This summer, prepare for a cracking whodunit extravaganza as Eastbourne Theatres unveils its Murder in the Park season, featuring four back-to-back thrillers which run at the Devonshire Park Theatre from Tuesday 23rd June – Saturday 18th July.
First up is Stone Cold Murder (23rd – 27th June) by James Cawood, a tense thriller set in deep winter in the English Lake District. Olivia and Robert, owners of the Langstrath Country House are enjoying the success of their first season and the respite of the winter break. But with the unexpected appearance of Ramsay, a lost climber, events soon take a murderous turn. Stone Cold Murder stars Freya Copeland (Emmerdale), Gary Turner (Emmerdale) and David Callister (The Bill).
In Victorian England, the grisly killings of prostitutes are making headlines. In Sherlock Holmes and the Ripper Murders (30th June – 4th July) by Brian Clemens, the venerable sleuth and his companion Dr John H Watson take on a new, terrifying case that draws them into one of the darkest plots ever to shake the foundations of England. This play stars Samuel Clemens as Sherlock Holmes and George Telfer as Dr Watson.
Murder with Love, (7th – 11th July) is written by Francis Durbridge, best known for creating the intrepid radio sleuth Paul Temple. Starring Tom Butcher (The Bill, Doctors) and Corrinne Wicks (Doctors, Emmerdale), this tale of blackmail, deception and murder is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat until the tantalising twist in the climax.
Finally, Portrait of Murder (14th – 18th July) by Robert Bloomfield is a complex thriller. Paula Barlow, a rich and successful author was been badly injured in an accident which has totally destroyed her memory. On her return from hospital, Paula is caught up in a web of deceit as she struggles to regain her memory. Portrait of Murder stars Marcus Hutton (Brookside), Jo Castleton and Ben Roddy.
Catch the Murder in the Park season at the Devonshire Park Theatre from 23rd June – 18th July with evening performances at 7.45pm, and Wednesday and Saturday Matinees at 2.30pm. Special Offer: Book all 4 plays for £16 each; 3 plays for £17 each. Tickets £14.50 – £19. Concessions available, under 16s and students £9, Under 25s £10. To book, call the Box Office on 01323 412000 or online at www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk