‘Good, old-fashioned murder mystery’

The Havelock Theatre Company is branching out this summer, putting on an Agatha Christiestyle whodunit rather than its usual comedies.

Co-director Bruce Weston says the new play, Chain Reaction, is set in Havelock in the 1850s, in the days of logging as steam machinery is starting to threaten people’s livelihoods.

Murders start to happen in the township - and everyone who dies is somehow connected to one family.

The play follows the tight-knit Crabbe family and their mysterious lodger, all of whom are suspects.

It opens on January 26 and runs until February 5, with both evening and matinee performances.

Judith Blake-Barlow plays Martha Crabbe, Greg Bettjeman plays John Crabbe, and Anna Logan plays their daughter Elizabeth, while Steve Leslie is the lodger, Mr Blackshaw.

Bruce is directing the play along with Gillian Edwards.

Chain Reaction was originally written by British playwright Carol Shepard, who rewrote it for the Havelock company, Bruce says.

‘‘Because it’s set in Havelock local people will hopefully identify with the area and with the era.’’ Bruce says while the play does not contain any objectionable language, it is definitely aimed at adults rather than children.

‘‘It’s a good, old-fashioned murder mystery,’’ he says.

‘‘It’s Midsomer Murders, kind of thing.’’

Directing a mystery rather than a comedy makes a change, but no style of theatre is ever easy, Bruce says.

‘‘I think challenge is the word. They shouldn’t be a piece of cake, that’s for sure.

‘‘I like to get the cast fully in character. It’s not just someone learning lines,’’ he says.

Cameo appearances will also be made by former Marlborough councillor and policeman Graeme Barsanti - who plays a policeman - and theatre stalwart Ian Cameron, who plays a mill employee.

Chain Reaction will be held in the Havelock Town Hall.

There will be shows at 8pm on January 26 to 28, and February 2 to 4. Matinee performances are at 4pm on January 29 and February 5. that

Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for students and seniors and $10 for children.

These are available from Eyes on Nature in Havelock, Still Books in Blenheim, Take Note in Picton and Foresters Cafe in Rai Valley.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED Elizabeth, played by Anna Logan, with mill employee Mr Marshall, played by Ian Cameron, in the Havelock Theatre Company production of Chain Reaction.