Wildly funny show to light up village stage

However, it is in fact very English in both character and language, a wildly funny comedy, superbly written in the style of Noel Coward, together with a bit of Agatha Christie murder mystery and perhaps a snippet of Poirot.

The play is set in 1932 during a weekend in the country residence of Sorel Bennett, an actress and her playwright husband, Edward. They have just had a disastrous opening night and each decides to flee London for the peace of Cookham.

To the annoyance of Jack their loveable cockney chauffeur and the dismay of their feisty Irish maid, Bridget, various guests arrive unexpectedly: a conservative politician, a fiery socialist, a bohemian artist and dancer and a short-sighted young woman, each with a long-held secret. When one of the guests is found lifeless on the sofa, it emerges that each has a motive for murder.

It is then left to Bridget to satisfy a long held desire to solve a crime; her motto, ‘Assume the worst in everyone!’

Director, Pauline Mead says, “Not only does this play take digs at the British class system and theatre, it provides the audience with plenty of gags and great verbal flourishes, especially as certain characters finish the brandy and move on to the gin. “

The production will be performed at Redbourn Village Hall at 8pm from December 4-6. Tickets cost £8 (conc £6) telephone 01582 622667.