Time To Kill

First-class and faultless thriller

Time to Kill by Leslie Darbon

This tight, brittle thriller, with just a few snatches of humour to lighten the tension, was excellently performed.

It was the stuff of first class entertainment in spite of or maybe because of its ingenious but far-fetched plot involving an innocuous coffee morning which turned into something macabre and horrifying.

Acting honours were equally distributed among a short cast of only six players headed by Estelle Shutkever whose sheer professionalism was a joy to watch.

John Cope deserves a special mention for the splendid job he made taking the leading role for the first time.

He brought a high measure of realism to his part as a suspected murderer, alternating aggression with sexy charm, for which he is reputed to be well-known.

In short, the production, directed by Gerry Solomon, could not be faulted and its every aspect reflected credit on the society.

P.K.S., Local Newspeper 1983

Calling time in Wythall?

Wythall Dramatic Society's latest production could be its last if more people do not step forward to join its ranks.

The group, which has staged more than 75 productions, might be forced to fold if membership does not rise above the society's present 23.

Members have been struggling hard to keep the society going into its 26th year and fear they will not be able to keep going much longer.

"There is only a small nucleus of actors at the moment and we do need a lot more people if the society is to survive," explained Mrs Angela Smith.

The group's plight will be considered at the society's annual meeting at the Village Hall at 8p.m. on Monday.

Mrs Smith said alternatives to winding up the society would be sought and might include amalgamation with another society, such as Rowney Green Players or the dramatic society at Earlswood.

It was hoped new members might be encouraged to join at the society's latest production 'Time to Kill,' staged at the Woodrush School last night and scheduled to run until Saturday.

The play is by Leslie Darbon and involves a group of women from a well-to-do estate who meet for coffee to occupy their spare time.

Each week the group does something different and this time they choose to investigate the suicide of one of their number.

In this way a simple coffee meeting turns into a more sinister mock trial together with a defendant, known to the group as a lady's man and perhaps responsible for their friend's death.

Reviewer Unknown, Local Newspaper 1983