Review by Marilyn Barber

This company not only chose a really enthralling play for its autumn production, they pull it off in a professional and dramatic style.

For starters, praise must go to the set designers Bob Rankin, Glanville Noye and Angus Maule for setting the scene for this play which is full of suspense, with an ending the audience would never have guessed.

Set in the 1980s in an isolated house on the edge of a moor, it centres on Marion Bishop, an elderly writer of romantic novels who is dying. Val Smith, who has been a member of the Players for more than 25 years, really gets under the skin of her character, evoking compassion for her predicament.

I suspect Janine Williams loves playing the gossipy Doris from the nearby shop and she should be commended for her expressive face, a skill she shares with Katherine (Kelly-Anne Singleton) who was looking after the ailing writer. Both actors interact well and you can easily believe they are the best of friends.

I’m not giving away too much when I say it soon becomes clear that Dr Thorne (Chris Huggill) has ulterior motives, with his smarmy exterior and his faux concern for his patient. And the same could be said for the nurse Laura (Fiona Richards) whose moods seem to betray a hidden agenda. Or do they?

Martyn Brown shows subtle menace as Raymond Shapley, Marion’s nephew with a criminal past.

Chris Kemp also deserves being recognition for taking on the difficult role of Michael, Katherine’s disturbed brother with severe learning difficulties.

This was Alyssa Thompson’s first role as director, but it shouldn’t be her last, as this is a very entertaining and gripping production.

It runs until 26 November with evenings at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.15pm. Try to get a ticket from email@honesec@broadstoneplayers.co.uk, telephone 01202 678449 or from Broadstone News.