speed, which helps to make the show
work.
She's also been blessed with a good sprinkling of actors, including Pam Campbell
as Mrs Reece, Denise Pastor as Audrey, Susan Reynolds as Thelma, Helen Schumann
as Rita and Stuart Mortimer as Gordon.
However, for my money, Ruth Jordon as Felicity, is the star of the show.
She shines in nearly every scene she's in, and her business with the silver
serving tray is outstanding community theatre.
Director Sampson has said she hopes to be able to direct another Farndale
comedy if this one is a success for the group.
I think she'll get her wish.
Where: Wyong Memorial Hall
When: Until November 15
More Info: XXXX-XXXX
[Review By David Wicks in E Onstage Thurs 13 Nov]
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