Review by Marilyn Barber

The success of a play is more than just people on stage remembering their lines and interacting, it requires buckets of creativity to give the audience a really entertaining evening.

And Wimborne Drama Productions nail it once again with top marks to the creative team headed up by director Tracey Nicholls.

From members of the 13-strong cast appearing in unexpected places to stylish scenery and innovative backcloths, there are constant surprises for the audience.

By the same authors as Murder, She Wrote and Columbo, it tells the story of playwright Alex Dennison (Rob Cording-Cook) who is left heartbroken when his fiancée and leading lady Monica is found dead from an apparent suicide after the opening night of her stage debut.

On the anniversary of that ill-fated night, Alex assembles the same cast and crew in the same theatre, for a reading of his new play – what does Alex have in mind?

A consummate professional, Rob never disappoints and he is utterly convincing in this demanding role as is Tracie Billington-Beardsley as Monica. She makes a number of surprise appearances – but I won’t spoil it by revealing how they occur.

Supporting the two protagonists are the participants in Alex’s play with feisty performances from Michelle Barter as producer Bella, and Lindsay McGowan as actress Karen. The three male actors Lloyd (Colin Pile), Leo (James Bourner) and

David (David Beddard-Banks) are also convincing as they try to work out the playwright’s intentions. Rosie Nye is delightfully enthusiastic as Alex’s secretary Sally.

The ensemble is completed by Russ Guillaume as Ernie the caretaker, Calum Hearne as the police officer, Suzanne Viney in three small roles and Andy Gill and Richard Scotson as mysterious ‘men in the auditorium’.

And believe me – you won’t guess the end.

The Tivoli was pretty full on the Thursday evening but see if you can get a ticket as it’s running until 21 October. Tivoli Box Office 01202 885566 or book online at tivoliwimborne.co.uk