Diner and Morum's "The Late Edwina Black" Theatre & Performing Arts

The Barn Theatre is proud to present a new production of a period thriller, The Late Edwina Black by William Diner and William Morum.

The action unfolds in a “claustrophobic Victorian drawing-room”, as Inspector Martin of Scotland Yard (played by Neil Harrison) investigates the demise of Edwina Black, a woman of means with a spiteful and tyrannical disposition. With the funeral arranged for the following day, the Inspector reveals the finding of the post-mortem: Edwina died of arsenic poisoning. As he melodramatically adds, the killer is “in this house”.

The suspects include Edwina’s schoolmaster husband Gregory Black (Steve Deaville), Elizabeth Graham (Paula Hill), who served as her companion, and Ellen (Amanda Sayers), the formidable housekeeper. From the first few lines of the play, it quickly becomes apparent that everyone had reasons for wanting to see the end of Edwina. Gregory will inherit a fortune, and his relationship with Elizabeth is manifestly not all it seems. Ellen has more influence in the household than initially meets the eye. Adroit questioning from Martin brings on a cascade of recriminations and revelations, leading to a shocking denouement.

Since it was first staged in 1949, the play has been made into a film and revived many times. It has proved especially popular with nonprofessional dramatic companies. As Director Maureen Davies comments, a lot depends on observing the dynamics between the characters: a look here, a grimace there, and so on. That makes it perfect for a more intimate stage setting, such as the Barn Theatre auditorium.

For fans of Sherlock Holmes or Agatha Christie, the play delivers all the twists and turns that could be asked for. The play’s mission, Maureen says, is to keep the audience guessing right up to the end. Expect to be served a generous portion of red herrings!

At the same time, the play also testifies to the stifling effects of “received behaviour” in a profoundly conventional society like late Victorian England. Underneath the politeness there is deep frustration and serious malice abroad.

Happily, Maureen is able to call on a cast of deft performers to evoke the hidden passions that might lead to murder. The set and costumes are also designed for atmosphere, taking us on a journey into the dark heart of the Victorian suburbs.

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