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Dying for a laugh Murder In Play Malvern Festival Theatre *** THIS cheery murder mystery is a bit like
a game of Cluedo. It's a gentle soiree with all the usual suspects
that doesn't take itself too seriously. Or rather, that should be with double the amount
of suspects as this story is a play within a play. On one level, there is an old fashioned murder
mystery being acted out on stage by a second-rate group of performers
whose pitiful attempts at acting bring plenty of mirth to the show. Then there is the murderous drama that unfolds
between the actors when the vicious and sneering leading lady pops her
cogs - and it won't take Poirot to realise that everyone in the cast had
good reason to do the deed. Included in that list is the husband, his
mistress, the mistress's husband and the old foes, which keeps the
little grey cells busy trying to fathom out whodunit while enjoying the
antics on stage.
Richard Tate takes a hilarious turn as ageing
drunken actor Harrison Bracewell, who constantly bumbles his lines,
while former Eastenders actor Dean Gaffney shows an aptitude for comedic
timing while also charming the crowd with his charisma. Gaffney is all the more impressive when you
realise that he has returned to the stage in fine form just months after
a serious car crash in Derby that left him needing major surgery on his
skull. He was driving home after performing in another
murder mystery, A Murder is Announced at Derby Theatre, in January, when
his car careered into the central reservation. Another former soap opera favourite - Gemma
Bissix from Hollyoaks - was also starring with Gaffney in Derby and
joins him in this play too. Bissex adds plenty of spirit and glamour to the
proceedings as a plucky young Miss Marple-type at the centre of this
light-hearted tale. Over two hours, it's basically all fun and games
that will keep you guessing and smiling. It may be a far cry from a chilling thriller, but
Murder in Play adds a welcoming twist to the usual murder mystery
formula. To 01-06-13 Alison Brinkworth
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