This production saw a change of venue for FADOS to the Drama Studio at Deben High School. A little tricky to find in the dark, as there were no signposts, but I eventually found it after much asking of passers-by and driving around the dark wet roads of Felixstowe. Unfortunately, by the time I arrived I had missed the first few scenes, but I was able to catch-up with goings on in the foyer during the interval.

Night Must Fall takes place in Mrs Bramson’s (Sheila Phillips) cottage in Essex in the mid 1930s. The green chaise longue, long green drapes and quaint table and chair sat in the corner set the scene perfectly for the performance.

Mrs Bramson lives with her quiet niece, Olivia, (Jayne Lindill) and spends most of her time sitting in her wheelchair moaning and ordering her two servants about, the maid Dora (Dee England) and Mrs Terence the cook (Sandra Angell).

The story tells a tale of insanity, love and murder most foul. During Act 1 it is revealed that Dora has become pregnant by a boy called Danny (Daniel Keeble). Danny is a charming and friendly young man who knows just how to get round Mrs Bramson and she soon takes him on as her personal assistant.

As the story unfolds and a body is discovered in the woods, it becomes clear that Danny is the main suspect. It is not long before he is revealed as the murderer when he is left alone with Mrs Bramson and smothers her with a pillow. The end sees Danny taken away to prison by Inspector Belsize (John Payne).

There were a few topical jokes thrown in - as when Mrs Bramson stated “Put not your trust in banks”, which raised a chuckle.

The sound of heavy rain on the roof of the drama studio added to the atmosphere of the evening and the extreme dynamics of the bangs, crashes and screams kept the audience on their toes.

I did think some of the sound effects were a little too loud for the size of the drama studio. It is very small (and hot), the audience sat on plastic chairs balanced precariously on wooden boxes to create tiers didn't help with the heat.

Night Must Fall has now ended it’s run but FADOS promises to present several more experimental productions in the new year.

Julie Orford
OCtober 2008