Murder at Cadberry Manor – Hope Street Theatre

A murder has taken place at the Cadberry Manor in Liverpool’s Hope Street Theatre. A 4am production directed by Phil Halfpenny. I was excited to see this show as it was completely sold out and of course like most people I do love a bit of true crime.

The story consists of Detective Harrie Bo (Rafaela Dias) arrived at the scene to investigate the murder of Toby Le Rone (Phil Halfpenny) who at the time was hosting a dinner party which included guests such as his son Captain Robert Le Rone (Sab Muthusamy), his ex-wife Veronica Viscount (Kristin Jaap), Dr Whispa (Adam Titchmarsh), Friar Tuckshop (Tristan Harper), Felicity Flake (Rosie Bennett) Lord and Lady Thornton (Alan Kenny and Lisa Morgan). They were all enjoying a few social wines when Tony Le Rone announces a change to his last will in testament. But before he announces the changes, he drinks a cup of hot chocolate given to him by the French Maid Malteser (Lilly Almond) which sadly poisons Toby. Their normal supply of chocolate was unavailable so as compensation the supplier delivered another brand free of charge.

The investigation begins. Each character had a compelling story as to how they knew Toby. Inspector Harrie Bo would be working out the motives from the characters. When watching this show, I felt the plot in some respect hard to follow at points. Even when guided through the story by Bourneville (Jasmine Oats). When reading the show description, it states that it offers “guaranteed thrills and belly aching laughs”. To address this, there were elements of comedy, but I felt that some lines and reactions weren’t delivered in the way the script intended. I will say that this show did very well at making it somewhat immersive. Danny and Doug Drifter (Luke Bennett and John Reynolds) were in the audience trying to sell tickets to the audience for Eurovision. During the show we could vote on who we think the killer could be. The story was told over two acts which I felt were too long and unnecessary it could have been told over the one act. This show was good but not one I’d rush back to see as I felt some scenes needed tightening up, a plot to be made clearer and when it’s a blackout wait till actors have left before bringing lights up again. Or have the curtain close so it feels episodic within the show.

There was a nod to Eurovision within the show, but I don’t think it was needed and took away from the story. I don’t think in my view it added anything to the piece. There were laughs within the show and full of confectionary puns. So much so I left wanting to buy chocolate which isn’t always a bad thing. I hope when reading this review, they take my pointers as I think this could be a great show with a few tweaks. Maybe make it fully immersive and run dinner sittings as it could work better than in a theatre. Almost like a real life Cludeo with Chocolate puns.

I bet you’re wondering did I solve it and know who the killer was well to be honest…. I can’t tell you that you’ll have to hope it comes back and you can then work it out for yourselves.

Reviewer: Luke Stephenson

Reviewed: 11th May 2023

North West End UK Rating: