Most of the blogs you may read here are from an insider’s view, that of a set engineer, actor or backstage crew. But this time the blog comes from a member of the audience, the paying public if you wish. I went to the ETC’s radio play performance of The Perfect Murder at the delightful Salle des Fêtes at Cazaux Villecomtal. If you turn up before the door opening time there appears to be a strict protocol. You’re totally ignored and the door is kept locked whilst, seemingly, the entire ETC is scurrying around inside on last minute tasks, revising lines or just simply panicking. But bang on cue, you’re let in to enjoy a welcome drink at the bar. Tables were ready for our lunch and delicious smells were already wafting under the door from the kitchen. Then kick-off. I clearly recall the compere’s reminder to switch our phones back on after the show had ended. Such a lovely way to remind us to switch our phones off before the show began. During the first act the murder scene was skillfully described by the nine cast members and we were asked to vote upon who we thought the murderer was. This led to various interesting discussions over lunch. Personally I was too busy eating the lovely roast pork and apple crumble lunch provided by The Whole Hog to be too bothered about who the dirty rotter was who had killed Carla.
All was revealed as the second act unfolded with, as usual, an unexpected twist at the very end. Needless to say, I didn’t guess the identity of the murderer. I would just like to thank the entire ETC for providing us with a great day out, a lovely meal and good company among friends and strangers alike.
