Murdered to Death, Ambleside Players, Kelsick Centre

AMBLESIDE Players' spring production, Murdered to Death, by Peter Gordon, was presented during Easter week at the Kelswick Centre.

Packed houses enjoyed a comic parody of an Agatha Christie style play - there's even a 'Miss Maple' who sits knitting whilst puzzling over 'whodunnit.'

The comedy is heightened to zany levels on the appearance of a non-too-bright police inspector who is much afflicted with malapropism.

This play was perfectly suited to the group; the actors fitted their parts comfortably and all of them performed extremely well. They were in order of appearance: Moira Rowlinson (lady of the house); Anna Clough (her niece); Andrew Saalmans, (dodgy butler); and David Marshall as the bumbling colonel with Esther Potts as his formidable wife.

Judith St Clare played a very glamorous lady, Barry Porter was an intriguing Frenchman, Gail Toms was Miss Maple, Jamie Alexander played Constable Thomkins and Phil Higgins was in the role of Inspector Pratt.

Jamie and Anna are two clearly very talented young people who showed remarkable poise and are an asset to the group.

The performance was in the round, and the set welcomed the audience warmly, with its log fire and softly lit lamps.

It was the work of Barry Porter, Sally Capewell, Marj Waddecar and team. Costuming, overseen by Jo Johnson, was most effective.

New member, Ian Ramsay, handled lighting and sound effects very efficiently.

The play was ably directed by Steve Donson, assisted by his wife, Tricia, and LIz Perruzza was producer.

Everyone's efforts were rewarded with a five-night sell-out run.

KAY SAALMANS