Review: The Crooked Spire – A Medieval Murder-Mystery Musical

Katherine (Hayley Mitchell) and Beth (Clara Coslett) in The Crooked Spire . Photo Lu Herbert

Saturday Evening 21st May 2022
 
The Crooked Spire, brilliant, I really enjoyed it, so much to mention. I’ll start with what a fantastic show. All the actors played their part well and were convincing in their roles. We immediately took to John, surely he couldn’t have done it? Geoffrey was a bad lot, that was obvious despite only short appearances. Then there was Mark, an angry young man if ever we saw one. Oh, who could be a murderer. There were a few choices some more menacing than others. I was convinced I knew.
Walter played by young Eddie Waller was exceptional. A confident actor, his singing was perfect and added to that cheeky grin I think there may be a future star in the making.

The songs, Seize the Day, To be a Journeyman and Wonderful were particular favourites. The ladies sang beautifully, each of their performances strong and full of emotion.

Then to the stage. It amazes me that an image, a hint of something can be created with so little scenery. Ropes draped, a huge metal circle to represent the Windlass and wooden planks used to full advantage. At times we actually felt as if we were inside the spire. A constant wisp of haze added extra atmosphere and a sense of dusty days working in and around the new spire.
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The story is of course based on and about the Chesterfield Spire and mention of the locality makes it familiar, but I do feel this Medieval Murder Mystery Musical, with its message of love, friendship and trust would work well in other towns.
 
Joyce Janes, writer