By Jo Fiddes
There’s a simple reason Fulneck Dramatic Society‘s productions sell out quickly – they’re always very good!
I wasn’t sure what to expect with The Suspicions of Ernest Strange, as it was written (and directed) by one of their own, William Lindley. But I’m delighted to report that this was up to their usual high standard – this mystery thriller kept me engaged right up until the final curtain.
The story unfolds via the conversations of two men, Old Smith and a Beverage Salesman, discussing the events of Old Smith’s past over several beers in the Crown and Truncheon pub in 2011.
The creative team deserve great credit – placing these conversations on a small stage to the right meant that the flashback scenes (set in the early eighties Bradford area) could unfold on the main stage with no need for endless scenery changes. This meant the production kept up a good pace – essential in a mystery thriller.
As always, the acting from the whole cast was excellent. The impact of declining mental health on a relationship was sensitively handled by the author and also by Paul Cullingford and Nicky Knightley as Ernest and Barbara Strange.
I particularly enjoyed the performances of Greg Adams and Ed Key, as Old Smith and Young Smith respectively. The upper class, slightly sozzled former intelligence officer whose best years are behind him could easily have become a caricature, but the great acting (and casting) made Adams and Key entirely believable as different eras of the same character.
The Suspicions of Ernest Strange made for a thoroughly entertaining evening out – no spoilers! Highly recommended for anyone who fancies themselves an amateur detective.
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