This Is Not a Murder Mystery – Drayton Arms Theatre

This Is Not a Murder Mystery is a sharply written and tightly directed comedy-thriller by Peter Rae, performed in the intimate upstairs theatre above the charming Drayton Arms pub. With direction by Helen Bang—who also stars as the whimsical, scene-stealing Elizabeth Treasure—this fast-paced production delivers an evening full of energy, cleverness, and an unexpected twist.

Set entirely in a regional theatre’s dressing room on the opening night of a fictional murder mystery, the play cleverly blurs the lines between backstage drama and on-stage intrigue. From the moment the lights go up, we’re immersed in a chaotic, hilarious, and occasionally poignant world of ageing actresses, youthful optimism, and theatrical egos.

Helen Bang, Rosalind Blessed, and Laura Morgan have an infectious chemistry, like a mismatched but tight-knit girl group, bouncing off one another with sharp timing and fierce charisma. Their scenes together are the backbone of the play—full of sass, wit, and underlying emotional depth. It’s a joy to watch their dynamic unfold, whether they’re bickering, bonding, or throwing shade.

James MacKay and Jonny Davidson open the show with a perfectly pitched comic sequence, mirroring each other as they present slightly awkward (and revealing) gifts to the women. Their interaction sets the tone for the evening—funny, sharp, and full of subtle hints that will become important later on. Without giving too much away, there’s a twist in the tale, and viewers are encouraged to watch closely—this is one of those rare comedies where the laughs are plentiful, but the main clue is cleverly embedded within the first scene.

While the humour was consistently strong throughout—and had the audience laughing from beginning to end—there were a few elements that could have been pushed further. The dressing room set was nicely realised, complete with makeup, costumes, and a genuine “behind-the-scenes” feel, but the mystery could have been enhanced by a more imaginative use of props or visual clues. Additionally, not seeing the murder or even the body (even briefly or symbolically) felt like a missed opportunity to raise the stakes and deepen the intrigue.

That said, the final twist is satisfying and unexpected, and the play never takes itself too seriously. It’s light-hearted, delightfully self-aware, and performed with genuine flair by a strong ensemble cast.

Overall, This Is Not a Murder Mystery is a fun, fast-paced theatrical treat that balances clever writing with strong performances. It’s a laugh-filled evening that keeps the audience guessing—just don’t expect it to play by the usual murder mystery rules.

Link to Tickets: Drayton Arms Theatre

Reviewer: Zain Russell

Reviewed: 28th May 2025

North West End UK Rating: