Agatha Christie
Murder in the Studio
27th, 28th, 29th, November 2025
“Murder in the Studio”; RMDC’s first Agatha Christie production- with a twist!
It’s hard to believe that the Drama Club members have been entertaining audiences for 75 years but have never staged one of Dame Agatha’s famous mysteries. Well, we are about to remedy that situation but as you would expect from us, it’s going to be different!
Imagine arriving at the Parish Hall on a dark November evening, the doors open and you are transported back to 1950. The place is buzzing with excited anticipation for the arrival of the world renowned ‘BBC Players*’ who have been invited to broadcast their ‘Theatre Hour’ from our village. Stars who we have seen on pictures and in news-reels will actually be appearing on our stage. Of course, the Drama Club members and villagers of the time will be very much involved - try keeping them away.
Murder in the Studio
Two intriguing plays written for radio by Agatha Christie.
Yellow Iris: set in a 1930s restaurant at the hotel 'Jardin des Cygnes', where Hercule Poirot's presence is requested by a desperate young heiress. What is the mystery behind the party called together by her brother-in-law, the American tycoon Mr Barton Russell....and why are there yellow irises on one particular table?
Personal Call: the opening scene is in the Kensington home of a recently married couple, James and Pamela Brent. A cocktail party is in full swing and all seems jolly and carefree until a phone call suggests there are lies and secrets beneath the surface......
Our director Jean Buckley writes that we are adding much more to the evening to make it an immersive vintage experience! The drama unfolds during and in between transmission. The BBC Players* are broadcasting live from Riding Mill in 1950.
The newly formed drama club and villagers are beside themselves with excitement. Fancy having the chance to meet stars, Patrick Blake and Grace Devereux in person! Gosh, and others who they have only seen on screen or heard over the airwaves.
Do you think any drama club members might get a chance to perform with them - we'll see!!
Jean has woven a story around the recordings so that we meet the stars, witness the backstage chatter and discover another mystery to solve.
There's a lot to entertain you through the evening - music, cabaret from the time, raffle, bar and choc-ices - remember to bring your ration books!
* BBC players are performed by our own club members
Meet the cast of Murder in the Studio.
Our " BBC Radio Players", from 1950.
Directed and Partly Written By
Jean Buckley
Alvar Lidell (Kris Andersen). A real historical character. An announcer at the BBC famous for reading the news during WWII.
Lilian Thomas (Carolyn Hagger). A chanteuse of international repute.
Freddie Winterbourne (Nic Tortice). Not only a popular actor on radio and stage, he is well known for his unusual collections.
Pippa Green (Susan Joyce). The faithful assistant to Miss Deveraux and Mr Blake. Will she ever get her chance to star?
Fintan Peebles (Mike Smith). Hailing from Ecclefechan, he's seen it all before and isn't impressed.
Grace Deveraux (Frances Hewitt). A favourite with audiences she's starred in British theatre and films and is now on her way to Hollywood.
Greg Williams (Mike Routledge). The strong silent type. What's going on beneath the surface?
Jenny Simpson (Carrie Craig-Gilby). Talented, beautiful and funny. She enjoys the backstage gossip with her good friend Freddie.
Patrick Blake (Shaun Fenwick). With his wife Grace, he has appeared on stage and screen. He loves the highlife and looks forward to their move to LA.
Millicent Millais. A promising newcomer, she acts, dances, sings like an angel. Is her big break just around the corner?