REVIEW

The Phoenix Players

Recipe for Murder

Arts Centre, Old Town, Swindon

Recipe for Murder by J D Robins, staged by the Phoenix Players from October 28-30, last week, kept audiences guessing until the final minutes. Set in the delightful sitting room of David and Claire Lawson's country house, close to the research centre where David works, it focuses on the arrival of a new neighbour, Kit Kelly, a journalist who seems rather too aware of the couple's family history.

Were the deaths of Claire's grandmother and former husband really accidental, or was something sinister afoot?

Colin Wilkins, as David, seemed to be a reassuring presence whose own life might be threatened by an avaricious spouse. But perhaps things were not at all as they seemed? Nicky Ashdown was excellent as the cool, self-contained Claire, while David's chatty, friendly sister was played to perfection by Marlene Poole. A last minute cast change due to unforeseen circumstances placed director Sally Lovejoy in the key role of Kit, the journalist. Her use of the book was unobtrusive and she deserves congratulations for a very able performance.

Nigel Margetts was stage manager; effective lighting was by Alan Wrixon and Will Thomas. The set, designed and built by the company, was exceptionally attractive.

STELLA TAYLOR