Silchester Players

Silhouette by Simon Brett

Silchester Village Hall

Performances continue Friday, October 16 & Saturday 17 at 7.30pm

ACT One of this skilful murder mystery starts with the murder of actor Martin Powell (Nick Lock).

The police arrive to find his body in the study. The house is in darkness and eerie music is playing on the sound system. Martin has been shot through the temple and his wife, actress Celia Wallis (Caroline Martin), does not hide the fact that she and her husband are on the brink of divorce.

It transpires that there is one further occupant of the house, radio reporter Neville Smallwood (Brian Gillett). Hungover and asleep in Celia’s bedroom, he is amazed to learn of Martin's death.

Detective Inspector Bruton (Robert Whitehead) leads the investigation; whilst Celia is exonerated from any involvement, things begin to look very bad for Neville.

The second act reviews events up to the murder. The scene between Neville and Celia is notable for his utter ineptness. Celia flirts gently with him which only makes him more tongue-tied! Martin's return to the house shows what a nasty person he was: on their divorce he tells Celia that she will be penniless.

He mocks Neville and then retires to his study. Then a shot rings out....

Caroline was excellent as the bored and ageing Celia, whilst Nick perfectly portrayed the malicious dislikeable actor whose parts were drying up as he gets older. Robert as D I Bruton was relentless in his questioning of the hapless Neville.

Brian’s performance as Neville Smallwood was simply outstanding combining comedy with pathos. Sarah Oliver as WPC Leach appeared to have secrets of her own whilst Oli Williams and Clive Solomons made up the rest of the police team.

This was an excellent play which will keep theatregoers on the edge of their seats; nothing is as it first appears and the climax to this play is guaranteed to be a complete surprise! Special mention must be made of the crew and the ingenious special effects. A highly enjoyable evening.

Angela Solomons