Review: A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER at The Masque Theatre & Milnerton Playhouse

The Tony Award-winning musical, A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER arrives on Cape Town stages in a polished and highly entertaining production from The Masque and Milnerton Players. Directed by the talented Kyla Thorburn, musical direction is by Barend Van Der Westhuizen, who also performs in the show, this deliciously dark comedy proves to be a crowd-pleasing romp filled with elegant mayhem, witty writing and standout performances.

From the outset, the production impresses with its slick professionalism. The show is exceptionally well rehearsed, with seamless scene transitions and inventive set changes that keep the action flowing effortlessly. The versatile design allows the story to move swiftly between locations while maintaining the stylish Edwardian atmosphere that defines the musical.

Visually, the production is a treat. The period costumes are particularly striking, from the colourful and elegant dresses worn by the women to the beautifully coordinated black funeral costumes of the ensemble. These details enrich the comic tone while giving the production a refined theatrical flair.

Musically and vocally, the cast delivers strongly across the board. The harmonies are polished, the performances energetic, and the acting consistently engaging. Although the pace lags slightly toward the end of the first act, the production regains its momentum after interval and carries the audience through the increasingly absurd twists of the story with infectious energy.

At the centre of the production is Barend Van der Westhuizen as Monty Navarro. He brings commanding Stage Presence, an excellent singing voice and wonderfully expressive facial reactions to the role, making Monty both charming and deliciously calculating. Regina Malan shines as Sibella, creating a mischievous and seductive characterisation that perfectly captures the character’s flirtatious ambition.

The evening’s greatest comic feat belongs to Nick Plummer, who takes on the many members of the D’Ysquith family with astonishing versatility. Each character is distinct, fully realised and convincingly performed, making his multiple transformations one of the production’s great delights. Also worthy of mention are Melissa Sanderson as the eccentric Miss Shingle and Lara Basson and Phoebe, both contributing memorable character work that adds colour and humour to the production.

Based on the novel by Roy Horniman, with book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman and music by Steven Lutvak, the musical remains a wonderfully clever satire about ambition, class and murder. This Cape Town staging captures that wit beautifully, offering audiences a thoroughly enjoyable evening of laughter, style and musical excellence.

Overall, A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER is an entertaining and accomplished production that is well worth seeing.

It will be performed at The Masque in Muizenberg from 22 May to 6 June followed by a run at Milnerton Playhouse from 19 June to 5 July.

Please note: No under 13’s

Ticket Bookings:

https://www.quicket.co.za/events/358973-a-gentlemans-guide-to-love-and-murder-the-masque/#/

https://milnertonplayers.co.za/product/gglm-27-june-2026-730pm/

Photos by Sara Hassall.

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