Theatre Royal Windsor – – until 19th March 2022
Reviewed by Carly Burlinge
3.5 ***
From the well-known and popular book – television series. Father Brown has been brought to stage.
When Mundon Mandeville (John Goodrum) A famous actor and director is getting ready for the curtains to go up on his West End production. Father Brown (John Lyons) is invited by Mundon’s wife Miriam Mandeville (Karen Henson) to the view the acting before the big night! But as the rehearsals start and Mundon decides to go to his office for a rest, they soon discover that the prop gun that’s being used has disappeared! Suddenly with the sound of gun fire upon them, they discover Mundon dead in his office. With a shattered mirror something seems amiss. With all suspects in clear view at the time of the murder. Who could be responsible and will Father Brown slowly unravel the truth.
The cast gave a profession performance with a few laughs thrown in throughout. This production was enjoyable to watch but I did feel it was slow at times and could have picked-up pace a little.
The set was backstage of a theatre with two dressing rooms and a hallway slightly drab, with black brickwork adjoining the doors. In front of the walled hallway were large baskets and props. One dressing room had two mirrors with lighting around and gave a good effect when the lights were turned down making the room acknowledged and bright. In the background you could hear sound of leaking pipes giving it that backstage downtrodden effect.
Overall, an interesting play that was pleasant and amusing to watch.