Rehearsal for Murder
The Classic Thriller Theatre Company
The Palace Theatre, Westcliff-on-Sea
16th-21st May 2016
The Classic Thriller Theatre Company
The Palace Theatre, Westcliff-on-Sea
16th-21st May 2016
Welcome return for local actor at the Palace Theatre in Rehearsal for Murder
by guest reviewer, Jacquee Toll
by guest reviewer, Jacquee Toll
Following the success of his Agatha Christie Theatre Company, which has sold over two million tickets, Bill Kenwright has formed a new touring company, The Classic Thriller Theatre Company. They have been touring the play, Rehearsal for Murder, and it is currently on at the Palace Theatre, Westcliff.
This exciting thriller has been adapted by David Rogers, from an original screenplay by the writers of Murder She Wrote, Richard Levinson and William Link. It stars ex Belfairs' student Robert Daws and his real life wife Amy Robbins, both well known for their TV work, including The Royal. Robert studied with the late Mike Fry, who mentored many young actors, before he went to RADA. He also appeared in various productions with East Essex Players.
Rehearsal for Murder is a play within a play. Playwright Alex Dennison (Robert Daws) is left heartbroken when his fiancée and leading lady Monica Welles (Amy Robbins) is found dead from an apparent suicide after the opening night of his play. Refusing to believe that Monica would have killed herself, exactly one year later, under the pretext of rehearsing a new play, he reassembles the same cast. He then asks each actor, to perform a series of newly penned scenes on the same set. As they do so, they begin to realise that he is suggesting that each of them had a motive for murder. The atmosphere is both amusingly theatrical and very tense, whilst the ghost of the glamorous Monica lurks in the shadows. As the scenes are performed, she steps in to act out her part in this play-within-a-play about her last hours.
This exciting thriller has been adapted by David Rogers, from an original screenplay by the writers of Murder She Wrote, Richard Levinson and William Link. It stars ex Belfairs' student Robert Daws and his real life wife Amy Robbins, both well known for their TV work, including The Royal. Robert studied with the late Mike Fry, who mentored many young actors, before he went to RADA. He also appeared in various productions with East Essex Players.
Rehearsal for Murder is a play within a play. Playwright Alex Dennison (Robert Daws) is left heartbroken when his fiancée and leading lady Monica Welles (Amy Robbins) is found dead from an apparent suicide after the opening night of his play. Refusing to believe that Monica would have killed herself, exactly one year later, under the pretext of rehearsing a new play, he reassembles the same cast. He then asks each actor, to perform a series of newly penned scenes on the same set. As they do so, they begin to realise that he is suggesting that each of them had a motive for murder. The atmosphere is both amusingly theatrical and very tense, whilst the ghost of the glamorous Monica lurks in the shadows. As the scenes are performed, she steps in to act out her part in this play-within-a-play about her last hours.
Robert Daws has a dominating stage presence, and holds the play together from his first appearance. In fact, some of his delivery takes the form of monologues to explain events, yet he always appears natural and relaxed. In this, he is ably supported by Amy Robbins, as the deceased Monica. The rest of the team of familiar faces from stage and screen, provide good ensemble playing. There is sterling support from Susan Penhaligon, Steven Pinder, Robert Duncan and Ben Nealon, and another Southend actor Martin Carroll who appears as the stagehand, Ernie.
This was a fast paced production with energetic delivery and credit must go to Roy Marsden for his direction. Roy also has a connection with Southend, as in 1999 he was appointed artistic director for Green & Lenagan who ran the Palace Theatre at that time.
The flashbacks, which could have been confusing, were deftly handled, and the twist at the end was most unexpected. Fans of Murder She Wrote would of course be used to such denouements. This play is a well-crafted piece of theatre, and, although a thriller, has humorous touches and judging by the audience reaction was enjoyed by everyone.
It continues at the Palace Theatre until Saturday 21st May at 8pm with matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets available from the Palace Theatre box office 01702 351135 or online at www.southendtheatres.org.uk.
This was a fast paced production with energetic delivery and credit must go to Roy Marsden for his direction. Roy also has a connection with Southend, as in 1999 he was appointed artistic director for Green & Lenagan who ran the Palace Theatre at that time.
The flashbacks, which could have been confusing, were deftly handled, and the twist at the end was most unexpected. Fans of Murder She Wrote would of course be used to such denouements. This play is a well-crafted piece of theatre, and, although a thriller, has humorous touches and judging by the audience reaction was enjoyed by everyone.
It continues at the Palace Theatre until Saturday 21st May at 8pm with matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets available from the Palace Theatre box office 01702 351135 or online at www.southendtheatres.org.uk.
Ask the Audience
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Dulcie Moore
"I thought the play was very interesting, and it was nice to see Robert Daws back again. I didn’t see the twist coming at the end, but you expect it in this kind of play." 
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Edwina Jones
"I thoroughly enjoyed it and didn’t expect the twist at the end. It was very well acted by everyone, and there was a tension that had everyone on the edge of their seats." 
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