Review: MURDER AND MATTERS MORE PRESSING at New Players' Theatre Company

Murder and Matters More Pressing is a new comedy-mystery written by Amelia Lucie-Smith and directed by Martin Hunt. Receiving its world premiere with New Players, the production was developed as an original work by the company, drawing on the traditions of classic British farce, country-house murder mysteries, and heist comedies.

Set in a quintessential English country estate during the 1950s, the play takes inspiration from Agatha Christie-style mysteries and classic British comedy. It combines eccentric characters, mistaken identities, mounting misunderstandings, and increasingly chaotic situations to create an entertaining evening of theatre.

It must be particularly rewarding for Amelia Lucie-Smith to see this work brought to life on stage for the first time. Creating an original script is an achievement in itself, but also taking a role in the production adds an extra layer of commitment and creativity.

As the curtain rises, the audience is greeted by an appealing drawing-room set, complete with an Iron Maiden. Although I will avoid spoilers, this unusual feature becomes an important part of the story. With all the action taking place in a single location, the production demonstrates how an engaging and effective show can be created with one well-designed set, something that may appeal to community theatre groups working within modest budgets.

The characters are intentionally broad and larger than life, in keeping with the style of the piece. Rich Taylor embraced this approach enthusiastically as Major Earnest Blunder, delivering a spirited and entertaining performance. Amelia Lucie-Smith played Prudence Fardelbear, Blunder's love interest, whose romantic aspirations are repeatedly derailed by a series of comic misunderstandings. Several scenes involving a mannequin were delightfully absurd and generated some of the evening's biggest laughs.

One unexpected moment came during the first act when Danica Frentz, as Letitia Fardelbear, appeared on stage with a costume issue. To her credit, she carried on professionally and seamlessly, and the problem was resolved by her next entrance with little disruption to the performance.

Sarah Upston brought a dry wit and understated sarcasm to the role of butler James Barnes, while Elien Lewis gave a strong performance as Charlotte Fardelbear, capturing the character's personality well.

The cast projected clearly throughout, ensuring dialogue was easy to follow. The recently renovated Linden Community Centre also proved to be an excellent venue, providing an intimate and comfortable setting for the production.

The play generated plenty of laughter across the evening and demonstrated considerable promise as a new work. While the final resolution felt somewhat extended and may benefit from some tightening to improve pacing and clarity, the core of the show is strong. It is easy to imagine other theatre groups both locally and further afield enjoying the opportunity to stage this piece.

Overall, Murder and Matters More Pressing is a light-hearted and enjoyable production that reflects the kind of accessible community theatre New Players have become known for. One performance, on 20 August, will also serve as a fundraiser for Wellington Free Ambulance, giving audiences the opportunity to enjoy an evening's entertainment while supporting a very worthy cause.

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