Cast

Synopsis

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Directors Notes

I think the first whodunit I saw was “Busman’s Honeymoon” performed by the Bingley Dramatic Society in the Princess Hall quite some time ago. I particularly remember the ingenious way the victim’s “departure” was planned—a heavy hanging plant was connected to the radiogram, so that when the lid was lifted the plant swung across and— bingo ..!

Since then, I’ve seen very few plays of this kind, and since Bingley Little Theatre opened its doors, I think very few have been staged here. Why? Maybe because this kind of play is in very short supply—or maybe we think ourselves too sophisticated ?

Certainly a whodunit (and “Santa Claus” in particular) will not cause the audience to grip their seats in terror and probably the sal volatile in the first-aid kit will be at the same level on Saturday as it was on Monday. There is comedy, of course-but the play is not essentially comedy— doubt that anyone will leave with aching sides. The love interest is practically nil, and if you’ve come without hanky it won’t really matter-unless you have a cold !

So what is the attraction of a whodunit-and this play was placed under this heading when it enjoyed one of the longest runs in the West End?

I believe it is the chance it gives us all to exercise the hidden Sherlock Holmes in us, and maybe show off at the Coffee Interval with the solution, despite the numerous red herrings. (Actually, the clue to the murderer’s identity doesn’t come until well into Act 2).

Anyway, we hope you have fun solving the murder and here’s another clue-it’s not the butler!