A Sting in the Tale

A mystery by Brian Clemens and Dennis Spooner
Directed by Jo Phenix

Starring Michelle Baer, Patrick Ney, Ken Noakes, Jill Peterson, Frank Rempel
May 27 - June 5 2010
The Story

Two once-successful but down-on-their-luck playwrights are planning a blockbuster to pay off their mounting debts – or are they fulfilling their full potential by plotting and carrying out the perfect murder? Can the stage-struck detective figure out who is the victim, and who the villain, in this wickedly witty send-up of almost every mystery thriller written for the stage.

A real mystery-thriller with many surprise twists, betrayals, lies, blood, plots within plots, and a last-minute denouement – hence the title. We have bodies in the antique chest, murders both real and theatrically faked, and opportunities to make the audience scream and jump out of their seats.

The Setting

The study in which the two writers work. Two desks, a bar, French windows, chest for hiding bodies in.

Characters

Nigel Forbes. Age 30 - 50
Half of the mystery writing team. Immaculately dressed, sophisticated, self-confident, in charge. Married to Ann. It is his house. He thinks he is driving the plot, but has a nasty surprise coming.

Goodman. Age 30 - 50
The other half of the team. Casually dressed in badly chosen clothes. His desk is a mess, and he is full of nervous energy. He becomes the victim, and it seems he will be accused of the murder, but he manages to outwit Forbes at the end.

Jill. Age 25-35
Their secretary. Good-looking. Having a secret affair with Nigel. Participates in enactments of scripts the partners are writing, and is part of the murder plot.

Ann. Age 30 – 40.
Nigel’s wife, and a real bitch who drinks heavily. Both men hate her. She is the intended victim. A small and challenging role, with lots of dramatic entrances, and plenty of scope for an interesting portrayal.

Detective Berry. Age flexible.
Stereotypical country policeman, and member of the local amateur dramatic group who has appeared in plays by the partners. Is stage-struck, and in awe. Rather solemn, but adds comic interest with his hero-worship, and re-enactment of some of the parts he has played. A wonderful character role.