Written by Norman Robbins, by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd.
Directed by Mike Overy
Comedy thriller tailor made for Medstead Players
Frighteningly funny, full of blood-curdling quips, " A Tomb with a View " is tailor-made for the amateur stage, a comedy-thriller that a talented company can really get its teeth into....
The Medstead Players could not go wrong when they chose Norman Robbin's hilarious tale of the Munster-like Tomb family for their Spring production.
But, at the same time, they will have learned a great deal about how vital the crisp delivery of well learned, well timed lines can be to good stage comedy.
It's all there for the taking in this one, juicy gems of horror fun just waiting to be exploited, laugh lines that have the audience hungry for more.
Director Mike Overy, and producer Ann Penn had some talented players at their disposal in Stan Whitcher as the not-so-trusty family solicitor, Mr. Penworthy, and Pam Kercher as the eccentric Dora, with more than a passing interest in the departed, both fine pieces of characterisation.
Phil Diment was the mad scientist, Lucien, and John Gregory enjoyed his role as the equally zany toga-clad Marcus.
Anita Prior would agree that it was just as well that, as novelist Miss Ashe, alias con lady Freda Mountjoy, she was the first of a long line of murder victims - a quick release from first night nerves, perhaps.
But as Peregrine Potter, her partner in crime, Ron Whitcher was a big hit, with all the mannerisms of a reluctant accessory before the fact, and splendid in his grapplings with the voluptuous man-eater, Monica, who was enthusiastically played by Sara Cook.
A real cornerstone of the whole show was the rumbustuous performance of Katharine Reader as Emily, now that was how stage insults should be delivered!
Joan Allsop played wise old Agatha, Septimus Tomb's faithful housekeeper, who always suspected his death was not all it seemed, and Kathy Whitcher as the resident nurse, Anne Franklin, certainly had everyone's sympathy, having to live among such a crackpot family!
Cast:
Penworthy, the solicitor - Stan Whitcher
Lucien Tomb - Phil Diment
Dora Tomb - Pam Kercher
Emily Tomb - Katherine Reader
Marcus Tomb - John Gregory
Anne Franklin, the nurse - Kathy Whitcher
Agatha, the housekeeper - Joan Allsop
Freda Mountjoy - Anita Prior
Monica Tomb - Sara Cook
Peregrine Potter - Ron Whitcher
Lucien (Phil Diment), Dora (Pam Kercher), Emily (Katherine Reader), Monica (Sara Cook)