Murder mystery in the mess

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 15, Issue 690, 10 June 1997, Page 2

Murder mystery in the mess

Staff at Officer Cadet School were in for a night of intrigue last Friday when the Waiouru Amateur Theatrical Society provided a 'whodunnif mystery during their dinner. It was described as "interactive theatre" by director, Chris Hodkinson, whose skill and attention to detail ensured excellent entertainment. The 'Murder in the Mess' was staged' so that clues leading to the identity of the murderer were revealed throughout the evening. The scenario was set during predinner drinks and developed during the dinner. The characters played their roles in scenes between courses and while joining the diners at their tables. Clues were dropped into the conversation by the characters and it was up to the diners to make their own conclusions regarding the fate of Colonel Dickson Wellington, played

by Colin Hodkinson. Characters, all suspects were Thomas 'Bonks' Wellington (Fred Pullen), son and heir, professed his innocence until the day he was hanged while Miss Domena (Karen Voltz) and Lady Faith Wellington (Pauline Annis) as daughter and wife respectively, were prime suspects as they too inherited substantial sums of money upon the death of Colonel Wellington. The roles of Dr Ben Down (Mark O'Connor) and Trout, the butler (Joe Beyer-Rieger) in the mystery were more obscure — or were they? And what of the relationship between Colonel Wellington and the loose Sinthea Samsonite (Tana Klaracich)? Prizes were awarded to the table who solved the murder mystery, and also to the table with the most offbeat solution! If you want to know who killed the Colonel you can contact Chris Hodkinson on 387-6660 or 387-61 1 1 Ext 7161 to organise your own murder mystery evening.