Strictly Murder

‘Strictly Murder’ is an intriguing thriller by Brian Clemens, writer of the two iconic TV series ‘The Professionals’ and ‘The Avengers’. The play is at the Melville Theatre on the corner of Stock Road and Canning Highway, Palmyra. The 2½ hour performances start at 8.00 pm.

        It is April 1939, the eve of the Second World War, in Provence a wine growing area of France. The curtain lifts to reveal the country cottage / farmhouse of a young English couple, artist Peter Meredith (Nick Chambers) and his fiancée Suzy (Tarryn Bullock). Whilst they are out, a strange man carrying a shot gun, sneaks into their kitchen and helps himself to some food before leaving.

       Later, as Suzy is preparing her breakfast before departing for her work in a local guest house, the man returns. It appears that he is Josef (Peter Bloor), the local simpleton, merely looking for food and friendship.

      A couple of hours later, Peter returns from some of his farm work to find a smartly dressed gentleman who is lost and wants a drink of water. It is revealed that this is Detective Ross of Scotland Yard (Paul Williams), searching for an escaped prisoner, a man matching Peter’s description!

      Peter and Suzy’s lives are thrown into turmoil, and when Miriam (Grace Hitchin) – yet another police officer arrives – can there be any hope for the couple?

The set is excellent with some great props. The lighting (Jeff Hansen) is a soft glow that conveyed the authenticity of a temperamental farm generator system. The sound effects (Laila Gampfer) were realistic, and the valve radio reception created a genuine atmosphere of the past.

On this her swansong, director Brenda Stanley can be most proud of this community production, and of the several dozen others she has directed and designed over the years. All the best and thanks Brenda.

This is an intriguing murder with twists and red herrings all woven into this well-written thriller. Well worth seeing. Suitable for all ages, the kids there last night loved it.