It Could Be Any One Of Us, first produced in 1983, has been described as “amiable and undemanding”.

It was an entertaining evening, though not undemanding for the cast and backstage crew of Wylam Amateur Dramatic Society.

As a “murder mystery spoof”, Alan Ayckbourn keeps the audience guessing until the end, and leaves the choice of ending up to the company.

The director, Robin Piette chose the murderer wisely, as Jocelyn Polgate played by Sue Hall was the most convincing candidate.

Highlights of the play included the piano and song performance of “the sausage song” by Gail Lawler as the interloper, Wendy Windwood, and the demeanour of Lauren Williams as the sulky teenager, Amy Polegate.

Her enthusiastic pouring of breakfast ingredients into Wendy’s vanity case (I fear this prop will never be used for its original purpose again) was one of several surreal moments in the play, and she is to be congratulated on her first performance with Wylam Amateur Dramatic Society. Alex Russell played the convincingly hapless but determined amateur sleuth, Norris Honeywell, who delivers an epic "denouement" speech.

Brinton Chalke, the sensitive and underachieving artist, was sympathetically played by Mark Jones who managed to wheel a bicycle in and out of the stage and around the fully furnished set without accident.

His brother, Mortimer Chalke, who had peaked early in his musical career, was played by Richard Bevan as a flamboyant and disgruntled fop. He not only caused Wendy to jump out of her skin but the audience too.

His sister Jocelyn was played by Sue Hall, who demonstrated versatility again as seen in other recent productions, and conveyed well the frustration of a parenting a troubled teenager and acting as the family’s peace keeper - until she snaps!

Whilst Maureen Gibb was ready for prompting, she was not needed this evening.

Sound effects, crucial to the atmosphere of the play with thunder and spooky noises, were operated very effectively for the first time by Graham Wright.

The set, a period living room, was constructed and decorated in one day, managed by Sue Hall and was as good as any professional production.

It is typical, and essential in this group that people double up on jobs and are able to be flexible and willing to help.

Liz McGlashan on lights and the welcoming volunteers on bar and cafe and enthusiastic raffle ticket sellers helped the event to move along smoothly and effectively. Cicely Chetwood assisted by Wendy Wright, provided many creative solutions to make the set and action convincing.

A visit to the attic of the institute or the many hidden storage areas utilised for props, wardrobe demonstrates the ingenuity and resources of the group and reflect the history and experience of the group.

Robin Piette competently produced a challenging play which seemed fun to be involved, was well attended by the Wylam community, and showcased this multi-generational group’s many talents.

By TRISH RUSSELL