Review: KATHY AND STELLA SOLVE A MURDER, Ambassadors Theatre
Photo credit: Pamela Raith
Based in Hull, best friends Kathy and Stella host a true crime podcast from Kathy's mum’s basement. Trying to make their mark on the world and to build a career, they plan to share their show with their favourite author to gain a wider audience. When the author is murdered just after their meeting, the BFF’s go on their own investigation to find out what happened - but will they succeed?
Written and co-directed by Jon Brittain, also co-directed by Fabian Aloise, this comedy takes you on a thrilling journey looking at all parts of how amateurs think a forensic investigation will go. The show is written to maximise the laughs but doesn't feel at all forced, which is a hard line to tread. Also, by the constant laughter throughout the audience, it hits the spot as the majority of people's type of comedy. With crime scene tape, murder and mortuary knives, there is no doubt what this musical is about.
The lighting design by Peter Small is mostly used to enhance the comedy and action, creating all scenarios from a multicoloured karaoke party to police searchlights through the audience. Only thing to be aware of is a lot of bright, flashing lights aimed at the audience which, at times, does not assist the story and are not entirely needed.
The live four-piece band on stage provide the pop/rock style soundtrack, arranged by Matthew Floyd Jones, making it a really fun atmosphere to match the comedy of the show. All playing are excellent and although having musicians on stage is becoming more popular across shows, it really does allow their talent to be seen as well as heard. Even before the show begins, the music being played into the auditorium gets everyone in an upbeat party mood with all the well-known karaoke pop songs.
The stage is designed by Cecilia Carey, and it is so clever. With the main set being Kathy's mum's basement, there are so many little items and posters placed around that really enhance the details. Also, when needing to change the scene, different parts move to seamlessly change the entire stage with minimal working, helping to keep the action flowing and not take away from whatever else is happening at the time.
Leading the cast, Bronté Barbé (Newsies) and Rebekah Hinds (Oklahoma!) are able to capture the characters perfectly, making you recognise aspects of yourself and how most people have been at one point in their lives, trying to work out who they are and what to do with their lives. The comedy between the two is timed to perfection and it is obvious that they have been working together for a while prior to this London run. Each are also given their chance to shine vocally with beautiful solos and stunning harmonies. Comedic and singing abilities are also shown by the whole cast, with each having their own moment in the spotlight with some very funny, over the top portrayals by Felicia (Hannah-Jane Fox) and hysterical one-liners or actions from other members of the cast.
To find out who committed the murder - well, we guess you'll have to go and see the show. A murder mystery that is killer fun!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Frances Tate
Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder plays at London’s Ambassador Theatre until 14 September, with tickets available here.
