An Absolute Farce Of A Murder Mystery Review

Farce: a comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay and typically including crude characterization and ludicrously improbable situations. An Absolute Farce of a Murder Mystery is a fun, light-hearted show that makes fun of the genre and itself. From the very start you can tell that this is not your typical show. With an opening scene of the butler and the lawyer arguing over who is the narrator.

In the year of our Lord Nineteen-Hundred & Agatha, the inhabitants and guests of Garbadale Manor have their evening rudely interrupted by the untimely death of Sir Cecil. Join the usual tired old tropes, ahem, dynamic and electrifying list of suspects: the monstrous Patriarch, the drunken son, the maid with a secret, the butler with a past, the celebrated psychic, the lungful daughter, the ostensibly objective rack, a ghost-like thing: all collide and commune in a raucous take on the stylings of Agatha Christie – with added ghost. Or is there?

It’s one of those concepts that will either be a big hit or will crash and burn. But between the charisma of Peter Rae’s script, the direction of Helen Bang and a talented cast it soared. The script allowed for the cast to fully immerse themselves in their roles and be completely over the top. The characters can see the nonsensical situation they are in and connect with the audience allowing for bigger laughs throughout. Holly Ashamn, in the role of Isabella the maid, was one of the standouts for me during the performance. She really brought her character to life through her accent, and portrayal of an innocent, niave and uneducated young woman.

It’s interesting to see how Peter Rae has taken a well-known genre and showcased in a different and fun new light with An Absolute Farce of a Murder Mystery. The script pokes fun at the cliches of a typical murder mystery whilst still managing to honour the classic stereotypes. Each actor has the chance to truly explore their character and connect with the audience. You fall in love and hold out hope for the star crossed lovers, and feel the hate for the villainous individuals. Toby Wynn Davies, as The Patriach, gives a powerful performance of a character that comes across down right evil at times.

The set is quite simple but works in portraying Garbadale Manor. And the costumes by Lizzie Maria Wood gave off Downton Abbey vibes. If you’re looking for a night off from the hard hitting, think pieces and just want a night of hilarity this is the play for you. The whole audience spent a good majority of the play laughing their heads off and it was just what I needed. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for future plays from Peter Rae. You can still see An Absolute Farce of a Murder Mystery at The Drayton Arms Theatre until 11 March 2023.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Photo Credit: Jakub Bachleda-Wala