Cape Town Theatre Company and The Masque are revitalising the much-loved tradition of Agatha Christie. This time round however, things are not quite what they seem to be, as The Murder of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd morphs into a hilarious play-within-a-play.
The work follows a fictional amateur society (who are really keen and committed), and their attempt to stage this iconic masterpiece. Attempt being the operative word, for things quickly go awry, with hilarious consequences.
The production will be performed from 3 until 18 November 2023 at The Masque. Bookings can be made Quicket.
The question of whodunit
The Murder of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is directed by Stephan Fourie, and brought to you by the same team from CTTC who presented the sold-out run of The Great Gatsby at The Star Theatre last year. From The Masque’s side, the team has producer Faeron Wheeler on board, who was responsible for bringing Sleeping Beauty and Twelfth Night to the stage.
“The audience is guaranteed to be clutching at their sides as Hercule Poirot, Dr Sheppard and the residents of Fernley Park investigate the murder of the extremely wealthy, Roger Ackroyd. While the characters try to answer the question of whodunit, the actors are hoping to just get to the end of the play alive.”
“This is a particularly perfect production to kick off our summer season,” says Faeron Wheeler, programming manager of The Masque. “The Murder of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is a love letter to community theatre, a play-within-a-play, where the hapless actors are pushing the boundaries of what human tenacity can overcome and achieve!”
Director Fourie says, “This show promises to stay true to the exciting twists and turns of a typical Agatha Christie, while disrupting everything you know about theatre in a riotous montage! It is a tribute to the tireless contributions of those in community theatre, who adore this wonderful community. It is a fabulous tonic for anyone in need of a good laugh!”
The production is adapted for stage by Stephan Fourie and Faeron Wheeler, with set design by Robyn Theron, set engineering by Simon Dutton and costume design by Marna Wright. It is a joint production between two community societies – The Masque and Cape Town Theatre Company.
Performances are on
3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17 and 18 November at 7.30pm.
Matinees are at 2.30pm on 4, 5, 11, 12 and 18 November.
Tickets are priced from R120.
Book online here. For discounted block bookings of more than 10 tickets, email manager@themasque.co.za The Masque Box Office is open from 9am to 2pm every Wednesday. A cash bar and simple snacks are available for sale at the Theatre.
Parking is available at the venue. Wheelchair access and facilities available. The theatre has a generator, so the show will go on, even when there is load shedding!
Join The Masque community! Become a member and have your say in the theatre. You can also sign up as a volunteer to participate on stage or behind the scenes, from stage management to archiving the wardrobe department!
What: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
When: Thursday 2 November
Where: Masque Theatre, 37 Main Rd, Muizenberg, Cape Town
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