Comic capers in murder mystery at the mansion

Its latest production is a cross between a whodunit and screwball comedy, set in the 1940s.

A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody, by Ron Bernas, will keep the audience entertained with its battle-of-the-sexes and Cluedo-style mystery.

Kelvin Hastings-Smith, who plays conniving husband Matthew Perry, said the plot has “more twists than a lime in a gin and tonic”.

The lawyer and seasoned thespian is looking forward to his role and teaming up with Carol Birch, who plays his wife, Julia.

Chemistry

He said: “The last time we had a major role with each other was in the play Dangerous Obsessions in 1997, when we also played husband and wife.

“There was murder in that as well. So the audience can expect some chemistry.

“Carol is a goddess as far as the Bermuda stage is concerned. She not only acts but writes and directs as well.”

The other six cast members are Izabella Arnold as daughter Bunny Perry, Malachi Simmons as her fiancé Donald Baxter, Adam Gauntlett as Buttram the butler, and Stephen Notman as the hardboiled detective Plotnik.

Janice Howell is directing the play.

A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody begins at the Perry’s mansion on New Year’s Eve, with Matthew telling his wife: “I want to have fun, too, and I can’t do it while you’re still alive, so my New Year’s resolution is to get rid of you.”

The play then revolves around Matthew’s attempts to get rid of his wife over the coming year.

In the grip of a mid-life crisis, the wealthy Englishman idealizes the lifestyle of his playboy friend Bentworth Bartley.

He can only attain this by bumping off Julia, as she would claim half his wealth in a divorce.

Mr Hastings-Smith said: “The play is a cross between the Marx Brothers and a good old British farce.

“It is set in the 1940s in the household of a rich Englishman and his wife. He is an industrialist-type figure who has become very wealthy in the United States. The couple lives in a mansion in Pennyslvania.

“Throughout the play, Matthew tries to get rid of his wife. His role model, Bentworth Bartley, is having lots of fun. He’s been to Aruba with his secretary, he’s sailed around the Greek Islands with a French maid and he plays golf every day. This is the lifestyle Matthew wants.

“There is also a sub-plot involving daughter Bunny and her fiancé Donald. Bunny is not the brightest lamp in the street and is extremely ditsy and confused.

“As the play progresses, various things happen that result in the police being brought in. But Inspector Plotnik is very ‘New Jersey’ and no one can understand what he is saying.

“Although Matthew tries to be a sinister character, he hasn’t really thought through the consequences of his actions.

“As far as Julia is concerned, she just laughs at him, thinking he is joking about getting rid of her.

“She also has some secrets, which only add to the twists and turns of the plot. It is a battle of wills in a way, like the 1940s screwball comedies.”

On the play’s opening night, members of the audience will be encouraged to dress up 1940s-style.

Mr Hastings-Smith said: “Anyone in 1940s garb on the first night will get a free glass of bubbly at the bar.

“This is a hilarious play but the audience will also enjoy the quieter moments.