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
Tony Flood 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 before retiring in 2010.
He 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.
“Now I spend much of my time writing books, and theatre reviews and articles for online magazines Unknown Kent and Sussex and The Write Site. I recently retired from playing veterans football, having been one of the oldest - and slowest - players in the country!” Tony's first book was fantasy adventure SECRET POTION, which went to No. 1 in its Amazon category and has been recommended by other authors for Harry Potter fans of all ages.
His celebrity book, MY LIFE WITH THE STARS – SIZZLING SECRETS SPILLED! is full of anecdotes and revelations about showbiz and sports personalities, including Eric Morecambe, Elvis Presley, Kylie Minogue, George Best, Frank Sinatra, Joan Collins, Strictly Come Dancing stars, Muhammad Ali and Bobby Moore, with whom Tony worked.
The versatile Mr Flood then turned to writing in another genre with spicy crime thriller TRIPLE TEASE, endorsed by best-selling author Peter James, actor Brian Capron and The Sun newspaper's Stuart Pink. Following the success of TRIPLE TEASE, Tony wrote STITCH UP! – KILLER OR VICTIM? and FALL GUY.
In BEGGARS BELIEF compassionate copper DCI Harvey Livermore and his Major Crime Team are again trying to put a killer behind bars in a gripping, fast-moving story.
Tony has also co-written, with his wife Heather Flood, LAUGHS AND TEARS GALORE – STORIES AND POEMS WITH TWISTS!
Tony gives talks about the showbiz and sports stars featured in his celebrity book, as well as holding miniworkshops and giving advice on how would-be authors can write a successful book. Any groups wishing to contact him can email: tflood04@yahoo.co.uk Tony is chairman of Anderida Writers of Eastbourne. The link for the Anderida website is:www.anderidawriters.co.uk
