Murder, She Didn’t Write at Lighthouse Poole Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Mel S-W
As a huge fan of Jessica Fletcher and of course Murder, She Wrote and all things who‑done‑it, crime and drama, I couldn’t decline a seat at a show that was a nod to her greatness and a bit of Murder, She Didn’t Write. This one‑night‑only show, brought to us by Edinburgh Fringe favourite, the production team of Degrees of Error, hit the stage with their multiple sell‑out show for our sleuthing pleasure. And the show didn’t disappoint. A hilarious jaunt through a newly created, Agatha Christie‑inspired murder mystery that differs every night based on the audience’s input… what could go wrong?!
Tonight’s show was overseen by Detective Genevieve Foxcroft, who took a break from her pre‑show knitting and did a very good job of informing the audience how tonight’s proceedings were going to unravel. She also needed to locate her sidekick, Jerkins. I laughed until Jerkins’ deerstalker hat came hurtling towards me, thankfully caught by the lady in front of me (who remained firmly in her seat during the show!).
After some audience participation, the scene was set and it was time to meet the cast. So we all donned our imaginary deerstalker, grabbed our magnifying glass, and practised raising our “finger of suspicion” as this talented improv crew created a raucous show based on audience suggestions. In doing so, they created a hilarious improvised murder mystery. All we needed to do was solve it! The show was cleverly done, with the Detective making notes about clues and occurrences throughout to help her deliver her deductions and reveal the murderer.
So what was our show about? Mrs Plum poisoned at a synchronised swimming gala? Dr Green exploded by cannon during a hot air balloon race? Professor Violet crushed to death at a Love Island recoupling? No… it was a completely unique situation where dear old Mr Green the pig farmer was killed… but by whom.
The cast created a classic murder mystery on the spot, taking our suggestions and ideas in this ingenious improvised comedy. The initial improvised section did feel a bit rushed, but I’ve found this with other improvised stories, and they soon found their flow. I found it fascinating how each of them could stay on topic and remember important and funny remarks that would leave us in stitches. There were some moments that were odd, but the vast majority were hilarious. From stitching each other up with unexpected interpretive dance and rhyming poetry, to the second half of the show falling hilariously into place.
Lighthouse Poole have hosted a growing number of shows that have been popular at Edinburgh Fringe. They are a great addition, and this was by far my favourite.
The atmosphere in the theatre was great. The team, performing to a nearly packed‑out audience, bounced off this. The show is two hours long including a 20‑minute interval. It was so funny that it seemed to whizz by in a flash. There was an age guidance of 12+ due to some strong language and sexual references and, ultimately, who knows what situations and suggestions would have been given by the audience! There was also audience participation, but no one was called out on stage, so the flow of the show was great and uninterrupted. You could see this show each time they came around the circuit, and you would be able to enjoy a new, unscripted and improvised show every time.
A great show — just a shame it was only here for one night, as I would have recommended it to friends and family. I would have liked to have seen it again, and maybe I would have caught Jerkins’ hat!
4.5 out of 5 for me — would have been 5 out of 5 if it was here for a bit longer.
This was a one‑night‑only show and tickets started from £23.50. Their what’s‑on guide can be found at https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/ or by calling the Box Office on 01202 280000.
The full address is Lighthouse, Arts and Entertainment, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG..
Rating: 4/5