2007 Reviews

Murder in Green Meadows, review by Stella Taylor, Swindon Advertiser, June 2007

Riveting entertainment was provided in the Clarendon Players' excellent production of Murder in Green Meadows, at the Memorial Hall, Wootton Bassett. This cleverly crafted thriller, by distinguished American playwright Douglas Post, was ably co-directed by Kevin Kearns and Lloyd Morgan. Splendid performances by an accomplished cast, an attractive, well furnished set, designed by Dick Clark, and wonderfully atmospheric incidental music all won well deserved acclaim. Glenn Chapman played the successful architect and contractor Thomas Deveraux, who has moved with his lovely wife Joan into the former show home on his Green Meadows development in Illinois. But do they harbour sinister secrets? There are hints, a horrendous revelation, a grisly conspiracy and a death that seems accidental - so how may a murderer be brought to justice? Michaela Kearns, as Joan, gave a brilliant performance; her American demeanour and accent were particularly good. Her character's apparent perfection cloaked desperation. Carolyn and Jeff Symons, neighbours from across the street, were welcoming, but dangers were inherent in the foursome's close friendship. Karen Smith played Carolyn, a former high-flying businesswoman who has opted out of the rat race to enjoy her hobbies, and a more relaxed family life. Alec Smith, who took on the role of Jeff only four weeks before the play opened, rose to the challenge superbly. After initially rejecting Joan's startling proposition, Jeff is drawn inexorably into a web of duplicity. Illicit relationships, intrigue, deception and murder all featured in a plot, which was full of surprises. Five scenes in each act were linked seamlessly by brief blackout, rather than by an intrusive stage curtain. This heightened the suspense as the drama was played out over a time span of about five months. This truly memorable production was one of the Clarendon Players' best.