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Friday, November 14, 2008, 07:30
ON a cold wintery night in a guest house in the Peak District, a small group of people have gathered for a festive Christmas break. None of the guests appear to be what they seem and it looks like becoming a Christmas to remember.
The Peak Lodge Guest House has a long and chequered history, having originally been known as The Crippled Harlequin and is apparently rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of the orginal Coaching Inn host. The present owners, the Lockwoods, are struggling to make ends meet and the loss of paying couple due to illness and the behaviour of some of the guests looks set to drive the Lockwoods to despair – and then a guest goes missing!
This is a murder mystery of the good old-fashioned kind, with more twists and turns than the road to Stanley Village Hall. The production sports a strong cast, particularly when you consider the small size of West Hallam Drama Group.
Marjory Pike is ably played by Mary Butler and Jane Cox brings some dry humour to the role of Pamela Seton. Pete Lilley and Louise Seel are solid as the Lockwoods and Jenny Stannard settled well into the role of Isobel Clarke. Bob Prew brought the right mix of poignancy needed for the difficult role of Derek Tyndale. Anne Needham's performance as the loud and unbearable Joan reminded me of a Gwen Taylor character. Andrew Fry, as always, draws out every last drop of humour from his role and makes it all look so easy.
This play is a gem, a little Derbyshire pre-Christmas treat!
Fiona Watson
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