The curtains pull back, the lights come up and the scene is set. And what a truly professional set it was too. First impressions superb, the audience applauded and the actors delivered.
Francis Durbridge was widely recognised as a master of the verbal cliff-hanger. He published 35 novels and wrote several radio and television series.
When the Algarveans Experimental Theatre chose Deadly Nightcap, I was expecting the typical whodunit - with respectable, middle-class people getting themselves involved in murder and trying to wriggle out of their seemingly inextricable plight.
But boy, did this play deliver: the audience let out gasps of surprise at the end of several scenes, the suspense leaving you on the edge of your seat.
It was an excellent murder mystery. As the play ran, and the plot thickened, it was very difficult to pick out any one actor who was stronger, they all shone. If I had to say who impressed me most I would choose Clarissa Meca, who played the character of Ana Santos and is well-known for her performances with other groups in the Algarve, although it was a first performance with the Algarveans.
Act two was very powerful with lots of suspense and “oohs” and “ahhs” from the audience.
I congratulate the entire cast, with a special well done to Trevor Herrington who stepped in as the Detective at the last minute when James Mccullough was taken ill.
The production team excelled themselves with amazing scenery, costumes and perfect timing throughout the play. Wonderful.
Director David Butler-Cole made a great choice in choosing Deadly Nightcap and a great choice in the casting.
Written by Karen Carfrae
