"Murdered To Death" by Peter Gordon.

Nottingham Lace Market Theatre.

This is the first of the Inspector Pratt trilogy of Agatha Christie style spoofs, and is the second production of this play that I've seen in a couple of months. Like a Shakespeare play, great plays can be perceived differently by two separate directors. The storyline will be the same but the vision can be completely different, while being as enjoyable.

The play introduces the inept and bungling Inspector Pratt, who battles against the odds and his own incompetence to solve the murder of the house’s owner. It soon becomes clear that the murderer isn’t finished yet; will the miscreant be unmasked before everyone else has met their doom or will the audience die laughing first?

The play is set in a country manor house in 1936, where Mildred, her niece Dorothy, and butler, Bunting, await the arrival of their guests. Once everyone has arrived and settled into the house, someone is murdered and a classic ‘whodunnit’ begins. With the murder comes the arrival of Inspector Pratt, an hilariously incompetent yet stubborn detective, and Constable Thomkins, the much more level-headed of the duo. 

And of course, one cannot forget Joan Maple, who counts herself ‘unlucky’ for the fact that whenever she goes anywhere, murder always seems to follow her. almost reminds you of Agatha Christie’s iconic Miss Marple, don't you think? 

Monica Dakin plays Mildred Bagshot, the wealthy owner of Bagshot House, who has invited friends over for a get together and a meal. It's not too long before we discover that Mildred has a secret that she is not willing to give up on, but how far is she willing to go to get what, or who she wants? Mildred, as portrayed by Monica is wonderfully over the top and strung as high as a highly strung woman can be strung, and with a wonderfully plummy accent.

Sarah Godwin plays Dorothy, the niece. We find out that there's a certain negative feeling between the niece and Elizabeth Hartley Trumpington, and it doesn't just run to the pair's fashion choices. Sarah, as Dorothy reminds me slightly of Velma from Scooby Doo in appearance, especially with the glasses, which just adds to the comedy of this character for me, personally.

Bernard Whelan is Bunting, the man servant. Buntings' liking for sherry becomes obvious and the effect that this tipple has on his ability to carry out his duties as retainer becomes apparent, making an already comical character into an even funnier character. Like all of these actors, Bernard excels as a character actor.

Richard Fife plays Colonel Charles Craddock, The Colonel is in his sixties and is very confident in an ex army kind of way. I have seen Richard in quite a few productions over the years, but as Colonel Craddock, he has topped all that he has done, even Shakespeare, in this character. He reminds me of an actor called Ballard Berkely, whose name may not mean much to anyone, but Berkely played the part of Major Gowen in the TV sitcom "Fawlty Towers". The characters are very similar and Richard's performance was a definite high spot for me here.

Becky Matter plays Margaret Craddock,  the long suffering "old girl" of a wife. Margaret Craddock is very sharp with her speech, but is also very sharp with what she knows, and what she knows could either be the making of the character or their downfall. Now, I can't help making comparisons with a lot of these brilliant actors with some of the most memorable character actors from my childhood, and Becky has that wonderful acidic scowl of Hylda Baker as Mrs Craddock.

Elizabeth Hartley-Trumpington, what a mighty fine name that is as well, is played by Emma Carlton. A lady belonging to high society, but is there something that this woman is not showing to her fellow guests? I think that I last saw Emma in "Much Ado About Nothing". This performance combines Emma's wonderful comic skills, that she also displayed in Shakespeare, with some lovely character role playing. And I love the wig and make up for Emma.

Polis Loizou plays Pierre Marceau, an art dealer in his early thirties, well dressed and has provided Mildred with the art shown in her sitting room. The accent in this production has not gone over the top and sounds authentic Parisian. The look is very Parisian with striped T shirt, white sailor pants and boating shoes, and you can see where the Marceau part of his name comes into play as Polis looks a cross between the famous French mime artist and a young Poirot, complete with twirly moustache.

Michelle Smith plays Joan Maple. Maple is an amateur sleuth but everywhere she turns up, she seems to attract death and murder, well I suppose that is good for an amateur sleuth, just not very good for the people who she comes into contact with. Michelle plays a blinder in this role, and quite unlike any of the TV Marples... or Maples, Marbles or Jones'. Listen really carefully near the end of the play for a revealing titbit of information that may, or may not, reveal something about the character that I certainly never cottoned on to from watching any incarnation of Christie's amateur detective!

Constable Tomkins is played by Chris Collins. Poor Thompkins - or is it Thompson? - has to put up with the physical bunglings as well as the verbal bunglings - is there such a word as "bunglings" I wonder? - of his superior, in rank only, of Inspector Pratt. There's a comparison of intelligence with Thompkins and Pratt to Dr Watson and Sherlock Holmes. Does Thompkins get the recognition he deserves though? There's some wonderful make up work done for Chris in this production. 

