Murder She Writes at King’s Arms

Words: Debbie Manley

Imagine your favourite super sleuths from the 1980s working together to solve a series of murders.

Murder She Writes brings together Jessica Fletcher (Dale Vicker), Columbo (Ash Preston) and Mitch Buchannon Hasslehoff (Richard Allen), in a mystery that is blended with Peaks and Rocky Horror Show.

Set in the quaint fishing town of Cabot Cove, the residents worry that novelist Jessica must be cursed because everywhere she goes someone dies.

But they let her return from her five-year exile to solve this case, the murder of Paula Lama, while secrets from the past are slowly revealed.

The result is an energetic whirlwind with 11 actors running on and off the stage as different characters, singing and dancing. The show contains eight original songs with music by Paul Worrall, lyrics by Craig and Stuart.

That sounds chaotic but Murder She Writes is a cleverly choreographed camp comedy with some pretty impressive stunts and great timing.

Written by Craig Hepworth and Stuart Reeve, it is a parody with a touch of pantomime and the cast even point out the plot holes for the audience!

There are no car chases and no computers, just good old-fashioned fun and props that wobble.

Watch out for Stuart, an incredibly scary Gramma Frank, who persues the audience into the bar selling programmes at half time.

Nic Grundison, who plays gossipy hairdresser Loretta, is particularly impressive when she whips out a microphone and bursts into song.

Natalie-Ann Stanley displayed her versatility with her professional fringe debut playing Jessica’s obsessive fan Donna.

No wonder Vertigo Theatre Productions have become so popular on the Manchester fringe scene with 24 productions in 10 years and three nominations at the Manchester Theatre Awards in 2015.

Vertigo do not claim to offer high art, but what they do offer is a suitably silly and slightly saucy two hours that is guaranteed to make you smile, for anybody over the age of 14.

Murder She Writes is on until Wednesday 11 May at the King’s Arms in Salford, but it has sold out and there is even a waiting list.

Watch out for the return of Vertigo’s Porno Chic starring Richard and Ash at the King’s Arms, Salford, 6-9 July, as part of Greater Manchester Fringe. For more details click here.