CADS Presents A Tomb With A View – Great Fun!

Last night I went to see my first show by the CADS (Charlemont Dramatic Society) and I have to say I was truly impressed. The group performed ‘A Tomb with a View’ by Norman Robbins, a murder mystery/black comedy firmly entrenched in the tradition of ‘And then there were none‘ and ‘Kind hearts and Coronets’ in that you are left wondering who would make it to the final scene. It is a really fun piece of theatre with twists aplenty, and a sting in the tale at the end. I loved it.

The story concerns the very eccentric Tomb family and the aftermath of the reading of their father, Septimus Tomb’s, will. All the family members are gathered together in the library, from irascible older brother Lucien (Wayne Simpson) to wine lover and family poisoner Dora (Karen Astbury). Warring sisters Monica and Emily (Jamie Cross and Niamh Smith) can barely stand to be in the same room together, whilst brother Marcus (Dave Hogan) thinks he’s Julius Caeser and needs nurse Anne (Tammy Stevenson) to function, and Oliver (Cameron Povey) thinks he’s a werewolf and is kept in a cell. All in all, a totally normal family. Solicitor Hamilton Penworthy (Rylie Corry) gathers them with the news that two strangers are also to attend the will reading, author Ermintrude Ash (Lauren Payne) and her secretary Peregrine Potter (Louis Elsmore). This causes consternation amongst the family, not least of when the contents of the will are revealed. This is the beginning of the murders, as, one by one, the family, and their staff, are bumped off. Who is the killer, and who will survive until the final reveal?

This play is an absolute hoot from start to finish and the talented company perform it with gusto and aplomb. Special mention must be given to Louis Elsmore who is great as the nearest thing the play has to a hero, and Dave Hogan as Marcus who is truly funny playing this as if this was Shakespeare, complete with a bed sheet toga. Jamie Cross gives this true femme fatale vibes as maneater Monica, and I must also mention Hayley Tibbs who stepped into the role of Agatha Hammond and is very funny as the matter of fact housekeeper, particularly when she is discussing casual murder. The dialogue flows well, and scene changes are performed quickly and effectively.

The directors, Saskia Simone and Magan Payne, have done a very good job of creating a sparky, sharp comedy drama that is a lot of fun, in the grand tradition of Agatha Christie.

A Tomb With A View

Charlemont Dramatic Society

Until 10th October – Gayton Road Community Centre

For ticket information visit the CADS website here

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