Death by Fatal Murder – by Peter Gordon
Presented by Tabs Productions and Theatre Royal Nottingham
(By arrangement with Josef Weinberger)
The Colin McIntyre Classic Thriller Season 2025
Theatre Royal, Nottingham
Tuesday 12th – Saturday 16th August
There is something very comforting about a classic thriller, notwithstanding the body count and the villainous intent. The audience arrives knowing what to expect; principally, a whodunnit, a ‘whydunnit,’ and red herrings galore. In this respect, Death by Fatal Murder does not disappoint. It’s uplifting escapism for a summer evening’s entertainment.
We have all the familiar components: the upper-class setting (in this case Bagshot House); a local detective, Inspector Pratt (Mark Pearce) and his trusty sidekick, Constable Thomkins (Pavan Maru); a suspicious looking array of supporting characters including an outlandish clairvoyant, Blodwyn Morgan (Susan Earnshaw); and a final reveal whereby everyone gathers in the sitting room to witness the improbable explanation. So far, so Christie.
Yet, as you may have gathered from the somewhat tautological title, Death by Fatal Murder is more comedy thriller than ‘classic thriller’ with a superior performance from Pearce. In my opinion, he elevates the whole show with a deft comedic turn that offers so much to be admired.
His speech is peppered with malapropisms, double entendres, and tongue-twisters from which he never so much as falters. ‘I have a nose like a Cheshire Cat,’ he tells us whilst confusing circumcisions with circumstances and anaglypta tablets with analgesics. Furthermore, Pearce expertly ad-libs when a candlestick inadvertently falls from the mantelpiece, eliciting much laughter from the audience as he references the famous Two Ronnies’ sketch ‘Fork Handles.’
Moreover, his physical comedy matches his verbal dexterity as he bumps, falls, and dives around the stage. Whether chewing on a biscuit whilst amusingly delivering his theories or catapulting off an armchair, Pearce is an absolute delight and the standout performance of the night.
He is ably supported by Maru, the affable and wise Constable, along with Sarah Wynne Kordas as Nancy Allwright. The latter has the most exquisitely expressive face. I love her flirtatious expressions when she is up close to the handsome young policeman. She draws you in even when other characters are delivering their lines as you look to see what her reaction will be.
The rest of the cast comprises of Juliette Strobel (Ginny Farquhar), Karen Henson (Miss Maple), Jeremy Lloyd Thomas (Enzo Garibaldi), and Andrew Ryan (Squadron Leader ‘Stiffy’ Allwright) who sports THE most magnificent moustache. It is worth noting that there are several instances where dialogue is difficult to decipher mainly because of the exaggerated characterisation.
Design by Conal Walsh has a welcome familiarity – the country house sitting room with brooding portraits, fringed lampshades, a period wireless and dark wood furnishings. We feel at home here. It’s what we expect in a good way. Sound Design by David Gilbrook also has that paradoxical cosy, yet threatening feel. Bumps, bangs and creaking are what we expect, and he delivers. The same can be said of Lighting Design by Michael Donoghue. Costume by Geoff Gilder also has a pleasing historical feel. I particularly like the uniforms, and the wigs deserve a special mention of their own.
At the curtain call, Karen Henson, informs us that the Colin McIntyre season will be performing two more shows in this season’s run (Deathtrap and The Business of Murder) and it is worth knowing that you can buy a season ticket for all the plays in any given run. This delights the regulars in the auditorium who return every year. After all, who doesn’t love a good thriller?
Age Guidance – 12+
Running Time – 2 hours 10 minutes (subject to change)
