Melodrama entertains over-50s club

The Phoenix Over 50s' Friday Club, which meets at Worthing Leisure Centre, kicked off its festive fun programme with pre-show canapés and mulled wine.
The Sherlock Holmes comedy melodrama was written, produced and directed by Pauline WormaldThe Sherlock Holmes comedy melodrama was written, produced and directed by Pauline Wormald
The Sherlock Holmes comedy melodrama was written, produced and directed by Pauline Wormald

The Phoenix Players, the club’s thespian group, performed a Sherlock Holmes comedy melodrama, written, produced and directed by Pauline Wormald.

Sherlock was played with panache by Colin Mitchell, who was supported by two new Phoenix actors, Phil Spanton as Dr Watson and John Maplesden as Poirot.

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There was an entertaining supporting cast, not least David Oakley’s hilarious Monty Don impersonation, with shameless ad-libbing.

Club co-ordinator Jeanie Dickenson said: “Considering there are only two performances each year of the play, the scenery created by Jim Lane was worthy of any amateur show and created an authentic backdrop.”

Pauline said the extra slapstick provided by buskers, the trio of singing policemen, the pink panthers prowling to the iconic Mancini music and the dastardly Professor Moriarty gave the 100-strong Phoenix audience plenty of opportunities to hiss, boo and clap in the true Victorian music hall tradition.

There will be a repeat performance for the Phoenix Friends and Family event in February, preceded by afternoon tea.

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It’s packed with ideas and tips to ensure you make the most out of the festive season.

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