The Perfect Murder – Rainhill Village Hall

Director Rosetta Parker is guilty as charged for delivering the perfect murder drama with this production of Hugh Janes’ adaptation of a Jeffrey Archer short story.

Set in England, the play centres around the murder of a young woman, and as the drama unfolds, it becomes clear that John (Peter Cliffe) is somehow involved in it and he confesses as such to his wife, Elizabeth (Tracey Duffy), who is determined to keep him out of prison.

The police are soon on the case in the form of DI Simmons (Gerald Walker) and Sgt Davies (Rob Williams) and as they – and us – are bombarded with clues and the occasional sleight of hand, it is Paul (Dave Asbridge) who ends up getting charged.

But did he commit it though?

At No.4 Court of the Old Bailey the Judge (Liz Munro) has to decide with the competing counsels of Sir Humphrey (Gordon O’Brien) appearing for the prosecution and Ms Scott QC (Sophie Brogan) appearing for the defence. Throw in an expert witness in the form of pathologist Dr Mallins (George Lowe) and it’s anybody’s guess as to who done it.

But the real question is: have you been following the evidence?

The opening scenes of the first half are a little too bitty with not enough character development for John and Elizabeth for my liking – which is a fault of the script, not this production – but credit to director Parker for adopting a split stage approach which allows the action to keep flowing seamlessly between domestic home and police station in Act I, and then opening up more fully for the courtroom in Act II which makes great use of the available stage with Graham Swift’s lighting allowing for Cliffe’s occasional cameos.

Parker & Webster Theatrical Designs – aka Richard Parker and Jo Webster – excel again with their attention to detail for the set design with the latter adding her usual finesse to the finishing touches, with costume support from Barbara Dahill and Rita James.

There are strong performances from the cast with the addition of an accomplished ensemble – Pamela Foster, Terry James, Alison Mawdsley, Tom Nevitt, Ruth Profitt, and Edi Tinsley – picking up specific minor roles as well as playing reporters, newsreaders, and court officials.

Walker added a nice touch of ‘sarf London’ speak to his investigating DI whilst Lowe’s very particular pathologist was played to excellent comic effect. Barristers are the biggest actors with courts their biggest stage, and so tonight’s pairing somewhat stole the show eliciting a lot of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ from the audience, with Brogan embodying the prim and perfect rising legal star in contrast to O’Brien’s wise and experienced counsel who was very reminiscent of Charles Laughton in Witness for the Prosecution.

Rainhill Garrick Society has a long-established history and with more newcomers performing tonight, very much a bright future. There are always opportunities for new members to get involved so whether you want to explore set building/dressing or try prompting, or are interested in acting or play readings, then why not get involved at Rainhill Garrick Society – I can certainly testify to what a great company they are. Further details https://www.rainhillgarrick.co.uk/

The Perfect Murder plays at Rainhill Village Hall through to 18^th October 2025 with performances at 7.30pm at Rainhill Village Hall, which is a short walking distance from Rainhill Station (Liverpool-Manchester line) with free parking also available (post code for the hall is L35 4LU). There are also several amazing restaurants and bars in Rainhill village, so you could treat yourself before the show and make a night of it.

Reviewer: Mark Davoren

Reviewed: 16^th October 2025

North West End UK Rating: