Theatre review: Yummy intrigue of murder and scheming in The Cornwall Killings at Kalk Bay Theatre

Theatre review: Yummy intrigue of murder and scheming in The Cornwall Killings by Dinners to Die For – at Kalk Bay Theatre- November 2021

Dinners to Die – an immersive theatre experience – involving the audience in plot outcomes – is staging its new theatre show, The Cornwall Killings, during November at The Kalk Bay Theatre. The context of The Cornwall Killings is 1943, at the zenith of World War II. Britain is embroiled in war. Neville Cromwell, has croaked. A menagerie of protagonists, toy with each other – with the eye on inheriting his moolah. The cast is fabulous, with yummy accents. The magnetic and charismatic Luella Holland is well known to audiences at The Kalk Bay Theatre. Over the years, she has captivated us with her stunning voice and dynamic stage presence. In The Cornwall Killings, we get a fill of her acting smarts and a plummy British accent, dripping with upper-class Brit pomposity. Holland nails it in this production. She had me in fits as did the rest of the cast. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this story unfurl. Holland wrote the script. The show was conceptualised by Holland, Rowan Studti and Danielle Salmon. The set is lavish and beautifully appointed with a rotary dialing phone and period props. There is some audience participation – getting involved with clues and whatnot – but not too much- a lovely balance. The audience was vocal throughout.

This is a fun evening –a murder-mystery- whodunit – who could have done it – have a guess- have a G&T – and forget about load shedding, Rona and the silly people who refuse to be vaccinated. After watching a goofy bunch, sending up murders, mysteries, conniving dudes who are arch kibitzers; we walked way, smiling. Lots of fun. The Kalk Bay Theatre is a wonderful fit for a murder-mystery whodunit. It is the first time that I have seen a play being staged in the new KBT and I have to say that the space works brilliantly. I could envisage seeing plays on this intimate stage, in the future.

✳ Featured image – supplied – Luella Holland, Rowan Studti, Danielle Salmon, Rob Coutts in The Cornwall Killings by Dinners to Die For – at Kalk Bay Theatre- November 2021. Supplied.