Over fifty people gathered this week at Over Hulton Conservative Club, ready to put their murder-solving skills to the test and uncover the mysterious death of postmistress Penny Black. A classic whodunnit unfolded — a stabbing with a letter-opener on her first day running the post office, coinciding (iconically) with the Live Aid concert in 1985.
The performance, delivered by Westhoughton’s Cornerstone Amateur Dramatic Society, was their latest interactive murder mystery, where the audience took on the role of detective. Written by local playwright Chris Martin, the play combined witty dialogue with clever musical references, paying homage to the artists of Live Aid 1985.
From the very start, Cole Black, Penny’s suspicious husband, cast a shadow of doubt. Questions were quickly raised over his unease at leaving Penny alone to run the post office. Throughout the performance, Cole could often be seen sulking in the background, spying on his wife and the goings-on of the village, unaware of her affair with the local postman, Patrick Cowper. It was up to Detective Inspector Dart, with his dry humour and sharp observations, to untangle a messy web of lies, secrets, and small-town scandal.
Set against the cultural backdrop of Live Aid, the play was peppered with references to Bono’s “turquoise jacket with a gold trim” and The Edge’s red hat. From nods to American crime shows of the 80s to Ceefax updates, the production balanced satire, suspense, and silliness, gripping the audience from the moment they stepped into the room and keeping them guessing throughout.
