MURDER ON THE NILE 2022

AUDIENCE COMMENTS

“I have just spent an excellent evening on The Nile. Well done Dryburn Theatrical Workshop for a fantastic play Murder On The Nile. I put my musical passions to one side and was not disappointed one iota. A very strong cast handled the complex plot with aplomb and entertained their audience with serious, lighthearted and some down right hilarious moments. The time just flew.”

“Couldn’t be more proud watching the fabulous cast of Murder on the Nile tonight… you guys smashed it. True professionals well done each and everyone of you.”

“BRAVO!!! Well done EVERYONE!! I am more of a Musicals kind of guy but tonight was FAB. You were all great. What a talented cast, production, crew and support.”

“Thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Something a bit different for me but hopefully not the last.”

“You were so so good, loved it.”

“Thank you, brilliant show tonight. Mmy friend was not expecting it to be as good as what it was, he said it was brilliant. So much talent in you all.”

“An excellent production with superb performances from everyone.”

“Congratulations everyone in the cast, production team and crew. What a challenge you set yourselves. I’m in admiration of the line learning! You all did a wonderful job- we thoroughly enjoyed it.”

“Really enjoyed the show. Great acting and accents were really on point. So talented! Well done!”

“Well done to the whole cast and crew for last night! You were fabulous. Characterisations and accents were on point! Wasn't expecting the show to be as funny as it was but this was perfectly balanced with the murder and mystery. A big applause to you all!”

“I was at the show last night with 6 of my friends we all had a great night truly enjoyed show. Well done to you ALL at Dryburn Theatrical Workshop we see you in January.”

“A big thank you and congratulations to everyone involved in any way with tonight's excellent production. Thoroughly enjoyed it.”

“Well done to everyone involved in Murder on the Nile, thoroughly enjoyed it. You all worked hard bringing your characters to life and should be immensely proud. DTW never disappoint.”

“You were all brilliant. Huge well done.”

“A wonderfully crafted murder mystery by Dryburn Theatrical Workshops, Murder on the Nile proceeded by a minutes silence in honour and remembrance of the Queen.”

“Great performance last night, thoroughly enjoy it. Well done all, a huge amount of dialogue learned.”

“We very much enjoyed. Very well done.”

PROGRAMME

NODA REPORT

It was a delight as always to be back to Dryburn Theatrical Workshop for their drama production of “Murder on the Nile”.  Always a warm welcome and an awesome cuppa!

The show opened with a beautifully delivered speech and silence in memory of HRH Queen Elizabeth II who had passed away that week.  It was a perfectly delivered commemoration.  Thank you.

“Murder on the Nile" Is based on the 1937 novel by Agatha Christie which started its life as a play named “Moon on the Nile”.  Resurrected in 1942 with fewer characters than the original play version and reportedly excluding Poirot due to Christie becoming tired of him.  The same plot continues, with murder, mystery and intrigue throughout.

Directed by Michelle Coulson who consistently delivers the best with her cast made no exception here.  A well designed simple set, perfectly placed authentic props and costumes, great lighting design matching the period, the play was a delight to watch.  All dialogue was clearly delivered and the performers well placed on stage to ensure great visuals for all of the audience.

Beadsellers Gary Eglington and Gary Blackbird set us up for hilarity, with great timing and character.  We were then introduced to Andy Smith as the Steward, Annette Morris as the perfectly haughty Miss Ffoliot-Ffoulkes, Katherine Donald as her niece the ever imposed upon Christina Grant and Phil Martin as Smith a wise-cracking socialist on board.  All delivered their performances with ease and had great presence.  Moving on with the cast, we then met Louise the maid of Kay Mostyn played by Claire Archer, Kay Mostyn herself played by Emma Coulson and Simon Mostyn played by Phil Stabler.  All delivered consistently strong performances throughout.

Dr Bessner played by Adam Donald the on board physician gave just the right balance of humour and pompous efficiency, balanced well with Lee Passmoor playing Canon Pennefather, Kay’s uncle and guardian and who ends up the detective of the piece.  Jacqueline De Severac was perfectly portrayed by Erin Boyle who can always be depended upon for a sterling performance and McNaught the captain of the ship portrayed by Chris Coates.

Accents were superb and maintained throughout.  Such a strong cast who gave brilliant performances.

I won’t give the game away for the culprit but “Murder on the Nile” is always a fabulous night’s entertainment and this performance was no different. Well done all of you!

Author: Helen Abraham