Agatha Crusty and the Village Hall Murders
Comedy - 4m 6f (or 3m 7f) Running Time: 2 hours
Agatha Crusty (pronounced Croosty) is a crime novelist. She's also pretty adept at solving crimes. And when her sister-in-law Alice invites her to spend a few days with her in the village of Chortelby, it's not long before she gets caught up in a series of murders which seem directed at members of the All Saints Village Hall committee.
From Toby, the Vicar, and Eleanor, Chair of the committee, to Harry Knott the caretaker and identical twins Olivia and Oliver Truscott-Pratt, there are plenty of suspects. And with an investigating officer as incompetent as D.I. Twigg, there are plenty of laughs as the murders begin to pile up. But, while packed full of wit and very funny scenes, this is also a genuine murder mystery with an ingenious plot which will tax the little grey cells of the audience at the same time!
For a free downloadable evaluation script and details of performing rights, click here: Stagescripts.com
Here's a clip from the Santa Clara Players production in California (courtesy of Steve Stubbs):
"It was one of the most enjoyable and funny plays I have had the pleasure to do. The audiences thoroughly enjoyed it and the feed back has been great."
Deborah Trevatt, Woodmansterne Operatic & Dramatic Society
"This is a play that is going to delight anyone who revels in a traditional comedy/murder with lots of witty lines and funny scenes. But there is also a genuine murder plot and I am sure that audiences will enjoy separating the red herrings from the real clues." Amateur Stage Magazine review December 2013
“We have had more fun with this play than any other we have done.” Leslie Traill, Woolgatherers of Heswall
“One of the most enjoyable parts I ever played... Every time I walk past the wardrobe in Clarbeston Road... I'm sure that wig calls my name!” Rob Owens (played Oliver/Olivia in the original production by Clarbeston Road Players)
"I had a fabulous time doing ‘Agatha’" Kate Ashley
"I adored doing the two plays – ‘Agatha Crusty’ and ‘Losing It’, my absolute favourite parts!” Cheryl Rayner
“Fantastic script. A very funny play.” Ron Smith – Masham Players
“We laughed till we cried during rehearsals. Great fun but now the serious business begins!” Sally Parker
“Lapworth Players performed 'Agatha Crusty and the Village Hall Murders' in May… and it was one of the most enjoyable plays in which I have been involved. The play lent itself to having some fun with the programme and on the set, we echoed some of the activities with posters around the 'church hall'. These were then 'cancelled' (with appropriate signs written across the posters) after the interval, as the murders took place. On another note, we did very well at the box-office. We made the highest profit for a Spring play (often this only breaks even), apart from our production of 'Calendar Girls' a few years ago. So, thank you for a brilliant script - perfect for an amateur dramatic group where the majority of members are of 'a certain age', and for our village community. We'll definitely be looking out for your other work. In addition, minor sprains and muscle pulls, amongst cast and crew, are now accompanied by the words, 'Not as bendy as we thought'.” Pippa Abbott - The Lapworth Players
