Audience Feedback

NODA Report

• Date
• 22nd November 2024
• Society
• Hoghton Players
• Venue
• Hoghton Village Hall
• Type of Production
• Play
• Director
• Stuart Lockhart
• Written By
• Robert Scott

The Hoghton Players kindly invited me to review their production of ‘The Amateur Killer,’ a murder mystery thriller written by Robert Scott. This is a multi layered story, cleverly written with many plot twists. An amateur dramatic society are rehearsing for a murder mystery production named ‘Adieu,’ only to find themselves in an art imitating life situation when the production’s director is brutally murdered. As secrets, blackmail, and adulterous affairs were revealed, no one was above suspicion.

On entering the auditorium, the audience came face to face with the front of house team, who, in keeping with the spirit of the production, dressed as police officers or crime scene technicians. Police tape adorned doorways, and a lone blue police light stood atop a speaker. The whole society took part in the presentation, and it was a great touch. As the curtains opened, the stage replicated a set in the final phase of creation. The walls were still being painted, adjusted, and perfected; a step ladder stood to the rear. A large sofa took centre stage with drink cabinet set forward stage right. I loved the incidental music that opened and closed the scenes, snippets of ‘If I Killed Someone for You’ by Alex Benjamin effectively creating a sinister atmosphere.

Stuart Lockhart not only appeared within the play as Detective Gregson but took the director’s seat for this intricate production. With the help of Assistant Director Sarah Nolan, they created some great moments within the play, referencing Blackburn and Hoghton and local media outlets. The radio broadcast from BBC radio Lancashire was a particularly nice touch, the black and white footage of the police interview was impressive. The preproduction attention to detail was excellent, time had been dedicated to making everything as realistic as possible. Sound effects were prompt, and dialogue clear throughout. I did like the use of lighting to create atmosphere, the first murder taking place in half light, adding to the confusion, deflecting from the murderer’s identity. Phone conversations were secretive, the low lighting creating sinister shadows as threats and promises were made. I did like the spotlight on the actor as he stepped front of curtain before act two. It was tight, clear, the actor delivering his lines lit in stark contrast to the red curtains behind him. The production team were slick, working collectively to provide technical support, ensuring smooth transitions between scenes.

Luke Southern played Daniel Healy, the director of ‘Adieu.’ Healy was not a likeable character, physically abusive to his girlfriend Lauren and predatory towards his lead actor Natalie, Healy was a cruel misogynist. Old grievances and blackmail led to tensions with his leading male Lucas, and he was in debt to a thoroughly corrupt police officer. Luke gave an impressive performance; his mannerisms and dialogue were strong. He sneered at his fellow players, was unashamed of his actions, relishing in the discomfort of those around him. I loved the fight scene, the attention to detail as the two actors spat blood into their hands, even a tooth fell out in the melee. Luke gained a laugh from the audience as his ‘dead’ body was unceremoniously dragged off the stage after the bludgeoning. Luke gave a strong, multifaceted performance.

Brecon Harrison played Lucas Thompson. Old tensions with Healy caused friction between the two and when Healy tried to blackmail Lucas over his affair with Natalie, the audience were led to believe that Lucas was guilty of murder. I thought the spotlight speech front of curtain was great, showing a sinister side to Lucas. Brecon gave his character depth, his scenes with Natalie were tender, a complete opposite to his scenes with Healy. A wonderful performance well executed.

Annalise Pennington played Natalie Prescott. Natalie was having an affair with Lucas whilst trying to avoid the unsolicited attention of Daniel Healy. Annalise had some fabulous facial expressions as her disgust for Healy became clear. Her dialogue was strong, her characterisation solid.

Aimee Gallagher played Lauren Critchley, girlfriend of Daniel Healy. Subjected to abuse daily at the hands of Healy, Lauren was meek, nervous, and subservient. Her morose demeanour after Healy died, showed all the signs of a broken woman. Her turnaround into, cold, calculating, and remorseless was great to watch. Aimee gave an excellent performance.

Peter Emblin played Lauren’s father, Aiden Critchley. Aiden was the set designer/builder on ‘Adieu.’ Constantly on fixing things, he had his ear to most conversations. His dislike of the abusive Healy was perfectly clear, his failure to protect his daughter from her situation plagued him. Peter is a great character actor, his dialogue was strong, his delivery clear.

Playing the wronged wife, Rosie Thompson, was Sheridan Zabel. Always hanging around the set of ‘Adieu’ acting like a doting wife, Rosie was not above framing her husband for murder. I loved the changed in character as she realised Lauren was on to her. Her nasty side was brilliant, disturbingly effective as she tried to gain the upper hand. A well thought out characterisation from Sheridan.

Samantha Lockhart played Morgan Webb. Masquerading as a local journalist, Webb was in fact working for Healy. Employed to gather photographic evidence of Lucas and Natalie in flagrante for the blackmail plot. Samantha was strong in this role, her journalistic ‘questions’ riling the other players, her character change when with Healy was notable.

Detective Phillips, the bent, cruel thug of a police officer, was played by Sarah Nolan. Sarah was fabulous as the blackmailing, vicious Detective. Her scenes with Healy were strong as she bullied and berated him, using her powers within law enforcement to keep him in line. An impressive performance from Sarah.

Stuart Lockhart, playing Detective Gregson, was the only straight arrow amongst the players. Stuart gave a solid performance, delivering his lines with clarity and precision, his demeanour one of confidence and authority. Stuart was strong in this role.

The Amateur Killer was a play that weaved and twisted, capturing the flaws of human nature. Each player gave a convincing performance, creating a slick performance that had the audience intrigued from the opening scene. It was a pleasure to see the whole society pulling together to entertain their audience. I would like to thank The Hoghton Players for inviting me and my plus one and for making us so welcome throughout the evening. I look forward to many more productions from them in the future.