Murder on Cue

Take a group of over-the-hill actors, snowed in by a raging blizzard. Add all the classic tropes of a comic murder mystery (isolated setting, seething with suspects, red herrings and secrets galore). What results is a lively, funny show, to keep audiences laughing and guessing until the end.

Robin Jennifer Miller, the playwright, an actor herself, has concocted a humorous work starring familiar theatre characters. There are the two sharp-tongued rival divas, reliving past glories (versatile Cee Campbell at her amusing best as Dame Olivia and Margaret Radcliffe spewing poison as Sybil). Graham Scott plays hilarious campy Larry to the hilt, inspiring many of the show’s laughs. There is a geriatric love story between delicate Desiree (Brenda Warren) and classy Charles (Dan Benmayor).  Brenda, in her 90’s, has been involved with Tugun Theatre for over 50 years – she’s still strutting her stuff with bravura. Catherine Potter plays the ditsy Miss Marple character. Visiting solicitor, Greta, (Anne Westmorland) is acting suspiciously. The story is framed very capably by kind retirement-home owner, Sue (Peta Schulz) and her sweet assistant with hidden depths, Judy (Liddi Lane).

The original director, Jim Dickson, set the stage and cast the show but had to withdraw, leaving Nathan Schulz and Cee Campbell to take the directorial reins, drawing all the comedy and mystery they could squeeze out of the play. They stepped in to skilfully bring to life Jim’s original vision, adding their own expertise to the mix. Murder on Cue is highly recommended for a fun-filled escape.

Judy Neumann

Bookings: www.tuguntheatre.org