The Stage Newspaper Review 2006

The Masquerade

Real community theatre on show here, possessing all the required elements of presentation.

This is a whodunit with a big difference and a hugely enjoyable comedic slant. Set in an upper class English 1930's girl's school, it is all very proper, reminiscent of the Famous Five books but with tongues placed most firmly but affectionately, in cheeks.

Pupils Jennifer and Pippa (played by Lindsay Harding and Michelle Whitney respectively) are a spiffing pair, whose dialogue sparkles with wit and bemused, goggle-eyed enthusiasm for the small world around them. Whitney excels with a superb and hilarious performance, full of expression, audience mugging and wonderful vocal asides, while Harding's character is all “jolly hockey sticks”. The sense of period is perfect.

Laura Gillions and Clare Kenton provide excellent support playing a variety of characters. I particularly liked the gushing drama teacher, Mrs Garrick and her gynaecological-named rival, Miss Menstrual, I do believe! They are all involved in a complicated little plot with talk of foreign travels and intrigue, which culminates in the murder of the head girl, Cynthia. The production has been laced with clues and red herrings and the audience are invited, during the interval, to provide their own solution to the crime, the winners being rewarded with a bottle of wine.

All of this is presented on a single set but never does the pace slacken. When everything becomes clear in the second half, the revelations are underlined clearly and with humour.

As Jennifer or Pippa would say, “Jolly, super fun!”

Mike Martin