Proscenophobia by Bettine Manktelow
Thursday 28 - Saturday 30 April 2005
Knebworth Village Hall

Proscenophobia or "stage fright" rounded off our 83rd Season. The action of this clever whodunit takes place in the dressing-room of a provincial theatre during a performance of a thriller. The star, Addie (played by Pauline Jordan), is attempting a comeback and is understudied by her best friend Millie (Lorraine VanGoethem). Their constant bickering backstage belies a long history of friendship - which includes each one of them having been married to the same charming impresario, Ed Gibb (played by Wayne Jarvis), many years ago. Suspense builds when Addie begins to feel unwell and, for the first time, Millie must take her place in the dramatic and violent last act of the play. In a startling twist, the violence becomes real - and Millie is dead. Was it suicide? Was it murder? Who put a real bullet in the gun she was using? With everyone a potential suspect, the tension doesn't let up until the final revelation unveils not only the murderer but the price some actors pay to practice their art.