WHY has Mr Stone, a widower, decided to grass on his own son? Why should such a senior officer as Superintendent Hallett be involved? What are Stone's motives for asking Dee Redmond, a well-known TV writer, to visit his dying wife? This is 'The Business of Murder' by Richard Harris.
Within no time at all, this tight and clever psychological thriller has the audience totally in thrall. With only these three characters Harris weaves an intricate tale of revenge that twists and turns to the very end. Despite its title this is not a conventional whodunit; it is more a question of 'was anything done and if so what and by whom?' Nothing is what it seems . . .
The Tavonians Theatre company will be bringing this play to the Wharf in Tavistock between March 13 and 17 and with it they welcome the return of Stuart Waterworth as director. Stuart's day job took him to the midlands eight years ago and there he established himself as Joint Artistic Director of the Loft Theatre in Leamington Spa. Stuart is thrilled to return to the company where he directed the Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and Oh! What a Lovely War back in the eighties.
Stuart is supported by a highly accomplished cast. New member Marina Fox (Dee Redmond) recently appeared in Union Street in the Theatre Royal, Plymouth.
Mark Starr (Stone) is now something of an old hand with the Tavonians and appears in his fifth show in the last two years — his most recent appearance was as Sir Andrew Aguecheek in Twelfth Night.
Another old hand, Bill Pavey (Hallett), returns to the stage after his highly successful directing debut with Pinter's Birthday Party last year.
Richard Harris is, of course, well known for his shows Stepping Out and Outside Edge and The Business of Murder ran successfully for seven years in the West End in the eighties. It will still excite and entertain the audiences of West Devon.
Tickets are £6 (£4.50 concessions), with a preview night on Tuesday, March 13, when all tickets are £4. Performances start at 7.30pm.
Box office (01822) 611166.