Comic take on the classic whodunnit

American playwright Rob Urbinati might have written the next production from Redbourn Players - but it is very English in both character and language.

Death By Design is a comedy, written in the style of Noel Coward, with a bit of Agatha Christie murder mystery and a snippet of Poirot thrown in.

The play is set in 1932 during a weekend in the country residence of actress Sorel Bennett and her playwright husband, Edward. They have just had a disastrous opening night and each decides to flee London for the peace of Cookham.

To the annoyance of Jack, their cockney chauffeur, and the dismay of their feisty Irish maid, Bridget, various guests arrive unexpectedly - a Conservative politician, a fiery socialist, a bohemian artist and dancer and a short-sighted young woman, each with a long-held secret.

When one of the guests is found lifeless on the sofa, it emerges that each has a motive for murder.

Director, Pauline Mead, said, “Not only does this play take digs at the British class system and theatre, it provides the audience with plenty of gags and great verbal flourishes, especially as certain characters finish the brandy and move on to the gin.”

Death by Design is being performed at Redbourn Village Hall at 8pm from next Thursday, December 4, until Saturday, December 6.

Tickets are £8 with concessions £6, available by calling 01582 622667.