Murdered to Death
by Peter Gordon
Directed by Simon Foley
About the Play
This hilarious whodunit combines classic murder mystery tropes with sidesplitting comedy.
Set in a 1930s English country manor, the play introduces a cast of delightfully eccentric characters, including a bumbling inspector, a snooty aristocrat, a mysterious femme fatale, and a butler who’s perhaps too proper. When a murder is discovered, everyone becomes a suspect in a case brimming with twists, turns, and hilariously disastrous detective work.
Will the killer be caught—or will Inspector Pratt bungle the investigation beyond repair?
Prepare for a night of laughter, intrigue, and surprises in this clever spoof of the Agatha Christie genre.
Playwright
Peter Gordon
Peter Gordon is a renowned British playwright celebrated for his sharp wit and brilliant comedic timing. With a background in both writing and directing, Gordon has crafted numerous plays that have delighted audiences around the world. His works often parody classic genres, blending humour with clever storytelling to create engaging and entertaining theatre experiences.
Gordon's talent for comedy shines in his most popular plays, including "Murdered to Death," the first instalment in his Inspector Pratt trilogy. This series of plays pays homage to the traditional British murder mystery, incorporating a host of quirky characters and farcical situations that have made them favourites in community theatres and professional productions alike.
Known for his keen eye for the absurdities of human nature, Peter Gordon's plays are characterized by their strong character development, intricate plots, and an ever-present sense of fun. His ability to combine elements of suspense with humour ensures that audiences are both intrigued and amused from start to finish.
Director
Simon Foley
Simon is a dedicated and passionate theatre actor and director with a rich history of involvement in community theatre. He joined Dolphin Theatre in 2017, debuting in the play "Spirit Level." His talent and commitment quickly saw him becoming a pivotal part of the theatre, eventually serving as President till mid-2024. Simon's directorial credits at Dolphin Theatre include acclaimed productions such as "Kiwifruits," “The Irish Murderer”, and he has appeared in "Spirit Level," "At the Sign of the Crippled Harlequin, " and the classic "Arsenic and Old Lace." A graduate of Unitec School of Performing Arts, Simon brings a wealth of knowledge and a creative vision to his projects. His leadership and enthusiasm continue to inspire both cast and crew at Dolphin Theatre.
Director’s Notes
There’s a reason Dame Agatha Christie remains a beloved staple of community theatre worldwide. The opportunity to gently rib the familiar tropes and characters of the classic whodunnit is one I simply couldn’t resist. Murdered to Death by Peter Gordon offers a fresh take on the Christie formula, blending mystery with sharp wit and clever twists.
I’m seeking a cast that can bring both energy and authenticity to these recognisably Christie-esque characters. The comedy thrives on fast-paced dialogue and crisp timing, so I'm looking for actors who are quick on their feet and committed to the material. While the characters may play into familiar types, they require a genuine approach to bring out the humour naturally, without going over the top.
If you're eager to show off your comedic timing, embrace wordplay, and dive headfirst into a whirlwind of puns and laughs, this is the perfect opportunity to flex those comedic muscles!
CAST & CREW
TO BE ANNOUNCED!
Dolphin theatre is a community theatre and is run entirely by volunteers.
All acting roles are unpaid.