Murder By The Book*

By Duncan Greenwood and Robert King

Murder and Mystery at Century Church Theatre

Century Theatre Guild opens its final play of the season on May 25, when Neville Worsnop directs “Murder by the Book”, by Duncan Greenwood and Robert King. Multiple twists and turns, combined with faced-paced, witty and often funny dialogue, deliver everything one expects from an English-flavoured stage mystery.

The plot revolves around author and critic Selwyn Piper and his wife, volatile actress Imogen, whom he refuses to divorce, and who is having an affair with Selwyn’s publisher John Douglas. When people start to die, Selwyn’s loyal but suspicious secretary Christine and next door neighbour Peter Fletcher, who fancies himself as an amateur sleuth, join forces to try and unravel the plot. It’s a simple situation, but fraught with shocks and surprises, guaranteeing that the audience will still be wondering who dunnit until the very end – and perhaps even then not be absolutely sure. Frank Rempel, well-known for many roles on stage, makes his debut as stage-manager.

Newcomer to the Century, Keith Assoun, plays the sophisticated and devious Selwyn, who keeps everyone guessing, including his fellow conspirators. Brigida Scholten as Imogen aptly illustrates Selwyn’s opinion of his wife’s histrionic acting abilities. “Imogen was the best Lady Macbeth I ever saw,” he says. “Unfortunately she was playing Juliet at the time.” Rhonda Hewitson and Martyn Worsnop play the amateur sleuths. Peter King as the befuddled publisher, John Douglas, seems to be as mystified as the audience, to comical and sometimes farcical effect.

With vitriolic backstabbings, poisonings and shootings, this play has all the elements of suspense and mystery needed to be believable and entertaining.

May 25, 26, June 1, 2 – Evening 8:00 pm
May 27, June 3 – Matinee 2:30 pm