Front – Brenda Reid and Karen Oliver
There was no doubt when the curtain was raised that murder was in the air and the audience was in for an exciting performance.
Leading lady Brenda Reid, is Mrs Wilberforce, a widow living alone with a parrot called General Gordon for company in a subsiding apartment near Kings Cross Station, has a room to rent which Professor Marcus, played by Mike Christie is more than interested in. But all is not what it seems.
Four ‘musicians’ are invited by Marcus – Cellist, Mr Lawson aka ‘One Round’ played by Richard Paterson, and three violinists, Stephen Dunbar, Dan Large and Alan Johnston, all with dubious backgrounds and no knowledge of music use the room allegedly for practice, but with felony as the real motive.
Coerced into providing a concert for Mrs Wilberforce’s friends, Karen Oliver and Kelsey Mackenzie, the ‘hapless musicians’ are found out, and with several hilarious plot twists and turns, mayhem ensues. Jim Shaw played the Police presence, and all leads to an unexpected, enthralling conclusion.
All the leading cast are experienced members of Abbey Theatre Club, and each actor provided a dramatic, polished and hugely entertaining professional performance, under the expert direction and skilful management of Producer James Robb.
This talented cast were supported by a highly skilled and dedicated backstage crew led by Stage Manager Kelsey Mackenzie, whose new team of set designers made creative use of the stage, props, and costumes.
Lighting and Sound were efficiently managed by Stephen Gilbert and Doug Todd who created audience anticipation at scene changes throughout the performance, with directed lighting and specific sound effects.
Abbey Theatre Club never disappoints with their performances and this comedy- drama, The Ladykillers is no exception.
Tickets are available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-abbey-theatre-club or at AJ Beedie Jewellers also, on the night at the theatre. Performances start at 7.30pm
The next production is ‘The Doacters Surgery On Tour’ – produced by Laura Barnes with performances from Monday 22nd April until Saturday 27th April. Review by Margaret Bowman
The Abbey Theatre Club, Arbroath 