Written by Stuart Ready
Directed by Carol Janes
Intrigue, murder and mayhem visited Medstead Players last week as they took to the boards for "Murder Deferred". A three act thriller by Stuart Ready, the play told the chilling tale of country pub licensee, Leila Markham - a lady with a past, confidently portrayed by Karen Withey.
She was helped by her "daily"'- Mrs Holders, adeptly played by director, Carole Janes, and Irish barman, Brian Clancy - an excellent debut for new member, David Rae.
Their peaceful existence was shattered by the arrival of Ruth Cousins - played with quite believable aggression by Rachel Smith. The unwelcome visitor knew far too much about Mrs Markham's private life.
The play proved an equally successful "first" for Katie Kouchakji as the French au pair, while giving scope to the proven talent of veteran performer, Stan Whitcher as the slightly dithery Colonel Fountain.
But the gold star went to Laraine Fisher for her assured characterisation of antique dealer, Minnie Akers - and a particularly skilful command of the last act.
The cast was supported, as usual, by an excellent backstage crew - many taking on jobs they had not done before. The attractive set had the right degree of homeliness and the costumes and special effects were excellent. Although Saturday's audiences were not as large as they could have been, probably due to the appalling weather, the verdict was a "commendable achievement".
In this three Act play, all events are present day and take place in Leila's private sitting roon at the "Hay Wain", an inn in a village somewhere in Dorset
Cast:
Leila Markham (licensee) - Karin Withey
Mrs Solders (domestic help) - Carole Janes
Ruth Cousins (visitor) - Rachel Smith
Minnie Akers (antique dealer) - Laraine Fisher
Col. Fountain (local J.P.) - Stan Whitcher
Brian Clancy (Irish barman) - David Rae
Trudi Dupont (French au pair) - Katie Kouchakji
