Secondary Cause of Death
Written by Peter GordonInspector Pratt is Back. This comedy is the second in a trilogy of great Agatha Christie spoofs.
Following the mayhem of caused by the antics of the hapless and hopeless Inspector Pratt at Bagshot House a couple of years ago, time has moved on and it is now 1939 and storm clouds are gathering over Europe.
Having inherited Bagshot House Colonel Craddock has opened the house as a Hotel for the discerning guest. Before too long, Inspector Pratt is at the door bearing grim news for the Colonel. But this is just the start.
The action takes place in the library during spring 1939. World War II is brewing.
Gathered in the manor are its owner, Col. Charles Craddock, and a ham actor, Cardew Longfellow, who bears a striking resemblance to the Colonel. There is Lady Isadora Pollock, the Polish Count Puchlik of Puszcykowo, an English army officer, Capt. Henrietta Woolmer-Cardington and Nurse Ann Parsley, who is intent on attracting the wealthy, ageing manor owner.
This is an hilarious comedy that involves exploding teapots and cigars, guns, candlesticks, poisoned drinks, German spies and secret agents.
One need not have seen 'Murdered to death' to appreciate this play. Secondary Cause of Death, the middle instalment in Peter Gordon's comic whodunnit trilogy, full of malapropisms delivered by the poised though hilariously dim-witted Inspector Pratt.
Staged by Hook Players in 2013