THERE’S been something of an off-stage drama as the Teesdale Players continue preparations for their latest murder-mystery play.
When the cast turned up for regular rehearsals at Cotherstone Village Hall on Sunday night, they were presented with a different kind of whodunnit – the mystery of the missing props.
As the cast of Who Killed The Golf Pro got into character, it became obvious that some of their stage props had gone AWOL.
It turned out they had been inadvertently sold during a fundraising sale of vintage goods at the hall 24 hours earlier.
Members of Cotherstone Fun Weekend held the sale to raise money for the village hall.
Organiser Amanda Sharp said: “We discovered that a bag of props belonging to the Teesdale Players had mistakenly been included in the sale and we believe that many items have been sold in error.”
Among the goods snapped up at the sale were golfing trophies, a trilby hat, animal golf toppers and a Praktica camera.
Appealing for their return, Ms Sharp added: “More importantly these items are of significant sentimental value to their owners and I am reaching out to anyone who may have bought these items or perhaps knows someone who did.
“My sincere apologies go out to the Teesdale Players for what has been an inadvertent and innocent mistake.”
Her appeal for the return of the missing props resulted in some being handed in.
Ms Sharp added: “We’ve managed to find the golf trophies, golf club animal covers, hat, golf balls and clip board so far.
“We’re still trying to locate a blue soda siphon, crystal decanter with top, silver cocktail shaker and camera.”
Meanwhile, in the finest traditions of the theatre, the show will go on with performances on Friday and Saturday, March 21 and 22.
The world’s world number one golfer is on an international tour and calls unexpectedly at Cotherstone Moor Golf Course in the heart of Teesdale. Soon after his arrival, dark secrets are revealed, and an intriguing story evolves.
Aided by ambitious Teesdale Mercury reporter Blitz Tempest (new Teesdale Players member Joe Larkin) the golf club members slowly unravel the whole murky story to reveal Who Killed the Golf Pro.
In addition to Ms Larkin, the cast includes the experienced Peter Anderson as the green keeper, along with Linda Gregory and Dougie Clayton as the club president William Shanks and his long-suffering wife Kitty.
Cotherstone resident and ex-Barnard Castle golf club captain Ross Law takes the lead role as the victim Ricky Speed and Sara Land is Delilah Bean, the club secretary.
Tickets are £6 from Rachel on 07759 553144 and you can bring your own drink and nibbles.
Profits from this Teesdale Players production are donated directly to the upkeep of Cotherstone Village Hall.
