katy manning

PLAYING MURDER

Written by Simon Brett, a prolific writer of whodunnits in the Golden Age tradition of detective fiction, Murder in Play is a unique comedy thriller which will entertain the audience with its wickedly clever mix of eccentric characters, complex plot twists and gentle humour. The production stars Dean Gaffney, best known for his eleven years as Robbie Jackson in EastEnders who is also a noted stage actor, Gemma Bissix, another EastEnders star as a child but better known these days for her award-winning role as the villainous Clare Devine in Hollyoaks and Katy Manning, the iconic Doctor Who assistant Jo Grant, They are joined by respected stage and television actors David Callister and Richard Tate.

The dress rehearsal of Boris Smolensky’s production, “Murder at Priorswell Manor,” is not going well. The actors are more interested in their egos than the play, the props seem to have a life of their own, and the director has personal problems!

Suddenly fiction becomes reality when Boris’s wife, Renee is murdered on stage. Who is the murderer? Was it Ginette, Boris’s pretty but not exactly clever mistress? Was it Renee’s acting rival and former TV soap star, Christa? Or was it Boris himself?

Using a play-within-a-play device, the fictional theatre company keeps the audience guessing with numerous clues about the murderer until the final, thrilling denouement.

Mixing the intrigue of an Agatha Christie together with hilarious characters and a sophisticated story-line makes ‘Murder in Play’ a great evening out for all ages.

IRIS GOES FOURTH

Iris Wildthyme’s big red bus is heading back for more adventures. Series four of Iris Wildthyme is now available for pre-order from Big Finish. Katy Manning and David Benson return as everyone’s favourite Trans-temporal Adventuress and the redoubtable Panda.

With stories written by David Bryher, Cavan Scott and Mark Wright, Iris Wildthyme: Series Four sees Iris and Panda facing spectral party-poopers, alien bullies intent on invading the World Dart Championships and a brain itch that threatens the very fabric of time and space.

As a special treat, anyone who pre-orders series four of Iris Wildthyme will also receive a free ebook featuring four short stories from Obverse Books’ Iris Wildthyme short story collections. For further information visit www.bigfinish.com