REVIEW: ENTERTAINING MURDER by Chris Burgess at Upstairs at the Gatehouse until 1 Dec

“We’re in a court of law, not morality!” ★★★★

Written and directed by Chris Burgess, “Entertaining Murder”, presented by LAMBCO Productions, takes the guise of a live recording podcast performance of a true crime case, and offers a riveting retelling of the true-crime story of Edith Thompson, her unhappy marriage to Percy, her love-affair with a younger man and the events that led to her husband being killed. Blending theatrical storytelling and musical interludes into an innovative and gripping performance. Known for nurturing emerging talent alongside seasoned professionals, LAMBCO once again delivers a first-class production that is as intriguing as it is entertaining.

The play delves into the infamous 1922 murder of Percy Thompson, who, whilst returning home from the theatre with his wife Edith, was stabbed to death in the street by 20-year-old Freddy Bywaters. Freddy just happened to be the couple’s former lodger and during their investigation, the police uncovered sixty-four love letters that exposed an affair between him and Edith. Despite Freddy’s insistence that Edith had no part in her husband’s murder, both were convicted and executed for the crime. Mired in scandal, the case sparked immense public interest and created a media frenzy. Burgess’s script explores not only the tragic love story at the centre, but also the media scrutiny and oppressive moral judgments that sealed Edith’s fate.

Sue Kelvin’s narration as “The Writer” anchors the performance, providing a steady framework as the rest of the cast brings the scenes to life. Kelvin’s authoritative delivery provides crucial context, giving background on Edith’s unhappy marriage and the nature of her passionate affair with Freddy, to the misogynistic attitudes of society at the time - placing restrictions on women, such as lack of property rights, access to contraception or the option for a pregnancy termination. The Writer’s commentary, interspersed with hindsight and sharp observations, paints a damning portrait of a society that criminalized Edith not only for her alleged role in the murder but also for her defiance of societal norms.

The integration of music and dance is a surprising but effective storytelling device, with superb vocal performances and flawless live musical accompaniment that enriched the narrative. Simon Jackson’s lighting design also deserves special mention, perfectly timed to heighten tension and underscore emotional beats, enhancing the atmospheric mood of the production.

The cast delivers exceptional performances, imbuing their roles with depth and nuance. Alex Cosgriff stands out for his remarkable versatility, effortlessly swinging between the intense, righteous anger of Percy and various comedic supporting characters. Daisy Snelson and Dominic Sullivan offer authentic and heartfelt portrayals as the star-crossed lovers at the core of the story, both armed with impeccable voices, and although Jude St. James is given too few opportunities to fully shine, her exquisite voice was an undeniable highlight.

“Entertaining Murder” does more than recount a historical crime; it interrogates the societal constraints and moral hypocrisy that contributed to Edith’s vilification. By framing the story as a live podcast recording, Burgess creates an engaging and modern lens through which audiences can revisit this century-old case.

This inventive production successfully merges history, commentary, and artistry, creating a compelling evening of theatre. It is a testament to LAMBCO Productions’ commitment to pushing creative boundaries whilst highlighting fresh, exciting talent.

ENTERTAINING MURDER by Chris Burgess

Presented by LAMBCO Productions 

Upstairs at the Gatehouse 

26 Nov - 1 Dec

Box Office: https://www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com/