Nik Hedges plays Inspector Pratt. Pratt has so many spoonerisms to deliver, and at such pace, does he even get one of the names of the characters correct throughout? There are lovely echoes of the physicality of Basil Fawlty with Pratt, and the verbal acrobatics of linguists like Kenneth Williams and Ronnie Barker in the delivery of this brilliantly funny script. I wonder if Peter Gordon was a "Fawlty Towers" fan as that's the second nod I noticed I've mentioned towards the Torquay sited seventies sit com? All of the actors stand out in their own rights for the characters they play, but surely Nik must have the hardest character to play, and what a brilliant Rotherham accent throughout, and you know how I love accents!

Directed by Christopher Mercer, who also designed the set. Let me start on the set. This is a very stylised set; everything, and I mean absolutely everything is black or white or shades of monochrome. This straight away creates that 1930's feel, as if you are watching one of those old films you used to watch on Sunday afternoons when you were a lad, or a lass. It is a beautiful set, incredibly classy, and every little prop matches the set for chromotomity ( I don't know if this is a word, but I feel that it ought to be). 

All the action takes place in the Bagshot sitting room, which straight away alleviates the need for scene changes. The set is also a mirror image to any other production of this play that I've seen. The door to the dining room and kitchen in this set is at stage right; not that this makes any difference to the audience member, just that I've not seen it staged this way previously, and takes me back to what I said earlier about a Director's vision can make a difference to someone like myself who is lucky enough to see lots of theatre. It keeps me on my toes, so thank you for that Chris.

Chris is a wonderfully talented Director, and have seen his work several times over the years, so I know that where comedy is concerned, you will not be let down by Chris' vision of what he wants to create on stage. I often go on about pace of a play, and this play is perfectly paced. There are sections that you think an actor may have stumbled over a line, and then the pace kicks in. The timing between the speeches for some of the characters are split second, almost like a volley attack in tennis, and all this variant of pace enhances the comedy value of a play like this one.

Mr Director and Mr Set Designer, you have triumphed again.

Lighting Designer is Simon Carter and the Lighting Assistant is Ellen Woszatka. Nothing fancy needed for this type of play, and I've said so many times in the past, simple design and operation, when required, is always the best in order to let the shining lights radiate from the actors on stage.

Sound Design is by Jonathan Blacknell. Timing is the key for this area of production and, like the actors themselves, the timing was spot on. And what I also loved about this production was the comedy sped up voice on the other end of the phone when the call was taken by Inspector Pratt. This also added another layer of comedy to the production.

Projection Design is by Laurie Owen. This also helped set the tone, the mood and the era of the play. the black and white cartoons, combined with the wonderful 1930's style music just took you back to those black and white days. When you walk through the auditorium doors, you are hit with black and white, cartoons and the music, and the first word that came into my head was "WOW". It makes a statement indeed.

A special mention must also go to Max Bromley for the wonderful costumes and Linda Croston for the wigs, as well as whoever was responsible for the brilliant make up.

I was chatting to Chris, the Director, before the show and he said that tickets are running out for this production, and I certainly can see why, now I've seen it myself. The show is a work of art, but thankfully more original than Pierre's art that hung on Mildred's wall.

Go get a ticket - you can book one online - right now, because this is a show that you do not want to let go by. Sacre bleu mes amis!!

"Murdered To Death" is at the Nottingham Lace Market Theatre until Saturday 5 October.

Photography by Christopher Collins.

 "School Of Rock"

Nottingham Arts Theatre.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning musical, based on the hit movie, follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band – performed live by the production’s young actors. Not only does he do that but he awakes their inner self and they become "cool", not only in the eyes of the other kids but in their own eyes, and eventually in the eyes of their parents.

Dewey wants to enter them into "The Battle Of the Bands" competition against the band that he has just been kicked out of, "No Vacancy", but this becomes more than just a revenge gig, he actually touches the lives of these kids and they also touch his life. The musical features 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd-Webber as well as the original songs from the film.

Nik Hudson plays Dewey, and thanks to the wig that Nik wore for this role, I really didn't recognise him. The energy is all there and there are glimpses of Jack Black in Nik's performance, while still being Nik Hudson playing Dewey Finn. Wonderfully child like with chinks of an adult occasionally showing through.

Dewey's ex band mate and his co Landlord, Ned Schneebly, who makes a welcome return to the stage after almost a decade away. Ned, you may remember is the one that had originally been offered the teaching job at the school, is played by Luc Chignall. Ned goes through a transformation at the end, and is seen by his girlfriend, Patti Di Marco, who is the other co Landlord, in a completely different light! I love the scene where "the worm turns". There's also another scene after this that also gets a massive reaction from the crowd, but I'll leave you discover what that is!

