It occurs to me that one of the best things about coming to the murder mystery is that you, as audience members, have the chance to see people you know quite well in a completely different light. So many of us know Neil Jones as Baptist minister, runner and father – but a police constable? Or Dan Goulding in his guise as fitness guru and dog walker and now – a sporty teenager? Craig and Jackie Johnstone, and Val Gillings many of us know from their different roles for the village Panto. Sue Booles will be new to most of you unless you’ve seen her wielding scissors as she plies her trade as hairdresser, and Luke Menzel and Natalie Downes will cut familiar figures when delivering the Barrow Voice and if you don’t know Sharon and Matt Gudger from the village florist, where have you been?

We are really fortunate this year to work with Perin, Vera, Mairie and Gaynor who are helping with the show’s production and the dependable Ron Laver and Tom Smith will once again work magic with light and sound.

It is always a joy to work with these fine actors but they’re fine people first and foremost – we always have fun and have a real sense of teamwork. This year’s murder mystery is Taught a Lesson by Gemma Simpson. It’s set in a secondary classroom (so the venue of Humphrey Perkins is ideal) and some of them are playing teenagers… watch out for the water pistols! And feel free to dress as school children if you wish!

Tickets are on sale at Taylor’s Florist and online via www.BUSCA.org.uk. There is a bar and a cheese-and-biscuit supper (please advise us if you have food intolerances.) I look forward to seeing you on 7th October!

‘Taught a Lesson’ is at Humphrey Perkins School on Saturday 7th October at 7.30pm.

Helen Sadler