Bravo Theatre Company present a play by Bettine Manktelow, Curtain Up On Murder. The play was written in 1997 and has a classic play within a play format, but with a twist.
Bravo are a company of semi-professional actors from across the North West. Tonight’s cast ranged from the novice to the seasoned thespian - many were making their debut performances with the company.
For me the play was well acted, with some good direction from Brendan Delaney, but at times it was difficult to know if the intended tone was one of thriller, melodrama or comedy. 
The mixed tone made for slightly uneasy watching, like being on a boat in a storm. At times it was plain sailing, with the performances of Darren Maw, as Alex and Louise Steggals, as Sylvia, being particularly good. The overriding plot was handled well and just about held together. But we were in choppy waters, at time, when the comedic lines were delivered into dramatic moments - as an audience we weren’t entirely sure if a laugh was expected or not.
But that being said, all the cast, with their varied acting experiences, performed well. There was a genuine warmth that came across to the audience and was evident at the curtain call. There was some good character acting from Brian Gallagher, as Harry and Gemma Anderson, as Moppet, although I felt she was a bit young for the role she was given - some of the lines didn’t add up.
I don’t want to diminish what was achieved on stage tonight, it was an enjoyable evening but I think it needed a stronger direction - play it for laughs or take it really seriously and let the audience laugh at the growing absurdity of the situation. Nevertheless it was an entertaining evening.
Curtain Up On Murder continues at St Michael’s Hall in Wigan until Saturday 6th February and full details can be found here http://www.bravotc.uk/nextproduction.html
Reviewer: Alan Harbottle,
Reviewed: 4th February 2016
