Coming into the auditorium of the Duchess Theatre, the actors come to the auditorium and tidy up the stage, repair the props (and fail), and generally ask the viewers for assist. Because the lights dim, we start to see the efficiency of The Homicide at Haversham Manor by the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society. Progressively, because the director (performed by Daniel Cech-Lucas) introduces us to the present, we realise that that is the play that goes flawed. Through the efficiency, all of the worst nightmares you might consider taking place in a play occur. This consists of actors lacking cues, mispronouncing the traces, props falling off, and actors getting injured and being knocked unconscious. As you suppose the play could not get any worse, within the second act, the stage begins to disintegrate much more because the play reaches the top. Whereas the state of the play decreases, the laughter within the auditorium rises all through the entire evening.

The set design cleverly creates a number of surprising technical shifts that progressively layer all through the play. One of many particular moments is when the primary flooring within the set, which is a plank that is above the stage, begins to tilt, and Robert (performed by Rolan Bell) on high is making an attempt to achieve the landline with out falling out of the plank whereas securing the items of furnishings along with his physique. The entire act looks like a tribute to the silent movie period with no dialogue, and the viewers watches Robert attempt to preserve the character within the play and attain for the sting of the plank as pleasure, thrill, and waves of laughter fill the room.

The entire firm on stage, all through the efficiency, lifts the room’s vitality and stays related to the viewers as they drive the present forwards. A particular point out would go to the efficiency of Ross Virgo, who performs Max. His clowning means and the way he stays free and playful all through the efficiency are a delight to look at.

The 2 hours lengthy play by no means fails to have a uninteresting second all through. With jokes which are considerable to all ages, it’s undoubtedly leisure for everybody.

Assessment by Jenru Wang

Score: ★★★★★

Seat: Stalls, J12 | Value of Ticket: £27.50 – £69.50