Patti is played by Keira Dormer-Hazell. Really domineering and bossy and doesn't allow Ned to make any decisions for himself. She hates Dewey and wants him out of the apartment and out of her and Ned's lives. Patti is played just right by Keira.

Rosalie Mullins, the Head of the school, is played by Beccy Burgess. I love these characters who start off as one thing and mutate into a completely different character and that is what happens with Rosalie, once Dewey discovers her Achilles heel. Beccy meanwhile gets to show an incredible pair of lungs in the solo "Where Did The Rock Go", in Act Two when she turns from a stuffy School Head to a Stevie Nicks loving rock chick in a "why Ms Mullins, you're beautiful" transformation. The timing of the comedy, with the Stevie Nicks song and both actors is just a dream to see and the vocal control of "Queen Of the Night" (No, not the Whitney Houston song) is perfection on a classical scale.

Zach Mooneyham is played by Austin Owen, whose dad, Gavin, also appears on alternate evenings in the ensemble. Zach is the son of an uptight businessman with no time for his children. Because of that, Zach keeps a great deal bottled inside and has issues with being too stiff with his guitar playing at first. However, Dewey discovers that Zach is actually a musical prodigy, as shown when he writes the band's anthem, "Teacher's Pet", after only a month or so of playing rock music. Austin is a very good guitarist and really makes that instrument sing. Thank goodness an accident caused him to give gymnastics a rest and concentrate on acting or else we may never have seen this talented actor, musician and singer in this role.

Giles Briggs plays Freddie Hamilton, the drummer in "School Of Rock". Freddie is a rambunctious boy, as shown when he disrupts the music class with his cymbals. He is constantly told he isn't intelligent, but Freddie and Dewey both think that he's intelligent in a different way, and that Freddie's father just doesn't see that. One of the best things about this musical is that you get to see young people showcasing their talents playing instruments live on stage, and Giles really knows his way around a drum kit.

Connie Tegerdine plays Katie Travis, the bass player of the band, and like all the young musicians on stage, she knows how to handle their respective instruments, giving us a really nice chunky bass sound. Katie is a quiet, serious girl who keeps mostly to herself. She plays the cello at school but is quick to pick up the bass at Dewey's encouragement. She is stone-faced when she plays, and takes her instrument and the band very seriously, although not as much as Summer takes managing.

Lauren Turner is played by Orla Donohoe, who plays the keyboards on stage and completing the band's sound. I don't think that I'd seen a female version of this character in other productions, so there's a nice twist of characters from Lawrence to Lauren. Lauren is an unconfident soul, and is also gluten intolerant. She initially believes that she isn't cool enough to be a part of the band, but Dewey is able to convince her that she's amazing. At the show's beginning, her only friend is Tomika, but she doesn't think she counts because she never talks. Lauren's a very imaginative keyboard player, and talented at improvising.

The above four are constants in the show and the rest of the young cast share their roles, to give everyone a chance to play a part in this wonderfully fun musical.

Summer Hathaway is played by Ruby Armstrong and Hermoine Cumbers, Hermoine took the stage tonight. Summer, a high-achieving girl who hates nonsense. Initially, she absolutely despises Dewey, but comes to love the band—or, perhaps, the power that comes with it—and is willing, as the band's manager, to do anything to see it achieve. She is one of the brightest students at Horace Green, as shown by the fact that she has significantly more gold stars on the achievement board than any of her peers. Through the show, she is convinced that winning the "Battle of the Bands" will look good on her college application. Like every other young actor on that stage, she looked like she was having a ball sticking it to the man with such attitude.

Tomika Spencer-Williams is played by Grace Moroziuk and Sophie Benner, whose turn it was in the spotlight on Wednesday night, especially with her vocally acrobatic version of "Amazing Grace". Tomika is shy and doesn't speak to anyone at school, and feels as though she's not as intelligent as the other students. However, it turns out that she is a highly gifted singer. I've seen and heard Sophie on many occasions and know what a powerful singer she has grown into, so her version came as no surprise to my ears.

Billy Sandford, the fashionista of "School Of Rock", is played by Leo Capaldi and Arlo Perrons; I saw Arlo perform this evening. Billy is a flamboyant character with a love of style and fashion magazines. Billy is disgusted with Dewey's outfit choices, and how no one else in the band shares his artistic vision, but is confident in his styling choices regardless. Billy comes from a long line of football players, and his father wants him to be one as well, but Billy has absolutely no interest in doing so, opting to read Vogue than swot up on the soccer scores and teams. 

A lovely fun character that gave Arlo some wonderful comic scenes, especially with his design for Dewey's stage outfit. Like Sophie, I've seen Arlo perform many times and love to see the ascent of this young actor's talents. The confidence shown in this part is through the roof. I mentioned in my review of Arlo in "The Sound Of Music" that he is an actor to keep an eye on; well keep two eyes open because this actor will go places.

