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AUDIENCE members will be left to pick up the pieces of a murder investigation at Shinfield Players Theatre at the end of April.
Ravenscroft, a psychological drama written by American playwright Don Nigro and directed by Maggie Smith, follows Inspector Ruffing’s quest to get to the bottom of Patrick Roarke’s death.
His arrival at the remote house where the heinous incident took place sees his journey become intertwined with the lives of five alluring and dangerous women.
Ms Smith expressed her excitement for opening night, describing the play as “unusual” due to one of its more unorthodox aspects.
She said: “Everyone is on stage at all times, no-one leaves during the entirety of the two acts, which is quite different, but it’s super super.”
The production overcame a significant hitch when the original Inspector Ruffing was forced to withdraw due to personal circumstances just three weeks before opening night.
Experienced actor Ashleigh Wells was drafted in and has done a stellar job.
“Ashleigh is married to the governess (Alana Wells), so I think there were some intensive practice sessions at home,” Ms Smith joked.
“He’s stepped in and been remarkable.”
Ravenscroft uses dark comedy to tell each of the characters’ stories, which can be seen in the dialogue and characterisation, with speech transitioning from friendly to frightening at the flick of a switch.
With all cast members watching on for the duration of the show, the audience will be on edge throughout, in anticipation of their reentry into proceedings.
The lighting and music team will ensure the sense of foreboding remains intense from start to finish.
Ms Smith credited the strength of the five female characters as one of the key factors for choosing Ravenscroft.
“They’re very strong, all of the women in the play. It’s quite rare to find plays where all the women are so strong,” she said.
From Mrs Ravenscroft (Lara Savory) who tries to seduce the inspector in attempt to convince him to drop the cases, to Gillian (Millie Naylor) the demented daughter who “should be in an asylum”, to Marcy the Viennese governess – all deliver comedic lines, but have the ability to capture the sinister elements of their characters.
All the while, the terrified maid Dolly (Sami Sharp) tries to evade the grasps of the passionate cook, Mrs French (Barbara Richards).
Shinfield Players Theatre is reaping the benefits of its newly refurbished auditorium and sound system after its roof was ripped off during Storm Eunice in February 2022.
Theatre members and volunteers conducted extensive work to not only repair the building’s facilities, but to make significant improvements.
Ravenscroft will play at 7.45pm from April 26-29.
Adult tickets are £14, concessions are £13 and children are £8.
For more information or took book tickets, visit: www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk
