WHO KILLED SANTA CLAUSE?

by Terence Feely

Directed by Jim Clark

WHAT THE PAPERS SAID...

A CHRISTMAS CRACKER...

TV personality Barbara Love received threats on her life just before her programme production team arrive at her home for their annual Christmas party.  Barbara enlists the help of the police in the shape of Superintendent Moore who, posing as a special guest at the festivities, endeavours to reveal the identity of the would-be killer before the deed is committed.

The Apex Players' production of Terence Feely's "Who Killed Santa Claus?" in the Town Hall did, as intended, provide suspense and enjoyment for the appreciative audiences and, on the whole, the players and backstage crew emerged with a lot of credit.

Margaret McKinnon as Barbara Love had the major part in the play and her performance could not have been bettered.  Margaret is usually a "character" actress and especially a comedienne but she showed her great versatility in her treatment of this exacting role.  If Margaret had failed, the play would have suffered a similar fate but her appearance, voice, timing, were just right - a large role played to perfection by an experienced actress.

Margaret's "better half" Charles McKinnon as Superintendent Moore tackled the largest part of his acting career and he, too, gave an excellent performance.  Charles is probably better known for his comedy roles - I prefer him in these parts - but in this play he was the epitome of the high-ranking police officer - suave, upright and when needed to be, authorative.

The McKinnons will not mind, however, if I state that the "show-stealer" was that veteran of many parts in the Apex and in the Cottage - Ron Paterson as Ray Lacey, the "make-up" man on Barbara's production team.  Ron's first appearance was magnificent and immediately lifted the play to greater heights than it had enjoyed previously. 

Lacey had prior to his entrance, been described to the audience as a bit of a "queer", a "way-out" person in every way.  The first sight of this character confirmed all of this.  Ron's outfit - I believe made up by his wife - was fantastic.  The white and light blue floral trouser suit with red trimmings, black belt, high-heeled shoes and, topping all, the blonde wig (not to mention beauty spot), were in marvellous contrast to the rather sombre attire of the other males.

Ron's accent was perfect, his every action exactly right for the character - don't play too many parts like this, Ron, as the stories may get around!  For me, the highlight of the play centred on this character.

The exchanges between Lacey and the team's "writer" Don Lewis played by David Traynor provided many laughs.  Lewis, a dour Glaswegian, cannot stand people like Lacey and there is a continual pouring-out of insults to each other.  In response to jibes by Lewis, Lacey remarks, "Why don't you take a swim with a pair of lead knickers on?"  When Lewis is wearing a false face, Lacey asks, "Have you still got your face on, dear?"

There were many other very funny remarks which couldn't be printed in a family newspaper!  David Traynor played his part well and was the perfect foil to Lacey, especially in the Ouija board scene - a memorable moment in the play.

When the curtain opened at the start of the play, an excellent set was revealed, Barbara's flat was tastefully furnished and decorated and the Christmas tree in the alcove was very effective  Where were the keys in the doors, though - the ones that Superintendent Moore removed later on?

The two characters on stage at the opening were Barbara's secretary, Connie Bell (Liz Scott) and Barbara's TV producer Jack Barnes (Brian Gillespie (Brian Gillespie).  These two were known to be having an affair but this did not really come over too well in the play.  I felt there were many ways in which they could have brought out their interest in each other.

Connie's retort to Jack's indication that he was going for a shower, "make it a cold one!" did not register as it should have had.  Liz as the efficient secretary played the part competently and she looked especially fetching in here evening dress. 

Brian was appearing on stage for the first time and has to be highly commended on his efforts.  He had the appearance but will have to learn to speak out and show the audience more of his face.  A producer should have been more expressive in his speech and actions - after all his job on the TV programme would be all about that!  Brian had one lovely line though which came through very well.  Referring to his owning a 49 per cent interest in the show, he remarked, "I feel like the look-out at an orgy - I have all the responsibility but none of the fun!"  Stick in, Brian!

Joe Simons as Paul Reston, director, had the unenviable task of playing a character who, in my opinion, really was not needed in the story.  I felt Joe, an excellent real-life drama producer, would have been happier on the other side of the stage but all credit to him for carrying out the part.

Another "first-timer" on the stage was Billy Young as Dave Ogden, a Press photographer mysteriously invited to the party.  It transpires that Ogden is Barbara's illegitimate son.  For a novice this was an important role and young Billy made an excellent stage debut.  His infectious smile was very welcome and refreshing.  He was enthusiastic in his every movement and, when he gets a bit more experience, will be a big asset to the Apex club.

Credit for the very good production must go to backroom staff Donald Smith - lighting and sound effects; Christine Cullingford; Pat Currie - for that blood-curdling gurgle when Santa was strangled; Jim Clark and Robert Haldane.

"Who Killed Santa Claus?" cheered up a lot of Cumbernauld people last week - it was good to escape from the "box" and all the grim forecasts for the future and enter for a couple of hours the fantasy world of amateur dramatics.

Thank you, Apex Players.