Polegate Community Association Drama Group’s murder mystery weekend kicked off in fine style with spoof whodunnit Murder At The Hotel by Chris Martin.

Hotel owner Rex Wilts and his frustrated wife Delphinium, superbly played by Ian Parratt and Sue Talmadge, have their third wedding anniversary ruined by a series of mishaps culminating in Rex’s death.

Delphinium, who has been carrying on with chef Toby Jugg (Geoff Shorman), is among the suspects. Others include Jugg and rock singer Sid Whittle, whose extrovert character is ideally captured by Steve Edwards.

It transpires that hotel guests Susan Perslooth (Jane Parratt) and Charles Cusspet (Lynton Morrish) and maid Cherry Blossom (Dani Harris) also have motives.

With the departure of the imposing Ian Parratt, the play needed new impetus and it was provided by the arrival of Trevor Fuggle as Detective Inspector Currie. After sifting through the many clues and grilling the suspects, he finally revealed all – once audience members had submitted their findings. Director Jane Morris made it great fun.

*Ian Parratt and his wife Jane are starring in Polegate Drama Group’s production of ghost story The Uninvited at Polegate Community Centre from Wednesday, October 29 to Saturday, November 1.