A FUND-RAISING murder mystery play is being performed in Severn Stoke as part of a major campaign to maintain an 800-year-old church, writes Aaron Wise.
Heartbreak Productions’ outdoor performance of ‘Murder on the Terrace’ will be staged on Sunday, June 12 in the grounds of Severn Bank House, to raise money towards preserving the village’s Saint Denys Church.
The theatre company’s play, which is a romantic comedy with references to Downton Abbey and Agatha Christie’s work, is hoping to fund-raise towards the £150,000 needed to carry out the church restoration project.
Lyn Everitt, Friends of St Denys committee member said: “Our aim is to maintain and modernise the church so its heritage can be enjoyed more widely as a community asset and facility.
“This includes basic things such as water supply, better heating and lighting, toilets and a small kitchen.
“We have embarked on a series of fund-raising events to achieve our aim, hopefully with the help of grants which are being investigated.
“A very successful Grand Draw, together with an art exhibition launched our efforts in November and we are continuing throughout this year with other events. We have also received one or two extremely generous donations towards the fund and are proposing to have a further exhibition in the church over a weekend in July with our annual barbeque.”
Organised by The Friends of St Denys, who are hoping for an audience of more than 200 people, Murder on the Terrace tells the tale of Lord Cava’s retirement and the handing over of his wine empire to his nephew, Charles Standen-Delliver.
Charles is later found dead after being poisoned and clutching Percival, Lord Cava’s pet parrot. Inspector Back then arrives to investigate the twists and turns of the murder mystery as it unravels.
Attendees can take their own garden chairs, rugs, a picnic and even champagne, as the event coincides with the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations.
Doors for the event open at 1.45pm with the show starting at 2.30pm.
Tickets cost £15 per person and is free for children under ten.
Call Claire Lloyd on 01905 371746 or visit www.friendsextra.simplesite.com for more information.
