Bedford Players presents The Mousetrap
On
Tuesday night, an almost packed house gazed upon an impressively dressed stage flavoured
down to the last gold-rimmed mirror and roll-top desk. Before the lights went
out, the front of house manager encouraged the audience not to share the plot’s
shocking secret outside the theatre. “One key to The Mousetrap’s success is
the secrecy asked of the audience at every performance—it is a whodunit—when you
leave us today, please don’t reveal the solution,” reads the Bedford Players’
program.
Indeed, if
partaking in the play for the first time, spectators are prone to suspect each
of the eight characters who grace the Great Hall of Monkswell Manor, not only
because of Christie’s superb script, but also, because of the Bedford Players’
interpretation of her work. From the chilling, yet comedic laugh of an
unexpected guest to the succinct reveal of a hat and coat, each individual seems
plausible as the madman killer prowling for “three blind mice”.
Even if
you know the outcome of Christie’s renowned tale, the Bedford Players’ portrayal
of the piece is well worth a repeat showing. With slight nerves and tongue ties
quickly out of the way, the eight actors triumphed in showing that one does not need to be a paid professional to absorb an audience.
Mrs.
Boyle’s (Sandy Mitchell) endless whining, Mr. Paravicini’s (Miles Leahy)
grandiose body and vocal language and Miss Casewell’s (Clair Henderson) bold
behaviour for a woman of her time, sent the audience into continuous laughter.
Bonnie Matthews (as Mollie Ralston), Ralf Dreimanis (as Giles Ralston), R.M.
Ambrosino (as Detective Sergeant Trotter) and Robin Saywood (as Major Metcalf)
are each applauded for their natural, method acting performances (not to
mention, Saywood’s cockney accent seemed seamless). And Blake Maybank’s portrayal
of the quirky, eccentric, yet anxious, Christopher Wren still stands out days
later.
The
creative and technical team deserve special mention, for their near flawless
incorporation of lights and sounds (chilling piano, radio soundtracks and windy
weather) and their attention to detail (including snowflakes on the top of each
head coming in from the cold).
In
addition to the entertaining comedic-thriller, the Bedford Players facilitated
a comfortable community vibe, opening a canteen and a licensed lounge at the
back of the house for intermission, where those in attendance could mingle and
discuss who they thought was the murderer.
Bedford
Players’ presentation of The Mousetrap triumphantly reminds us of the
importance—and quality—of community theatre. If their preview performance was
any indication, audiences will leave satisfied for the rest of the run. ~AE
The
Mousetrap runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until May 4th (with
one matinee on Sunday April 28). For each ticket sold, $1 goes to Kids Help Phone.
Tickets are going fast, so book soon! http://www.bedfordplayers.ns.ca/
