Bryan Hodgson directs the new reimagined production of Murder For Two at The Barn Theatre in Cirencester.
Bryan reunites with the Barn Theatre to direct the new production of the musical, which sees two actors play thirteen characters and the piano as they pay homage to the murder mystery canon. This will also mark the first time the musical comedy has had its setting relocated to the United Kingdom.
Bryan Hodgson previously directed the Barn Theatre’s 2019 Built by Barn production of The Importance of Being Earnest, which had successful runs at the Barn Theatre and London’s Turbine Theatre, which marked the Barn’s first London transfer.
The production runs until 5th March 2022. Tickets are on sale here.
You’re directing Murder For Two at The Barn Theatre, what can you tell us about the show?
Well, where to start…..? It’s a murder mystery comedy musical, with thirteen characters and two pianos… yet only two actors. The script is genuinely laugh-out-loud funny, and then adding on top of that the comedic skills of Sam Denia and Lee O’Reilly, the giggles just keep coming and coming.
It really has been such a fantastic process creating a new production of this fantastic piece, and the rehearsal room has been constantly full of energy and joy. And what’s lovely about this show is that the actors are clearly enjoying themselves just as much as the audience. I honestly would challenge anyone to come and see this without laughing multiple times!
What’s the biggest challenge for you as a director to have two cast members playing 13 characters?
Having to stop rehearsals for giggles! Honestly, it’s been the biggest obstacle! Lee O’Reilly playing the detective has to keep a straight face throughout, but Sam Denia is so utterly hilarious (especially as the lady of the house; Dahlia Whitney) that the room has been constantly paused by laughter.
Also, the sheer amount they have to learn. Poor Sam changes character every few seconds, and comedy has to be so precise that the staging is incredibly intricate. Then put on top of that all of the piano playing they’ve had to perfect and memorise….. I honestly don’t know how they do it!!
This version is set in the UK for the first time, what was the reason behind that decision and what opportunities does it bring?
Well, us Brits do love a murder mystery don’t we – especially those in the world of Agatha Christie and the 1950s – so I thought it might be fun to link it back to that style, and by George, it works! Audiences have been in stitches at the different regional accent throughout – Liverpool, Swansea, London, Yorkshire to mention just a few. And the hilarity of breaking down British politeness when murder is afoot brings even more laughter to the amazing writing of Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair.
Tell us a little more about the cast?
They are incredible! They are both fresh faced, hardworking, energetic, hilarious, and joyful. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better couple of guys, and I look forward to working with them both again in the future.
How have rehearsals been going, and is there a moment that stands out for you?
My favourite moment (without giving too much away) is when two of the guests (Murray and Barb – both played by Sam Denia in a schizophrenic moment of hilarity) both accuse each other of the murder. The way Sam jumps from character to character throughout is just so impressive, but also the hilarity of the situation is wonderfully laughable yet surprisingly believable….
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking tickets for Murder For Two?
Book quickly! It’s selling VERY fast now that we have opened. This show really is the perfect tonic for the start of 2022. It’s jolly, silly, fast, ridiculous fun – and what more could one need right now eh?
