PRESCRIPTION FOR MURDER

Osmington Village Hall

ANYONE who has watched the goings on in Midsomer Murder land will know that village life is full of drama, death and destruction so it comes as no surprise to see a sleepy Devon community awoken by the arrival of Eric, a stranger with a mission which triggers gossip and scandal all around.

This Norman Robbins mystery thriller is told in traditional fashion with motives, clues and red herrings scattered throughout the story as it unfolds which the Somerleigh Players bring to life with dedication and style.

At the top of the list is Barbara, the new wife of the village GP who suddenly has a series of unexplainable illnesses that her husband dismisses as imaginary. Then the doctor’s very rich former girlfriend shows up with a few plans of her own, not to mention the stranger’s story of seeking a former lost love of the doctor that he denies, very odd indeed.

As the plot thickens, the threat of murder grows until the victims and villains are finally revealed in a drama full of twists and turns that leave you puzzled and pondering but pleased that you were there to see it all happen.

Leading the pack, Stella Bawden-Hollis as Barbara captures the mysterious flavour just nicely while Phil Newman is her splendidly irritable doctor husband. Cleaning lady Dorothy, played by Imogen Clarke is a suitably rustic Devonian while Sally Little is the scary posh millionaire on the lookout for love. Rod Lewis makes a convincing job of the blandly believable Eric the stranger and the fine cast is completed by Roelie Newman and Jeffrey Little as the nosey neighbours.

Directed by Melanie Hooley who keeps the pace going briskly throughout, the production is enhanced by the imaginative idea of creating the set and costumes all in bright red, a dramatic touch that says it all.

There are further performances at Dorchester Corn Exchange on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th June at 8pm.

MARION COX

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