Murder Mysteries & Other Events are Selling Out Fast at the Grove Theatre, Eastbourne

Review of Hollywood Homicide at the Grove Theatre, Eastbourne
Friday October 25th, 2024

Mark Jefferi, Holly Mason and Radley Mason

Morlington Murders’ latest production, Hollywood Homicide, proved another outstanding success at The Grove Theatre, Eastbourne, on Friday.

Radley Mason, his wife Holly Mason and Mark Jefferis superbly played a variety of characters to keep us guessing – and laughing – with their comic capers.

Audiences are flocking to see these murder mystery suppers, and Friday’s production was a ‘sell-out’ as are the forthcoming performances of It’s Behind You on December 13th and 20th.

So you had better hurry if you want to join in the fun by booking for Evil Under Bun on November 29th and Mother Goat on January 31st, both at the Grove Theatre.

Radley Mason with Tony Flood

Radley Mason is also providing some Halloween laughs and frights for youngsters this week as zany character Dr. FrankenSLIME in the Trick or Treat Express – a real steam train – at the Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells on Wednesday and Thursday (October 30th and 31st). Details are on the Spa Valley railway’s website.

Radley says: “I’m creating a fun, spooky character for children in Dr. FrankenSLIME, a mad scientist obsessed with slime.

“I’ll then be turning into a loveable Father Christmas at the Grove Theatre from November 30th to December 22nd to welcome youngsters to Santa’s Grotto. It will be open from 10 am til 3 pm and children can choose a gift to take home.”

Mark Jefferi, Holly Mason and Radley Mason

 

Radley, Holly and Mark showed their versatility in Hollywood Homicide, with Radley playing Ben Dover (pronounced ‘Bend Over’) and Sergeant Knibblet; Holly switching from the glamorous Gloria Harwood to ageing Mathilda Twiglet and Mark playing Brad Allen, Irasmus Twiglet and Sergeant Dingle.

The story, written by Nigel Fairs, is set in the 1930s in Truro where Hollywood heartthrob Brad Allen has been gunned down while filming his latest picture.

His wife, fellow acting star Gloria, swoons in shock, while frantic director Ben Dover resorts to auditioning two extras (members of the audience) as stand-ins.

The murder has a bizarre twist: a chimpanzee, trained to fire a gun, was on set at the time. Did the innocent animal pull the trigger, or is there a far darker explanation?

Irasmus Twiglet, a shady local landlord fresh out of jail, is the prime suspect, but what possible motive could he have?

It’s up to the bumbling Truro police team – detectives Knibblet and Dingle and the resourceful Betty Swallocks – to untangle a twisted tale of jealousy, greed and betrayal.

The supper provided on Friday consisted of ham, cheese, chutney, salad and two buns, followed by a carrot cake or chocolate cake.

It all adds up to a most enjoyable experience which is excellent value for money at £29..50p, including a prize for the table that shows the best sleuthing skills in revealing the murder(s).

The Grove Theatre, an arts and community venue situated underneath Eastbourne Library in Grove Road, can be emailed at grovetheatreeastbourne@gmail.com
 
All photos taken by Heather Flood
Reviewed by Tony Flood author of celebrity book My Life With The Stars Amazon.com

Author

  • Tony Flood

    Author Tony Flood, who lives in Eastbourne, has spent most of his working life as a journalist, initially on local and regional papers and then on nationals. He was also editor of 'Football Monthly', Controller of Information at Sky Television and enjoyed a spell with 'The People.' In his celebrity book My Life With The Stars - Sizzling Secrets Spilled', Tony recalls: “My work as a showbiz and leisure writer, critic and editor saw me take on a variety of challenges - learning to dance with Strictly Come Dancing star Erin Boag, becoming a stand-up comedian and playing football with the late George Best and Bobby Moore in charity matches.” My Life With The Stars provides revelations and amusing anecdotes about showbiz and sports personalities including Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Muhammad Ali, George Best, Kylie Minogue, Eric Morecambe and Des O'Connor. Tony also writes in other genres and his crime thrillers have been endorsed by best-selling author Peter James. They are Triple Tease, Stitch Up - Killer or Victim? and Fall Guy - who really killed his wife?, and all feature compassionate copper DCI Harvey Livermore. In addition, there's a fantasy adventure for youngsters called Secret Potion and a book Tony has co-written with wife Heather, aptly titled Laughs and Tears Galore - short stories and poems with twists! Recently, Tony joined The Collective of seven local writers all contributing one character to family saga Driven by Desire, which is full of conflict, fierce ambition and passion as well as a dramatic kidnap. Tony also writes theatre reviews for the Eastbourne Herald, Brighton Argus and BourneFree Live, as well as playing veterans football for Sovereign Harbour Veterans. He is the oldest - and slowest - player in the team.

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