Something's Afoot Is Laced With Humour

The Grange Playhouse is an intimate little venue nestled off the main road in Walsall. Filled with memorabilia, the group have been established since 1951 and Something's Afoot kicks off their 63rd season.

Having only played 61 performances on Broadway, it subsequently found greater success in London's West End being nominated for Best New Musical at the Oliver Awards in 1977.

The piece is very much tongue-in-cheek, with performances laced with humour throughout. Jenny Gough confidently takes on the Miss Marple-esque role of Miss Tweed, whilst the guests around her evoke the stock characters of Agatha Christie's work.

There was a particularly hilarious comic turn from Tomos Frater as Nigel Rancor, the nephew of the deceased Dudley Rancor; especially in the number I Know What I’m Looking For. Alongside Frater, Phebe Jackson delivered an assured performance as Hope Langdon, paired well with Robbie Newton as the unexpected stranger, Geoffrey. The 'candelabra incident' had the audience laughing away. Special mention must go to Andy Jones, who brilliantly portrayed the stern army man Colonel Gilweather.

This zany plot sees the cast being killed off one by one, and as numbers dwindle, tensions rise as to who the culprit is. The piece would have worked just as well without the musical numbers, but kudos to director (and last minute Dr Grayburn) Dexter Whitehead and Musical Director, Tom Brookes for tackling and modernising a challenging show, that featured gas explosions, electrocution and much more!

Something’s Afoot runs at The Grange Playhouse until 26 September. More information here.