63

Dead on Nine

A drama by Jack Popplewell
Thursday 2 December 1971 - Saturday 4 December 1971
The Little Theatre, Old Royal Marines Camp, Butts Close, Faringdon
Directed by Evelyn Stoodley

dead-on-nine-1971-photoRobert and Esmeralda Leigh rusticate in tempestuous comfort in their quiet Cornish cottage. The ten-year-old marriage is highly unsatisfactory because Robert is totally dependant on his wealthy wife. Having found consolation with his secretary, Marion Dale, Robert begs his wife foe a divorce, but although Esmeralda does not love him, she is harshly possessive. Robert tries to solve his problems by murder. Carefully providing himself with an alibi, he spends the night with Inspector Farrow while Marion is left behind to shoot Esmeralda. Next morning he is aghast to find that Marion is dead. Esmeralda is alive and planning his own murder with her admirer, Tom Hammond. In retaliation Robert kills Hammond. With horrible irony, Robert and Esmeralda then find their perfect alibis useless. Inspector Farrow can get the right verdict by convicting then of the wrong murder.

Cast (in order of appearance):

Tom Hammond - Ken Duringer
Robert Leigh - Norman Pickles
Marion Dale - Penny Duringer
Esmeralda Leigh - Eileen Heath
Richard Farrow - Sam Heath
Gladys - Kathleen Hill
Leslie Booth - Tim Reeves

Production No.63 (3 shows were performed over 3 days)