Seven cast members of the “North Shore’s premier amateur dramatics society” have gone down with COVID. That leaves just two actors – veteran Barney and leading lady Phillipa – to share all roles of the murder mystery between them. “Not everyone’s as committed to the cause as us!” declares Barney to Phillipa.
The cast of this fictional amateur drama company is determined the show must go on. And after roping in the play’s writer/director Shane Tweed and reluctant stage manager Karen to play a few roles, the show does indeed go on. The difficulties then experienced by the actors to keep the drawing-room thriller on its feet leads to lots of laughter for the audience.
The entire cast is superb but co-writer and star Jamie Oxenbould is the lynchpin, keeping things bubbling along with his absolute naturalness on stage. As Barney, would-be star of stage and screen, he is spot on. Due to needing to play multiple roles in the murder mystery, he must perform some hilariously rapid costume/character changes.
Eloise Snape (Phillipa) and Sam O’Sullivan (Shane) are excellent support. Grumpy Karen (Ariadne Sgouros) is only volunteering at the theatre to complete her community service hours for an unknown crime. But she is so good she threatens to steal the show at times.
The perfect tonic
At the end of a tough year for many, the opening night audience was receptive and ready to laugh almost before a word was spoken onstage. The play ticks all the boxes of a farce (tripping over suitcases gets a big laugh). But the cast are so pitch-perfect in their roles that things never tip over into annoying, although the second half is perhaps a little long.
Most fans of professional theatre have seen some amateur dramatics in their time – whether it be a local suburban outfit, a school or uni production. We’re well-versed with the perceived stereotypes of those who get involved and this bunch do ‘em proud.
Perfect holiday fare.
Midnight Murder at Hamlington Hall
Ensemble Theatre
Until 14 January, 2024