Marcy is played by Amelie Tindle and Kayla Burgess, Kayla took the stage tonight. 

James is played by Harry Merrick and Seth Burgess, being opening night Seth took the role and smashed the part. He looked like he was enjoying every second of playing James, which I am sure that he did.

Shonelle is played by Taya Jones and Ayanna Mzungu, who played the part on Wednesday night. Shonelle and Marcy, are quieter girls who tend to blend into the background in some other productions I've seen. They are "School of Rock"s backup singers, and also talented dancers. Dewey tells their parents that they have the voices of angels. And boy do they make the most of the choreography as well. You know how there are certain actors on stage who just create gravitation towards them, well that is what it was like with Ayanna. She has the biggest smile and delivers everything on stage with attitude and 110% energy. 

Tilly is played by Isla Farrell and Ruby Hall, and it was Ruby's turn to shine on stage on opening night. 

Mackenzie is played by La-Mai McKenzie and Martha Kemp: it was Martha who was on tonight.

Sophie is played by Florence Everitt and Esme Smith-Cockayne and tonight I saw Esme perform 

Madison is played by Neveah Jouhal and Megan Holder, and it was Megan who was on stage tonight, 

Mason is played by Adam Field and Solomon Palmer, tonight it was Solomon's turn. 

I have every confidence that whichever team of actors you get to see, you will not be disappointed.

The No Vacancy Band comprised of Curtis Salmon (Theo), Brogan Haynes (Snake), Alex Nickson (Bob) and Jack Kent (Doug), all of which suitably looked the part of rockers.

The teachers, parents and ensemble are made up of Curtis Salmon (Mr Wagner), Alex Nickson (Mr Noble), Jack Kent (Mr Woodward), Brogan Haynes (Mr Janes), Michael Coles (Announcer/Mr Spencer), Samantha Whitworth (Mrs Turner), Alison Russell (Mrs Hathaway/Waitress), Mark Russell (Mr Hamilton/Stanley/Policeman), Sean Briggs and Gavin Owen share roles (Mr Sandford, Gabe/Jeff), Chris Surridge (Mr Williams/Mr Green), Jonathan Jaycock (Mr Mooneyham/Mr Sanders), Stacey Ireson (Mrs Travis/Ms Macapugay), Eleanor Carty (Mrs Sheinkopf/Security Guard), Helena Cave (Ms Gordon/Emo Girl/Security Guard), Chloe Crofts (Ms Bingham/Emo Girl). 

Directed by Lindsey Jaycock, she has kept every element of fun and pace within this show, as well as putting together a brilliant cast.

Musical Director is AJ Hill with Assistant Musical Director being Jonah Williams. Two mighty men in the field of MD work. It can be difficult to recreate a proper rock sound, if you're not used to working in that genre of music, but that was not the case here because the rock authenticity was there to see and hear.

Some theatre goers may not have seen this show before, and may not be aware of the soundtrack, and how good it is. Very different to anything that Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber has written before, and shows the more fun side of his Lordship. Stomping songs like "Stick It To the Man" and "Teacher's Pet", "You're In the Band", the sexy rock feel of "I'm Too Hot For You" and the sublime "If Only You Would Listen" and "Where Did The Rock Go" are just a few highlights of this soundtrack.

Choreographed by Jessica Royce with Assistant Choreographer being Zoe Turton. You just need to look at these young actors on that stage to see just how much they loved the choreography, and the energy that they put into what they were doing to know the quality of this area of creativity.

The stage management side of this show is really worth a mention because some of the props on stage were not easy to shift - like the settee, which had to be carried off by two people. Their arms will be muscle bound by the end of this run! Matt Allcock and Nigel Newton deserve pats on the back for managing what went on and what came off the stage, sometimes not as smoothly as they may have liked, but the job was done with great efficiency.

There were a lot more people behind the scenes that all made this show the success it is, and will be throughout the week

The set itself was designed by Lindsey Jaycock and combined with the set projection by Chris Margett, which is something you don't see too often at the Arts Theatre - the projection, not Chris, it swept the scenes along at a right old pace, giving the stage management the opportunity to concentrate on getting drum kits, keyboards, chairs, tables et al in place.

Sound Designer and Operator is Rob Kettridge, and what I liked was that, with this being a rock show, he didn't shy away from keeping the volume low. It really came across as a rock show with all the excitement and oomph of pulsating bass lines and screaming guitars and those punchy drum breaks.

The lighting design and operation was like being at a rock concert, especially the final scene, and all thanks to Oliver Read.

Well, I think, just from the length of my ramblings you may have surmised that I rather enjoyed this show. If you did, then go to the top of the class and claim a gold star, because I really did, and you will love it to. But first you need to get yourself a ticket or two, so off you trot......

"School Of Rock" is at the Nottingham Arts Theatre until Sunday 29 September.