The stage was set and the lights went down, our fabulous cast of Year 4 children were ready to star in this brilliant Downton-meets-Poirot musical production.
Set in the 1920s and steeped in legend and intrigue, Magpie Manor is crumbling and Lord and Lady Pica (nobly portrayed by George and Bea) must take drastic action to save their beloved home. The wonderfully sinister Magpie Mac, played by Jasper, watches carefully as the clan is gathered and together with Mr Fortune the bank manager and his bumbling assistants (the fabulous Tom who is very patient with the absolutely hilarious ‘Blot’ and ‘Scribble’, Ethan and Mateo), they come up with a plan to sell off the family silver. But as the rich and famous guests arrive for the auction ball, strange things are occurring and when the family heirloom is unveiled, it has disappeared!
Phoebe, Delilah and Laura as stunning flapper girls in all their sparkles execute a perfect Charleston and look after their delightfully dotty Grandpa, played by Maxi with admirable comic timing. Felix is fantastic as Bunny who will never let his headstrong daughters pay their own way! Edward is awesome as the just ever so slightly suspicious Inspector Spectre who refuses any help from a very dashing Josh as Mr Arthur Christie. As the mystery deepens, it seems that everyone has a motive. From poor old Sid Saddle who lost his money on the ‘orses (what an accent, Kit!) and cheeky tradesmen Bernie and Basil to Cousin Rupert and his grasping American fiancée. Lucia was magnificent in her disappointment with her suave but broke fiancé. Below stairs, Elliot would give Jim Carter a run for his money and the romance between Ernie and Elsie had everyone on the edge of their seats – hats off to James and Ellis for not getting the giggles! But will the thief be caught and can Magpie Manor be rescued from impending disaster? Thankfully, Philip’s dependable Bernie BlackBoots saves the day when he retrieves the loot… But… whodunnit? Does Mr Christie solve the mystery?
With huge thanks to Mrs Wallace and Miss Tyrrell for their magnificent stage direction and dance moves and also to the ever marvellous Mrs Hardy for her musical accompaniment.
Please visit the Mystery of Magpie Manor photo gallery on the website for all the professional images from the night. These can be downloaded from a desktop by right clicking on an image.
