Ady Lor, well-known for her original fundraising ideas for Knysna Education Trust, made sure that this delightful event on the Pick ‘n Pay Oyster Festival’s programme, would compete as one of the most unforgettable experience of the week.
Twelve amateur actors, fully bejewelled and fluffed, did an impressive job of immersing themselves in character and plot, thereby convincingly transporting the 54 participants on what could easily have been an Agatha Christie cruise down the Nile.
Together with Knysna Education Trust volunteer, Deryn Williams (wife of American scriptwriter John Jeffcoat), Lor had sent out an appeal to amateur actors in the Garden Route.
In no time at all they had gathered an enthusiastic group to bring to life the Murder Mystery script, which was downloaded from an internet site for such events. Lou Cruise was played by Darren Nunns, Becky Messer played by Monique Maag and Judy Rosewall, while Rhoda Blogger was brought to life by the flamboyant Philippa Binet and Lauren Drysdal, and the role of smooth gambler Harv Carver was played by Ian Perryman and Herman Erasmus.
The sly and ambitious murderess, Molly Rotter was played by the equally beautiful Beatrix Erasmus and Pam Legg.
Helping guests onboard, was the black-coated chief investigator Sam Spade, played by American scriptwriter, John Jeffcoat. Never to miss out on any acting action, Marlene Boyce was Sue Persleuth, head of security.
Watching the shore-lights of Knysna (or was it Thebes?) peacefully glide away, participants feasted on a three-course meal while studying clues left at their tables as well as interviewing all the role players.
As it turned out, the poor Sally Sails was done in with a piece of bungy jumping rope, and a casino chip was the missing clue that led almost all astray in solving the puzzle. Absolutely everyone was treated with suspicion!
The Knysna Education Trust expressed its gratitude to The Featherbed Company for donating 50% of the evening's bar takings. Also, Kaylee Haman from The Tin House Café for handling ticket sales and Jeff Lomey from The Beauty Therapy Institute and World Sport for donating prizes.
"I also want to especially thank all the actors for their hard work and Deryn Williams, Knysna Education Trust volunteer, for assisting me in the organising of the event," says a thrilled Lor, following what was surely one of the festival’s highlights.
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Vivascious hostess, American Deryn Williams.
ARTICLE: ANOESCHKA VON MECK, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD REPORTER
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